Should we take the elementary OS approach?

[Valtam]

Google keeps changing it's advertising algorithm with the latest change hurting us the most.

I'm at a bit of a crossroads personally.

Either we seek alternative ways to keep this OS alive and on a steady growth path, or I look for something else to do with my time.

If we take the 'elementary OS' approach whereby they do this with their download link:



(you can enter 0 for the amount and still get a free download link, we would do the same)

I would look at reducing reliance on Google AdSense if this approach gave our OS a future.

This does not imply that I am thinking of leaving the project, on the contrary, I'm always looking for ways to keep it viable. Last month I was offered a 6 figure sum by a US based Acquisitions company, and I turned it down. Food for thought.

Do we give this proven approach a go?

[Valtam]

Resources:

https://elementary.io/

https://blog.elementary.io/payments/

https://elementaryos.stackexchange.com/q...mentary-os

https://linustechtips.com/topic/407672-d...entary-os/

[bonnevie]

Hello,
by coincidence, I was on Elementary's landing page a few weeks ago and this money stuff turned me off.  I didn't even try.
Don't get me wrong: eventually, I'll have given as much to Linux Lite as the cost of a Windows licence, so it's not a matter of "free as in free stuff".
It's just that before giving my money away, I had to tame my new LL system, learn to tailor it to my taste and learn about its community.  This is hard to do on the first OS download. 
I'm a bit disappointed that LinuxLite member's contributions are not enough to sustain the costs of maintaining Linux Lite. Jerry's dream is certainly not to be heading a fundraising drive every year, so I really hope that everyday users will see his post as a wake-up call to contribute. I will..

[firenice03]

hhhmmm..

Been thinking about this most of the day...
For Linux folks and those in the know; there maybe an understanding - may help with the idea of the why and open source and what you're paying for...

For those coming from Windows - pay for an unknown?? What if I don't like Linux or this version, I don't know XFCE or what a desktop environment is....
Wait there are other free Linux's? 

Should you receive compensation to help sustain Linux Lite? YES!!!!!!!!!! 

Not mention its in the name... Simple Fast FREE ...

But how? How to better drive revenue - Ads? More ads will bring more Ad blockers...
Merchandising? Maybe a link on the Forums and Web for the LL Apparel Shop?? Might help draw more views/sales...

I don't know -- I'm thinking....



Maybe.... For those viewing this thread....

I've been a member of the forums for about 6years now.. Coming up on 1600 posts.
In that time I like to think I've helped many of good folks here; and in similarity in my spare time.
I've always hoped my donation of knowledge and time has been of benefit to Jerry, as I have benefitted, not with just a Free OS but gaining knowledge along the way.


If these forums have aided or helped you, even if by viewing a similar post; why not pay it forward and donate LL, even if just a little there is no minimum 


If you've been on the fence and you enjoy Linux Lite, why not donate - I will be contributing this eve.


Want to know how/where:
https://www.linuxliteos.com/donate.html

[Valtam]

Thank you to those who are donating, but that's not why I started this thread. I like to run major changes through the community first before making any big decisions.
Either way, thank you for your generosity, I'll update our Donate page within the next 24hrs.

[firenice03]

Thank you to those who are donating, but that's not why I started this thread. I like to run major changes through the community first before making any big decisions.
Either way, thank you for your generosity, I'll update our Donate page within the next 24hrs.

and sometimes a gentle reminder doesn't hurt either. 

[tek10]

I say yes to giving it a go. As you noted the amount can be set to 0, but many will pick an amount as well. After a few months of data it can be continued or changed to something else. Definitely worth a shot.

[TheDead]

Two things off the top of my head :

1. You could go the Elementary way but with a mention about the 0$ or have the 0$ clearly available has an option.
When I first try to download Elementary a few years back, I didn't know I could put 0$ in the field and so I didn't even try it.

2. Making the donation page has first default page (which users can change afterwards anyways) in the default browser with a message like one of the public TV station here; from memory, "Linux Lite is made possible by users like you!". I don't remember what the station was (I was young then ) but I remember the slogan which I found friendly and for a lack of a better word "inclusive" (?).

[Teddy]

Try the elementary OS approach and see how it works for the LL project. I do agree with [member=6733]TheDead[/member] about making a zero dollar option obvious for those unable to donate or just looking for a download link only.

Another idea could be to put more emphasis in the Linux Lite welcome screen when the OS boots up, about why it would be helpful to donate and ways your donation benefits the project, whether it be web hosting costs, electricity, new hardware for continued development, miscellaneous costs, etc. Even a simple few sentences could make the difference.


LL is a project worth keeping alive.

[torreydale]

I don't see a problem with it.  The Elementary OS way has a "Custom" option where you have "$0."  I don't know if everyone new to Elementary knows that zero is a valid entry.  It sure was a thing that caused a lot of butt hurt when they started that about 6 years ago.  Maybe them breaking the ice has created an opening for Linux Lite.