I’ve preached a lot about transparency in the past, so here’s some transparency related to the CICM. I received a very cogent reminder tonight related to this, so I wanted everyone to know what’s up: #

The Center for Innovation in College Media is a 501c(3) non-profit corporation. We exist in a post-office box, basically, at Vanderbilt Student Media. The Vanderbilt Student Media board of directors voted to create this organization, and they could – conceivably – decide we didn’t exist at their next meeting. #

We have a bank account, and we have three directors – Chris Carroll, Ralph Braseth, and myself. I handle the editorial content and working with others (like CoPress), while Chris handles logistics (read “paying the bills”) and Ralph handles outreach (read “getting people to help support us”). #

We’ve existed for two years, and in that time CICM hasn’t made a dime. We’ve paid instructors, room rental, and some travel expenses. I’ve made a few bucks here and there off of consulting fees, but CICM doesn’t get a kickback from that. We bought some equipment, but that’s our only capital expense. #

Nobody is making any money off the CICM at present. If you want to know what we discuss when Chris, Ralph and I get together, it’s mostly this: “How can we keep doing this when nobody seems willing to pony up the dough to serve college media?” #

I’m not writing this out of sympathy, but I want to throw it out there. I’ve put in too many hours for no money for anyone to suggest I’m getting rich off this web site. I do it because I love college media. I want students to succeed. And I want them to be prepared for the future. #

So ask a question. I’ll answer it as best I can. I may not have the full answer, but I promise I’ll get it. I have nothing to hide, and that, my friends, is transparency. #

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