The idea awareness cycle

Ignorance—We're too busy doing our jobs to notice that.

Dismissal—That? It's trivial. Kids.

Nervousness—Let's take a look at what they're up to, benchmark it, buy a research report... Bob, can you handle this?

Poor Copies—See, I told you it was no big deal. Our new model is almost the same.

Admiration—Wow, look at them go. Every once in awhile, someone comes up with something special. Good for them.

Special case—Of course, this won't effect our core business. It's working really well here because that's unique.

Superman—Holy smokes. Who is this guy?

Catastrophe/Doomsday—Run for your lives. It's over. Over forever and ever. 

Repeat

[Today's example of how it plays out: Newspapers.]