I think this post has a very smart idea in it. In essence, the author proposes that Groupon readers design 'deal templates' and businesses fulfill them. This wa

I think this post has a very smart idea in it. In essence, the author proposes that Groupon readers design 'deal templates' and businesses fulfill them. This way, Groupon is creating true customers, not deal chasers. The idea of 'demand-driven' Groupon is an instance of a larger trend: demand-driven marketplaces. Before the Web almost all markets were supply-driven. Suppliers bring the products and customers can only choose from the list. With technologies like Google AdWords and Alibaba, customers get more power and pull the right products/content from producers. Idea of demand-driven marketplace can be applied to any market. The real question is how much share demand-driven approach can get? Many customers still prefer the supply-centric world.