Alright, enough

[giacfsp]

You mean starting a non-profit independent of SMU? All billboards, ads, etc., surely would have to be approved by SMU, but that would mean Steve-O recreating a marketing department (which, it should be noted, means the creation of a marketing budget, too).

[One Trick Pony]

As a recruit everything visual is important. What you can see and touch, the tangible items. Offices are important prospective athletes like eye candy.

[sacklunch]

What is keeping us from starting a nonprofit and collecting donations. The donations would be strictly put towards billboards, radio advertisements, etc.....

Would love that to happen. How do you work side by side with the Mustang Club/Athletic Department?

We would obviously need SMU permission to use logos and such. If the athletic department isn't going to attempt a marketing campaign then I think we need to take it into our own hands. I don't understand why SMU would object other than that it could be seen as competition for the Mustang Club.

Mustang Club donations go straight into the giant pool of the athletic department. All funds would here would be used strictly for promotional and marketing purposes. Whether it's TV commercials, radio commercials, or billboards and signs around the community.

If we want SMU football to be back to where it was the community has to be involved. It's sad that you can be driving down Hillcrest and not even know SMU was on the other side of the street. Have you ever driven through frog country? Purple eyesores everywhere.

[giacfsp]

If I'm a recruit, seeing billboards and banners around town, or hearing an ad on the radio or something, would make a far stronger impression. Even if it doesn't put a single fan in the seats, billboards would be a visual indicator that SMU gets its name out in the city, and is intent on trying to become Dallas's school/team.

[One Trick Pony]

Its all important. BUT if you win that's the most efective advertising.