[Foundation-l] Attempt at a compromise (Re: Advertising)

[James Hare]

What I'd like is a link to a list of donors, and big sponsors like Mr.
Anonymo and Virgin Unite can be listed by the top then following that is a
generic list of the other donors. I also like how there's a thank-you letter
on the WMF wiki for Virgin Unite.

On 12/29/06, Tom Holden <thomas.holden at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> I think it is worth remembering that both sides of this discussion
> ultimately want the same thing, namely for the WMF's assorted projects
> to retain the independence (both financial and otherwise) they need
> for their continued success. One side has maybe been guilty of
> threatening to throw their toys out of the pram, but the other side
> has equally damaged their position by adopting a rather patronising
> tone.
>
> Proposing that "editors who don't like it just leave" is never a valid
> solution. There will always be people with differing opinions to the
> Foundation, and it is vital for the continued success of the project
> that these people feel there is a forum where their views will be
> seriously considered. We will always need every editor we can get. The
> gradual reform of WMF's political structure from (benevolent)
> dictatorship to democracy is obviously a key part of this process.
>
> Now having Virgin's name and logo on every page is certainly not the
> end of the world. Wall Street bankers are not yet rubbing their hands
> together with glee. That said it does represent a significant change
> in the WMF's fund-raising strategy. Whether or not Virgin hoped to
> benefit from their donation, the fact is that the message both
> increases brand awareness and gives the brand positive connotations.
> Contrary to the repeated dogmatic assertions of some on this list,
> like it or not this is effectively advertising. (Think of the last few
> Honda adds say. Not a purchasable product in sight...) Rightly or
> wrongly, I like many others feel this should have had more public
> discussion a significant time before the event.
>
> It is important to remember that people's objections to advertising go
> a long way beyond just "they're annoying" or "they're the tools of the
> capitalist scum". There is a real risk of them introducing biases and
> distortionary pressures which would severely damage the credibility of
> the WMF's projects. Furthermore, it is always dangerous for a site to
> mix its factual content with advertising, as one can easily be
> mistaken for the other. I'm sure you could all think of many further
> arguments, which, broadly, is why WMF has shied away from advertising
> in the past.
>
> Certainly though it is only polite to thank our donors. However, it is
> just as important we thank Paul from Michigan who gave $2 as it is we
> thank Virgin who gave $200,000 (or however much it was). The way WMF
> has traditionally done this is by posting a thank you notice along
> with a link to a list of donors. I do not see any reason why this is
> not as adequate for Virgin as it is for Paul from Michigan. If I was
> to give an ordinary (non-matching) donation of $200,000 would I get a
> day long thank you notice?
>
> In future I propose that matched donation days be advertised by
> something like the following:
> "All donations today will be matched by a
> (corporate/charity/individual) third party sponsor. The WMF offers
> them and all its other donors its sincerest thanks."
>
> I really do not believe this would have any significant impact on our
> ability to attract matching donors, and it would certainly have spared
> us the past few days of arguments here and elsewhere.
>
> As for further funding ideas, I still think our best bet is to
> continue on towards becoming a devolved, democratic, membership based
> organization. I would much rather give a regular donation to a UK
> charity in exchange for the benefits and rights of membership, than a
> one off donation to an organization that will spend the money without
> the guarantees of a written constitution and full democratic
> accountability, and I am sure many would agree with me.
>
> Yours in peace,
>
> Tom Holden
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