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difference between Long tail and Multi-sided platforms?

would appreciate some help navigating BMG book contents :) I was reading about Long tail and Multi-Sided Platform patterns and for me they seem to overlap... Generally both involve creation of a platform as a KA and user can create content for personal use (let's say print a calendar on Lulu.com) OR create content and sell it (write a book and sell it via Lulu.com). And the latter activity is something which requires both content generators and content consumers to be on the same platform, thus resembling Multi-sided platforms. Thus, what are the key differences between these two patterns? Examples will be very much appreciated, thanks!

Tags: Long, Multi-sided, differences, patterns, platform, tail

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Permalink Reply by Emile Silvis on June 16, 2012 at 5:15pm

Hi Modesta. Yup, I agree with you that they do overlap, but that's only because BMC gives us a standardised vocabulary to speak about business models.

They differ primarily in terms of their foci. The Long Tail and Multi-Sided Platform patterns are based on different sets of theory, each with its own focus: Long Tail on selling more of less versus MSP on creating a VP that enables two distinct but interrelated Customer Segments to exchange value.

The reason why they appear similar is because the BMC allows you to see it that way (i.e. in terms of the 9 building blocks).

Hope this helps.