How can we reward WardCunningham, in a tangible way, for all his gifts to the development community? (CrcCard, DesignPatterns, ExtremeProgramming, WikiWeb, FrameworkForIntegratedTest, a role model for generosity and HumbleBrilliance, etc.) While listening to WardsOopslaKeynote at OopslaOhFour, I wanted to hand him $100K or $1M, for his contributions to date. Unfortunately, I don't have it. But if enough people chip in, it's very possible. He probably doesn't need the money, but I doubt it would hurt. And, it may allow him to seed even more innovations. It is an investment that we could make, based on a great track record. -- KelleyHarris ---- '''Related thoughts and ideas follow''' ---- '''Ideas''' * An annual campaign to raise money to pay for the wiki connection. (PayForCtwoServer) * A non-profit site for book purchases via Amazon.com's Associate program, yielding ~ 10.5% per purchase. Give the money to Ward. * Set up an escrow account or non-profit and everybody chip in some money. * Ask SocialText to give Ward a chunk of cash and stock because: it's right, it's good PR, it might inspire him to give them some suggestions that would make them even more money. * Ask Jot to give Ward a chunk of cash and stock because: it's right, it's good PR, it might inspire him to give them some suggestions that would make them even more money. * Solicit corporate gifts. * Solicit non-profit contributions. * 10,000 people donate $10 * 1,000 people donate $100 * 100 people donate $1000, and get their names listed here. * 10 people donate $10,000, and get their names listed here. * Clean up or provide road-maps for messy topics. He has stated he's bothered by some of the ThreadMess. * All of the above. ---- I would suppose that making meaningful contributions to the wiki would suffice to RewardWard. Understood, but wishing Ward additional rewards, and a budget to do more good stuff. ---- '''Logistics:''' What's the best way to do this to protect everyone legally and minimize Ward's taxes? As minimal first step, direct checks to Ward seem OK. Then maybe a simple escrow account could accumlate them and send him one bigger check. Any suggestions from someone that's done non-profit fund raising, etc.? ---- See also: ThankYouWard