Bob Medema, the owner of Emporium, is no stranger to journalists. When I walked into the building he immediately pulled out two articles about him to read. I decided to profile the place instead of him soon after this for two reasons: in the time I had, I didn't think I could get beyond the things he's told every other journalist, and I realized I wasn't as interested in his life as I was in the actual store. I hung around for a full shift and talked to both him and his work partner Dave Cretsinger. I watched them do a couple of price quotes and purchases with vendors. I spent a lot of time roaming the buildings and noting their differences and the things that stood out to me about each.
I think the place has the potential to be a great profile piece. My current piece isn't doing it justice right now. I posted a couple of my big questions on my draft. In addition to those, I'm wondering if I should get some outside input on the place. Marin suggested I talk to someone who's into antiques and familiar with both the store and the antique scene in Kalamazoo. I think that might add an interesting dimension to the piece for my final draft. Mostly I'm still up in the air about the intent of my piece. I think it needs to be more focused for me to have a solid, written representation of Emporium.
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