> You might notice a message inviting you to enable these new suggestions the next time you install or update Firefox. So its opt-in, what is the issue?
It's probably just temporarily an opt-in.
That seems like pure speculation.
Mozilla to put ads in Firefox address bar suggestions
31–40 of 721 posts
Re: Mozilla to put ads in Firefox address bar suggestions
#32Before you attack Mozilla….. are you using it as your primary browser? I.e are you supporting them already? Do you believe Mozilla should be able to pay its bills? If you’re not happy with this way of raising revenue, what else do you suggest?
Oh yes, it's my only browser. I'd like to pay for it. Even though I live in an area where they aren't presenting ads yet.
Re: Mozilla to put ads in Firefox address bar suggestions
#33I've lost hope for Firefox when the browser started opening spyware-infused ("tag manager") sites describing how Mozilla takes privacy seriously, immediately after browser's installation and before the user has any chance to add uBlock Origin or other Firefox add-on that limits spyware/malware execution on their device.
Re: Mozilla to put ads in Firefox address bar suggestions
#34Meh, the feature is easily deactivable, the settings are clear and extensive. As far as ads go, it's one of the best implementations.
Firefox still has no alternative in the privacy / user-centric space (don't mention Brave, I'm gonna get mad). Mozilla has done a lot for the web, I can give them some slack for exploring different revenue models.
Still, I'm going to keep on eye for this kind of practices in the future. I don't want them to get too comfortable with it.
Re: Mozilla to put ads in Firefox address bar suggestions
#35It’s sucky and I particularly hate ads percolating to every part if my life, BUT how are they meant to support Firefox and other software without a revenue stream? Mozilla seems to attract criticism for how they run the whole operation, I can’t tell how correct it is, but even if they run it perfectly they still need revenue.
I used to give money to Mozilla Foundation, I stopped when I realised it actually wasn't going to Firefox development, which is done by Mozilla Corporation. I even reached out to their support, and no, there is no way to support FF but with your eyeballs.
With that feature, that I will of course disable for my personal use, I will not be able to recommend Firefox to other people any more.
Please let us pay!
Re: Mozilla to put ads in Firefox address bar suggestions
#36It’s sucky and I particularly hate ads percolating to every part if my life, BUT how are they meant to support Firefox and other software without a revenue stream? Mozilla seems to attract criticism for how they run the whole operation, I can’t tell how correct it is, but even if they run it perfectly they still need revenue.
maybe go the other direction and try to cut expenses rather than trying to make more money? Firefox gets hundreds of millions from Google alone in royalties, that is not enough to build a web browser?
Firefox has lost almost half of its users since 2010, yet it keeps burning more money every year. Run the company in a lean way, cut the fat, do one thing well. It's like Wikipedia, every year they seemingly find new ingenious ways to burn more cash.
Re: Mozilla to put ads in Firefox address bar suggestions
#37Earlier quoted context omitted.
Indeed. They should just state "It's an Ad". I doubt they actually going to try every product that they are advertising, to make wording "suggestion" be even close to the truth. That said, I don't understand, why would somebody use Firefox instead of Chrome, Edge, or Safari if they ad in-browser ads.
For example because Chrome treats Google cookies differently [1]? This is a red flag for people. With Firefox you at least know what you get. [1] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=18064537
I didn't know about it, thanks.
But I'm software engineer, and I didn't know about it. I don't think most (as in 95%+, even in tech) people would know difference to care. My point is visibly – firefox seem to be just as ad-hungry as competition.
They could be better behind the scenes, but customer wouldn't know it.
Re: Mozilla to put ads in Firefox address bar suggestions
#38Earlier quoted context omitted.
Let me pay for Firefox, please!
Okay. https://donate.mozilla.org Edit: My assumption was that a proportion of the money donated to the Mozilla Foundation is used to fund Mozilla Firefox. I stand corrected (but I still consider the foundation worth supporting). A follow up question for those replying to this comment: does the revenue from Pocket and/or the Mozilla VPN help to fund Firefox?
nope, this doesn't go to development, only to their community and outreach programs.
Mozilla Foundation != Mozilla Corporation
Re: Mozilla to put ads in Firefox address bar suggestions
#39Earlier quoted context omitted.
Let me pay for Firefox, please!
Okay. https://donate.mozilla.org Edit: My assumption was that a proportion of the money donated to the Mozilla Foundation is used to fund Mozilla Firefox. I stand corrected (but I still consider the foundation worth supporting). A follow up question for those replying to this comment: does the revenue from Pocket and/or the Mozilla VPN help to fund Firefox?
[deleted]
Re: Mozilla to put ads in Firefox address bar suggestions
#40Firefox marketshare has gone down from approx 16% in 2015 to about 6% in 2021. All the while the strategy to monetize and generate revenue streams while maintaining trust has been a challenge. Nothing they have been doing in the recent past has got me to go back to Firefox.