Forum home› The potting shed

Wikipedia

UffUff Posts: 3,199
edited December 2021 in The potting shed
Most of us use Wikipedia at some point, I just did when I clicked on a link. A spoiler came up asking for money to support the site. It isn't the first time that I've been asked and if I thought it was really needed I might send a donation as it's useful.

It got me thinking and wondering if it was really needed and how it's funded, does anyone have any ideas on this?

Edited to say that this isn't advertising but a genuine query but mods feel free to delete if deemed necessary. 
SW SCOTLAND but born in Derbyshire
«13

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 83,992
    My understanding is that Wiki is run as a 'Not for Profit' organisation which needs quite a bit of money to keep going and growing.  However having been asked in te past to donate, just as you have, I did a bit of research and haven't yet been persuaded that they need funding from someone on a modest fixed income ... I'm sure they'll get enough from other folk to keep them going.

    https://www.quora.com/Where-does-Wikipedia-get-its-funding

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,114
    I keep getting that request too. Might contribute except that I have no access to money so would not be easy for me.
  • BenCottoBenCotto Posts: 4,291
    I give them a tenner when asked. I no longer need a memory: who performed a particular song, when did so and so die and a million other questions. Wiki has the answer in seconds.
    Rutland, England
  • UffUff Posts: 3,199
    That's the problem, if indeed it is a problem, BenCotto. I rely on my diaries far too often. 
    SW SCOTLAND but born in Derbyshire
  • LynLyn Posts: 21,980
    I know someone ‘in the know’. He said no need to pay them they have loads of money.
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,053
    Being Scottish, and , as such, born cynical: I take everything on wiki with a pinch of salt. 
    A system which can be " self edited " is too open to abuse.
    Devon.
  • Alan Clark2 in LiverpoolAlan Clark2 in Liverpool Posts: 2,041
    Lyn said:
    I know someone ‘in the know’. He said no need to pay them they have loads of money.
    Although they have substantial reserves, these can only be used in exceptional circumstances.

    https://donate.wikimedia.org/wiki/FAQ#Wikipedia’s_fundraising_requests_seem_urgent,_despite_the_Wikimedia_Foundation’s_sizable_reserve._Why_do_you_need_additional_funding?
  • SkandiSkandi Posts: 1,678
    Wikipedia is controlled by the Wikimedia foundation it spends a ton of money from those donations on various charitable causes, only give money to wikipedia if you want to donate to those causes.
    Some interesting reading, most importantly that it would cost about 10million per year to just run Wikipedia, but expenses for the entire edifice come in at over 100million per year including paying 500 peoples wages, 40 of which are just for fundraising.

  • pansyfacepansyface Posts: 21,915
    But it looks as if all the information about Wikipedia’s resources and funding comes from Wikipedia.😊
    Apophthegm -  a big word for a small thought.
    If you live in Derbyshire, as I do.
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,053
    pansyface said:
    But it looks as if all the information about Wikipedia’s resources and funding comes from Wikipedia.😊
    funny that?
    One wonders if anything else is " self edited"?
    Devon.
Sign In or Register to comment.