Telepathic blog reader Miranda Nostradamus has brought an online discussion regarding development in her neighborhood to my attention. A royal Petworth blogger has interviewed a very prolific DC developer, Chris Donatelli.
Prince has invited his domain to opine regarding what sorts of retail would be NICE in Donatelli's new Petworth condo industrial complex. In that internet democracy way where everybody who has a computer has a voice (which is just about everybody these days. lol.), isn't it incredible how DEVELOPERS are interacting with the COMMUNITY (cyber, at least)!
Miranda pointed out how many people engaging the dialog are articulating their preferences in terms of already established entities. For example, some clamor for a WALGREENS, not a DRUGSTORE, a BEN & JERRY'S, not an ICE CREAM SHOPPE.
Everyone thinks that French guy was onto something with his "blah blah blah social class is manifest in that which people consume". So, as Petworth blogosphere denizens voice their preference for outlets such as boutique bakery Firehook, which has the DISTINCTION of belonging to a short list of top five bakers established by a high fashion magazine--80% of whose subscription base has household incomes above $135,840-- one can observe the direction this neighborhood is taking. More relevant to my questions, the preferences voiced reveal the demographic developers like Donatelli are engaging online. My proxy ear to the street, Miranda, has not heard of any other forums (apart from meetings advertised in listservs and on blogs) where developers are addressing the community.
1 comment:
has my roommate replaced me as your participant ethnographer?
since i don't technically live in dc anymore, i guess that's ok. you are both very smart, good job.
speaking of exclusive franchises, a pinkberry just opened up across the street from my family's apartment in nyc. what does this mean???? tune in tonight at 6.
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