Joining the In-Box wave? All the cool kids are doing it

Okay In Boxers, here’s the bottom line: NCPR ain’t free. Neither is this website.

We’ve built a very cool, vibrant community around this blog the last year or so, arguing, debating, and educating each other.

But there’s a big knock on the web — and against web-users. Some people are convinced that this is a medium people want to use, but won’t support.

I’m agnostic on this point. I’ve had a lively debate with folks like John Warren over at Adirondack Almanack about how new media and its biz model will evolve.

But as public radio merges more and more with the on-line world, we’ll have to prove that “public” works here, too.

We just have to make it work.

So…what do you think? Is it possible to sign up twenty people today as part of the In Box wave?

That’s the goal: 20 web pledges on this Tuesday…

How about it, Bret? Fred? CJ, Hermit Thrush, Jim? This is your shout out.

Let’s test this theory that the quality and richness of public radio is sustainable in the virtual world.

Here’s how it works: Go to our pledge page and make a $20 pledge. In the comments box, write “In Box Wave” and add any other thoughts, suggestions, ideas.

If you check the right box, NCPR will ship you a cool carabiner-pen-light-thank-you gizmo.

But most importantly, this kind of web community will gain one more chunk of credibility and sustainability.

Whether you pledge or not, comment below about this question of how we support “public radio” in an on-line world. If you give, what inspired you?

If not, what’s your theory for how this kind of conversation survives without you?