Arguments against mass appeal as a reliable measure of quality

62 million people voted for George Bush in 2004.

59 million voted for John Kerry.

500,000 Furbies were sold in two months.

The “developer” of the Pet Rock sold 5 million of them in six months. He made a dollar per rock.

“American Idol” has increased in popularity almost every year since its inception. In its fifth year of broadcast, 2006, ratings were up 15% over the previous year.

All of the above have spawned imitators, many of which have had nearly equivalent success.