Advertisements for big money?

[soap]

Part of me admires the fact Rockbox runs no ads.

The pragmatic part of me, though, feels exactly as LL expressed:

I wouldn't object to adds at all as long as they're never misleading or disruptive.

[Llorean]

I love tha we're ad free too, but I think I'd love more being confident that if something crazy happens (lawsuit, multiple server failures) we won't be as dependent on a donation drive. I know we have some money but frankly, more is probably better. I am of course also secretly hoping that there wil be enough to make one of the devcons, probably the one not in the US, more accessible to those of us an ocean away in years to come. I've been around for some years now and frankly I'm looking forward to the chance to shake a few specific hands.

Anyway, text ads were mentioned and personally I think that's fairly safe.

[MarcGuay]

I would like large, flashing, neon, animated banners reminding me to get off the computer occasionally.  Perhaps a shopping center would pay for something like that.

Really, though, my gut reaction is "Get that money, sonny!  Why not be rewarded for your labour?".  But I also realize that advertising has a tendency, no matter how subtle, tastefully, humourously or hiply it's done, to sully the things it's attached to.  Not that I really mind, I just get a sort of rotten feeling in my stomach imagining the frontpage with ads on it.

Approximate retail value: 2 cents.

[thenrik]

Hi:

  I say go for it in a big way. Anything to keep Rockbox moving forward.

  It would be nice for the devs to have some travel funds to shake the hands that need shaking as well as enabling the networking needed to keep the creative juices flowing.

  I use my Gigabeat Rockbox every day--it's awesome. It's also nice to know that when the supply dries up on Ebay, there are so many other Rockbox platforms.

  You might also consider asking us users for donations tailored to specific projects.

  Tom

[senab]

I agree with most of the comments already in this thread, i'm sure a reliable source of cash would help in many ways.

Slightly off topic, but how is rockbox's finances organised? Not knowing too much about finance and tax, but i'm guessing tax would need to be paid on this regular income?

[mightybrick]

Really, though, my gut reaction is "Get that money, sonny!  Why not be rewarded for your labour?".  But I also realize that advertising has a tendency, no matter how subtle, tastefully, humourously or hiply it's done, to sully the things it's attached to.  Not that I really mind, I just get a sort of rotten feeling in my stomach imagining the frontpage with ads on it.

Approximate retail value: 2 cents.

I echo your thoughts.

[zajacattack]

Since rockbox is non-profit, shouldn't it be tax-exempt?

[safetydan]

Tax exempt status is tricky issue that would probably require some tax lawyers to resolve cleanly. The requirements for non-profit tax exemption will vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

[Bagder]

Just remember that Rockbox is not a formal organization of any kind. We're just a team of individuals.

And yes, with ad revenue of this kind I think the tax situation would need to be cleared up...

[Davide-NYC]

¥£$!

Get that money!

[VivianC]

As long as they are not obtrusive, go for it.

As for the tax situation, my wife is a tax CPA with her own firm. We could answer a few of your questions.

[scorche]

Could she also answer those questions if they were about Swedish law?  I have looked into some umbrella organizations, but they are all based in the US, which I think we don't really want to do, as then Rockbox would be considered based in the US and subject to certain other laws that may impede progress.

[GodEater]

Asking questions about US tax rules when the Rockbox account is held in Sweden wouldn't make a whole lot of sense - and neither would moving it to the US so we could ask those questions imo. Let's find a Swedish tax expert, and ask them.

[senab]

@GodEater & scorche:

VivianC was offering free tax advice, even though the advice might not be applicable to rockbox, a "thanks but no thanks" wouldn't go a-miss.

[GodEater]

Sorry - didn't wish to appear ungrateful  

Thanks indeed for the offer.