I find it kind of strange that ads haven't already been considered and implemented. Maybe because of the speed and processing power of the n900 all this is coming about.

In my opinion, simply put, ads would be a good way to help development for the platform. Let's face it, people have lives. Not everyone can devote their time to programming a free application (if they know how). Even if they do know how to program, why should they devote their time to create something that doesn't benefit them at all, and requires an exorbitant amount of time (development, bug fixes, adding features, etc.)?

I see this as a sad, but true rule. People need money. Money is motivation.

Some sponsorship could help people focus time on developing applications and worry less about strictly working their "other" job, especially in these hard times.