Actually isn't the Geek Filter just Diffusion Theory? With the innovators, the early adoptors, the early majority, majority, late majority and laggards? The early adoptor is what is key in Diffusion Theory because he provides a taste test and perspective that the innovator doesn't have. They also refine the raw innovation into something that is palettable for the rest of everybody. Think Madonna although right now she seems to be slipping a bit. This is what MTV uses to screw the last shiny cents out of the kids at every turn.