Jennifer and David--

I believe there is truth to what both of you are saying.  Individuals are
different, and each individual will "pay" (i.e. with their money, time,
attention, etc.) for what they feel is relevant to their life.   If kids
see value in going to school, they'll put up with the crumbling walls and
guns (though we all wish they didn't have to); if they value school more
than other alternatives, they'll attend whether it's in the city, the
burbs, or the sticks.

I believe individuals attach value to that which is personally relevant.
As implied above, this value need not necessarily be monetary.  Volunteers
to our museum attach value to their experience here, and I can tell you
that, for those I know, the free membership and 10 Omnitickets *pale* in
significance to the value these volunteers find in the camaraderie, sense
of belonging, and self-worth.  In another example, there have been many
times when I have heard a child whisper a wide-eyed "wow!" as they look
two-stories up at the immense figure of the diplodocus.  I've read just as
many comments, from parents (of these wide-eyed kids) beaming with
satisfaction over a day well spent, expressing the familiar "We've been
members for years; we love it here!  We'll be back!"  Monetary value is
attached to the membership or day's tickets because of the value they
perceive in their child's and in their own satisfaction.  Our task is to
make our museum relevant to people's needs and desires, from the location
and cleanliness of the restrooms to the accessibility of our collections
and exhibit experiences.  That doesn't mean "dumbing down" or selling out,
it simply means finding out the best way to tell the stories we have to
tell so that our community will "value" what we have to offer.


nuff said,
Bill

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William H. Stirrat  (Bill)
Evaluator/Market Researcher              ? !
Our Minnesota Science Hall                  o
Science Museum of Minnesota          /( )\
30 East 10th Street                                    /\
St. Paul, MN  55101
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As always, opinions expressed are my own.
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