Why Mainstream Sucks

[UserNameGoesHere]

Originally Posted by Syhto

wtf is mainstream

Mainstream is basically business marketability. The more marketable something is -- i.e. the broader or larger the target audience, the more mainstream it is. So you basically have mainstream as opposed to niche targets and a spectrum of what it means to be mainstream, which is why two people may differ on if a particular thing is mainstream or not.

Examples of things which are incredibly mainstream: Facebook, Windows, McDonalds, The Beatles

Examples of things which are pretty mainstream: MySpace, Macintosh, Hardees, Aerosmith

Examples of things which are borderline mainstream: Google+, Linux, Firehouse Subs, Marilyn Manson

Examples of things which aren't mainstream: <any private forum/BBS/etc>, <any experimental OS>, <any local niche eatery>, <any uncommonly heard-of artist/band>