Ode to Wikipedia (aka "Web Advertising: Yay or Nay")

Wikipedia is the #5 website in the world. Did that surprise you? Of course not. Every familiar with the internet has heard of it. First people started saying "just Google it" and now some are saying  "Wiki' it" cause at the end of the day (well, search) Google usually shows you Wiki links and most of us click on it.

There is no doubt that both companies have made a major impact on how we research, find info, win bets, etc. Google is changing everyday, they are constantly offering free services, e-mail, calender, this blog! But is it really free?

Surely it can't be if Google is making billions of dollars and growing exponentially every day. Well, it's not really, they advertise. Is it wrong? Hell no! Is it annoying? Only pop-ups, but that's not the Google way. Millions and Millions of people, love Google. Even though they advertise. They know how to do it without alienating people.

Wikipedia are out asking for donations because they refuse to advertise. Good on them. I applaud their morals and courage. But is it morally wrong? Not if you do it right. There are so many ways without being intrusive.

For example, obviously companies can't sponsor and be in charge of their own Wiki pages, cause if they were, we would never be able to see the news they don't post on their own websites. Yes, no gossip, no scandals, no mishaps. Only good news. However, if Wikipedia were to allow advertisements right at the bottom of their page or somewhere where subtle but effective, they could advertise and I'm sure few (if any) Wiki supporters would complain.

It will not be on every page, but even if they had an advert on every page... If it didn't negatively impact your browsing experience, does it really matter? Most pages I go to have advertising, I am not forced to click on it. I will if I am interested. I find them to be useful at times. I'm sure the masses out there do not disagree with me too much, if they did, the masses wouldn't use Google, Facebook, Linkin, etc, etc...

Advertising is becoming an integral part of our lifestyle, how many more billboards are you seeing being erect these days? Still quite a bit and there's a lot more on the net. We only see it if we want too. It's becoming a new ability.

Wikipedia, make your billions too. I'm sure you're worried about people not visiting your site anymore or losing faith in you. If that's the case, do an extended survey. Over 3, 6 or even 12 months! See what your users think. And those who do the survey, they're obviously the ones who care. So don't take it likely. People who care about Wikipedia will understand the financial implication. So do the survey please, and for those who say "Nay", you don't deserve the right to use the website.

Whether they go advertisements or not, they need your support now. Regardless of how much or little you can spare, please go to their website and donate what you can.

Wikipedia is awesome already, imagine what they could do if they had the financial backing behind them!