I'm not saying we should get rid of that "funk". But not enough people are following your example. Philly can have all the funk it wants, the fact is, that won't register on the 2010 census. And that census is importaint becasue we lose congres seats, we lose federal funding, we lose state funding, and maybe the most importaint thing: We lose recognition.


Again, If I'm a middle class family from the Midwest, The parents as individuals may like the "grit", but they're not going to want their kids exposed to anything they can't find in a middle america suburb. The fact is, Philly shouldn't sell it's soul, but it can't be a foriegn country either. People cling to familiarity. The posters on this board comprise maybe 10% of people out there that look for life in a different and exciting way. That's a great market, but still only 10%.


There's always a middle ground, of course. Why not develop attarctions that are like KoP or Disney, but are totally unique to Philly? Some excellent new museums that have one-of-a-kind exhibtis, music venues featuring Philly artists, theaters with unique to Philly plays, enteraintment and shopping that is homegrown themed. Along with nationally and even internationally things, this could make a slammin' combo.


Kids from Cali and the South often look upon the major industrial cities as old, run-down and not avad-grade. If these kids we're to come and see the same stores, hipness and progress they see at home, yet the unique Philly charm and "funk", it might lure them out of their OC manshions an into Old City rowhomes.