This comes from a thread on wikitech-l, I'm cross-posting it to wikipedia-l. Please reply on one list only.
Gerard Meijssen wrote:
Hoi, When developers aren't interested in working on functionality for the various projects of the foundation, we should find developers that are.
Who is "we"? I joined Wikipedia well before the Foundation was formed, I've watched it develop. I can't help but feel that myself and those who share my views are underrepresented. I've argued for focus but I've been ignored. Wikipedia has grown but has barely matured, the date for "Wikipedia 1.0" keeps being pushed back with virtually no progress made. Instead, any enthusiastic newcomer with an idea for a word we can prepend "wiki" to is greeted with open arms, especially if they come bearing money.
It would be all very well if Wikipedia could manage itself, but I don't think it can, I think it lacks strong leadership. I don't think it's any surprise that the German Wikipedia, with enthusiastic leadership largely independent of the Foundation, has had more success with distribution and quality control than the English Wikipedia.
-- Tim Starling