The Long Tail Debate

Have you been reading at all about "The Long Tail"? This is the title of Chris Anderson's new book which basically espouses the idea that while traditional marketing outlets are limited by shelf space and thus only offer the consumer a relatively small number of "hits," websites such as iTunes, Rhapsody and Amazon.com can carry a much greater number of slower-selling items. These non-hits, which make up the "tail" of the title, can add up to a big number -- maybe even bigger than sales of the hits. Check out this article by Anderson for an excellent explanation of his theory. Then for for a good start on understanding the debate surrounding Anderson's theory be sure to read Lee Gomes' criticism of ideas espoused in "The Long Tail" and Anderson's blog rebuttal. Certainly the idea of increased sales of tracks by lesser known recording artists, including independents, is an attractive one. Perhaps an idea whose time is rapidly approaching--even if not quite here yet.