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Would an Ad-Sponsored OS/Desktop Work for OSS?

Posted by Cliff on from the discussions-on-another-form-of-funding dept.

Gentu asks: "OSNews runs a quick blurb and poll on the idea of an ad-sponsored OS or desktop. What is interesting is that the answer is a bit hard, as embarrassing commercialism is against the freedom of Open Source Software, while on the other hand, it is a handy and easy way to get funding for your favorite open source project. What does Slashdot think about the issue? Which is more important: the software and how we can continue evolving it by any legal means, or the licensing and philosophy behind it?"

7 of 437 comments (clear)

  1. What do I think? by Torgo's+Pizza · · Score: 4, Funny

    The first OS project on the ad-sponsored desktop would be the 'GNU Ad-Removal Project for the OS Ad-Sponsored Desktop'.

  2. precedent ... by jc42 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Well, there's plenty of precedent for this. For example, I'm typing this into a mozilla browser window. Now, mozilla is Open Source, but this page and nearly every other has an ad at the top.

    --
    Those who do study history are doomed to stand helplessly by while everyone else repeats it.
  3. Obligatory MC Reference by smoondog · · Score: 5, Funny


    Computer Monitor: $350
    Desktop PC: $1000
    Linux OS: Free
    Accidentally punching the monkey while trying to
    switch windows: Priceless

    -Sean

  4. Re:Why this won't work on an OSS project. by delphi125 · · Score: 2, Funny
    What language is that? The CamelCaps make it look like Delphi, but that only supports comments starting with "{", "(*" or (one-line) "//".

    It can't be Java cos they lowercase the very first letter, and it surely can't be C; my C is rusty but shouldn't it be more like

    /* fdrwadvs(*lpdtdsktp->hndl, NULL, 1, 0, 0); */

  5. Hmm... by Mr.Ned · · Score: 5, Funny

    I can see it now:

    "Free as in ad-sponsored"

  6. Re:Screensaver Ads by zrodney · · Score: 2, Funny

    aahhggg! It's pointcast all over again!

    does anyone remember the push content from 1995??

  7. Re: the humor impaired by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    > Jeez, guys; don't you recognize tongue-in-cheek humor based on cluelessness when you see it?

    You must be new here; there's too much genuine cluelessness to be able to separate humor posts from the ones who are serious.

    > Do I have to include smileys with everything I write?

    Not unless you mind being misunderstood.