>> A quality job search already requires so much time, and I don't want to do work for free when I know it's probably a long-shot from being hired anyway.

- I agree that a quality job search requires a lot of time ( -creating your resume, -tailored cover letter, -getting your resume into company x system, getting your resume noticed, researching the company, researching the product, interview prep, the interview process, waiting for the decision, ... )

>> This turned me off from applying to the company, even though I'd love to work with them.

ALL of the above noted job search items, are an investment on your behalf, with absolutely NO guarantee of any return

IF you were "truly" interested in working for ddg ( the product, the company)

WHY would you not want to consider something like this?

YES you are investing a certain amount of your time without any guarantee (just like you would to apply to any company)

BUT if the time you invested contributes to making a product that you use and love, BETTER, how is that NOT still a win/win situation?

AND if you do get hired, well SCORE for you!

DISCLAIMER: I have no duck in this race(aka affiliation with DDG) but i do think this is a potentially awesome idea (depending on their execution).

TLDR: YES i think it has te potential to be both a good practice and ethical, assuming that the company demonstrates some level of transparency in its processes.

EDIT: formatting