The discussion around this week’s story on baby-related business was an interesting one. It started months ago, shortly after I’d announced to my colleagues that I was expecting my first child. Just a few weeks later our publisher, Ryan Johnston, told the staff he had twins on the way, due about a month before mine.
So, babies came up in the staff meetings with some regularity. A consensus developed that I should write about the sometimes-absurd amounts of money people spend on babies. Some found the idea amusing, but it turns out I am just not one of those pregnant women interested in the special little products and services one can buy for babies’ special little parts (I mean ALL their parts) and perceived needs. Nor was I that kind of journalist.
Fast-forward to earlier this month when I have to start working on the story, and find a news hook I think might save me. Two national medical organizations issued guidelines saying, “Hey, hospitals, quit pushing C-sections,” which have an effect on hospital bottom lines and physician incomes. Add the noteworthy cultural implications, and statistics showing that C-section rates vary so much that some suspect a profit motive, and it sounds like I’ve found a good business story.
But my colleagues said it was a snoozer. Their suggestions veered back toward spending.
Now, I wasn’t exactly salivating to write about cesareans, but I was bothered. Maybe I didn’t want to feel that “serious” business stories were off the table if babies were the main subjects. I hate when topics get stuck in a sort of novelty ghetto where their pervasive impact is never thoroughly examined. Maybe I favored a topic that touched more people than a niche group of high spenders. Maybe I was sick of researching baby stuff.
But hey, I’m a realist. It’s like that question about the tree falling in a deserted forest. If a good story gets published but nobody wants to read it, is it really a good story?
Nope.
In the end I’d say I got to split the difference, focusing on entrepreneurs who are serious about the business opportunities they’ve found as a result of what people are willing to spend on niche services. Problem neatly solved.
Just in time, too. If this issue proceeded as planned, I’ve been on maternity leave for a week and am consumed with my own baby business. This is the last you’ll hear from me for a spell, but I’m looking forward to an inbox full of your feedback when I return in August.
Editor’s Note:
Although it was a close call as to which one would be finished first, we are happy to report that Jennifer managed to deliver both her feature story and her firstborn without complications last weekend. Congratulations to her and to all new parents in the Community Journals family.
