The Brian Lehrer Show

Opportunity Knocks

Friday, August 11, 2006

The internet created brand new markets for niche products with websites like Netflix and Ebay. But some people find the new choices overwhelming. Wired Magazine editor Chris Anderson says a phenomenon he calls “The Long Tail” creates countless opportunities for consumers and shatters the notion of the blockbuster. But psychology professor Barry Schwartz says so much choice is debilitating. They debate the benefits and pitfalls of choice in an era of fragmented markets. Plus, more on the disrupted terror plot, limited choice at street fairs and listener calls on anti-terror frustrations.

Listen to the whole show

Threatening Skies

Nisid Hajari, managing editor of Newsweek International
and
Rob Hugh-Jones, senior reporter in The World's London bureau
- on the disrupted plot to bring explosives on flights from Heathrow to New York and British counter-terrorism

» Nisid Hajari's bio at SAJA
» Rob Hugh-Jones' bio at The World

This Socks

Jonathan Bowles, director at the Center for an Urban Future, a nonpartisan think tank
- on why New York City street fairs don't reflect the culture of the city and have too many tube sock stands

» Center for an Urban Future's report on street fairs

Opportunity Knocks

Chris Anderson, editor-in-chief of Wired Magazine, author of The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business Is Selling Less of More (Hyperion, 2006)
- says niche audiences on the internet create countless opportunities for consumers
and
Barry Schwartz, professor of psychology at Swarthmore College and author of The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less (Harper Perennial, 2005)
- says too much choice is debilitating

» The Long Tail blog
» Barry Schwartz' website