Wikipedia takes business approach

[gkd_uk]

Wikipedia started as a hobby with noble aims and in just six short years has turned into a global brand headed by a founder who is both a guiding light for devotees and a lightning rod for critics.

While Wikipedia goes from milestone to milestone in its quest to provide every person with a free encyclopaedia, Jimmy Wales's efforts to shift the organisation towards a more business like approach has put him firmly back in the firing line.

Over the last few months the charismatic leader has been lambasted for his use of expenses, his love of the limelight, his seemingly partial editing on some Wikipedia postings and his private life.

Fallout over the latter lead to headlines such as "Wiki Quickie" and gossip sites having a field day when his ex auctioned Mr Wales's clothes on eBay.

Personal attacks aside, Mr Wales has also been accused of damaging the core fabric of the organisation by moving to Silicon Valley, cosying up to venture capitalists, and appointing an executive director.

While all this would be in the normal course of things for most charities trying to stay afloat, in the world of the Wiki community there is concern about the organisation becoming too corporate and reliant on venture capitalists.

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[OldWelshGuy]

how about the accusation he edited wikipedia for payments? One claim was that he made changes to one page for £5k

[vicdigi]

Originally Posted by OldWelshGuy

how about the accusation he edited wikipedia for payments? One claim was that he made changes to one page for £5k

He a naughty boy. Still, he too has to money somehow and consedering it his business!