Even without the understanding of what Wikipedia’s non-profit nature represents, there’s still a worthwhile argument to make about advertising in wikipedia: Unless wikipedia penny&dollar contributors are willing to keep up with & reach beyond the pace of expenses that it costs to run this great encyclopedia, “Jimbo” has to face reality–whether skeptical Wikitopeans want it or not. If donations don’t suffice, Wikipedia will fall.. unless there is another better means of finding revenue to keep it’s blood flowing.

As a *heavy* wikipedia user and small-time contributor myself, I personally wouldn’t mind an unobtrusive adspace on wikipedia. If the advertising system provides relevant ads to the Wiki content–rather than some annoyingly ridiculous ‘shoot the monkey, win a free iPod’ brainless banner, then nothing is lost in Wikipedia’s compromise for survival and thriving. The knowledge is still free (in every sense of the word), and the founding organization will not only have enough revenue to keep Wikipedia going, they’ll have enough to make it even better (expanding Wikimedia & other projects).

Please read updates from Jimmy Wales user talk page
Say it ain’t so, Jimbo!, Advertising is not what there is on his mind now.