You know how it is. Your brain is basically a 24/7 idea factory. Some days it’s churning out pure gold – that groundbreaking documentary concept, the novel that’ll change literature as we know it, the investigative piece that will blow the lid off everything. Other days... well, maybe it’s more like a “singing cat food jingle” kind of idea day. We’ve all been there.
The big question, especially for those game-changing concepts, is often: “Is this brilliant, or am I just brilliantly delusional?” And right after that: “How on earth am I going to fund this masterpiece if it is brilliant?”
The journey from a tiny spark of an idea to a fully realized, funded project can feel like trying to hike the Barton Creek Greenbelt in flip-flops – confusing, a bit risky, and you might get stuck. That’s why here at InHouse Journal (IHJ), we’re designing tools to make that path a little smoother, a bit more fun, and ultimately, more fruitful.
Please note: InHouse is currently in its live pilot phase (Hello, May 2025!). That means we’re actively building, testing, and refining. So, while the features we’re about to describe are core to our vision and under development, their full functionality will roll out progressively. Think of this as a sneak peek into the toolbox we’re building for you!
Introducing... Floats & Pitches!
- Gauge community interest: Are people excited? Curious? Confused (but in a good way)?
- Get initial feedback: What do they love? What questions do they have? How could it be better?
- Find your first fans: Rally a small crew of early believers who are excited to see where it goes.
- Refine your vision: Maybe the feedback helps you pivot or clarify your concept.
- Your full project description – the vision, the scope, the impact.
- Your execution plan – how you’ll get it done.
- Your credentials (or your team’s).
- A clear budget and funding goal.
- Any necessary disclosures (especially important for future Story-Stock offerings).
The Float – Your Idea’s First Dip in the Pool (No Lifeguard Needed... Mostly)
Ever had an idea that felt exciting but maybe a little… half-baked? Or so bold you wanted to test the temperature before diving in headfirst? That’s what a Float is for.
Think of it as: Your idea’s casual debut. Its first open mic night. A low-pressure way to say, “Hey world, I’m thinking about this cool thing...” No need for a three-piece suit or a 50-page proposal. Just the core of your concept.
The Goal? To see if it makes a splash! A Float is your chance to:
Why Float? It helps you avoid that soul-crushing “crickets” moment after you’ve spent weeks or months on a full proposal for an idea that wasn’t quite ready for prime time. It’s about validating and building momentum, collaboratively.
The Pitch – Showtime! Making the Case for Your Masterpiece
Okay, so your Float was a smash hit! People are buzzing. Or perhaps you’re the kind of creator who arrives with a fully-formed vision, ready to go. Either way, when you’re ready to say, “This project needs to exist, and here’s why you should help make it happen,” it’s time for The Pitch.
Think of it as: The detailed blueprint for your creative endeavor. Your compelling argument. Your “Shark Tank” moment (but imagine friendlier sharks who genuinely love groundbreaking journalism, art, and storytelling, and have read the IHJ editorial guidelines!).
The Goal? This is where you make your case for serious backing. Once our Story-Stock functionality is fully approved and launched, The Pitch will be the primary gateway for projects to seek community investment.
What’s Involved? This is more formal. You’ll lay out:
(And yes, it’ll get a once-over from the IHJ editorial team to ensure it’s a good fit and clearly presented.)
Why Pitch? This is your path to potentially securing the significant upfront funding needed to bring those big, ambitious, maybe even world-changing projects to life.
Float, Pitch, or Both? Your Creative Journey, Your Way.
The beauty is flexibility. A Float can be an optional first step, a way to build confidence and community before launching a formal Pitch. Or, if your idea is already a well-polished gem, you might leap straight to The Pitch. It’s about providing pathways that fit different creative processes.
Our Dream for Austin Creators (and Beyond!)
We’re building InHouse because we believe more amazing ideas deserve to see the light of day. “Floats” and “Pitches” are just two of the tools we envision helping make that happen, creating a more supportive, transparent, and sustainable ecosystem for creators.
So, What Do You Think? Help Us Build It!
As we develop these features during our pilot, your brain is one of our most valuable beta testers!
- Creators: Does this Float-then-Pitch combo sound like something you’d use? What would make it even better for bringing your ideas to life?
- Community Members: Would “Floats” help you discover and champion new ideas you’re passionate about, right from their earliest spark?
We’re all ears. Poke around, see what's already taking shape, and get ready for exciting features like Floats and Pitches as they roll out. Let’s figure out how to fund Austin’s (and the world’s!) best ideas, together.