Canonical business model - Donations?

[John]

Tristan Rhodes wrote:
> I am really impressed with Ubuntu, and I want it to always remain 
> supported by Canonical.  On the Ubuntu website, Canonical states it's 
> business model "is to provide technical support and professional 
> services related to Ubuntu."  I certainly wish them well and hope they 
> do well financially.
> 
> Additionally, what are Canonical's thoughts on allowing donations?  If 
> needed, it could be called something else, like a registration fee.  Or 
> they could sell Ubuntu CDs with a profit margin included (or apparel).
> 
> For example, Mepis Linux provides users several ways to support their 
> favorite distribution financially.  I believe the Ubuntu user base would 
> appreciate the ability to support Ubuntu likewise.
> 
> Again, I just want the best for Ubuntu, which requires Canonical to be 
> financially secure.  (True, Ubuntu could exist without them, but they 
> are doing such a great job!)


I don't work for C, am not privy to any secrets, and it's possible my 
guess will be highly entertaining in some corners.


It seems to me the plan is to create a market with a great product that 
is free of charge to anyone who wants it, and then to offer into that 
market extra services for which those who wish them.

This is pretty much what companies incuding Red Hat and MySQL  have 
done, and is one of the ways the FSF suggests for making money out of 
giving away your software.


It seems to me that the 18-month product life is a little short for the 
corporate world, but there would be nothing wrong with offering a three 
or five-year cycle for those who would pay for it.


The key is in offerring value: satisfied customers tend not to look 
elsewhere.


And with its world-wide network of developers, C is well-placed to 
attack markets all across the world, a pretty speccy startup wouldn't 
you say?


I don't know about others, but I find solicitations for donations a 
little off-putting. I understand why some people feel the need (boy, do 
I understand why some people feel the need!), but I can't see me adding 
a sig, "If you've found my advice helpful please donate at 
http://example.com/donate."

Likewise, I think "register" has bad connotations. If a website requires 
me to register I generally go elsewhere. Inviting me to "Register for 
extra services," or to "Purchase additional goods and services" is fine 
by me. I could live with a sig containing "See John's Handy Hacks at 
http://example.con/handyhacks." At my site I might have a few, then more 
you can buy access to for a modest sum.

Imagine the BOFH series at theregister.co.uk - you can see the latest 
two for free, the whole set for a week for a fiver.