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Jeremy

It adds new blocks for features that users cannot access without upgrading. The WordPress.org theme directory has struggled with a similar issue, which Justin Tadlock characterized as “crippleware,” where certain features are locked away behind upsells.

Users select from existing blocks, not knowing if the blocks they are inserting require a paid upgrade until the upsell pops into the editor.

On the other hand, this allows site owners to discover blocks that are already available on their site. Jetpack’s Simple Payments isn’t new, it’s been part of Jetpack since November 2018. Yet some site owners may not know about it, and may be looking for just that feature for their site.

I believe such an initiative goes hand in hand with Core’s Block directory project:
Block Directory in WP-Admin Concepts
Block Directory updates

This project, just like Jetpack’s work on block notices, brings us closer to a place where you can manage your site from the editor, without having to leave the editor. It improves block discovery and gives you access to new blocks without having to google around or search for new plugins in Plugins > Add New whenever you need a new block.

If Jetpack’s implementation catches on and other plugins follow suit, it could cause the block inserter to become a frustrating minefield.

I believe this is also something that will be addressed by the block directory project. WordPress already includes a block manager, and it will be further improved with the Block Directory project so it becomes easier for one to filter out the blocks they don’t want to see in their editor. Check the post I linked to above to find out more (and check the comments as well, where folks have already chimed in with some suggestions for the block manager interface).






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