[jjoonathan]

Respectfully, I think you underestimate Peter Thiel's ability to leverage the prestige and airport bookstore placement that come from good sales numbers.

Little fish may not matter matter on their own, but if the big fish follow the little fish (even unconsciously) then feeding the little fish is a good strategy for subtly influencing the big fish.

[ladytron]

This is cute and true. Years ago I managed authors for Barnes and Noble. The best ones, the richest ones, would stay hours talking to their fans. They would sign books, but talk for a long time to each reader, and sometimes these conversations would extend to drinks then dinner with a group of readers. Of course, the authors that put in the time with their fans were the most successful. I don't think it was an accident.

[carlsborg]

interesting - makes you think perhaps online book sellers should be hosting AMAs.