daniwo59@aol.com wrote:
I am confused by this thread. It is starting with false assumptions (Board members are required to spend their own money for things) and builds on that to create further false assumptions (we have enough dot com millionaires on the Board).
To the best of my knowledge:
- The expenses of Board members relating to Foundation work are covered by
the Foundation. They do not come from the individual Board members' "personal savings." 2. We currently have no dot com millionaires on the Board. 3. Paying Board members for Board-related activities can be perceived as a potential conflict of interests. 4. In many non-profit organizations in the US--but not the WMF--Board membership is actually contingent upon making a significant donation to the organization.
Please get the facts right when complaining about the Board and its members.
Absolutely! But the kind of false assumptions expressed by Erik are out there, and they will continue to be out there whether any of us like it or not. Nevertheless, I feel more comfortable when those with the concerns can express them openly where the situation can be peacefully and patiently clarified ... even if it means being repetitious.
Ec