Template:2010/SueLetterE/en

“Wikipedia only works in practice. In theory, it's a total disaster.” An early Wikipedia volunteer said that when it was first becoming a household name back in 2006. It’s still true: A crazy idea like Wikipedia – volunteers around the globe creating a multi-million-article encyclopedia – should be impossible.

Wikipedia is ten years old now. It’s still written and edited 100% by volunteers, because new people have never stopped joining the project. And it’s still 100% independent and free of advertising. We are the number five website in the world, with more than 400 million readers per month. The only way we’ll be able to keep it free and functioning smoothly is if more readers choose to become donors.

Right now, we’re halfway through our annual fundraising drive. We have to raise $8 million more. If all of our readers donated $1, the fundraiser would be over about four hours from now. But not everyone can or will donate, and that’s fine. I believe there are more than enough people out there who will support Wikipedia with a donation of $20, $35, $50 or whatever they can to keep Wikipedia free and independent. Are you one of them?

Thanks so much,

Sue Gardner

Executive Director

Wikimedia Foundation