Wikipedia to Remain Ad Free
Contrary to earlier reports, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales is now saying there will be no ads in Wikipedia. However, as a PR pro, it seems to me like Wales is waffling (just my opinion). In the ClickZ article he says he was misquoted in the Times of London piece but then he goes soft.
This quote is the key:
“The question is going to arise as to whether we could better pursue our charitable mission with the additional money [ads would bring],” he said. “We have never said there would absolutely never be ads on Wikipedia.”
Sounds like he doesn't want to plant firmly roots on either side of town. And why do you think told his story to Click Z? Exactly, to spin to the ad community, ClickZ's readership.
(Note - the last graph of this post has been updated based on some of the comments)
Technorati Tags: Advertising, Wikipedia
You know, whenever Wikipedia does another "donate please" round, I wonder why they don't just put up ads on the site. If that would give them faster servers, I'd prefer it over an ad-free solution anytime. Of course, it might cost them a purist part of the editors community, and many others also might ask, "So you get paid for the content I wrote -- where's my share then?"
Posted by: Philipp Lenssen | Tuesday, January 03, 2006 at 08:40 AM
Hi Steve,
Why do you assume he "went to an ad trade site to tell his story?" Truth is I was interested in the Times Online report and called him directly.
ClickZ's not a wire service.
best,
Zach
Posted by: Zach Rodgers | Tuesday, January 03, 2006 at 10:26 AM
I doubt Jimmy would have gone "to an ad trade site to tell his story", Steve. At a guess, I'd say the journalist emailed him to ask about it, because the journo is most interested in the issue being from an ad trade site, and Jimmy responded to set the record straight.
Posted by: Paul Montgomery | Tuesday, January 03, 2006 at 10:40 AM
Zach, you're right. Noted and updated. Thanks.
Posted by: Steve Rubel | Tuesday, January 03, 2006 at 11:01 AM
I believe i gave Jimmy this crazy idea of using ad money for charity. This is because I believe there should be advertising on wikipedia.
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