Amazon Kindle: The Oprah Effect in Action
I keep tabs on
Google Hot Trends through a widget on my
iGoogle homepage—it's a fascinating look at the most popular Google searches from the past few hours. Typically, the top searches are driven by breaking news—often related to celebrities.
Every now and then, a phrase will pique my curiosity, and I'll take a closer look to see what has caused the sudden spike in interest. Not surprisingly, Oprah has been the driving force behind multiple hot trends over time.
Well, the "Oprah Effect" struck again on October 24, 2008, when the show featured the Amazon Kindle as
Oprah's favorite new gadget. This is an interesting illustration of how mainstream programming and news can reach well beyond original content, driving interested viewers to search for more information, and inspiring bloggers to chime in with their own thoughts on the matter.
Take a look at the spikes Oprah caused across the board when she featured the Kindle on her show—from search volume to blog posts to Twitter mentions.
Google Insights for Search
Kindle Search Volume: October, 2008
Google Hot Trends
October 24, 2008
BlogPulse
Blog Mentions Over Time: Kindle
Twitter Flaptor Trends
Twitter Mentions Over Time: Kindle
This may be an extreme example, given the influence of Oprah, but it's not an anomaly. It happens every day, to some extent. There are people searching for more information and talking about just about
everything that appears in the media.
Tags: Kindle, Oprah, Oprah Affect
Stephanie Zilles
This is so interesting. I’m definitely going to have to add this to my Google page. It’s so true that we search for what we’ve heard. Especially when we want to know more.
“Paris Hilton did WHAT?” That sort of thing.
On another note, it saddens my heart that this kind of device is gaining popularity. I recently had a discussion with a co-worker about it, and we both agreed that there’s nothing like a good old fashioned book in your hands. Nothing can compare to flipping pages and enjoying your progress.
Fortunately, we feel that books will never go the way of the 8-track and VHS tape. They’re just too much fun.
SusanKay
I have worked in libraries all my adult life and been reading since I was three. I am always in the middle of about five books and always loved reading books. I have probably been the owner of around 10,000 books in my life and sell or give away 1,000 every 3-4 years. So that means I have still a couple thousand books cluttering up my basement. I bought a Kindle in April. I have only bought one dead-tree book since, as it was not available on Kindle. I find I do not miss the book-in-hand experience; I love being able to change fonts when my eyes are tired, check a word within a few seconds, rather than getting up and finding a dictionary or just forgetting the whole thing (!), being able to read two books and a newspaper at lunchtime all within a little 10-oz. device.
If you haven’t used the Kindle, find someone in your city willing to take a few minutes to give you the hands-on experience. It really is amazing!!
sandra
Stephanie — before you dismiss the Kindle out of hand, please try one. I felt the same as you at one time but then a friend bought one. After trying hers out I bought my own and I LOVE it. It really does simulate the ‘real book’ experience. try it, you’ll like it
Bob Boyken
I bought a Kindle in July and I am smitten. I am usually reading one fiction book and three or four non-fiction books at any given time. It has been wonderful to have my Kindle with me wherever I go– especially on business trips.
I read a very good article yesterday in which the author made the case for the peaceful coexistence of Books and eBooks:
Allie Osmar
I haven’t tried out the Kindle yet, but I would be interested to see it in action. I’ve been all about the library and Audible (audio books) lately.
Anoni Moose
I’m a heavy duty computer person and thought the Kindle was just yet another specialized computer that’s used to read electronic books, PDFs, etc. But having just got one of my own this week for my birthday, I find it doesn’t “feel” like one. It “feels” like a book. A magical book. I was very surprised and like it a LOT more that I thought I would.
SusanKay
Allie, what’s great about the Kindle is that it will also play audiobooks and MP3 music. I use a 2G SD card and sotred 80 hours of audiobooks on it and only used half the card.
Also, on a plane, using the Kindle to read is much nicer without taking up room, especially if you like to read the newspaper