Ross Mayfield has this interesting chart on the power law of participation. Read more of this in his post.
To me the dimensions of the spectrum he has identified is easily applicable to customer- focussed marketing programs. It provides answers to some new, emerging marketing opportunities leading companies/brands should take advantage of. It is important for them to build high levels of engagement in any marketing plan and I really love the terminology he has used- 'Collaborative Intelligence'.
I think it's no more an era of ' high decibel marketing' but an era of ' intricate engagement networks' that marketers need to build for their customers.