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Let's review. The long tail exists because links and traffic on the web (roughly approximating attention/buying intent/market size) follow a power law. So of
by jraines 18y ago
Let's review. The long tail exists because links and traffic on the web (roughly approximating attention/buying intent/market size) follow a power law.
So of course there are still going to be hits that seem to be "winner take all"; if it weren't for the "fat head", we wouldn't need to talk about the long tail.
The long tail becomes important in the age of the web because it's more accessible. Just because it's accessible doesn't mean it is going to make you rich -- but it's more possible than it was before the web.
You really don't have to look very hard to find business that could not exist without the web. So the long tail as a "theory" is almost self-evident.
So, I just don't understand what there is to refute or debunk.
- Goronmon 18y agoSo, I just don't understand what there is to refute or debunk. What the study is trying to debunk is that publishers/etc should cut down on their focus on the blockbuster hits and focus more on the "long tail" titles. From what the study is showing, doing the exact opposite may be the way to go.
- jraines 18y agoFair enough. However, it seems obvious that if you're capable of big hits, that's what you should be going for. But if, for example, your only competitive advantage is the acuteness of your awareness that big-footed women have trouble finding heels, then the Long Tail is your friend.