How do IRC networks like Freenode make money? reddit / irc ---------------------------------------------------------------------- DirtyVader · 2011-08-09 03:33 I see no advertising on their website or any other way to advertise on IRC. So, how do they get the money to keep the servers running? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- dkc · 2011-08-09 03:41 Maybe next time try looking at their website before asking on reddit. They're a 501(c) non-profit, and right on their main page it mentions donations from large companies, and has links for you to donate. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- kbrosnan · 2011-08-09 05:38 They don't. Volunteers do a lot of the work. Companies like Canonical and colleges such as Oregon State donate server time and bandwidth to make Freenode happen. Along with user contributions, you get a cool cloak if you donate, @ http://freenode.net/pdpc_donations.shtml ---------------------------------------------------------------------- tobsn · 2011-08-09 06:02 check all the networks... ircnet servers are almost all hosted at universities. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- shadyabhi · 2011-08-09 10:11 Dude, its open-source. Its for the masses not for making money. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- [deleted] · 2011-08-09 13:02 [deleted] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- [deleted] · 2011-08-09 13:47 [deleted] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- [deleted] · 2011-08-09 13:48 [deleted] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- [deleted] · 2011-08-09 19:07 Like all the IRC networks that don't ask for donations and still offer a free service. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- cknipe · 2011-08-19 21:20 They don't, dude, they're in it for love of the game. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- tacticalbread · 2011-08-30 03:13 I don't get why this got downvoted. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sgeo · 2011-09-01 04:04 Because money is kind of needed for bandwidth and servers, although I guess volunteer might pay out of pocket in theory. Money is involved though. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- tacticalbread · 2011-09-01 05:31 Just because money is involved doesn't mean it's for making money. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- liquoranwhores · 2011-10-07 23:16 I'd just like to say that I actually laughed out loud when I read the title of this post. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- [deleted] · 2011-10-17 12:28 [deleted] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- funknut · 2012-01-01 05:43 According to the GNAA, Lilo paid for his trailer and ADD medication using donations.