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If projects as large as Linux or Wikipedia can thrive without ads, I'm sure a Google-quality search engine can do the same. So far it hasn't been done because t
by cousin_it 7y ago
If projects as large as Linux or Wikipedia can thrive without ads, I'm sure a Google-quality search engine can do the same. So far it hasn't been done because the ad-supported model is promising more money to anyone who tries; but if the ad-supported model goes away, you'll see a good non-ad-supported search engine soon enough. It could be P2P and free (like Mastodon, which proved that social networks don't have to rely on ads), or it could be paid (like your Windows license or your internet connection).
- yellowapple 7y agoThe Linux Foundation's sponsorships are technically ads. Not particularly intrusive ads, so I generally don't mind them (much like I don't necessarily mind sponsorships of other things, like sports arenas and NASCAR drivers), but still ads nonetheless.
- scarface74 7y agoHow many Linux contributors are paid by companies who make money by advertising?
- cameronbrown 7y agoSeems most of the contributions are from hardware/distro developers. Recent contributions pin Google at making up about 2% and Facebook at 0.8%. I can imagine they're contributing far more value with their Linux Foundation memberships though. [0]https://regmedia.co.uk/2016/08/26/top_30_linux_contributions_by_company.jpg?x=648&y=367&infer_y=1 https://regmedia.co.uk/2016/08/26/top_30_linux_contributions...
- scarface74 7y agoFair enough. But, that still means that most Linux contributors are not doing it out of the goodness of their hearts and that they are getting paid for it - not volunteering.
- cameronbrown 7y agoMy source only breaks down corporate contributions. Volunteers do make up a significant portion of kernel contributions.