Someone we respect

In all seriousness, I enjoyed the discussion tonight about different types of adopters. It's funny to think about people I know (including myself!) who fit those categories really well! I have one good friend who is my go-to person in almost anything I want to buy. If she is using it, I know I want one too. She is totally an "early adopter" -- well-respected, a role model, and has some disposable income to use on the new "stuff". But when it comes to computers, I turn to my "mac boys" -- that'd be my brothers. They are not quite innovators, but they watch the innovators closely. When the new technology has proven itself, they are among the first on-board (at least in concept; they often have to wait until they can afford the new gadget). Then I have another brother-in-law who is really an innovator, at least where computers are concerned. He is a self-titled "geek", and he has more computer stuff than he can keep in his house. He's got everything, and a lot of it is great (but a lot of it is not). The late majority has to be my parents (well, at least my dad - and my mother-in-law) They are more skeptical, and it takes all of us to convince them that this or that new thing will really impact their lives in a positive way. And for laggards. . . well, I guess in some things that'd be me. . . at least when it comes to some things, like my kids having cell phones, cable tv in my home, and all manner of things that my kids have on their agenda. It's funny how an "early majority" person becomes a parent, and suddenly they are a luddite and a laggard. Ah, the plight of my poor children!

I do think that it is important in light of this discussion to target those early adopters. I was thinking about it on my way home, and a lot of what we do and don't do really is driven by who we see doing that same thing. Christmas lights -- no way am I going to be one of those "environmentalists" who covers their homes in blueish led lights (even though it would definitely save me money) -- Twilight -- am I one of those groupies?? I hope not (but I did like the books. . .) -- Harry Potter? -- you bet! I even have a Mrs. Weasley costume -- and the list goes on. It does seem like it's more about who else does/uses/likes it than whether or not I think it has merit. Even if I do like it, if the people I respect think it is silly, I will usually do/use/like the thing in a more covert way (Star Trek rings a bell here. . . just don't tell that I was a Trekkie even before the new movie came out!)

It's all about getting people that are respected "on board".