> The point of the marketplace metaphor The marketplace metaphor implies there are buyers and sellers. The sellers are the ones fighting to make their case for

> The point of the marketplace metaphor The marketplace metaphor implies there are buyers and sellers. The sellers are the ones fighting to make their case for the ideas they are 'selling.' The 'buyers' are the audience, those as yet undecided. Once a buyer has 'bought' an idea he either becomes a seller or leaves the market. Generally the sellers aren't the ones changing their mind - you only care enough to 'sell' an idea if you believe in it strongly. The metaphor involves people entering the market undecided and being convinced of one idea or another. Generally people who've already made up their mind don't enter the market - unless they're motivated enough to become sellers. That's how the metaphor works. As to your 2nd - what's the point here? Both of us know why people support the football teams they support. What's the dumb act about?