Annual Report 2010

Broad Universe (BU) experienced a modest but steady increase in memberships in 2010. It was a year of consolidating gains, up-grading services, and changes to the governing boards.

In the fall of 2010, we kicked off our colorful, info-packed and vastly improved website (www.broaduniverse.org) where writers can find tips. news, photos of member events, The Broad Sheet, our thrice-yearly magazine, and, of course, a catalog of our members’ work.

Also in 2010, we began presenting podcasts on the second Sunday of every month. Called The Broadpod this is an online presence where members read from their work, covering a different theme every month. It serves both published and unpublished members.

The second podcast, Broadly Speaking, will debut in 2011 and post on the last Sunday of any month. Broadly Speaking will features interviews with members discussing the writing craft, with tips and advice on marketing and publishing. This will serve members around the world. The podcast are scheduled to air at broadlyspeaking.posterous.com.

BU members read their work at Rapid Fire Readings at 34 different science fiction, fantasy, and horror conventions in 2010. BU also sponsored book tables at dozens of cons, where members’ work is sold without commission. New books, old books, self-published, or trade—if our members wrote them, we sell them. BU handles the collection and payment of all necessary state and local taxes.

Another development is the establishment of Regional Chapters of Broad Universe. The NewEnglandBroads have been organized since 2009, when they held a weekend of readings at four different places in two days to celebrate Mary Shelley’s birthday. Now fifteen members strong, they do group readings at conventions, book stores, and libraries. Additional chapters serving clusters of members in different regions are in the planning stages.

The yearly brochure listing members’ new books was published in 2010. These are given away at conventions, put in libraries and other venues.

Our expenses were larger in 2010 because of the website upgrade and expanded member services. Our money primarily is used in payment for book tables at conventions, service and upkeep of our website and online lists, and publications.

The Motherboard changed composition in 2010. Long-time board members Grace O’Malley, Lettie Prell and Kathy Sullivan honorably retired to the Advisory Board. The current Motherboard is Phoebe Wray (President), Karen Meng (Treasurer), Cat Rambo (Secretary), Sarah Ettritch (Web Maven), Trisha J. Wooldridge (Readings & Events Coordinator), Morven Westfield (Technical Advisor/IT Goddess), and Elissa Malcohn (The Broad Sheet Consulting Editor).

Broad Universe is an all-volunteer organization that greatly values the literally hundreds of members who have come forward over the past years to volunteer their time. We are a 501(c)3, not-for-profit corporation, and donations are deductible for income tax purposes to the extent allowed by law.

Phoebe Wray
President