[ Cross-posted from
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Meta:Babel#Donations_-_show_the_editors_you… ]
I had the misfortune of visiting Wikipedia logged-out the other day, and was struck by the
large size of the donation banner, and the odd wording of the appeal. (Something about
awkward and humble.) Re-checking now, the "awkward" bit is gone, but the
following sentences are still there:
"If Wikipedia has given you $2.75 worth of knowledge, take a minute to donate.
Show the editors who bring you neutral and verified information that their work
matters."
As an occasional editor I want to know: how do the donations show me that the work
matters? Is there some W?F "appreciation fund" that's going to start handing
out disbursements to editors? Will the money hire more dev's to implement all the
unfinished items from the Community Wishlists? Will funds be used to run better
"community consultations" where the communities are actually listened to? Or is
it just a big fat cynical marketing lie?
[Add: okay, I get it that donation appeals have to phrased in a way that actually causes
people to donate. But this skates very close to implying that Wikipedia's editors are
paid from donors' money.]
Cheers,
Pelagic