We have decided not to continue the Earth.org website. This is a demo version – and if you want to take it forward – please feel free to ask us for the code, which is open. Thank you for visiting.

A non profit approach is what fits to Earth.org

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At Earth.org, we have a vision to provide travellers with a community for responsible travel information. Earth.org is available for public collaboration because we are impressed, stunned, inspired and blown away by the possibilities of collaboration in a Wiki. We believe the wiki is a new way for us all to work together to conserve and improve local travel knowledge.

 

We see it as our duty to realize this vision through a "non profit approach". If motivated and unpaid members do the work - collaborative work - why should the Earth.org team benefit economically and individually from it? Wikipedia or open source projects such as Linux are perfect examples. Imagine Wikipedia or Linux run by a corporate, profit maximizing company!? We believe that social entrepreneurs, such as Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, change our society for the better. These projects are effective because they provide reliable, collaboratively sourced information that a large number of users can access in a quick and easy way. Our claim: collaborative projects are stronger and sustainable through a non profit approach that avoids the influence of corporate and commercial interests!

 

While Earth.org is not motivated by maximizing profits we do our best to be more innovative and more flexible than our business counterparts - always searching for the best solution for you.

 

A non-profit approach allows Earth.org the freedom to operate without the influence of profit maximization. At the same time, we retain our desire to produce more innovative and flexible results than commercially motivated corporations.

 

 

To achieve these goals we have made specific decisions:

  • We put our "non profit approach" into action: "At least 50% of our net earnings (after taxes) will go into environmental, social or cultural projects". As Earth.org grows larger we promise to increase this percentage larger, with the ultimate goal of 100%.
  • Investors receive no more than the return of their initial investment - no returns on it, no pressure on us - we are free. We do not want investors with business interests, venture capitalists or business angels.
  • Fairness dictates that the team that works on Earth.org receives a salary for its work - which, these days, is not always the case. Our team is currently a mix of volunteers and underpaid workers. We need no more and no less than a salary that provides a sustainable living.
  • We are presently a German GmbH. This is a limited company that provides a quick and easy platform to begin an organization. Presently, a foundation, Incorporated society, membership corporation, NGO or any non profit form are too complicated, require too much money or are too restrictive to provide a livable wage.

 

Earth.org operates with the same interests as a not-for-profit organization. At the present, however, we feel the restrictions placed on non-profits will restrict the project from reaching its full potential. Earth.org always operates in the best interest of the users and with full support for sustainable travel. When the project reaches a self-sustaining level we fully intend to explore the option of operating under full non-profit status. But we will cross that bridge when we come to it.

 

Please support us realize our common vision!

 

Get involved!

 

If you have questions regarding our legal standpoint, about our plans to spend our revenue on environmentally friendly projects or anything else regarding Earth.org you are more than welcome to speak to us directly.