Further to my email about ads on Wikipedia, I want to point out some concerns I have about the current Wikimedia fundraising drive too.
Why haven't tax professionals been consulted to specify exactly what the tax-deductibility status donations to Wikipedia have in the top donor countries? It should be found out and explictly specified on the home page. I for one won't donate without knowing my donation is tax-deductible in Australia. And if, for instance, it did say "tax deductible in Australia" Aussies *would* notice it instantly seriously consider donating!
In fact, if the answer for Australia or Canada or Sweden or whatever is "not deductible" then Wikipedia should make a request for Wikipedians in those countries to form local chapters to obtain the NGO/charity status. This wouldn't just help Wikimedia out by generating more revenue, but create a stronger Wikipedian community outside US and central Europe.
Lisa