Do you have enough substitutions?

While i’ve been a bit inactive lately, I am definitely still around and researching/learning.

I found it interesting that two posts on substitution/choice were made today. One was made over on Seth Godin’s blog and one on Jaffe’s blog.

I certainly agree that choice is an important factor, however, I think it’s something to be dealt with delicately in various circumstances.

For example, in Seth Godin’s post he is talking about a restaraunt/deli type place. I think in this case, choices are a viable option as it sounds like it’s done to allow moderation. As in, you can pick a pre-designed sandwhich but you can also specialize that sandwhich.

I could also see other cases, though, when the choices aren’t being moderated by you, and you become one of them. This can cause what I refer to as the bread isle effect. Eg: too many options so a generally ambigious purchase decision is made.

Just some general reflection. Thoughts always welcome.