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Bitcoin => Bitcoin Discussion => Topic started by: Phinnaeus Gage on July 29, 2011, 06:18:07 PM



Title: Wikipedia Accepting Donations
Post by: Phinnaeus Gage on July 29, 2011, 06:18:07 PM
http://wikimediafoundation.org/w/index.php?title=L11_JMvKA_0729_KA_author/en/US&utm_source=B_JMvKA_0729_KA_author&utm_medium=sitenotice&utm_campaign=C_JMvKA_0729_US&country=US&referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FMain_Page

It's that time of year again, folks. Wikipedia is on their annual donation drive. What I would like to see is a Bitcoin donation button on Wikipedia. Although the sum total collected this year may be small, it will easily be surpassed next year. Next year it may read: Wikipedia collected X BTC in donations last year. Our modest goal is to double that this year. Click the Bitcoin button on the left or right of this page, depending on you political affiliation, or the big Bitcoin button on the top of the page if you're an "other".

I believe they just started this drive, so it's not to late to get a Bitcoin button in place.

Any comments? Anybody here have an inside to Wikipedia?

Bitcoin: Donate Anonymously


Title: Re: Wikipedia Accepting Donations
Post by: Yuusha on July 29, 2011, 06:21:06 PM
The best way would be if a lot of people simply mailed them and requested a Bitcoin donation button. Pledging to donate if one is implemented may also help.


Title: Re: Wikipedia Accepting Donations
Post by: Newton on July 29, 2011, 06:34:23 PM
This is a good idea.

As the 7th most popular website in the world, any presence here is enormously valuable.  They also splashthe donation request on every page, and do not allow any other advertising.

Having a bitcoin donation option is a win-win, and would be enormously significant for bitcoin.


Title: Re: Wikipedia Accepting Donations
Post by: the founder on July 29, 2011, 06:40:17 PM
It's not a bad idea at all... but it would most likely take some of bitcoin players to contribute to this.   Let's say one of the exchanges waives all fees to convert the donated coins to USD for them then it's something that would get them press and allow for wikipedia to collect USD from bitcoins.

I'd be willing to make it easier for them to get donations... flexcoin id : wikipedia for example

but the converting to USD has to be though an exchange.








Title: Re: Wikipedia Accepting Donations
Post by: BitcoinBabe on July 29, 2011, 07:22:56 PM
It's not a bad idea at all... but it would most likely take some of bitcoin players to contribute to this.   Let's say one of the exchanges waives all fees to convert the donated coins to USD for them then it's something that would get them press and allow for wikipedia to collect USD from bitcoins.

I'd be willing to make it easier for them to get donations... flexcoin id : wikipedia for example

but the converting to USD has to be though an exchange.








Or side-step the whole exchange hoopla and make it easier to donate using bit pay.

https://bit-pay.com/home.html


Title: Re: Wikipedia Accepting Donations
Post by: Phinnaeus Gage on July 29, 2011, 10:37:13 PM
It's not a bad idea at all... but it would most likely take some of bitcoin players to contribute to this.   Let's say one of the exchanges waives all fees to convert the donated coins to USD for them then it's something that would get them press and allow for wikipedia to collect USD from bitcoins.

I'd be willing to make it easier for them to get donations... flexcoin id : wikipedia for example

but the converting to USD has to be though an exchange.








Or side-step the whole exchange hoopla and make it easier to donate using bit pay.

https://bit-pay.com/home.html


Basically, I was seeing them (Bitcoin/Bit-Pay) working in concert together to make this a most viable option. I kinda forgot about the donation banner being splashed on every page. I like the sound of that word: splash. You can almost hear the sound of a bitcoin hitting the water of a virtual wishing well.

Bitcoin: Have You Made the Splash?


Title: Re: Wikipedia Accepting Donations
Post by: Littleshop on July 29, 2011, 10:43:02 PM
Several years ago I donated to wikipedia.  I won't do it again, even if I could use bitcoin.

They are way to delete happy.  I frequently come into deleted articles and even the bitcoin page has been totally cut down in size.  I can understand cutting pictures out, but text (if correct, no matter how esoteric) takes almost no space. 



Title: Re: Wikipedia Accepting Donations
Post by: Phinnaeus Gage on July 29, 2011, 10:57:11 PM
Several years ago I donated to wikipedia.  I won't do it again, even if I could use bitcoin.

They are way to delete happy.  I frequently come into deleted articles and even the bitcoin page has been totally cut down in size.  I can understand cutting pictures out, but text (if correct, no matter how esoteric) takes almost no space.  



Read your sig, Littleshop, and it got me a thinkin' 'bout bumper stickers, which led to police officers, then started to thinkin' 'bout bribes. Bribes and campaign donations. Untraceable donations. All a politician has to do is keep their noses out of Bitcoin's business, and we'll all be happy campers.


Title: Re: Wikipedia Accepting Donations
Post by: kwukduck on July 30, 2011, 12:44:12 AM
I sent them an email, their reply:

"At this time we are dependent on PayPal for our processing and, therefore, can only provide the services they offer."


Title: Re: Wikipedia Accepting Donations
Post by: Phinnaeus Gage on July 30, 2011, 05:42:48 AM
I sent them an email, their reply:

"At this time we are dependent on PayPal for our processing and, therefore, can only provide the services they offer."

First off, I/we (the community) thank you for taking the incentive for contacting Wikipedia. Obviously, that's more than I did.

Now to comment on their email to you.

"At this time we are dependent on PayPal for our processing and, therefore, can only provide the services they offer."

Wikipedia is dependent on PayPal for their processing? So if somebody came up to them and said, "Hey. I have this idea of donating cash and there's a whole group of us who have cash. All we want you to do is set a system in place so that you can accept our cash." In essence, they're reply is, "We have no way of processing cash. We're depended on PayPal and the 'Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy' services they provide."

Now, if I were Wikipedia, I would use any system as a donation stream. Even if I had to masterbate a gecko on the street, accepting loose change in a tin can. Maybe I went too far with that last sentence. I don't want to offend anybody in this forum. If I have, please reread the sentence again, but this time in your mind change the word "gecko" to a name of some other creature (and no, I don't thick geckos are gay--I mean creatures).

http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/195785_201669169877005_7810953_n.jpg

Bitcoin: Save a Bunch of money on Each Transaction by Using BTC




Title: Re: Wikipedia Accepting Donations
Post by: nmat on July 30, 2011, 06:06:27 AM
If the bitcoin economy continues to grow, I believe that next year they will have a bit-pay logo next to the paypal one  :)


Title: Re: Wikipedia Accepting Donations
Post by: Phinnaeus Gage on July 31, 2011, 03:47:24 AM
If the bitcoin economy continues to grow, I believe that next year they will have a bit-pay logo next to the paypal one  :)

I don't want to wait till next year to see the Bitcoin option available on Wikipedia. I WANT IT THIS YEAR.

Bitcoin: Always There--When


Title: Re: Wikipedia Accepting Donations
Post by: halfawake on September 18, 2013, 02:58:53 AM
*bump*

They're asking for donations again.  Anyone want to petition Wikipedia again to accept bitcoin payments?  I'd do it if I weren't unemployed, but I'd rather actually be able to donate while asking for the donation option.


Title: Re: Wikipedia Accepting Donations
Post by: Phinnaeus Gage on September 18, 2013, 03:23:58 AM
*bump*

They're asking for donations again.  Anyone want to petition Wikipedia again to accept bitcoin payments?  I'd do it if I weren't unemployed, but I'd rather actually be able to donate while asking for the donation option.

They've been pretty clear as to where they currently stand regarding Bitcoin. Approaching them next year would be more prudent. Hell, maybe Jimmy will come around on his own accord before the year's out giving us bitcoiners a Christmas present.

OTOH, Rassah could act as escrow (no qualms with John K) to maintain a wallet on Wikipedia's behalf. When it reaches X amount (in $) we ask them if they want the sum, though probably not in bitcoins, but fiat. If they say yes, we can use BitPay to transfer the bitcoins to their bank account, afterward we have the media declare that Wikipedia accepted bitcoin donations, albeit indirectly. Just a thought.


Title: Re: Wikipedia Accepting Donations
Post by: Melbustus on September 18, 2013, 03:46:27 AM

They've been pretty clear as to where they currently stand regarding Bitcoin.
...


Have they?

I emailed them during their donation drive in December asking why they don't take bitcoin donations. Here was the response I received:


"I apologize, but the Wikimedia Foundation does not accept donations in bitcoin.
There are third-party groups out there that have been accepting bitcoin donations
on our behalf, and send those donations to us after converting to USD. However, I
cannot vouch for their honesty, so I am not going to name any here.

Regarding *why* we don't accept bitcoin donations, the Foundation has been
reticent on this matter for years. I truly have no idea what it would take to make
them change their minds.

Sincerely,
<name with-held>"





Title: Re: Wikipedia Accepting Donations
Post by: faiza1990 on September 18, 2013, 12:00:51 PM
we have to wait for this and may be in near future they use this service for donations 


Title: Re: Wikipedia Accepting Donations
Post by: infobiactrader on September 20, 2013, 12:08:53 AM
Quote
OTOH, Rassah could act as escrow (no qualms with John K) to maintain a wallet on Wikipedia's behalf. When it reaches X amount (in $) we ask them if they want the sum, though probably not in bitcoins, but fiat. If they say yes, we can use BitPay to transfer the bitcoins to their bank account, afterward we have the media declare that Wikipedia accepted bitcoin donations, albeit indirectly. Just a thought.

I believe this is the best idea. Wikipedia would just be proving their idiocy should they deny the donation; I would certainly be willing to donate at least a bitcoin or two to this.  And once they realize how much money they could be making if they were to accept bitcoin, then that'll certainly help them in the right direction with regards to putting a donation button on their pledge page.


Title: Re: Wikipedia Accepting Donations
Post by: BitAddict on September 20, 2013, 01:48:23 AM
Quote
OTOH, Rassah could act as escrow (no qualms with John K) to maintain a wallet on Wikipedia's behalf. When it reaches X amount (in $) we ask them if they want the sum, though probably not in bitcoins, but fiat. If they say yes, we can use BitPay to transfer the bitcoins to their bank account, afterward we have the media declare that Wikipedia accepted bitcoin donations, albeit indirectly. Just a thought.

I believe this is the best idea. Wikipedia would just be proving their idiocy should they deny the donation; I would certainly be willing to donate at least a bitcoin or two to this.  And once they realize how much money they could be making if they were to accept bitcoin, then that'll certainly help them in the right direction with regards to putting a donation button on their pledge page.

+1

Is that hard for them to accept bitcoin? They have nothing to lose :/


Title: Re: Wikipedia Accepting Donations
Post by: oleganza on September 20, 2013, 03:59:14 AM
Meni Rosenfeld already started escrow for wikipedia:

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=270255.0


Title: Re: Wikipedia Accepting Donations
Post by: Phinnaeus Gage on September 20, 2013, 05:43:27 AM
Meni Rosenfeld already started escrow for wikipedia:

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=270255.0

No qualms with Meni, and maybe he'll consider my blackmail (for lack of a better word) approach.


Title: Re: Wikipedia Accepting Donations
Post by: mufa23 on September 20, 2013, 06:02:17 AM
I sent them an email at donate@wikimedia.org

Basically asked them why they aren't accepting Bitcoins, they are missing out on my donation as well as others, asked them to reconsider.


Title: Re: Wikipedia Accepting Donations
Post by: Phinnaeus Gage on September 20, 2013, 06:19:00 AM
http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=47928633

Here's the plan: Find out where Jimmy hangs out. Enter Bitsie. After a few drinks and laughs, they hook up, if you know what I mean. Prior to Bitsie leaving, she thanks Jimmy for finally accepting bitcoin donations on Wikipedia.

Question: Who's acting as escrow for the escort?

Headline: Wikipedia Finally Accepts Bitcoin Donations

Quote
Upon further review, Jimmy...


Title: Re: Wikipedia Accepting Donations
Post by: didjaydisteele on September 20, 2013, 05:14:59 PM
I love Wikipedia.

I love researching things on it.


Title: Re: Wikipedia Accepting Donations
Post by: LiteCoinGuy on September 20, 2013, 10:42:20 PM
I sent them an email at donate@wikimedia.org

Basically asked them why they aren't accepting Bitcoins, they are missing out on my donation as well as others, asked them to reconsider.

can you post it here?


but you are right, makes no sense why they dont accept it  ::)


Title: Re: Wikipedia Accepting Donations
Post by: mufa23 on September 21, 2013, 01:56:09 AM
I sent them an email at donate@wikimedia.org

Basically asked them why they aren't accepting Bitcoins, they are missing out on my donation as well as others, asked them to reconsider.

can you post it here?
Sure:

Quote
I noticed you guys don't have a Bitcoin address to donate to. With Bitcoin becoming popular very fast, it would be foolish to not accept it. You're missing out on my donation, as well as countless thousands others. Is there any plans in the works?
Quote
Hi xxxx,

Thanks for your email and for your interest in supporting free knowledge. Unfortunately we do not accept bitcoins, however, we are aware of bitcoin and we will continue to monitor it with interest. For a full list of other donation options, please visit http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Ways_to_Give/en. Thank you again for your interest!

Sincerely,

Kristan Johnson
Donor Services Associate
Wikimedia Foundation Inc.
wikimediafoundation.org


Title: Re: Wikipedia Accepting Donations
Post by: marcotheminer on September 21, 2013, 04:35:11 AM
Several years ago I donated to wikipedia.  I won't do it again, even if I could use bitcoin.

They are way to delete happy.  I frequently come into deleted articles and even the bitcoin page has been totally cut down in size.  I can understand cutting pictures out, but text (if correct, no matter how esoteric) takes almost no space. 



Why is everyone not willing to donate to wikipedia anymore? Whats wrong with them?


Title: Re: Wikipedia Accepting Donations
Post by: STT on December 01, 2016, 10:26:25 PM
If you never use Wiki, I guess thats a reasonable stance but they do now accept bitcoin donations.   Took them long enough, I think it also does bitcoin alot of good if you can represent this payment method well and contribute to upkeep of a common resource at the same time

https://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Ways_to_Give#bitcoin


Title: Re: Wikipedia Accepting Donations
Post by: kjlimo on December 12, 2020, 03:47:57 PM
So I got the annual notification from Wikipedia about how if we all pay $2.75, they can keep operating without ads...

Went to pay with bitcoin, and they use bitpay...

However,  the fees are worse than traditional fiat options...

https://i.imgur.com/HUx5yLL.jpg

When will bitpay get onboard with lightning payments to solve this???