Written by pererik87 the 15 Jan 10 at 16:16.

Ubuntu and Kubuntu donate diploma to buy in ubuntu shop. User gets a nice diploma with amount and a greeting text + some stash back. 50$ 100$ 200$ 500$ 1000$

Shows some gratitude and at the same time encourages others to donate.

Ubuntu and Kubuntu donate diploma to buy in ubuntu shop. User gets a nice diploma with amount and a greeting text + some stash back. 50$ 100$ 200$ 500$ 1000$ Shows some gratitude and at the same time encourages others to donate.

Written by pererik87 the 15 Jan 10 at 16:19.

Open Source donate packs. Has a specified percent that goes to different opensource projects including Ubuntu, openoffice and all the others.

So you can donate to every Open Source in Ubuntu at once. If it gets many donations, it will make a extra motivation for people making (or that want to make) Open Source to ubuntu and it will also be easier to make money on Open source.

And if I want to donate to 20 different companies from my countrie. I don't have to pay the 10$ abroad fee 20 times. Lets say I want to donate 50$ without creating paypal(not popular in my country) account or fuzz that i don't want or need.

Open Source donate packs. Has a specified percent that goes to different opensource projects including Ubuntu, openoffice and all the others. So you can donate to every Open Source in Ubuntu at once. If it gets many donations, it will make a extra motivation for people making (or that want to make) Open Source to ubuntu and it will also be easier to make money on Open source. And if I want to donate to 20 different companies from my countrie. I don't have to pay the 10$ abroad fee 20 times. Lets say I want to donate 50$ without creating paypal(not popular in my country) account or fuzz that i don't want or need.

Written by pererik87 the 15 Jan 10 at 16:28.

Could be a rose and a thank you card, or anything,

Could be a rose and a thank you card, or anything,

Written by pererik87 the 15 Jan 10 at 16:38.

Sell usb's with all distributions on them. That including:

A GRUB or (BURG) menu in start where you choose which live session version you want to run.

Ubuntu
Kubuntu
Ubuntu Netbook Remix
Ubuntu alternative install
Edubuntu
+++

Sell usb's with all distributions on them. That including: A GRUB or (BURG) menu in start where you choose which live session version you want to run. Ubuntu Kubuntu Ubuntu Netbook Remix Ubuntu alternative install Edubuntu +++

Written by pererik87 the 15 Jan 10 at 18:23.

promote "donate the equivalent of what you would pay for commercial software if you have money for it" spirit.

promote "donate the equivalent of what you would pay for commercial software if you have money for it" spirit.

Written by Immanuel the 20 Jan 10 at 00:17.

http://codeoffsets.com/ do exactly what is requested here (just in a little geeky way of giving you official permission to make coding mistakes ;))
So, basically, if Ubuntu could work together with them to maybe get them some more publicity/a broader target group and extend to other open source projects, that would be fantastic (no need to reinvent the wheel, esp. as doing stuff twice is basically just wasted money)

http://codeoffsets.com/ do exactly what is requested here (just in a little geeky way of giving you official permission to make coding mistakes ;)) So, basically, if Ubuntu could work together with them to maybe get them some more publicity/a broader target group and extend to other open source projects, that would be fantastic (no need to reinvent the wheel, esp. as doing stuff twice is basically just wasted money)

Written by Lachu the 20 Jan 10 at 17:13.

Create new promotional movies and sells each. Only companies, which uses Ubuntu could promote Ubuntu and themselves. Some great movies or other project are created using Linux(not especially Ubuntu) and they need better promotion, so my solution is about way to help commerce using Ubuntu, and Ubuntu.

Create new promotional movies and sells each. Only companies, which uses Ubuntu could promote Ubuntu and themselves. Some great movies or other project are created using Linux(not especially Ubuntu) and they need better promotion, so my solution is about way to help commerce using Ubuntu, and Ubuntu.

Written by pererik87 the 26 Jan 10 at 21:59.

Add a "Donate" button to the Ubuntu Software Center.
Similar to Amorok -> megatunes and so on.

Add a "Donate" button to the Ubuntu Software Center. Similar to Amorok -> megatunes and so on.

Written by pererik87 the 26 Jan 10 at 22:06.

Generally make it easier to donate, without pushing it up peoples faces. Discrete options for donations, with no prompting and annoyance. Add donate in the top or bottom of Ubuntu.com so people don't have to google donate Ubuntu to find the donation page.

Generally make it easier to donate, without pushing it up peoples faces. Discrete options for donations, with no prompting and annoyance. Add donate in the top or bottom of Ubuntu.com so people don't have to google donate Ubuntu to find the donation page.

Written by pererik87 the 11 Feb 10 at 00:15.

sell better ubuntu stickers and some good skins.

sell better ubuntu stickers and some good skins.

Written by pererik87 the 11 Feb 10 at 00:22.

Ubuntu should have a monthly list with donations, but the person/company donating must be able to choose to be anonymous.Like it is now it looks sort of secret. Linux mint (derivative) does this. Might in some cases make giving donations a profitable.

Ubuntu should have a monthly list with donations, but the person/company donating must be able to choose to be anonymous.Like it is now it looks sort of secret. Linux mint (derivative) does this. Might in some cases make giving donations a profitable.

Written by Otacon87 the 7 Feb 10 at 13:35.

When a new user installs a new application he will take the install process in background (or just stays there staring the progress bar).
My idea is really simple: add a new widget to the installation progress that shows ADs.

-> User can choose to show or not those ADs.
-> By default showing ADs is enabled.
-> Optionally this option can be shown during Ubuntu System install process.
-> If user clicks on an AD default browser will pop-up.
-> If user clicks on "Show shell output" the AD widget will be replaced by the shell output widget.

Maybe it can be a little ugly, but it will make canonical gain a lot of money (impressions or clicks) and will not annoy the user that much.

When a new user installs a new application he will take the install process in background (or just stays there staring the progress bar). My idea is really simple: add a new widget to the installation progress that shows ADs. -> User can choose to show or not those ADs. -> By default showing ADs is enabled. -> Optionally this option can be shown during Ubuntu System install process. -> If user clicks on an AD default browser will pop-up. -> If user clicks on "Show shell output" the AD widget will be replaced by the shell output widget. Maybe it can be a little ugly, but it will make canonical gain a lot of money (impressions or clicks) and will not annoy the user that much.

Written by alms66 the 8 Feb 10 at 03:22.

Heresy I know, but hear me out on this one, it could work.

You box and package an Ubuntu disk. Each country would get it's own localized version of packaging. If necessary, in that country, you could also include a copy of legal codecs for dvd playback and whatnot - assuming Canonical would want to do that to not risk legal action. Hopefully, a lower than normal price can be negotiated for those though.

You would clearly state on the box that Ubuntu is free, can be downloaded for free and what you are paying for is the packaging (and additional goodies where needed) and distributing of the product. You would also clearly explain that the cost of this has been rounded up to the nearest $5 (for example in the US) or so, as a small "donation" to Ubuntu so that open source projects can be funded.

Heresy I know, but hear me out on this one, it could work. You box and package an Ubuntu disk. Each country would get it's own localized version of packaging. If necessary, in that country, you could also include a copy of legal codecs for dvd playback and whatnot - assuming Canonical would want to do that to not risk legal action. Hopefully, a lower than normal price can be negotiated for those though. You would clearly state on the box that Ubuntu is free, can be downloaded for free and what you are paying for is the packaging (and additional goodies where needed) and distributing of the product. You would also clearly explain that the cost of this has been rounded up to the nearest $5 (for example in the US) or so, as a small "donation" to Ubuntu so that open source projects can be funded.

Written by Lachu the 8 Feb 10 at 11:09.

Allow users to request special feature for money.

Allow users to request special feature for money.

Written by Arki the 8 Feb 10 at 11:11.

MS', Oracle's and other's salesmen go out every day to Govern offices, fundations and organizations to sell their solutions and support.

I think Ubuntu has to make an effort in this way. Several good contracts with some Governs Ubuntu could get a good source of financiation.

MS', Oracle's and other's salesmen go out every day to Govern offices, fundations and organizations to sell their solutions and support. I think Ubuntu has to make an effort in this way. Several good contracts with some Governs Ubuntu could get a good source of financiation.

Written by readmanr the 10 Feb 10 at 23:02.

Canonical Store should sell good Ubuntu stickers, the packs available at the moment are all right, but not good.
See... http://shop.canonical.com/product_info.php?products_id=125

Ubuntu should sell the metallic bezel kind of stickers, kind of how the Intel inside stickers are. Some places have designed some that say "Designed for Ubuntu" with the ubuntu logo on a metallic sticker, they are good, but not everyone wants to lie about it, the computer was not designed for ubuntu, (but it may have been purchased with Ubuntu in mind).

See this "powered by ubuntu sticker"...

If canonical sold these at a cheap but profitable price they would sell like hot cakes!
All flavours should be available Ubuntu, Kubuntu etc...

Canonical Store should sell good Ubuntu stickers, the packs available at the moment are all right, but not good. See... http://shop.canonical.com/product_info.php?products_id=125 Ubuntu should sell the metallic bezel kind of stickers, kind of how the Intel inside stickers are. Some places have designed some that say "Designed for Ubuntu" with the ubuntu logo on a metallic sticker, they are good, but not everyone wants to lie about it, the computer was not designed for ubuntu, (but it may have been purchased with Ubuntu in mind). See this "powered by ubuntu sticker"... <img style="align:center;" src="http://www.davestechsupport.com/blog/images/ubuntubadge2.png" alt="Powered by Ubuntu!"/> If canonical sold these at a cheap but profitable price they would sell like hot cakes! All flavours should be available Ubuntu, Kubuntu etc...

Written by etusha the 14 Feb 10 at 12:24.

add ads in forum

add ads in forum

Written by lautig the 15 Feb 10 at 02:59.

Make ubuntu free just for torrent download, for direct download pay some money.

Make ubuntu free just for torrent download, for direct download pay some money.

Written by ki4jgt the 16 Feb 10 at 09:04.

There has been talk around the internet, that Ubuntu is planning to incorperate a paid section into the software install program. I don't think this is such a bad idea. Especially since Ubuntu already hinges it's entire system on Open Source software.
I think Ubuntu should charge a small ($20) insertion fee for programers wanting to have their programs listed in this category.

There has been talk around the internet, that Ubuntu is planning to incorperate a paid section into the software install program. I don't think this is such a bad idea. Especially since Ubuntu already hinges it's entire system on Open Source software. I think Ubuntu should charge a small ($20) insertion fee for programers wanting to have their programs listed in this category.

Written by Blinky the 16 Feb 10 at 11:36.

Make Ubuntu a Non governmental organisation and start getting grants for it. Africa will need free systems/cheap systems to get connected so governments and aid organisations will be able to finance it - make it work for aid!!! Counties like Sweden will finance this. So with africa, half of south america, parts of Asia etc thats most of the world. China already runs linux via the government so it would great if the people also did - i.e. get in now and give it to 1/3 of the world's population.

place it in the hands of every third world child, team up with people that want to make cheap computers to the third world and in 20 years it will be the biggest thing!

The vast majority of the world lives in poverty so getting it to them cheap is how to get the majority of the world using it! Ubuntu is based on bottom up tactics - i.e. the users make it so why are we suggesting to distribute it top down (i.e. make it a business) - start with the people at the bottom. give it to an orphan, a war victim, a child that lives on under a dollar a day. Make a program/app that teams up with MIT open course (http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/web/home/home/index.htm) like the iBooks app (or think iTunes U) on the iPad and you will educate these poor and repressed people. What do these people need once they get a computer and make sure ubuntu can do this well.

Start looking at integrated solutions with hardware and hook the 3rd world up to the net with ubuntu. Make a tablet device that is cheap and runs ubuntu. We might not even need that everyone has the net. integrate wifi that swarms (one swarm: http://oneswarm.cs.washington.edu/index.html)... i.e. if i am near another ubuntu computer they connect and share data i.e. local torrent sharing. Great for africa!

Make Ubuntu a Non governmental organisation and start getting grants for it. Africa will need free systems/cheap systems to get connected so governments and aid organisations will be able to finance it - make it work for aid!!! Counties like Sweden will finance this. So with africa, half of south america, parts of Asia etc thats most of the world. China already runs linux via the government so it would great if the people also did - i.e. get in now and give it to 1/3 of the world's population. place it in the hands of every third world child, team up with people that want to make cheap computers to the third world and in 20 years it will be the biggest thing! The vast majority of the world lives in poverty so getting it to them cheap is how to get the majority of the world using it! Ubuntu is based on bottom up tactics - i.e. the users make it so why are we suggesting to distribute it top down (i.e. make it a business) - start with the people at the bottom. give it to an orphan, a war victim, a child that lives on under a dollar a day. Make a program/app that teams up with MIT open course (http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/web/home/home/index.htm) like the iBooks app (or think iTunes U) on the iPad and you will educate these poor and repressed people. What do these people need once they get a computer and make sure ubuntu can do this well. Start looking at integrated solutions with hardware and hook the 3rd world up to the net with ubuntu. Make a tablet device that is cheap and runs ubuntu. We might not even need that everyone has the net. integrate wifi that swarms (one swarm: http://oneswarm.cs.washington.edu/index.html)... i.e. if i am near another ubuntu computer they connect and share data i.e. local torrent sharing. Great for africa! ... after all ubuntu's an african word! Then to get the first world going start a website that is all about campaigning to get Ubuntu in every office and every government building. Think the My Barack Obama website and you will be well on the way. Love him or loath him he mobilised allot of people. Have a social networking site that allows people to send emails to friends, letters to politicians, ring people to campaign. Send sms etc, blog about the Ubuntu on all kinds of stuff... like the third world (see above) etc. Get organisations in each country and take membership fees. Membership fees will make a free system and support africa. We don't need ads we need to start working the same way that ubuntu was created - from the bottom up. The goal of Ubuntu should be to connect the world. Start from the bottom - its the only way!

Written by Chamillo the 17 Feb 10 at 01:19.

I think Ubuntu needs to focus on two areas:

Donations: I know that Ubuntu already takes donations, but it can do a better job of creating a greater awareness and urgency among users to make donations and how every dollar can make a significant difference in the future of Linux and open source.

Partnerships: Ubuntu should strongly pursue partnerships with computer manufacturers that would create a market of Ubuntu-optimized computers. Those manufacturers could benefit from creating a pool of loyal Linux users that would buy their computers and they in turn could share some of the revenue created by this new and emerging market.

I think Ubuntu needs to focus on two areas: Donations: I know that Ubuntu already takes donations, but it can do a better job of creating a greater awareness and urgency among users to make donations and how every dollar can make a significant difference in the future of Linux and open source. Partnerships: Ubuntu should strongly pursue partnerships with computer manufacturers that would create a market of Ubuntu-optimized computers. Those manufacturers could benefit from creating a pool of loyal Linux users that would buy their computers and they in turn could share some of the revenue created by this new and emerging market.

Written by jcollierdavis the 17 Feb 10 at 20:46.

(forgive the US perspective here)
There's more than a few computers in the GOV inventory, at $150 to license Vista and Office for each, this really adds up to some significant money.

The USG spends lots of cash plugging holes and security issues for all these MS products. It also has to buy anti-virus for each.

Many large organizations also run SharePoint sites and have a building full of servers.

This adds up to a significant expense of taxpayer dollars.

It would be more effective to spend these dollars to hire Cannonical to build a GOV Spec Ubuntu. It would be significantly more secure than Windows, and even better, be under the control of the GOV which wouldn't be held hostage by MS.

This would also spur the market to take Open Source much more seriously. We'd effectively be starting another space-race. The rest of the market would explode with Open Source offerings, quality would increase, and the US (or what ever country pulls it off) would become a world leader in the field.

(forgive the US perspective here) There's more than a few computers in the GOV inventory, at $150 to license Vista and Office for each, this really adds up to some significant money. The USG spends lots of cash plugging holes and security issues for all these MS products. It also has to buy anti-virus for each. Many large organizations also run SharePoint sites and have a building full of servers. This adds up to a significant expense of taxpayer dollars. It would be more effective to spend these dollars to hire Cannonical to build a GOV Spec Ubuntu. It would be significantly more secure than Windows, and even better, be under the control of the GOV which wouldn't be held hostage by MS. This would also spur the market to take Open Source much more seriously. We'd effectively be starting another space-race. The rest of the market would explode with Open Source offerings, quality would increase, and the US (or what ever country pulls it off) would become a world leader in the field.

Written by lecorian the 17 Feb 10 at 23:54.

Canonical could sell official documentation (computer manuals) for profit. This idea could be used in conjunction with idea number 2 (i.e. selling boxed versions of Ubuntu) and/or could be done separately. The Free Software Foundation and FLOSS Manuals currently have print versions of their manuals for purchase online. While Ubuntu has great online documentation, it is nice to have an official manual with all of the most frequent issues so that users can simply search in an index as opposed to searching through countless forums. Also, it would provided a way for users to troubleshoot problems if they cannot connect to the internet. It also provides a way for people to learn a lot about their system and have the ability to read from a page and not a screen.

If manuals were to be distributed in conjunction with Ubuntu boxed sets, it would make users feel much more secure about their purchase and the installation process.

Canonical could sell official documentation (computer manuals) for profit. This idea could be used in conjunction with idea number 2 (i.e. selling boxed versions of Ubuntu) and/or could be done separately. The Free Software Foundation and FLOSS Manuals currently have print versions of their manuals for purchase online. While Ubuntu has great online documentation, it is nice to have an official manual with all of the most frequent issues so that users can simply search in an index as opposed to searching through countless forums. Also, it would provided a way for users to troubleshoot problems if they cannot connect to the internet. It also provides a way for people to learn a lot about their system and have the ability to read from a page and not a screen. If manuals were to be distributed in conjunction with Ubuntu boxed sets, it would make users feel much more secure about their purchase and the installation process.

Written by Afroman10496 the 19 Feb 10 at 03:31.

Make a section on the homepage saying:
_____________________________________

On the go?
Slow Internet? No Internet?
Low bandwidth?

Buy a 5-set DVD collection of all of the great programs in the universal Ubuntu software collection! This pack of free software lets you install software by just popping in the DVD, going to the package manager, and selecting the program you want without worrying about losing your Wi-Fi range or having a slow connection!
_____________________________________

Include two options for the DVD on the product page; one that includes ubuntu-restricted-extras and other naughty packages, and one that doesn't.

Make a section on the homepage saying: _____________________________________ On the go? Slow Internet? No Internet? Low bandwidth? Buy a 5-set DVD collection of all of the great programs in the universal Ubuntu software collection! This pack of free software lets you install software by just popping in the DVD, going to the package manager, and selecting the program you want without worrying about losing your Wi-Fi range or having a slow connection! _____________________________________ Include two options for the DVD on the product page; one that includes ubuntu-restricted-extras and other naughty packages, and one that doesn't.

Written by cos the 19 Feb 10 at 10:39.

Allow users to pledge micropayments towards specific ideas on Brainstorm that they feel should be implemented.

For example, if I feel very strongly about idea A, I should be able to promise Canonical I'll pay them a token donation of something like £2 (fixed for all, perhaps) if they implement it. This will give Canonical an incentive to listen to what people tell them, and it will also be an additional revenue stream for the company.

Allow users to pledge micropayments towards specific ideas on Brainstorm that they feel should be implemented. For example, if I feel very strongly about idea A, I should be able to promise Canonical I'll pay them a token donation of something like £2 (fixed for all, perhaps) if they implement it. This will give Canonical an incentive to listen to what people tell them, and it will also be an additional revenue stream for the company.

Written by alex_mayorga the 20 Feb 10 at 06:46.

Right now I can only get Ubuntu on selected models that are more often than not marginally more expensive than their Windows counterparts, due to Microsoft discounts I've been told on Dell's chat.
Suggest Dell to let me pay a premium to get the OS I want and let me pick community support to bring their cost down.

Right now I can only get Ubuntu on selected models that are more often than not marginally more expensive than their Windows counterparts, due to Microsoft discounts I've been told on Dell's chat. Suggest Dell to let me pay a premium to get the OS I want and let me pick community support to bring their cost down.

Written by brunogirin the 20 Feb 10 at 21:56.

Ubuntu already has a partner program [1]. This could be a great way to increase Ubuntu's reach, especially in enterprise environments where some support and consultancy revenue could be generated. The partner program could be improved to create a real partner community, where partner companies can interact with each other, help each other win business, exchange ideas, etc. At the moment, the bulk of partners are large companies that do work with a lot of people beside Ubuntu. The partner program could also be used to create a network of smaller companies that work with Ubuntu in their specific location and specialisation.

For more details on the subject, Alan Bell has an interesting article on his blog[2].

[1] http://www.ubuntu.com/partners
[2] http://www.theopensourcerer.com/2010/02/20/dear-matt-asay/

Ubuntu already has a partner program [1]. This could be a great way to increase Ubuntu's reach, especially in enterprise environments where some support and consultancy revenue could be generated. The partner program could be improved to create a real partner community, where partner companies can interact with each other, help each other win business, exchange ideas, etc. At the moment, the bulk of partners are large companies that do work with a lot of people beside Ubuntu. The partner program could also be used to create a network of smaller companies that work with Ubuntu in their specific location and specialisation. For more details on the subject, Alan Bell has an interesting article on his blog[2]. [1] http://www.ubuntu.com/partners [2] http://www.theopensourcerer.com/2010/02/20/dear-matt-asay/

Written by Lachu the 21 Feb 10 at 18:04.

Allow people to subscribe Canonical's magazine. Each subscriber can fill survey about software he's interested in. Each can also unsubscribe this magaznie. Each subscribers will download new surveys from e-mail.

Canonical can earn money on adverts, but it's not obligatory.

Allow people to subscribe Canonical's magazine. Each subscriber can fill survey about software he's interested in. Each can also unsubscribe this magaznie. Each subscribers will download new surveys from e-mail. Canonical can earn money on adverts, but it's not obligatory.

Written by Lachu the 21 Feb 10 at 18:10.

Canonical can sell high-ended promotional/training materials, like commercial(especially Canonical's) software with training license, books, etc.

You can also sells certificate to people.

Canonical can sell high-ended promotional/training materials, like commercial(especially Canonical's) software with training license, books, etc. You can also sells certificate to people.

Written by Natty_Dreed the 23 Feb 10 at 01:36.

Magazine contains info about computers and linux and Ubuntu news, Published with ads in it.

Magazine contains info about computers and linux and Ubuntu news, Published with ads in it.

Written by Mirek2 the 14 Mar 10 at 13:07.

Don't worry: Ubuntu One would still be ad-free for all users by default.

Only there would be a customization option to show ads, as a way to support the Ubuntu project without having to spend any money and without having to enter credit card information.

Additionally, if possible, the ads could have certain features to make them more appealing to click, like user ratings and reviews. This would be a big win for both the user and the advertised company (if it sells good products): the user would know that the advertised product is a good buy and not a hoax and therefore would be much more likely to buy it than otherwise, which in turn would benefit the advertised company. The only loser in this situation would be a company that is a hoax, sells low quality products, or uses cruel methods of production (child labor, factory farms, ...). But Ubuntu shouldn't, by moral principles, want to point its customers in their direction anyway, right?

Don't worry: Ubuntu One would still be ad-free for all users by default. Only there would be a customization option to show ads, as a way to support the Ubuntu project without having to spend any money and without having to enter credit card information. Additionally, if possible, the ads could have certain features to make them more appealing to click, like user ratings and reviews. This would be a big win for both the user and the advertised company (if it sells good products): the user would know that the advertised product is a good buy and not a hoax and therefore would be much more likely to buy it than otherwise, which in turn would benefit the advertised company. The only loser in this situation would be a company that is a hoax, sells low quality products, or uses cruel methods of production (child labor, factory farms, ...). But Ubuntu shouldn't, by moral principles, want to point its customers in their direction anyway, right?

Written by Blinky the 25 Apr 10 at 11:26.

Most ideas for making money from ubuntu revolve around making money from the actual operating system, even with some form of advertising. In my opinion this is not what open source is about, in my opinion open source is about empowering people. Why not empower people to support and develop ubuntu.

What ubuntu should do is to help people make money for ubuntu from value added services. I have an example below:

Pretend that I am an artist and make stock pictures and films in my spare time. If Ubuntu makes a web application for the server edition where people can have a web site with films and videos that are downloadable once people donate a small fee to ubuntu - then ubuntu can make money from my hobbies even though I can't program.

An other idea can be to make an application that turns my internet connection into a wireless hotspot where people can donate a small fee and then use my internet connection.

There are lots of things from hosting websites on my ubuntu server edition to selling services such as design, website templates etc. This idea has the benefit of allowing people that have little or no knowledge of programming to still help make money and support/advance ubuntu.

Make the tools that empower people to help! What tools do we need???

Most ideas for making money from ubuntu revolve around making money from the actual operating system, even with some form of advertising. In my opinion this is not what open source is about, in my opinion open source is about empowering people. Why not empower people to support and develop ubuntu. What ubuntu should do is to help people make money for ubuntu from value added services. I have an example below: Pretend that I am an artist and make stock pictures and films in my spare time. If Ubuntu makes a web application for the server edition where people can have a web site with films and videos that are downloadable once people donate a small fee to ubuntu - then ubuntu can make money from my hobbies even though I can't program. An other idea can be to make an application that turns my internet connection into a wireless hotspot where people can donate a small fee and then use my internet connection. There are lots of things from hosting websites on my ubuntu server edition to selling services such as design, website templates etc. This idea has the benefit of allowing people that have little or no knowledge of programming to still help make money and support/advance ubuntu. Make the tools that empower people to help! What tools do we need???

Written by pererik87 the 5 May 10 at 16:35.

I know Ubuntu is all about gnu gpl or lgpl, but not everyone only believes in gnu. There should be the "Gnu" section we have now

and a "non-free" section with skype and chrome and all the other "evil" free options and as well

a "commerical/patented" section where you can buy products from anywhere, not only Canonical. Like the games from here http://www.linuxlinks.com/article/20080530054213402/CommercialGames.html and so on.

Bigger companies will make more money on Linux and make programs/games for Linux as well as MAC and Winblows.

I know Ubuntu is all about gnu gpl or lgpl, but not everyone only believes in gnu. There should be the "Gnu" section we have now and a "non-free" section with skype and chrome and all the other "evil" free options and as well a "commerical/patented" section where you can buy products from anywhere, not only Canonical. Like the games from here http://www.linuxlinks.com/article/20080530054213402/CommercialGames.html and so on. Bigger companies will make more money on Linux and make programs/games for Linux as well as MAC and Winblows.

Written by Lachu the 30 Jun 10 at 09:45.

Sell lighting pen working by infrared camera, bluetooth and infrared emitter(lighting pen).

This devices should been designed especially for Canonical.

Sell lighting pen working by infrared camera, bluetooth and infrared emitter(lighting pen). This devices should been designed especially for Canonical.

Written by caws p0b1 the 12 Jul 10 at 11:44.

Perhaps create a highly specialized distribution specifically for point of sale environments (pubs, restaurants, convenience stores, etc.) that features a suite of applications to make it enticing to owners (open office, employee scheduling software, accounting programs, etc. etc.) and offer it for free. Of course, a default screen saver could be used to promote Ubuntu as well (gawd knows how many hours I've spent staring at a point of sale terminal from across the bar ;)). Where the money would be made is through credit/debit card transactions. The Ubuntu brand, I think, has built a reputation for integrity and enough clout within the business community where they could approach banks, merchant account companies, etc. and offer to partner with them. Instead of paying a flat monthly fee, business owners who use the distro could pay per transaction, a fraction of which would go back to help fund Ubuntu and other projects. By partnering with different banks/companies in different countries, I imagine that a little bit here and there would quickly add up. I'm not a business person, and I have no idea if this is feasible, but I like it a lot more than charging micro transactions to users from within applications :)

Perhaps create a highly specialized distribution specifically for point of sale environments (pubs, restaurants, convenience stores, etc.) that features a suite of applications to make it enticing to owners (open office, employee scheduling software, accounting programs, etc. etc.) and offer it for free. Of course, a default screen saver could be used to promote Ubuntu as well (gawd knows how many hours I've spent staring at a point of sale terminal from across the bar ;)). Where the money would be made is through credit/debit card transactions. The Ubuntu brand, I think, has built a reputation for integrity and enough clout within the business community where they could approach banks, merchant account companies, etc. and offer to partner with them. Instead of paying a flat monthly fee, business owners who use the distro could pay per transaction, a fraction of which would go back to help fund Ubuntu and other projects. By partnering with different banks/companies in different countries, I imagine that a little bit here and there would quickly add up. I'm not a business person, and I have no idea if this is feasible, but I like it a lot more than charging micro transactions to users from within applications :)

Written by MichaelStahlman the 25 Mar 11 at 05:47.

Much like this very website, start a new site where I can donate to the software projects and/or features I would like to see implemented or improved. Incentives for donating are a possibility as well (like recognition, stickers, etc).

See: Kickstarter (kickstarter.com)

Much like this very website, start a new site where I can donate to the software projects and/or features I would like to see implemented or improved. Incentives for donating are a possibility as well (like recognition, stickers, etc). See: Kickstarter (kickstarter.com)

Written by Lyfang the 12 Aug 11 at 10:37.

"Ubuntu gets most of its software from Debian (89%)

Source: http://lwn.net/Articles/416667/

Help by sending Ubuntu bugfixes back to Debian upstream and contribute (back to) Debian."

Source: http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/21761/

"Ubuntu gets most of its software from Debian (89%) Source: http://lwn.net/Articles/416667/ Help by sending Ubuntu bugfixes back to Debian upstream and contribute (back to) Debian." Source: http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/21761/

Written by CyberSoldiersforFreedom the 6 Sep 12 at 05:07.

No, Ubuntu should NEVER be sold, Ubuntu CDs/Usbs/Dvds should be. How ever much that cd/usb/dvd costs would be what you pay and nothing more because Ubuntu is free. Obviously if you are paying more for a disc with a free product on it than you would if you weren't, It isn't really free now is it? You can sell Ubuntu like this ALL over the place, And it would greatly increase it's popularity, While being EXTREMELY cheap. They really need to do this, It would grant so much more money and popularity to Ubuntu. It might cost more than a blank cd though I suppose, But this would just be from some sort of fee or something like that, But it would be pretty much the same thing. Probably within five dollars or less.

No, Ubuntu should NEVER be sold, Ubuntu CDs/Usbs/Dvds should be. How ever much that cd/usb/dvd costs would be what you pay and nothing more because Ubuntu is free. Obviously if you are paying more for a disc with a free product on it than you would if you weren't, It isn't really free now is it? You can sell Ubuntu like this ALL over the place, And it would greatly increase it's popularity, While being EXTREMELY cheap. They really need to do this, It would grant so much more money and popularity to Ubuntu. It might cost more than a blank cd though I suppose, But this would just be from some sort of fee or something like that, But it would be pretty much the same thing. Probably within five dollars or less.

Written by JasonVincent the 2 May 13 at 21:43.

As of title, this should get people involved to non-profit organizations the developer (or a team of developers) cares about. Developers will consider their time spent on programming as volunteering for good causes while non-profit organizations receive attentions by users

As of title, this should get people involved to non-profit organizations the developer (or a team of developers) cares about. Developers will consider their time spent on programming as volunteering for good causes while non-profit organizations receive attentions by users

Written by Carharttguy the 7 May 10 at 08:43.

e.g. West Europe (Belgium, Netherlands..), North America?

People can always get some original CDs on install parties, or other promotion events.

e.g. West Europe (Belgium, Netherlands..), North America? People can always get some original CDs on install parties, or other promotion events.

Written by Mirek2 the 15 May 10 at 23:02.

This message should detail how these CDs cost Canonical money, and how this will decrease Ubuntu's quality by decreasing its funding if one abuses it. Also, add a link to donate to Ubuntu for the diehard Ubuntu collectors who really want the CDs.
I don't think people are wasting Canonical's money on purpose, I just think they don't realize it.

This message should detail how these CDs cost Canonical money, and how this will decrease Ubuntu's quality by decreasing its funding if one abuses it. Also, add a link to donate to Ubuntu for the diehard Ubuntu collectors who really want the CDs. I don't think people are wasting Canonical's money on purpose, I just think they don't realize it.

Written by ethana2 the 24 May 10 at 19:51.

Welcome to Ubuntu.com, Tony. You're not alone. Did you know Ethan and David use Ubuntu? Perhaps you're familiar with a certain Mr. Broberg? Why not give it a try yourself?

Welcome back, Ethan. A new version of Ubuntu is out. [Get it now].

Welcome to Ubuntu.com, Tony. You're not alone. Did you know Ethan and David use Ubuntu? Perhaps you're familiar with a certain Mr. Broberg? Why not give it a try yourself? Welcome back, Ethan. A new version of Ubuntu is out. [Get it now].

Written by justintime03_2 the 31 May 10 at 17:30.

I think it'd be cool if Ubuntu had a more direct getup for directing new users to the Ubuntu Forum right in Ubuntu itself. Maybe a system that would connect Ubuntu users with Ubuntu related news, Vids,other user Blogs etc. A setup that always you to customize which of these services you receive. It's a rough idea, but I think Ubuntu is headed this way anyways with Canonical's emphasis on social networking these days. I don't know. Build on this idea, tear it apart, make it better. That is what Ubuntu's about.

I think it'd be cool if Ubuntu had a more direct getup for directing new users to the Ubuntu Forum right in Ubuntu itself. Maybe a system that would connect Ubuntu users with Ubuntu related news, Vids,other user Blogs etc. A setup that always you to customize which of these services you receive. It's a rough idea, but I think Ubuntu is headed this way anyways with Canonical's emphasis on social networking these days. I don't know. Build on this idea, tear it apart, make it better. That is what Ubuntu's about.

Written by arnab_das the 16 Feb 10 at 01:21.

There could be an option to add name of the user to the default Main menu and include that as a paid service.

The user can request for a custom name from Ubuntu developers (the option to do so could be mentioned in the Help and Support page) who will then in exchange for a sum of money (which is more like a donation) add the user name to the main menu via an installable package whose download link will be provided via an email. the package could be a .deb package for easy installation.

This, although something small, could help get Ubuntu financial support to develop better apps, etc.

I have made a sketch of what the menu could look like (its a very basic sketch)

By arnab_das at 2010-02-15

There could be an option to add name of the user to the default Main menu and include that as a paid service. The user can request for a custom name from Ubuntu developers (the option to do so could be mentioned in the Help and Support page) who will then in exchange for a sum of money (which is more like a donation) add the user name to the main menu via an installable package whose download link will be provided via an email. the package could be a .deb package for easy installation. This, although something small, could help get Ubuntu financial support to develop better apps, etc. I have made a sketch of what the menu could look like (its a very basic sketch) <img src="http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/6193/40258895.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us"/><br/>By <a target="_new" href="http://profile.imageshack.us/user/arnab_das">arnab_das</a> at 2010-02-15