Wikipedia's call for funds ensures survival

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Online encyclopedia Wikipedia has guaranteed its ad-free survival until at least the end of its current financial year.

Following a plea from its founder Jimmy Wales, the site has generated more than $6 million in funding through donations of more than 125,000 well wishers who want the site to survive and to maintain virgin territory as far as advertising is concerned.

“Wikipedia is different. It's the largest encyclopedia in history, written by volunteers. Like a national park or a school, we don't believe advertising should have a place in Wikipedia. We want to keep it free and strong, but we need the support of thousands of people like you,” Wales said in an appeal letter posted before Christmas on parent company the Wikimedia Foundation’s website.

“I invite you to join us: Your donation will help keep Wikipedia free for the whole world.”

The appeal resulted in a surge of thousands of donations in a matter of days. The Wikimedia Foundation will use the money to help support Wikipedia’s technical infrastructure as it grows in popularity.

“Your continued support will also serve as a much-needed financial safety net if economic conditions continue to worsen globally,” Wales said in a subsequent ‘Thank You’ letter

“You have proven that Wikipedia matters to you, and that you support our mission: to bring free knowledge to the planet, free of charge and free of advertising. You've helped make and keep Wikipedia available for the whole world. I deeply appreciate your support.”

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