Business

www.LongTail.com. # The Long Tail, a bestselling 2006 business book, originated with a Wired magazine article that grew into a blog. The Long Tail idea is that niche products are becoming increasingly important, and someday the niches might account for more aggregate sales than the occasional blockbuster books, movies and other products.

The magazine article drew a huge reaction, so author Chris Anderson continued his research as an "open source" experiment in book development. He shared his latest ideas with blog readers, who responded with more ideas, tested his analysis, and led him in new directions. The blog's readership grew among a cross section of publishing, retailing and technology enthusiasts, assembling a built-in audience for the book.

Even as his 2006 book tour took him to Europe and back, Anderson continued updating the blog, where the Long Tail conversation continues today.