The founders modeled the magazine after Parade, delivered as an insert to the Sunday editions of major metropolitan newspapers, drawing income from advertisements.

Ampersand was initially financed with about $100,000 in capital, including a stake from Wolfman Jack, Achee's uncle.

[2] Early interest came from record labels who signed on as advertisers, hoping to sell albums to college students.

[5] Alan Weston Communications worked to gain market share by publishing additional campus magazines.

[8] Other contributors to Ampersand included food writer Colman Andrews and music/film critic Jacoba Atlas.