You had 6 months, if you did not make the effort to keep up with the updates, then that is your problem. You are the one who is ignorant and lazy!
I honestly don't know why people waited till the last minute.
Then let me explain it to you, since you admit your complete ignorance:
Step 1: Hear about Gridcoin
Step 2: Buy Gridcoin on Poloniex
Step 3: Continue your life every day like a normal person, check Bitcointalk sometimes
Step 4: Go to Poloniex one day and find out: "These coins are worthless now, thanks for your money dumbass, fuck you."
Step 5: From now on, make sure to tell everyone that Gridcoin ripped you off
That's how it works. Glad I could help, let me know if you have any more questions.