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I've collected some random thoughts on the proposed direct appeal to
users on a wiki page:<br>
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<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="https://wiki.mozilla.org/Thunderbird/FundingAppeal2014">https://wiki.mozilla.org/Thunderbird/FundingAppeal2014</a><br>
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This includes recent thoughts from myself and Mike Conley, as well
as some quotes from individuals from previous discussions that we
have had along these lines. We've had a lot of good input from
previous discussions that we don't want to neglect! Feel free to
comment on that page, or make your own suggestions. We have a lot of
work to do to get our story clear.<br>
<br>
So far, there has been a lot of support for the overall concept of
trying to approach our user base directly to raise income for
Thunderbird development and operations, and no significant
opposition that I am aware of. There is still a long road to get all
of the systems and approvals in place before this will actually
happen. We need a lot of details clarified within the Thunderbird
community before it makes sense to try to get any formal approvals.<br>
<br>
Because an appeal video is so critical to this sort of thing, and
timing is tight to take the opportunity of the Summit to make this
video, we will almost certainly proceed with this video even without
formal approval for the actual appeal. There are some private donors
who have expressed a willingness to fund this video, with an
understanding of the risks involved.<br>
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R. Kent James<br>
Personal: <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:kent@caspia.com">kent@caspia.com</a><br>
Business: <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:rkent@mesquilla.com">rkent@mesquilla.com</a><br>
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Web: <a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://mesquilla.com">http://mesquilla.com</a><br>
Twitter: @rkentjames<br>
Mozilla IRC: :rkent </td>
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