started building websites in the mid-1990s. What began as curiosity turned into a career — and eventually into +Pluswerk, a network of TYPO3-focused agencies that I have been leading as CEO for over six years. But this is not about +Pluswerk. This is about TYPO3.
Questions, ideas or feedback about me, my candidacy or the future of TYPO3 and its community? I’m always happy to continue the conversation - here or in person, for example at Web Camp Venlo, March 12–14, 2026.
Just a short note on the increasingly common AI question: “Is the web dead?” or “Will we still need a CMS in the future?”
AI has already changed how people search for content. Classic Google searches — and the traffic that comes from them — are declining. Instead, users increasingly ask questions directly in AI systems.
But that doesn’t mean people have stopped looking for information. They still search — just through different interfaces. And when AI provides useful answers with references to trustworthy sources, users will follow those references to learn more, explore services, or take action.
To make that possible, the underlying content still has to exist, be structured, and be maintained.
Whether it is delivered to the web, search engines, or AI systems, someone still needs to manage that content. In many languages. And here we are with TYPO3 CMS.
Jens, I would like to ask about one governance aspect that I believe members should be able to assess before voting.
There seem to be considerations around organizational changes that could affect how teams, leads, and volunteers are expected to collaborate in TYPO3.
Since the Board elected this year will serve for three years, I do not think members should only learn about a substantial governance shift after the election has already taken place.
In your view, should a proposal of that kind, or at least its overall concept, be made public before the election?
And how do you personally assess stronger hierarchical leadership structures in a volunteer-driven open source community like TYPO3?
Hello Jens,
serving on the TYPO3 Association Board is a significant responsibility and an important volunteer commitment to the community.
Based on my experience, I estimate that fulfilling the role properly requires roughly 8 hours per week on average, including preparation, meetings, coordination with the Association and the community. In addition, there may be travel for events such as QSA meetings and other in-person gatherings.
Since this is a volunteer position without proper financial compensation, it requires a strong personal commitment of time.
How do you plan to ensure that you can realistically dedicate the time needed to fulfil the responsibilities of a Board member?