Put the blame for failure where it belongs

I wish the Newark Tea Party were so crowded that you'd have trouble getting through the door. But the fact is that there aren't nearly as many visitors here as I'd like.

There is only one reason for that: I have not offered widely appealing material. I have not provided an irresistible magnet to draw the multitudes.

This is the same reason diners aren't flocking to the Natoma or the Sparta. It is the same reason stores downtown are closing.

Yesterday's Advocate (5/1/07) carried a well-done report on the state of business in downtown Newark. Natoma's lunch business is shrinking; Park Place Coffee Roasters is closing; and Park Place Antiques and Collectibles has closed.

Merchants blame parking rules; they blame lack of development activities to attract business and downtown housing. They blame the fact that stores do not stay open later. They blame the lack of reinvestment by current businesses. They blame the lack of emphasis on arts and culture.

They will never find a satisfactory target until they look at themselves. Take for instance, restaurants: If restauranteurs were offering really good food, served by pleasant and competent servers, at prices that are considered by customers to be advantageous, then diners would come.

Same with coffee shops, same with antiques.

Same with web sites. I blame myself. I don't blame Google, or my server, or my keyboard, or my camera.

Failing businessmen - downtown or wherever - would be smart to place the blame where it belongs. They should take an honest look at their products, service, and prices because somewhere in that mix they will find the answer to failing receipts.