On 8/12/06, Angela beesley@gmail.com wrote:
The main problem is knowing what is an official Wikimedia related expense, so I've assumed that little of what I do is. For example, I'm currently attending conference at which I'm giving a short talk about Wikipedia tomorrow, and will be spending $90 of my own money on taxis (I could spend less if I got public transport instead, but that I don't have time to spend 4 hours on trams). I'm not paid for the event. (I've never been paid for any event, though one I did was supposed to have paid me). Is this a valid Wikimedia-related expense? I have similar things about once a month, often costing far more than $90 since they're not usually so nearby. I don't see a way of distinguishing between valid Wikimedia expenses and expenses that are only indirectly related to me being on the Board.
Angela.
I'd say a speaking engagement is a valid expense if the board authorized it beforehand (in a vote which recused yourself from), or if the board authorized someone other than you to make the decision and that person authorized it beforehand. There are probably more liberal standards which could be legally adopted, but those standards are a good idea to play it safe.
As far as officially sanctioned unpaid speaking engagements go, I'd think they should probably be rather rare, especially for a board member that is resigning in a short while. In my opinion the conference attendees should generally be the ones paying for your expenses, not Wikimedia. But I'm neither on the board nor authorized by the board to make these decisions, so my opinion really doesn't matter.
Anthony