Akimbo: A Podcast from Seth Godin The hype cycle (E)
27 snips
Jan 10, 2024 
Seth Godin, bestselling author of 20 books, explores the preferences of early adopters and the masses. He discusses the stages of the Gartner hype cycle using Bitcoin as an example. The host addresses feedback and talks about discussing controversial topics. They also delve into the challenges of transforming deeply ingrained beliefs and offer strategies to engage with others holding different beliefs.
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Adoption Follows Normal Distribution
- Cultural acceptance follows a normal distribution of adopters: about 5-10% want new things, 5-10% resist change, and the rest follow the majority.
- The mass market prefers proven and functional products over novelty.
Childhood Game Illustrates Distribution
- The podcast host shares a childhood game called "charts" involving throwing metal spikes towards a hula hoop, illustrating risk and variability.
- This vivid example introduces the concept of normal distribution and cultural adoption patterns.
Understanding The Hype Cycle
- Innovations face a peak of inflated expectations fueled by early adopters and media hype.
- They often fall into a trough of disillusionment before reaching a slope of enlightenment and eventual productivity.