How does an invention gain traction?

Saw David Rothacker's posting today and ended up commenting on it as follows: Good question... how does an invention gain traction? It may be the best thing since sliced bread (as the saying goes) but who cares if no one uses it. Obviously, the inventor cares. The recipients of the benefits (from the inventions use) may not be aware so they don't care. And status quo rules yet again! Quite a problem... and not entirely divorced from blogging. Read David and add your own two cents!