Actually, it can work.... (Score 1)

I've seen great examples of programs which do this very well. Obviously, it will be possible to do it wrong--banners that interrupt you, etc. First you need to consider the proliferation of these ads... they'll basically be limited to internet type programs, because the software will need to update the ads and the user will need somewhere to go when it's clicked. Of course, it's possible that software just puts in product ads, rather than web site ads, where no internet connection is necessary. Now then, how to do it right: two examples I've seen of this are MP3Spy and MP3 Fiend, both for Windoze. These programs have a section of the screen devoted to banners, not popups. Therefore, you're never really interrupted by ads. The bottom line, I think, is that it could be worse... we could be foreced to pay for the softare. Given those choices, I'd take ads any day...