I understand the LM money issue, but Google's out of control

[scott_R]

I just used my google account to link to my YT account, but because I somehow skipped past the year part of my birth date (2011 instead of 1970s), Google now expects me to send them my govt ID (driver's license, passport, etc.), or credit card (which will be temporarily charged a token amount) to prove I'm an adult?!

This is unreasonable, beyond the pale by miles, and perhaps I'm just ticked at the moment, but I don't think it's a positive thing that Linux Mint (and other F/OSS groups) allow this intrusion to continue. More than anything, I'm ticked, because this is the account I've had for years (since I met my fiancee), so it has sentimental value beyond Google's need to harass it's users.

Geez, sorry for the vent...but is there an alternative that still benefits LM, because I won't be using LM's Firefox/Google search again?

[Pilosopong Tasyo]

I just used my google account to link to my YT account, but because I somehow skipped past the year part of my birth date (2011 instead of 1970s), Google now expects me to send them my govt ID (driver's license, passport, etc.), or credit card (which will be temporarily charged a token amount) to prove I'm an adult?!

This is unreasonable, beyond the pale by miles, and perhaps I'm just ticked at the moment, but I don't think it's a positive thing that Linux Mint (and other F/OSS groups) allow this intrusion to continue. More than anything, I'm ticked, because this is the account I've had for years (since I met my fiancee), so it has sentimental value beyond Google's need to harass it's users.

What intrusion? Sorry to be blunt, but what has the lack of your presence of mind in linking your Google and YouTube accounts anything to do with how Linux Mint makes money from it's customized Google search? I fail to see the logic in your non sequitur statements.

[lmintnewb]

Don't know which way to side here. On the one hand have tendencies to agree with the bug eyed fuzzy creature's post above me.

On the other, I agree with you OP. Megacorps tend to be scumpools. Ethical and moral quagmires and blights on humanity. Deep dark vortex's of greed, selfishness, many other assorted lowlife behaviors. Favoring tyrannical practices that run roughshod over the common good as SOP and general corp policy. Init grand ?

While still on the next hand ( if you've been keeping count, I'm up to three hands so far.) It's Google's toy, they aren't forcing you to use any of the resources they provide and it's not as if they give the slightest whit whether you use LM's branded search or not. In fact I'm confident in saying the reason they imposed the stipulations on LM to be eligible for payout in including it in the 1st place. Is cause Google Inc knows the LM branded search isn't going to be well recieved. It's kinda annoying imo. So they are hoping thereby to compel LM's userbase to switch to another web browser. aka: Esp chrome/ium.

Then they don't have to pay anyone anything and get additional benefits from having an increased share of the browser market directly.

On yet this hand.

Yep ... no doubt there are several alternatives to generate revenue for LM. For whatever reason(s). Those aren't being implemented, the people behind this gnu/nix distro have a lot on their plate and are apparently not digital marketing experts or aces at monetizing web traffic or their users. They'd have to study Google if they wanna learn from one of the best when it comes to that subject.

Last hand ... I promise. Alternative for you, if you wanna financially show support or appreciation for the software LM HQ produces, maintains ... distributes ? How about a modest donation occasionally ? Or if you mean ... LM HQ turn their backs on a revenue source they've found cause you're ticked off at the buttheads over at Google HQ. Perhaps come up with some good alternatives and alternate options for them and contact LM HQ with em ?

edit: Disclaimer: I am in no way officially assoc with the LM proj. The following is my opinion and random babbling. The folks at Mint HQ have nothing to do with the opinions to follow.

Occurs to me, if you want to punish the mighty Goog, then you might actually consider using LM branded Goog search ... MORE. They have to pay LM summin probably whenever a sponsored link is clicked. Thereby taking money out of Goog's pocket. Though am sure Goog's accounting dept knows how to write anything and everything off and probably like most major corps don't pay a dime in taxes and actually make money on losses ... errrr. Anyway, like say if you wanted to visit M$ sponsored links ... Then you'd be kicking two sleazeball megacorp's in the buttocks with one click.

[Pilosopong Tasyo]

the bug eyed fuzzy creature

Sorry for going off-topic here. I just can't resist laughing at the reference to my avatar. It's a tarsier BTW

[lmintnewb]

Have never seen one of them before. Is a neat looking animal. Sheesh the diversity of nature never ceases to amaze me.

[Oscar799]

Moved here from Other Topics

[lmintnewb]

One more ... sighs. Feel kinda obligated now after typing stuff like the above.

Though note, I don't know the particulars of the arrangement between LM and Goog Inc. Whether it's PPC, PPM or PPA etc. Plus Goog will also be making money obviously from the deal as they'll be passing X amount onto the advertiser assoc with the sponsored listing or whatever.

It's easy to forget people are paying Goog for that stuff. Sometimes a nice lil chunk of change. So please visit sponsored ads responsibly. Say like ... M$ and similar scummy types and/or when you are sincerely looking to buy something and have legitimate commercial intent. In those situations to me seems like by using the LM branded search. Then someone would be doing the right thing regardless. If they want to show appreciation and help financially support Mint. Ah whatever ... in a perfect world. There's my post limit folks. Have a good dy/nt peeps.

[wayne128]

just want to say something

if anyone have 'issues (tracking)' with google chrome or chromium,
please note that there is a SRwareIron browser without those 'issues'

http://www.srware.net/en/software_srware_iron.php

[richyrich]

I have a regular client who is positive that the devil that possessed Bill Gates is now residing at and in and everything google !
One and sometimes two times a week I deep clean his pc, cleaning cache, cookies, etc. looking for, documenting, and deleting, any hint or word of google infection !
I bill him extra for the personal attention and house call, (added and shown right in the invoice, I had to add a separate/special income category to cover it in my accounting program) he continues to tip me, and he even tries to predict when he will need me again, and pre-books the next appointment/google cleaning !

So maybe lmintnewb's suggestion isn't a bad idea . .

if you want to punish the mighty Goog, then you might actually consider using LM branded Goog search ... MORE. They have to pay LM summin probably whenever a sponsored link is clicked. Thereby taking money out of Goog's pocket.
by lmintnewb on Sat Oct 15, 2011

Thank you Scott for venting , and giving me the best laugh I've had all week !
regards, richy

[lmintnewb]

One more above post limit. Cause am interested in this subject. Got my wires crossed there for a sec. As it would be putting money IN Goog's pocket. As if they need any more, at least would be giving LM some too, shrugs.

Was going to pointlessly babble some more. But on second thought, better to save it. Lol ... guess Google can't be all bad. I use a ton of the stuff they provide myself. Plus hey ... they are helping RR put food on the table. Even if it's inadvertently.

Ok this time 4 real. Out folks ... and peace.

[MALsPa]

Google now expects me to send them my govt ID (driver's license, passport, etc.), or credit card (which will be temporarily charged a token amount) to prove I'm an adult?!

This sounds crazy! Do people actually send them that stuff?

As far as the "LM money issue," what I don't understand is why Linux Mint is the only distro (as far as I know) that has this kind of "relationship" with Google. Don't other distros have money issues? Why does Mint choose to go this route when others don't?

[proxima_centauri]

just want to say something

if anyone have 'issues (tracking)' with google chrome or chromium,
please note that there is a SRwareIron browser without those 'issues'

I don't want to get too deep into this, but Chromium has none of Chrome's tracking features. Iron browser adds a built in adblocker, and a difference in preview thumbs. Otherwise it's identical to Chromium. All of the other benefits listed on SRWare's site on Iron vs. Chrome only apply to Chrome, not Chromium.

TL;DR: be up-to-date and use Chromium.

In regards to the OP, since you entered an underage birthday, Google may be legally bound to restrict access to your account until you prove your age; otherwise they could be showing adult content to minors.

You can change your search engine in Firefox to Bing, Yahoo, or a variety of other search engines if you're done with Google.