“Wikipedia is the most important website in the world.
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“Wikipedia is the most important website in the world. It’s under constant attack from criminals, and nation states, and needs support and protection. Wikimedia staff are crucial for keeping Wikipedia alive and operational. They also need support and protection. A very basic aspect of that is forming a labor union.” — Lars Wirzenius, Former WMF staff and free software developer
[1] Personal statement to WWU from @liw, August 24, 2026.
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“Wikipedia is the most important website in the world. It’s under constant attack from criminals, and nation states, and needs support and protection. Wikimedia staff are crucial for keeping Wikipedia alive and operational. They also need support and protection. A very basic aspect of that is forming a labor union.” — Lars Wirzenius, Former WMF staff and free software developer
[1] Personal statement to WWU from @liw, August 24, 2026.
@wwu
Wikimedia could have come out looking like big damn heroes if they had simply said "Yes, we recognize your union. Let's get to work making things better than ever!"They could have been the heroes of the story, but large organizations can't stand to be anything other than villains. I'll never understand why.
@liw -
“Wikipedia is the most important website in the world. It’s under constant attack from criminals, and nation states, and needs support and protection. Wikimedia staff are crucial for keeping Wikipedia alive and operational. They also need support and protection. A very basic aspect of that is forming a labor union.” — Lars Wirzenius, Former WMF staff and free software developer
[1] Personal statement to WWU from @liw, August 24, 2026.
I've been donating to WMF but maybe I shouldn't be? If not, where/who can I donate to actually contribute to the cause, one that supports unions?
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“Wikipedia is the most important website in the world. It’s under constant attack from criminals, and nation states, and needs support and protection. Wikimedia staff are crucial for keeping Wikipedia alive and operational. They also need support and protection. A very basic aspect of that is forming a labor union.” — Lars Wirzenius, Former WMF staff and free software developer
[1] Personal statement to WWU from @liw, August 24, 2026.
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@liw @wwu @IAmDannyBoling Those of us in Wiki Workers United appreciate your donations. I understand the urge to show solidarity with a boycott, but defunding the work of our movement probably won’t do what you’d want. The WMF has a lot of fixed costs in server farms and salaries. Funding shortages are likely to be felt by folks who get grants supporting community projects first. Hurting our communities is the last thing we want.
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@liw @wwu @IAmDannyBoling Those of us in Wiki Workers United appreciate your donations. I understand the urge to show solidarity with a boycott, but defunding the work of our movement probably won’t do what you’d want. The WMF has a lot of fixed costs in server farms and salaries. Funding shortages are likely to be felt by folks who get grants supporting community projects first. Hurting our communities is the last thing we want.
Thank you Bryan. I'm glad you responded. I was hoping someone with experience would comment. I don't do much else for Wikipedia as far as content and editing goes but I know how important it is. I'm not rich so I have to be picky what I fund. Your response is probably correct so I won't change anything. Thanks for your help!
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@IAmDannyBoling
They by their own assessment and admission have enough money (to cover the runway costs for over 17 months of the 18 months they'd like to have).
@wwu @liw -
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