Here are the most popular ideas ever about Ubuntu.
Ubuntu store/donate
Written by pererik87 the 15 Jan 10 at 16:16.
Related project: ubuntu.com .
New
If you want to donate to all the software on Ubuntu and the programs you have to make about 100 transactions each costing grand.
Currently running Ubuntu desktop is not profitable and with more money not only for ubuntu, but all open source, we can have more dedicated 24/7 developers assigned to Ubuntu, specific programs and applications.
Some of my suggestion is based on accessories for ubuntu store with symbolic value etc.
Is it anything else we can do?
Solution #2:
Open source packs
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.
Solution #3:
Send a gift to companies making a donation
Could be a rose and a thank you card, or anything,
Could be a rose and a thank you card, or anything,
Solution #4:
Sell usb's with all distrubutions on it.
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
+++
Solution #5:
Donate iqual amount spirit
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.
Solution #6:
work with the Code Offsets project
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)
Solution #7:
Promotion+Cash
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.
Solution #8:
Donate button to the Ubuntu Software Center
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.
Solution #9:
Easier to donate.
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.
Solution #10:
extra extras
sell better ubuntu stickers and some good skins.
sell better ubuntu stickers and some good skins.
Solution #11:
A list of who donates
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.
Solution #12:
ADs during Package Install process
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.
Solution #13:
Sell Ubuntu
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.
Solution #14:
Donate ideas
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.
Solution #15:
Ubuntu salesmen
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.
Solution #16:
Sell Ubuntu Stickers (good ones)
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...
Solution #17:
add ads in forum
Written by
etusha the 14 Feb 10 at 12:24.
add ads in forum
add ads in forum
Solution #18:
Make ubuntu free just for torrent download
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.
Solution #19:
Software catalog Duh!
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.
Solution #20:
Bottom up! - make Ubuntu an NGO and start campaigning
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!
... 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!
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!
Solution #21:
Donations and Partnerships
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.
Solution #22:
Sell it to the Government
(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.
Solution #23:
Sell Manuals
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.
Solution #24:
Sell DVD packs of software repos
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.
Solution #25:
Donations through Brainstorm
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.
Solution #27:
Push Dell to let me pick Ubuntu for all their hardware line
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.
Solution #28:
Improve partner program and tools
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/
Solution #29:
Allow to subscribe Canonical adverts/magazine.
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.
Solution #30:
Sell promotional and training materials.
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.
Solution #31:
A Magazine With Ads
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.
Solution #32:
Add optional ads to Ubuntu One
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?
Solution #33:
Make ubuntu applications that allow me to make money for ubuntu (value added)
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???
Solution #34:
Software center
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.
Solution #35:
Lighting Pen
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.
Solution #36:
Kinda like Superman 3...but legal
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 :)
Solution #37:
Start a Funding Platform
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)
Solution #38:
Donate back to Debian
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/
Remove 'linux' from Ubuntu motto
Written by ethana2 the 16 Jan 09 at 18:37.
Global category: Marketing.
New
Having 'Linux for Human Beings' as a motto would be the equivalent of if Apple called OSX 'XNU for rich people'.
The end user shouldn't know what kernel we use unless they actually care. Most don't. 'linux' has a legacy of poor usability that we're still trying to mitigate, let us free ourselves from its reputation.
Furthermore, if some other Free POSIX kernel becomes clearly superior to linux, it is Canonical's responsibility to ditch Linux for it in Ubuntu. As things stand, that would 'break' the motto.
Solution #1:
New motto proposition:
Written by
ethana2 the 16 Jan 09 at 18:37.
Ubuntu : The OS for Human Beings
Ubuntu : The OS for Human Beings
Solution #2:
Something completely different
Ubuntu : OS with human face
Like any other (known) species can use OS than human.
It doesn't make sense.
But on the other hand it is a good marketing trick, as everyone says: "hey I'm a human I can use that OS"
Ubuntu : OS with human face
Like any other (known) species can use OS than human.
It doesn't make sense.
But on the other hand it is a good marketing trick, as everyone says: "hey I'm a human I can use that OS"
Solution #3:
Another motto proposition:
Written by
ethana2 the 16 Jan 09 at 19:02.
Ubuntu : Freedom for Human Beings
Ubuntu : Freedom for Human Beings
Solution #4:
Yet another motto proposition:
Ubuntu : Freedom and openness for all!
Ubuntu : Freedom and openness for all!
Solution #6:
Ubuntu :
Written by
ethana2 the 16 Jan 09 at 21:41.
Personal Computing for the Un-Genius
(and simple variants)
Personal Computing for the Un-Genius
(and simple variants)
Solution #7:
Keep the existing motto
Keep the existing motto, as there is really no other kernel that could replace Linux.
Ubuntu is known as Linux distro for better and worse.
And if kernel is indeed changed (maybe with HURD the original GNU kernel) then we'll or marketing guys and gals at Canonical will decide how to change the motto.
Keep the existing motto, as there is really no other kernel that could replace Linux.
Ubuntu is known as Linux distro for better and worse.
And if kernel is indeed changed (maybe with HURD the original GNU kernel) then we'll or marketing guys and gals at Canonical will decide how to change the motto.
Solution #8:
~
Written by
ethana2 the 16 Jan 09 at 21:53.
Computing is Fun Again
http://ubuntuforums.org/archive/index.php/t-494337.html
Solution #9:
Play on words of solution #8
Ubuntu: "put the fun back in to computing!"
Ubuntu: "put the fun back in to computing!"
Solution #16:
Be yourself
Written by
Daniele the 6 Feb 09 at 08:11.
what about
Ubuntu ... be yourself ...
? :) bye
what about
Ubuntu ... be yourself ...
? :) bye
Solution #17:
A motto contest with each distro
simply have a "new motto" contest every time a new ubuntu distro comes out. we could start with ubuntu jaunty 9.04.
simply have a "new motto" contest every time a new ubuntu distro comes out. we could start with ubuntu jaunty 9.04.
Solution #20:
Merging Linux with Human beings
Written by
butchoy the 14 Feb 09 at 15:42.
Ubuntu: "Linux and Human Beings" or "Linux with Human Beings".
By doing this, it creates "oneness". Linux and human, together progressing as one.
Ubuntu: "Linux and Human Beings" or "Linux with Human Beings".
By doing this, it creates "oneness". Linux and human, together progressing as one.
Solution #21:
Ubuntu
Written by
ethana2 the 26 Aug 09 at 04:55.
The Desktop for Everyone
The Desktop for Everyone
Solution #22:
Propaganda
Written by
Lachu the 26 Aug 09 at 06:57.
Create screencast how using Linux(Ubuntu). Place it on YouTube.
In future Canonical can create own service to put community movies about routine tasks.
Create screencast how using Linux(Ubuntu). Place it on YouTube.
In future Canonical can create own service to put community movies about routine tasks.
Solution #23:
New Motto
Ubuntu - Free your Computer, Free your Mind.
Ubuntu - Free your Computer, Free your Mind.
Solution #24:
Like solution #6 but...
Written by
jmate24 the 16 Jan 12 at 00:40.
Personal Computing for the Uber-Genius.
Personal Computing for the Uber-Genius.
Push for Dell-Ubuntu Laptops Cheaper than Dell-M$
Written by carickw the 15 Aug 08 at 14:00.
Global category: Marketing.
New
I just looked online to see how much a Dell with Ubuntu preloaded was and then looked at the same laptop with windows. To my amazement, the Ubuntu laptop was not even the same price as the Windows one, it was MORE!!!
The laptop I looked at was the XPS M1330 and the Windows version was $999 - $100 savings = 899, while the Ubuntu version was still at $999. Even though the smart ones (us) know about the benefits of using ubuntu, whats the incentive to buy the open source Ubuntu over the well-known Windows platform.
Right now, Vista Home Premium is about a $100, so the fact that ubuntu is free, the same computer with Ubuntu should be ~$100 less than the Windows computer with home premium.
Sell ubuntu live memory sticks on ubuntu site
Written by JaapHaitsma the 27 Apr 08 at 17:50.
Global category: Marketing.
New
If they also have some ubuntu branding these are really nice gifts and give aways. Just sell a 2GB or 4GB memory stick for a competitive price. Also might be nice to sell these at exhibitions
To boast the image of Ubuntu
Written by butchoy the 15 Feb 09 at 15:49.
Global category: Marketing.
New
The battle of distribution and OS, in the sense of reliability and computing power.
Solution #1:
Tying up with Scientific exploration/projects/laboratories
Written by
butchoy the 15 Feb 09 at 15:49.
Just like what Solaris did. they tie-up with Scientific Institution, and provided them what their OS has to offer. Now Solaris is dubbed to be the most advance OS in the planet.
If Ubuntu can do the same, then people will be all eyes on the development of Ubuntu
Just like what Solaris did. they tie-up with Scientific Institution, and provided them what their OS has to offer. Now Solaris is dubbed to be the most advance OS in the planet.
If Ubuntu can do the same, then people will be all eyes on the development of Ubuntu
Solution #2:
Promote Ubuntu for use in public schools
This can help spread Ubuntu rapidly. As students become familiar and proficient with Ubuntu, they will be more comfortable using it outside.
Schools can be explained the benefits like ease of administration and use of such machines, and students will automatically benefit from the power of Ubuntu.
This can help spread Ubuntu rapidly. As students become familiar and proficient with Ubuntu, they will be more comfortable using it outside.
Schools can be explained the benefits like ease of administration and use of such machines, and students will automatically benefit from the power of Ubuntu.
Solution #3:
Ubuntu certified machines
Use Ubuntu's connections with dell to add "Ubuntu certified" labels to machines that, while they don't ship with Ubuntu, are going to work well with Ubuntu. We use Ubuntu machines at our public library on over half of the public access computers but my major fear is I'll end up with machines like the Optiplex 320 which are a nightmare to get Ubuntu installed on (Yes, this did happen to me.). Since business can't purchase the Ubuntu machines it would be nice to know that when you are buying a new computer and planning to use Ubuntu on it, that it will work.
Use Ubuntu's connections with dell to add "Ubuntu certified" labels to machines that, while they don't ship with Ubuntu, are going to work well with Ubuntu. We use Ubuntu machines at our public library on over half of the public access computers but my major fear is I'll end up with machines like the Optiplex 320 which are a nightmare to get Ubuntu installed on (Yes, this did happen to me.). Since business can't purchase the Ubuntu machines it would be nice to know that when you are buying a new computer and planning to use Ubuntu on it, that it will work.
Solution #4:
Ship computers with Ubuntu preinstalled
In addition to the other ideas:
Talk to computer sellers, inform them about Ubuntu and it's advantages, offer compatibility with their products and convince them to ship their machines with Ubuntu preinstalled.
In addition to the other ideas:
Talk to computer sellers, inform them about Ubuntu and it's advantages, offer compatibility with their products and convince them to ship their machines with Ubuntu preinstalled.
Solution #5:
Attempt breaking some records previuosly set by closed OSes
Written by
Basem the 23 Mar 09 at 08:19.
Attempt to show case the effeciency of Ubuntu by trying to break some records...Weather its processor speed, frames per second of a game running in wine against it running on another OS, etc.
Attempt to show case the effeciency of Ubuntu by trying to break some records...Weather its processor speed, frames per second of a game running in wine against it running on another OS, etc.
Publish lots of screen dumps on every Ubuntu release
Written by nandersson the 18 Dec 08 at 14:05.
Global category: Marketing.
New
This idéa I write as a tech journalist. It makes it easier for us to write about each distribution and it draws more public attention if we have screenshots to expose.
Due to the time constraint we don't always have time to take these screenshots ourselves.
Therefore I would love to see a serie of screenshots upon the release of each Ubuntu. We did it with Fedora, we did it with OpenSUSE and we would love to do it with Ubuntu 9.04 Jaunty.
OpenSUSE is just out of the oven - see their screenplay at
http://www.opensuse.org/screenshots.php
Do this and I can promise you get even more public attention.
Ubuntu must be the most beautiful desktop
Written by henk0775 the 17 May 08 at 12:25.
Global category: Marketing.
New
Mark said that "pretty is a feature".
Ubuntu must be eyecandy, pretty, beautiful, glossy. Sometimes human theme is not so, if we try other ones. For example, glossy theme works well.
My idea is beautiful by default.
n.b. Give attenction that this idea is in "marketing".
Solution #1:
Have DVD as an option in shipit.ubuntu.com
Written by
shirish the 23 Oct 09 at 17:35.
This would have multiple benefits.
a.Less Internet/network connectivity needed.
b.More packages are reviewed and possibly provide for better ecosystem.
This would have multiple benefits.
a.Less Internet/network connectivity needed.
b.More packages are reviewed and possibly provide for better ecosystem.
Solution #2:
Sell repositories snapshots on shop.canonical.com
Written by
Ssdg the 23 Oct 09 at 22:13.
Like debian does some time ago, just create a repository snapshot on CDs/DVD and sell it.
Let's face it, that much disk won't be light so it will need some money to ship it by mail.
Like debian does some time ago, just create a repository snapshot on CDs/DVD and sell it.
Let's face it, that much disk won't be light so it will need some money to ship it by mail.
Solution #3:
Make it easy to download packages onto USB flash drive
Create kind of a web-based version of Software Center, where instead of Install there's a Download button which downloads all packages necessary to install the selected app on a standard Ubuntu system.
Bonus points for on-the-fly repacking of all these packages into a single package (or an enhanced .tgz) that can be installed with one click.
Create kind of a web-based version of Software Center, where instead of Install there's a Download button which downloads all packages necessary to install the selected app on a standard Ubuntu system.
Bonus points for on-the-fly repacking of all these packages into a single package (or an enhanced .tgz) that can be installed with one click.
Solution #5:
AptonCD
Make AptonCD default in Ubuntu. That way, it would require one less download on bandwidth starved systems, but with a huge value addition in terms of sharing.
It already helps with backup. It would make it easier for our community to support multiple devices with a single download.
Ooops sorry... it's already default in Karmic!
In that case, lets make it work with USBs!
Make AptonCD default in Ubuntu. That way, it would require one less download on bandwidth starved systems, but with a huge value addition in terms of sharing.
It already helps with backup. It would make it easier for our community to support multiple devices with a single download.
Ooops sorry... it's already default in Karmic!
In that case, lets make it work with USBs!
Solution #6:
Install request file for use with usb stick
Written by
elypter the 27 May 10 at 11:09.
On a pc without/very slow internet connection there should be an option to save all programms that a user wants to install to a file. When you now meet someone who has a pc with internet connection you can put this file on an usb stick. With the help of this file you can then start an automatic download. When completed you can take the usb-stick back and install it on the pc without connection.
It's like writing a shopping list and letting someone else buy the stuff for you.
This has also the advantage that the file could contain information about the actual state of the system and so determine which packages are needed and also on occasion put updates on the stick. It would also be usefull to work with more than 1 requesting pcs per request to avaoid redundancy
On a pc without/very slow internet connection there should be an option to save all programms that a user wants to install to a file. When you now meet someone who has a pc with internet connection you can put this file on an usb stick. With the help of this file you can then start an automatic download. When completed you can take the usb-stick back and install it on the pc without connection.
It's like writing a shopping list and letting someone else buy the stuff for you.
This has also the advantage that the file could contain information about the actual state of the system and so determine which packages are needed and also on occasion put updates on the stick. It would also be usefull to work with more than 1 requesting pcs per request to avaoid redundancy