The Long Tail

by Chris Anderson
The Long Tail cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Business and Economics
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Paperback • £11.99
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Technical
  • ID: 2702
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • Publisher: Hyperion
  • Published: 2006-07-11
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In 'The Long Tail,' Chris Anderson revolutionizes our understanding of the marketplace by showing that the real money lies not in the hits at the top of the charts but in the vast number of niche products that collectively make up the 'long tail' of the demand curve. This paradigm shift challenges traditional business models and opens up new opportunities for innovation and success. Anderson explores how technology and the internet have democratized production and distribution, allowing for an almost infinite variety of products to find their audiences. From music to movies, books to consumer goods, the long tail is reshaping industries and redefining what it means to be a successful business in the digital age.

Reviews
OMDventures · 2021-10-19
uplifting 5.00

The reviewer finds the book uplifting and informative, wishing they had read it sooner. They highlight the timeliness and relevance of its insights.

The reviewer expresses that 'The Long Tail' is a book they wish they had read ten years earlier, indicating its timeliness and enduring relevance. They find the insights uplifting and informative, suggesting that the book's ideas are not only valuable but also have stood the test of time. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the exploration and the practical implications of the theories presented.

Quick quotes

    This is a book I wish I read ten years ago

    Implied in the wish is a timeliness of the book

    Uplifting & Informative / 10

The Guardian · 2007-05-12
informative 3.00

The book is deemed less engaging than similar works by Gladwell, catering primarily to the business book market. It blends economics, technology, and pop-culture psychology in a way that may not appeal to everyone.

The reviewer notes that 'The Long Tail' is less engaging compared to works by authors like Malcolm Gladwell. It's aimed squarely at the business book market, weaving together economics, technology, and pop-culture psychology. While informative, the style and focus might not resonate with readers looking for a more narrative-driven or broadly appealing book. The reviewer appreciates the blend of different disciplines but finds it less captivating than other popular non-fiction works.

Quick quotes

    Less engaging than Gladwell, and aimed at a business book market, with a weave of economics, technology and pop-culture psychology

    Anderson's book is a fascinating exploration of how the internet is changing the way we do business

    The Long Tail is a book that will change the way you think about the market

Slate · 2006-07-21
insightful 4.50

The book is praised for uncovering a significant phenomenon and making it clear and understandable. It is considered one of the best books for its insightful analysis.

The reviewer highlights that 'The Long Tail' does something exceptional by uncovering a phenomenon that is undeniably happening and making it clear and understandable. They consider it one of the best books in its genre, appreciating the depth of analysis and the clarity of the insights presented. The reviewer finds the book's exploration of the long tail concept both insightful and impactful, making it a must-read for understanding modern market dynamics.

Quick quotes

    Chris Anderson's The Long Tail does something that only the best books do—uncovers a phenomenon that's undeniably going on and makes clear

    The Long Tail is a book that will change the way you think about the market

    Anderson's insights are both profound and practical

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