As some cynic once said, nobody ever went broke over-estimating the stupidy, ignorance and laziness of the average consumer. No question there is money to be made providing just entertainment. And clearly that is going to drive at least a part of the economics of most successful museums. But that doesn't mean the academics are wrong, simply that they are a different market. Hopefully there is room for both, and as suggested above perhaps they can support each other.

> Hopefully there is room for both, and as
> suggested above perhaps they can support
> each other.

Not only room for both, but for a third thing as well--sound budgeting and good administrative skills. All I know about Altoona is what I've read on the Interchange, but I think the argument could be made that Altoona isn't in trouble becuase its too interpretive and not "stuff enough", but rather becuase it had an unrealistic budget and weaknesses in its leadership and governance.

Ideally good operating practices would be married with good management (Strasburg) and good interpretive practices with good management (maybe CSRM?) And someday maybe all three will be married together--perhaps at Chama, or even in Rockhill Furnace. A guy can dream can't he?


eledbetter@rypn.org