Kevin Kelly has written a marvelous essay --- which arguably could have been a lengthy blog posting --- on the economics of the long tail and the survival of artists in the digital sphere with 1,000 True Fans.
His thesis is that those diehards, in consuming most everything you create, are enough to keep you healthy and alive. Beyond them is a circle of lesser fans, and they put you well over the top.
His view: You don't need a hit, you don't have to live in poverty, there is a great middle ground for survival.
