Google has announced Contributor, an experimental program that lets users see certain partner site ads free. Users can choose to donate between $1 and $3 a month to see ads-free versions of sites.
Google has announced a few partner sites including Mashable, The Onion, Science Daily and Urban Dictionary. The internet giant says that these sites represent only a "few" of the partnering sites for Contributor, but has not mentioned who else is taking part yet. Users can sign up for viewing the sites ads free and once they have paid out they will be able to see the partner sites. The money goes to the participating sites, however Google has not announced whether it is taking a part of the money.
Google described the effort as an "experiment in additional ways to fund the Web."
"When you visit a participating website, part of your contribution goes to the creators of that site," Google said at a page launched for those interested in taking part. "As a reminder of your support, you'll see a thank you message often accompanied by a pixel pattern where you might normally see an ad."
Considering how much of Google's business is based on online advertising, this seems like a surprising move on the part of the internet giant. However it remains to be seen when Google's experiment will actually work.
Do you think users will pay to see websites ads free? Or the public prefers a free, ad-supported Web? Share your view in the comments section below.
Source: Google Contributor