Students running the show over at the Campus Activities Board need to be congratulated for their efforts in bringing big-name entertainment to DeKalb.

However, they also need to use a little common sense and foresight so they don’t look bad and students don’t get burnt.

Bob Dylan came to NIU Tuesday night. A good part of the crowd left the concert before Dylan rolled away with more than $27,000.

That’s OK. But the folks over at CAB spent close to $20,000 in promoting the show. Its promotions and foresight stunk.

The amount of planning that goes into these productions is unbelievable. It is the planning that CAB needs to focus its attention on.

Because if one link in the planning chain is broken, the entire show will flop.

CAB did get a big name performer. But its advertisement scheme was weak. The money could have been spent better in DeKalb and outside the city.

Second, Tuesday isn’t the best night to hold a major production; especially if the ads are too weak to overshadow bad timing.

Third, Dylan’s recent performance in the Chicago-land area didn’t help, compounding the poorly-contrived ad scheme.

It is true the reasons are a collage of small details. But it’s the nit-picking that turns a flop into a success.

CAB should let common sense be its guide when going after future entertainment that will help the community grow and have a good time.