Submission + - DonorGate Scandal Latest to Hit Wikipedia (smh.com.au)
MSTCrow5429 writes: In the latest of a long train of scandals to hit Wikipedia, the "Sydney Morning Herald" has accused founder and Wikia President Jimmmy Wales of trading multi-thousand dollar donations for article re-writes. Jeff Merkey, formerly of Novell, claims that Mr. Wales approached him in 2006, and that for a fee, Mr. Wales would personally see to it that the article on Mr. Merkey, which had cast him in a negative light, would be re-written in Mr. Merkey's favor. Mr. Merkey claims that after he donated $5455, Mr. Wales followed through on this quid pro quo. The Wikipedia edit history does indicate that Mr. Wales wiped out the article on Mr. Merkey, and then personally re-wrote it.
