Our Story Isn't Over. It's Just Waiting for a New Chapter.
It is sad to admit but this is our new normal: crucial local newsrooms are shrinking, investigative journalism faces relentless funding pressure, and talented creators often struggle to bring their most ambitious, impactful work to life. The traditional models for supporting quality information and diverse artistry are strained, leaving a void where vital stories go untold and important voices unheard. Trust erodes, and we all feel the impact.
Our Mission: To Forge a New Path.
InHouse Journal (IHJ) exists to fundamentally reshape how high-quality journalism and creative endeavors are funded and valued. We are building an ecosystem designed for transparency, shared success, and the sustainable empowerment of creators. Our immediate focus is on proving this model through the Austin Journalism Funding Pilot, a collaborative effort to channel community support directly to vital local reporting.
Our Vision: A Thriving Ecosystem for Creative Capital.
We envision a future where every compelling story has a pathway to funding, and where audiences can move beyond passive consumption to become active stakeholders in the works they believe in. This future is powered by innovative financial instruments like the Story-Stock (our concept for a regulated share in a specific creative work's revenue) and underpinned by InHouse Financial, our dedicated branch ensuring the utmost integrity, security, and regulatory diligence for all financial operations on our platform.
(Learn more about these concepts in our Explainer Series)
The InHouse Approach: Building with Principle.
To navigate this complex landscape and build a truly sustainable model, we are guided by core principles:
- Transparency: Openness in our methods, from funding to potential revenue distribution.
- Integrity: Unwavering commitment to ethical practices in both content and finance.
- Innovation: Relentlessly pursuing and developing new mechanisms that serve creators and their communities.
- Empowerment: Providing creators with direct access to capital and audiences with meaningful ways to participate.
- Shared Success: Designing a system where the rewards of impactful work are shared equitably.
- Accountability: Architecting for clear responsibility and auditable processes from day one.
From the IHJ Project Lead:
"The challenges facing journalism and independent creators are deeply personal to us, not just as observers, but as citizens who believe in the power of well-told stories and rigorously investigated truths. InHouse Journal was born from a conviction that by integrating thoughtful financial design with a deep respect for the creative process, we can build a more resilient and equitable future for content that matters. Our approach is one of deliberate innovation, grounded in financial prudence and a commitment to 'getting it right' for every participant in this ecosystem. The journey is ambitious, but the need is urgent."
Our Current Focus & Path Forward:
InHouse Journal is launching its foundational phase in Austin, Texas. This initiative focuses on specific stories in collaboration with Austin-based media partners, foundations, and community groups.
This pilot is the first crucial step in a carefully phased journey. The insights and validation gained here will inform the future development and potential rollout of products and services from our InHouse Financial branch.
(Please note: InHouse Journal is currently a blog. In the meantime, feel free to check out our merch store to support our mission!)
Join Our Journey:
The future of meaningful stories and creative expression depends on new thinking and collective action.
- Follow our Explainer Series to understand each component of our vision.
- Register. Use our platform and discover features.
- Stay Updated: New posts published regularly.
- Connect with Us: If you're an Austin-based journalist, creator, potential partner, or simply someone passionate about this mission, we'd love to hear from you. Please write us at answers@inhousejournal.com
Together, we can build an ecosystem where stories aren't just consumed—they're invested in, championed, and given the power to thrive.