No, BTC was unique because the investment needed was so little for massive gains if you were there, also it's computers related. I have no fucking ieda about other stocks related stuff, but I knew about Bitcoin, thats why it's extra depressing. Im fucked.
Why don't you quit whining and THINK? 99.9% of the world population has not even HEARD of bitcoin. Get a fucking grip. Back in 2011, a lot of people that had heard of bitcoin were deeply skeptical. When it reached parity with the dollar people were incredulous that people would exchange "REAL" fiat money for this new digital money. Those that did THINK about it and UNDERSTOOD the protocol, bought it.
For myself, I didn't even hear about bitcoin until early 2013. Even then it was just a niggle in the back of my mind and I didn't investigate it thoroughly until Oct 2013. Towards the end of Oct 2013 it clicked. So I am a "late" adopter like you. Am I whining that I didn't buy in 2011? No, I am quietly averaging in every week, and when the price crashes I increase my purchases. I have a target amount to buy based on a percent of my net worth. I want to have my purchasing campaign completed by summer 2014, after that I will sit and wait and will only add more if the price crashes significantly.