On 7/21/07, Sue Reed sreed1234@yahoo.com wrote:
----- Original Message ---- From: Jussi-Ville Heiskanen cimonavaro@gmail.com
It would be a sad day if you could buy into the board of Wikimedia Foundation, like shares can buy control of a corporation. I know that Jimbo has spoken on this matter to different effect, but this is my view.
I think I know what your answer to this will be based on your response ... But, I >wanted to ask anyway and see if others chimed in. Many non-profit boards >expect each board member to commit to raising a certain amount of money for >the organization as a part of being on the board. Are you saying that you would >be against such a requirement?
I am not saying specifically that I would be against such a requirement. Such a requirement, if it were made to *each* would not constitute buying in to becoming a board member. It would be bad if it were an "auction" and that person was appointed as trustee who promised the *largest* donation. Even if a direct donation by the prospective board member themself, to me it would be more in the nature of the price of a country club membership than buying shares in a profit making company. To re-emphasize, I think it would be sad if there was a "market value" for a seat on the board which could go up and down according to how well Wikimedia was doing or other considerations which would affect how much people would desire to be on the board of Trustees.
I am not saying either that I quite see whether such a requirement would ensure the best functioning of the board, but that is properly a separate issue.
-- Jussi-Ville Heiskanen, ~ [[User:Cimon Avaro]]