# said:
Strictly speaking, it isn't his software.
strictly speaking, it isn't free, either...
From effectivebrand.com:
We are often asked why we provide free services to the publisher/content
provider
and to the end-user. Is there a catch or hidden cost?
The answer is simple. There is NO catch or hidden cost!
Our service is completely free and we plan to maintain it as a free service.
EffectiveBrand's business model is based on commercial partnerships that
focus on search results. The search box in the EffectiveBrand toolbar
includes several powerful search options. You can enter your search query in
the box and then choose from a multitude of search engines and other web
resources provided by the content provider, who created the toolbar, or from
general resources such as dictionaries etc. One of these resources, called
"Search the Web", provides Google search results. The search results page
displays Google's "Sponsored Links". These ads are managed by Google as part
of their AdSense program. EffectiveBrand receives a commission from Google
every time a user clicks on a sponsored link. This revenue funds our
operation and lets us provide an excellent service free of charge to both
content providers and end-users.
Will you put an ad on my toolbar?
Absolutely not! We let the content provider decide what is included in the
toolbar and how it looks.
It's a win-win situation:
a.. EffectiveBrand earns revenue from the searches.
b.. The publisher/content provider receives a free turnkey toolbar
creation solution.
c.. The end-user receives a free toolbar customized by the content
provider with enhanced searching capabilities.
