The Long Tail

Why the Future of Business Is Selling Less of More

By: Chris Anderson

Narrated by: Christopher Nissley

Length: 7 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Our world is being transformed by the Internet and the near limitless choice that it provides to consumers; tomorrow's markets belong to those who can take advantage of this. The Long Tail is really about the economics of abundance, an entirely new model for business that is just starting to show its power as unlimited selection reveals new truths about what consumers want and how they want to get it. The record business has been transformed by iTunes and Rhapsody; a similar transformation is coming to just about every industry imaginable.

What happens when everything in the world becomes available to everyone? When the combined value of all the millions of items that may sell only a few copies equals or exceeds the value of the few items that sell millions each? When a bunch of kids with no profit motive can record a song or make a video and get the same electronic distribution for it as the most powerful corporation?

Chris Anderson, editor in chief of Wired magazine, first explored "The Long Tail" in an article that has become one of the most influential business essays of our time. Using the worlds of movies, books, and music, he showed how the Internet has made possible a new world in which the combined value of modest sellers and quirky titles equals the sales of the top hits. He coined the term "The Long Tail" to describe this phenomenon, a phrase that's since appeared in boardrooms and media around the world.

"In short, though we still obsess over hits," Anderson writes, "they are not quite the economic force they once were. Where are those fickle consumers going instead? No single place. They are scattered to the winds as markets fragment into a thousand niches."

©2006 Chris Anderson. All rights reserved (P)2006 Hyperion. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

• Winner of Audio Publishers Association 2007 Audie Award, Business Information/Education

"Anderson manages to explain a murky trend in clear language, giving entrepreneurs and the rest of us plenty to think about." (Publishers Weekly)
"Christopher Nissley's reading style fits the content; he's clipped and staccato, like Anderson's writing. His narration is helpful to the listener who prefers not to get bogged down in the theoretical and technical parts of the book." (AudioFile)

Excellent and entertaining book!

Chris Anderson writes interesting business books that are entertaining and informative. They are easy to follow but not overly basic or simplified - an excellent writing style that is very engaging. His other book "Free" is also very good!

Excellent read

Excellent book on how the internet fundamentally changes economics. Great insight and solid narration. I had minor quibbles - having worked in the music industry and spent time looking at BigChampagne, I disagree with the implication that the hits have given way to a mass wave of indie bands - but overall it's very insightful. Would purchase again.

Cola larga

El libro no fue realmente de mi agrado, creo que el mensaje central no pasó a darse entender, ocupo muchos ejemplos repetitivos sobre música y películas.

Podés entender de que tener una variedad amplia de SKU puede ser de beneficio hoy en día, especialmente en E-comer.

Saludos

Interesting ideas, but a bit too repetitive.

While the examples are a bit out of date, the underlying ideas are interesting. it could've been much shorter though. I found myself struggling at the end.

great book for creatives

this book is an ideological breakthrough of creative monetization and popularity of content contrary to mainstream zeitgeist

Wow! A must listen!

I found this book to be interesting and dynamic. I could not turn it off. I have listened to it twice to make sure I did not miss anything.
Buy this book if you want to learn about the past, present and future of business.

An interesting perspective

What made the experience of listening to The Long Tail the most enjoyable?

I enjoy a new perspective of online market, based on niches and focusing on special characteristic of being digital and also having a long tail to play in online businesses.

What other book might you compare The Long Tail to and why?

Actually focused on the long tail of online business is unique book, at least for myself.

What aspect of Christopher Nissley’s performance would you have changed?

I like it exactly how it is. Enjoying his uniqueness.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Of course, i had some insights and i find some particularly parts very useful for myself.

Any additional comments?

You need to read this. I find it useful.

Brilliant Book!

This is the future and the future is now. The Long Tail puts it all in to perspective for business, small business and especially online business. Forget about the old rules of big hits and dumping inventory that doesn't turn 20 times a quarter. I also love the cultural observations. It's all in this book.

Excellent ground-breaking book

This book puts to rest the 4 years of marketing I studied in college. BUT, it brings my understanding of effective marketing into the 21st century. A great read, and well-narrarated!

a key book for understanding the new economy

it was a great book! key for someone like me who works in eCommerce. highly recommended