Introduction. Dialogue between people can be heard at many different levels.

For every episode of the show, we study the transcript, every word and nuance --even more than we did during the editing of the show for broadcast-- to formulate our toughest questions to find any of the deep-seated truths that, if not further explored, may be missed. In this episode we examine closely the catagory of specialty retailing. After all, Carol wrote the book!

Topic for Discussion: We open each Key Idea with a little discussion and then an evocative question. Essentially we are asking, "What is true ... for all times, all places, all people? Are there value constants?" Because we think so, we search for answers, but then we would love to hand you the microphone (and eventually we will!) to have you also provide an answer.

Answers: Each point of the study guide is related to a segment of this episode of the show. The key ideas come in seriatim from the transcript and video. And then all of these answers become part of a very large question-answer array that will someday be accessed through a natural-language query search engine.

You think about it: We want you to think about it. If you have ideas of your own, we invite you to submit them. Eventually this space should become a blog for each episode to encourage your participation. At this point, drop us a note. Also, if you sign up (and if our dreams come true), you can comment on each of these points in light of your own business and create web pages right here of your own! There is never a charge for it.