[Foundation-l] Wikimedia Pennsylvania

[Andrew Lih]

Please, if you only read *one* thing today on Foundation-L, let it be this:

On 7/12/07, Robert Horning <robert_horning at netzero.net> wrote:
> [snip]
> ... this process of formal incorporation as
> a non-profit group may have to happen for the Pennsylvania group, and
> may have to be dealt with for other groups in the USA as well to become
> completely different entities independent of the WMF.  This seems like a
> waste of resources and effort, and especially money that could be better
> spent on Wikimedia projects directly than to deal with legal and
> accounting costs.  Requiring any local Wikimedia chapters to seek formal
> incorporation is also going to slow the progress of any new group
> significantly, and raise the bar of talent required to put together any
> such group to the point that many potential groups like this will never
> be started at all.  I'm not convinced that there is a need to formally
> incorporate a Wikimedia San Francisco and Wikimedia Pennsylvania as
> seperate entities.
> [snip]
> -- Robert Horning

It is by far the most wise and informed advice you will find on this.

I would ask the Chapters committee please consider the above and heed
advice from those of us with experience in overseeing nonprofits and
chapters in the US.

-Andrew (User:Fuzheado)