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Hi Jim, I totally understand wanting to limit edX’s costs, and I think this is a
totally reasonable decision. However, I’d like to know if there a specific event
that caused this change in policy. We’ve been sharing Seamless funds basically
since the Seamless lunch program began, and I’m wondering why this email is
coming *now*, instead of previously.

I’d also like to point out that sharing Seamless funds has caused a lot of
socialization and fun at this company, as well as at least one cultural event
(the “Seamless Showdown”). Research shows that happy employees are productive
employees, and I’m wondering if you’ve considered the social implications of
this change. Of course, the Seamless lunch benefit is also a perk for
recruiting, and the ability to share money just makes it more enticing for
candidates that are considering whether they want to join edX. On the scale of
things, I feel like the extra costs associated with the employees sharing money
is a bargain compared to the benefits that it provides in terms of happiness,
productivity, culture, and promoting a culture of sharing (including sharing
knowledge and talents across the company).

-DB