I've entered in a project with American Express' Member's Project Contest for an Online Free University. This is meant to be an adjunct to traditional post secondary education methods. If awarded, it could benefit Wikimedia foundation greatly. http://smartchive.com/lists/lt.php?id=fUUICQcJAlEARVADVx4JBFJR http://www.membersproject.com/project/view/KHB7EG has the official proposal outline

Imagine how a $1.5 million dollar grant advance Wikiversity. This is a dream that I'd like to get off the ground. I believe this is something that you ultimately want Wikiversity to be like, and this would be a magnificent short cut.

This project is very much in keeping with the goals of Wikiversity. I'm pretty sure that Amex would actually have you assist, if not lead, in the project.

http://www.membersproject.com/project/view/KHB7EG http://smartchive.com/lists/lt.php?id=fUUICQcJAlEARVADVx4JBFJR has the official proposal outline

A PowerPoint that outlines the proposal is available at http://www.smartchive.com/wfu.htm

Thanks in advance for your prompt consideration of this request. Paul Misner 410-740-3490 paul@paulmisner.com

Dear Friend

Imagine a world where everyone, anywhere, can go online, and for free, get the equivalent of a college education. How would that effect society? Could it have an effect on world peace, on solving our problems, and making this world a better place? Such an educational portal has been my dream for a long time, and with your help, I believe that we can make it a reality.

I don't want your money. This is not a request for anything other than a small moment of your time. With your help, I'm hoping that I can receive funding for this project. I recently submitted my proposal, "Worldwide Free University" to the American Express Members Project. and with your support it could get funding . There are only about 1,000 projects now, so odds are pretty good. First prize is $1.5 million, second price is $500,000, and there are 5 remaining prizes available, each for $100,000. I know that I can make significant progress on this project with even the smallest budget.

Amex chooses who does the project, and I'd believe Wikiversity would be one of the groups participating.

I've outlined my proposal at http://smartchive.com/lists/lt.php?id=fUUICQcJAlEARVADVx4JBFJR http://www.membersproject.com/project/view/KHB7EG

I also have a video on YouTube, which outlines this project. http://smartchive.com/lists/lt.php?id=fUUICQcJAlEBRVADVx4JBFJR http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-MlCGhrKr8

The video is about six minutes long, if you don't have that time, please download a copy of the PowerPoint at http://smartchive.com/lists/lt.php?id=fUUICQcJAlEGRVADVx4JBFJR http://www.smartchive.com/wfu.htm

If you'd like to help, please go to http://smartchive.com/lists/lt.php?id=fUUICQcJAlEARVADVx4JBFJR http://www.membersproject.com/project/view/KHB7EG and click on the nominate link.

September, 2008 is the last day to nominate this project.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Paul Misner mailto:paul@paulmisner.com paul@paulmisner.com http://www.paulmisner.com/ www.paulmisner.com