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Are you passionate about this topic? And, if so, why? 

Yes, I have a personal connection to this topic and I feel like the passion to understand something further from my childhood is what drives me. 

Do you enjoy reading up on the subject, doing research, or getting into long phone conversations about the issue/themes?  

Yes, time passes and I remember the many years spent with my parents while they were working in "the business," so they called it. 

Are you ready to exchange endless emails with other obsessed aficionados on the subject?  

Yes, I already do this. it will be nothing out of the ordinary for me.

Do you talk to people at parties about this topic?  

Yes, just two months ago I was telling several individuals about Amway and how it shaped my upbringing at a holiday party. 

Would you consider yourself an expert on it?  Or, someone who wants to become an expert on it? 

I would say that I am not a decorated expert on this topic but I am willing to become said expert. 

Are you willing to probe its philosophical and ethical foundations?  

Yes! This is the part of this topic that excites me most. I would like to dig deep and discover things that I was unaware about the topic. 

Can you maintain focus?  

Yes, I want this to become my thesis project. And, with the right focus and public interest, I could see this turning into a long term project for me. 

Do you have the skills and resources? 

Yes, I believe I am capable of making such a documentary. One thing that scares me is the funds to carry it forward and tell the story in the best way. I fear funding for legal backing may become imminent – but I plan to cross that bridge only when it comes. 

Can you afford it? 

Good question, travel funds will likely be the only thing needed in order to capture 10-15 interviews with individuals related to the topic. The good thing about using this project during graduate school are:

- Free equipment

- Willing individuals to crew small projects for free or cheap

Is this the time for this project?

I would argue yes. Not only for personal reasons but also for preservation of the topic. MLMs are already a niche sect of business in our society. To forget something like this would likely spur for a repeat of history. I would hope to tell a story that is relatable and also eye opening. But, those things can only be discovered by going through the research and interview process. 

Comments

  1. hjtreadJanuary 23, 2023 at 9:02 AM

    A really interesting topic that is both personal to you and really far-reaching as well.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kim's MFA BlogJanuary 23, 2023 at 3:21 PM

    Curious if you would interview your parents? Besides people involved in Amway, who else are you considering talking to?

    ReplyDelete
  3. JacobJanuary 26, 2023 at 5:31 AM

    That's crazy you were involved with Amway. I remember kids at my high school trying to tell me that I would get rich from it.

    ReplyDelete

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