Community driven advertisment?

I had an idea, It's probably way out the question, but if it worked, it would be so incredably good for Linux/OSS.

Anyway, here goes.

We all know that for the most part, Linux is non profit, and has limited advertising, mostly on certain web sites. And major software companies spend insane amounts of money on advertising, Microsoft comes to mind with their recent adverts.

Anway, I thought that Linux users could band together and raise money to spread Linux via Television/Magazine advertising.

Like, take donations, or try to get sponsored to pay for the advertisments. If we could do this, not only would it expose more people to GNU/Linux, making software companies give Linux more consideration.

I just thought this would be cool. More games would be made available, hardware vendors would provide better driver support and it'd be great.

I know I'm dreaming though.

Honestly, advertising doesn't affect me.. but words from mouths from people I know are more effective ways for me to buy, try or look into something.. not the advertising the companies plaster everywhere.

I think word of mouth advertisement is much more realistic and effective. If you're the person talking to your friend about Linux, you have already decided that this person is one who is willing to explore Linux. I think that the general, non-commercial Linux is fitted more nicely in the university and maybe high school scenes with professors and students.

Beyond this, we already have Mandriva, Novel Desktop, Red Hat, and other distributions that are already being developed by actual for-profit companies.

Firefox got advertised in some american newspaper (The Times?), paid for entirely by donations from users. So it's not actually that farfetched.

Sadly, it's not original either, but you can't have everything

Theres a major retailer in town, everything from computers to tasters, lounge suites, beds, TVs, Outdoor furniture etc etc. A MAJOR Australian chain retail store - with plenty of TV & Newspaper advertising.

But I refuse to shop there as their service is so lousy.
In fact ditto for most of the major stores in town. In fact if I want white goods ( washing machine, fridge etc ) I go to this nice little shop where the prices are good and the service is excellent. They dont need to advertise as people like me are only too happy to spread the word.

I think there is a moral to this story somewhere .....

floppy