The Technology Adoption Life Cycle

In marketing there is a model known as the technology adoption life cycle model which is used to describe the five groups of buyers to whom a product is sold during its life cycle: Innovators, Early Adopters, Early Majority, Late Majority, and Laggards.

The Innovators are technology enthusiasts- they are the first to try out a new technology, but they represent just about 2% of the population.

Early Adopters, also known as visionaries, are somewhat keen to try out new technologies. They represent a larger slice of the market (10-15%), and they tend to have much more influence in an organization than do Innovators.

The Early Majority, sometimes called pragmatists, represent the bulk of the market (45%). They tend to buy in to new technologies only after they perceive solid references and safety measures that guard against potential failures.

The Late Majority, or conservatives, are also a very large portion of the market (35%). They are extremely cautious when buying into a new technology and want to see proof of results before they will accept a product's usefulness.

Laggards are skeptics who would prefer to avoid new technologies altogether. They will buy only if they really must and represent 5% of the market.

So, what's the point?

Well, in the blogging world, I consider myself a part of the late majority or even a laggard. I have been reading blogs for almost two years now and have seen many people enter the arena. But I held back. I resisted. I made excuses. I felt too self-conscious. I was skeptical. But finally I've caved in. I have a blog. I have jumped on the band wagon.

I don't expect much. Some people I read get hundreds of comments, connect with people from all over the world, post about fascinating events and ideas, and live thrilling lives. I don't really know what I am going to post. I don't have a list of ideas stored up and I live a pretty predictable life. But I'll give it a go and see what comes out. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!