i’ve become enamored with the concept of a one-stop shop. i recently read about the company AvroKo, which has successfully opened restaurants while managing and creating every aspect of the process from start to finish. i guess what appeals to me the most about the one-stop shop is the opportunity to engage yourself with something every step of the way. it almost feels like the reversal of the alienation that industrial specialization, at least according to Marx, seems to have spawned a few centuries ago. then again, it might just be a trendy idea for budding small businesses that do not have the capacity to mass-produce things yet.

on my list of (realistic) one-stop shop goals:

> write and edit a novel; design the book covers and select typography; oversee self-publication process; plan marketing strategy and publicize
> write screenplay; direct short film; add effects and edit; design marketing campaign; create online distribution channel; publicize
> research and create a menu (with paired wines); design and create invitation cards; locate and buy all ingredients; select venue and design layout and setting; select silverware/dishes/decorations; prepare and cook; serve and eat

haha okay, the last one actually comes from an idea i had with Diana “Monster” Finkel. sounds like a good culinary experience. but you should note how in all these things, the most consistent thing is basically the marketing aspect of it – and by marketing i mean: how well is something presented and documented (designed)? how well is its image shaped (even if it’s just a dinner party)? how does it linger in our memories after it has come and gone?

time and substance is a bit skewed in today’s world (you can roll your eyes here as i attempt this generalization) where we seem to find something to be valid if it’s on a shiny glossy print or a very professionally made tv commercial. i don’t know if it’s necessarily our attention spans that have shortened, but perhaps our visual senses, having been bombarded daily from all corners of the world, have more demanding standards. and in order to be of anything in this web of exchanging commodities, ideas, and lifestyles, it all boils down to a matter of how you project yourself as an image.

i guess this brings me back to mention the concept of the one-stop shop again — it’s sort of like playing God; you create, from scratch, something that will ultimately be in your own image. and the process of going from dirt to polished product is where the excitement lays.