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Firefox, we told you, gets a lot of cash from its built-in Google search box. It's one reason why the underdog label should no longer apply to the Mozilla browser. The New York Times is just now picking up on this story, and wonders if all the money will ruin Firefox.

The Mozilla Foundation is a nonprofit, but the arm which makes Firefox is actually a for-profit corporation. The charitable parent gave away less than $100,000 in 2006, despite the for-profit business's $66 million in revenue. Its chief executive makes more than $500,000 in salary and benefits. Is the foundation going corporate? Almost certainly. But apologists also say Mozilla is just being smart. Hanging on to the money Mozilla earns from Google now will help it maintain its independence later if Google ever decides to create its own browser.