Gotcha by the Tail
I usually enjoy the holidays. You know, having a truly long break from school and spending time with the 'rents and relatives. But the downaward spiral to the holidays has got to be the timing. Thanksgiving and Christmas are sandwiched together during the most obscene season- Shopping Season. Don't get me wrong- give me money and I'll spend it. But getting in my car to go to the mall, only to be stalled for an hour in the parking lot because the woman driving the Odyssey doesn't want to walk the extra foot to the doors, is a hassle beyond comprehension. I think I speak for those who take a particular liking to online shopping. It's fast, simple, and you can do it in your pajamas (I mean, you can go to the mall in your jammies, but you get my drift).
Thinking about a woman's greatest past time, I really took a notice to Chris Anderson's definition of The Long Tail. He clarified what I thought I knew all along- that online shopping is the way to go. But what he taught me was that the reason behind the sheer popularity of Amazon and Netflix is strength in numbers. "Unlimited selection is revealing truths about what consumers want and how they want to get it in service after sevices," he says The unlimited selection unlocks that door for us, for those who are stumped about a required book for class or how many movies Jude Law actually starred in last year. We are given a pass to explore this treasure chest, one that is more open than the typical store at the mall.
Perhaps the greatest part about all of this is the connection we have to our fellow online shoppers. Do we not enlist our peers to judge that swanky top? The new piercing? Or the potential significant other? On sites like Amazon, recommendations are listed so that we, as a confused shopper, can see what everyone else likes. We then take their opinions to heart and purchase their choice. We feel confidant because they were confidant in their purchase. I think that organizations are like us online shoppers. They search for something that will benefit their business, once they find it, they consider if it is good enough. They enlist vital opinions to help them make this decision. Once they take this on, they are fulfilled in their needs. I'm not sure if I am explaining this right, but I'm just thinking in my terms on how organizations use this. In some ways, I think that this also lies with competition. When two major organizations are competing with each other, like shopping giants Home Shopping Network and QVC the title of champ lies with loyalty. Whoever has the dedicated fan base can raise the bar in sales and popularity. And, I believe, that is when the winner takes it all. And has found the "tail".
Care for some more insight on the Tail? On his post The Long Tail Chris reflects on finding the saving grace that is Netflix and the positive effects of The Long Tail. And Meghan's post, with the fabulous title of Wag Your Tails Everyone! offers a cool link to a Long Tail illustration and her words of wisdom always end the passage on a high note. I'm ending this by saying that I'm sick of the word "tail" right now!
Thinking about a woman's greatest past time, I really took a notice to Chris Anderson's definition of The Long Tail. He clarified what I thought I knew all along- that online shopping is the way to go. But what he taught me was that the reason behind the sheer popularity of Amazon and Netflix is strength in numbers. "Unlimited selection is revealing truths about what consumers want and how they want to get it in service after sevices," he says The unlimited selection unlocks that door for us, for those who are stumped about a required book for class or how many movies Jude Law actually starred in last year. We are given a pass to explore this treasure chest, one that is more open than the typical store at the mall.
Perhaps the greatest part about all of this is the connection we have to our fellow online shoppers. Do we not enlist our peers to judge that swanky top? The new piercing? Or the potential significant other? On sites like Amazon, recommendations are listed so that we, as a confused shopper, can see what everyone else likes. We then take their opinions to heart and purchase their choice. We feel confidant because they were confidant in their purchase. I think that organizations are like us online shoppers. They search for something that will benefit their business, once they find it, they consider if it is good enough. They enlist vital opinions to help them make this decision. Once they take this on, they are fulfilled in their needs. I'm not sure if I am explaining this right, but I'm just thinking in my terms on how organizations use this. In some ways, I think that this also lies with competition. When two major organizations are competing with each other, like shopping giants Home Shopping Network and QVC the title of champ lies with loyalty. Whoever has the dedicated fan base can raise the bar in sales and popularity. And, I believe, that is when the winner takes it all. And has found the "tail".
Care for some more insight on the Tail? On his post The Long Tail Chris reflects on finding the saving grace that is Netflix and the positive effects of The Long Tail. And Meghan's post, with the fabulous title of Wag Your Tails Everyone! offers a cool link to a Long Tail illustration and her words of wisdom always end the passage on a high note. I'm ending this by saying that I'm sick of the word "tail" right now!
posted by Jill M. @ 1:15 PM
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