ABSTRACT
The variety and volume of entertainment offerings is arguably greater now than at any other time in history—multiplex cinemas present numerous films simultaneously, cable television includes hundreds of channels, and video and DVD rentals and purchases make entertainment choices virtually limitless. Although some critics would characterize this variety of entertainment as a “glut,” we believe that this diversity of entertaining diversions also reflects the diversity of the audience members and their variety of interests and tastes. For instance, whereas some people are diehard science fiction fans, other people take great pleasure in sentimental, “weepy,” romance films.
