iTunes, Netflix, eBay, Amazon - we all know the value (and explicit proof) of the Long Tail by now. These online outlets have long been credited with helping feed every consumer's nuanced passions and interests, and successfully making money out of it. MySpace has become a forum for a seemingly endless number of struggling musicians to gain momentum and a loyal following scattered across continents. But I haven't yet heard murmurings about another outlet that may take niche-marketing to a whole new level....
This blog posting about fashion design in Second Life got me thinking: Are MMORPG and their avatar residents the newest form of an ultra-niche market? Think about - it's all VIRTUAL. The possibilities for dressing, feeding, housing and entertaining an online alter-ego are really only limited by the imagination and technology. And when it comes to clothing design, technology has already improved to the point where the finest shadow, texture and detailing can be rendered digitally. An avatar clothing designer can flex his or her creative muscles and gain credibility (and acclaim) as a genuinely talented creative mind. They can even get paid for it! Even American Apparel has capitalized on the opportunity, offering over 4,000 different designs in their Second Life store. Thoughts, comments? Should we ask Chris Anderson to write us a new chapter?
Comments