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Comment by MegaDeKay

2 years ago

> so 4% is probably the best they're ever going to do

Why would you say that? Take a look at the trend plot shown at the link. The trend started increasing markedly about two years ago. I wouldn't think it would suddenly flatline. At least I hope it doesn't.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crossing_the_Chasm

> with a particular focus on the "chasm" or adoption gap that lies between early and mainstream markets.

> The author argues there is a chasm between the early adopters of the product (the technology enthusiasts and visionaries) and the early majority (the pragmatists)

Early adopters are a small minority, it's hard to give exact numbers but 5% sounds about right.

It's MUCH harder to get the pragmatists, late adopters, etc to use a new product. It generally requires a revolutionary product or brilliant PR and marketing (Linux doesn't really have PR and marketing and revolutionary would be a strong term for a product that's been in the market 30+ years).

  • Figuring out where the chasm is can be tricky though. If we're going to see S-curve adoption, we might be at the beginning of a rocket (maybe a small one a la crossing the chasm), but it's hard to say.

    I think as market share goes up, there's going to be more polished product providers offering linux (liek Steam OS), and that's going to make it very reachable to the pragmatists.