July 30, 2007 | Read Time: 1 minute
Why is the Web site Omidyar.net shutting down?
It’s a question the nonprofit consultant Lucy Bernholz is asking after the Omidyar Network, a grant maker established by the founder of eBay, Pierre Omidyar, announced it would no longer operate the Web forum and would transfer its members to other discussion groups so people remain in touch.
On her blog Philanthropy 2173, Ms. Bernholz praises the Internet forum for promoting a public discussion about philanthropy and other topics and that the Omidyar Network plans to keep people talking.
“It shows the power of reaching out, engaging, and sharing power,” she writes.
However, she writes that the Omidyar Network, which is not closing, does not give the reason behind its decision.
“The network’s reasons for action are invisible to the public. Why now? Was it a success or a failure? That’s what I’d like to know,” she writes.
(Read The Chronicle‘s article about the closure of Omidyar.net. )
What do you think? Would you like to know more about Omidyar Network’s decision? Do other grant-making organizations do enough to explain why they end programs? Share your thoughts by clicking on the comments link below.
