[wp-meta] [Making WordPress.org] #7983: Support Author: Field in Plugin readme.txt for Contributor Attribution

[Making WordPress.org]

#7983: Support Author: Field in Plugin readme.txt for Contributor Attribution
------------------------------+----------------------
 Reporter:  theaminuldev      |      Owner:  (none)
     Type:  defect (bug)      |     Status:  assigned
 Priority:  normal            |  Milestone:
Component:  Plugin Directory  |   Keywords:
------------------------------+----------------------
 Currently, the WordPress.org Plugin Directory only parses the {{{
 Contributors:}}} field in {{{ readme.txt}}} files to associate plugins
 with user profiles.

 However, some plugin developers mistakenly (or intentionally) use the
 {{{Author:}}} field (e.g., {{{Author: @username}}}), assuming it will have
 the same effect. This leads to confusion when contributors don’t appear on
 their profiles or plugin listings.

 **Examples:**

 The plugin Secure Custom Fields: [https://wordpress.org/plugins/secure-
 custom-fields/] has this in its readme:

 Author: {{{@wordpressdotorg}}}
 But it does not appear under the wordpressdotorg profile plugins list
 [https://profiles.wordpress.org/wordpressdotorg/#content-plugins], even
 though users expect it to.

 **Problem:**

 The {{{Author:}}} field is not parsed or used for any contributor
 association. This mismatch between expectation and implementation can lead
 to overlooked contributions and confusion, especially for those newer to
 plugin development.

 **Proposal:**

 1/ Either begin parsing the {{{Author:}}} field for contributor matching
 (with the same rules as {{{Contributors:}}}), or

 2/ Display a clear warning in the Plugin Validator that the {{{Author:}}}
 field is not used for profile association.

 3/ Optionally, update documentation to clearly indicate that only
 {{{Contributors:}}} should be used, and usernames should not begin with
 {{{@.}}}

 **Why It Matters:**

 This clarification would improve transparency and consistency across the
 Plugin Directory and developer profiles, and reduce confusion during
 plugin submission or maintenance.

-- 
Ticket URL: <https://meta.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/7983>
Making WordPress.org <https://meta.trac.wordpress.org/>
Making WordPress.org