I've just read an interesting article that was flagged in the intro to my blog by my blog host Typepad.
"Back in October 2004, Wired editor-in-chief Chris Anderson penned one of the most influential magazine articles of recent times, "The Long Tail." The Wired cover story explored the impact that improved searching and better filters have had on selling products and services, making it possible to profit from items that aren't "hits" in the Top 100 sense. Increasingly, Anderson suggests, niche products that alone sell relatively few units will together make up the majority of sales for many businesses"
My tastes, the ones that don't coincide with the majority of Joe Public, may finally have a chance to be gratified. I can already find odd titles on Amazon, and music is now downloadable track by track . Movies and games are now following.
The Long Tail (a statistical term) is the material that doesn't make it into the blockbuster hit categories. Movies that I have to go to Melbourne to see because there is not sufficient audience in Geelong for more than a couple of screenings - if they make it at all.
The theory is that if stuff is archived on line - very cheap compared to a hire of a movie screen, then a few people seeing each of many movies more than makes up for the many people who see the few "Hit" movies.
All I can say is "Three Cheers!!!"
