--- Anthere <anthere9(a)yahoo.com> wrote:
...
In Madagascar, 10 dollars is feeding a full family for
several months.
And even in Russia many workers make about $100 a month. I'm well aware of that
and of course we would make provisions for nations where the cost of living is
so much less. But due to the very low Internet usage Madagascar, I sadly don't
forsee us having a chapter there any time soon. But we will when we are as big
as National Geographic is now.
Set the amount of the annual fee at 10 dollars
whatever the nationality of the member will ensure
that the participation to Wikimedia information
spreading *all over the world* is an activity limited
to "rich members" living in developped countries
members.
I was thinking more along the lines of setting it at a small amount - the cost
of a lunch for two. I mistakingly put a dollar figure on that to illustrate my
point.
That goes for local chapter as well as Foundation.
Again, what the local chapter needs in terms of a dues is up to the chapter.
But it is very important that each member actually help further the goals of
the chapter and the foundation. A don't want the chapters to be social clubs -
thus the requirement to contribute at least in some way.
Our participation from third world countries is
currently terribly low. Many of those people are among
those who lack terribly of information. You and I, do
not need *more* information really, we need perhaps
better information, we need less biaised information,
but not *more*. Actually, we have often too much
information.
That is why I support putting Wikimedia content on donated computers, CDs and
paper. I also support the creation of a Wikimedia University, so that people
from all over the world will have access to very low cost education.
And as for myself, I consider that the most important
role Wikipedia in particular, could have, is to bring
information to those who do not have access to it. In
our countries, the information will very likely be
distributed through the internet mostly. That is the
best way to keep it updated. And that will be cheap.
The Internet infrastructure in those nations needs to be built first. Sadly,
I'm not sure if that is in our short to mid-term mandate, but we could
eventually help it along.
In less developped countries, the issue is not even
daily updated information, it is just information in
itself. And it is more relevant to think that part of
the distribution will be paper or cd.
Which means we need people to BE in the country of
distribution probably. We need physical persons over
there. These people will have to be members of the
Foundation so as to participate a minimum to
discussion and votes on these distribution projects.
Interesting point. We could have volunteer time (when directed at Wikimedia
Foundation-related activities) count toward dues. Yes, I think that is a very
good idea.
-- Daniel Mayer (aka mav)
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