it's getting harder to connect individuals and products on the long tail.
Hogwash. Do you know what the "long tail" refers to? It refers to the whole network of independent retailers that extend the reach of a manufacturer. That connection is organic, if your products are any good.
The only reason companies are struggling with their long tail is because they want to have it all: they want ultimate control over their long tail instead of delegating it to the market, and finding that that's a hard thing to do.
AKA, "Companies that subvert the market are struggling to connect to their customers". News at 11.
Small and mid-sized companies 'make stuff or services' and want to get the message out to those who may be interested.
"The connection is organic" this is fantasy. It would take a decade for a small maker to make inroads in a long tail market to get national reach.
"they want ultimate control over their long tail instead of delegating it to the market,"
This statement is nonsensical.
Being able to advertise is part of 'the market system'. They want to get the word out.
Ironically - the 'market system' reaches considerably more efficiency with better, more targeted ads.
I'm tired of lack of understanding of how the 'selling side' works in any business here on HN, and doubly tired of the antagonism towards it.
People take an interest in very complicated algorithms which may not see the light of day, but then can't wrap their heads around these really obviously, daily common problems.
Hogwash. Do you know what the "long tail" refers to? It refers to the whole network of independent retailers that extend the reach of a manufacturer. That connection is organic, if your products are any good.
The only reason companies are struggling with their long tail is because they want to have it all: they want ultimate control over their long tail instead of delegating it to the market, and finding that that's a hard thing to do.
AKA, "Companies that subvert the market are struggling to connect to their customers". News at 11.