[Dnewz]

While I see value in the overall message, I think the author sets up a false dichotomy that somehow suggests there's a gulf between creative invention and pragramtic diligence. This is often something I run into - this notion that creativity equals flights of fancy, non-realist, ungrounded. On the contrary, creating, is in my mind, the wisdom to use the opportunities and resources close by, whether internal or external, to be productive in ways that exceed beyond what would be easy. Creativity and results can not be separated.

[xtho]

The author refers to creativity as thaught in creativity seminars to BMAs, project managers etc. He elaborates on the concept as used in these classes.

[_delirium]

Yeah, I think there's this odd view that creativity is ex nihilo, an unexplainable intercession from the cosmos that disrupts the usual ways of thinking. Since an area I care about is creativity in AI systems, we very much hope that isn't true, because simulating intercessions from the cosmos on computers is hard. ;-)

Although it's got all sorts of things I disagree with, a decent overview of, "can we nail down creativity more specifically than just 'flash of inspiration'?", and in particular how it ties in with "normal" problem solving, is Margaret Boden's book: http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Mind-Myths-Mechanisms/dp/0415...

[pbhjpbhj]

>simulating intercessions from the cosmos on computers is hard.

Cosmic ray radiation affects computers all the time.

[thmz]

Good point. The wisdom to use opportunities is underestimated I think. There is a lot of creativity in building something good with the tools available. I say good instead of new, because for developers the result will be something you've seen before. But under the hood, there is something that makes it quicker, more stable and more easier to use.

Sometimes creativity is not so fancy or easy to see. I think the author is talking about the fancy.

[barry-cotter]

Hanson is distinguising creativity as that flash of inspiration, that occasional lucky bit of genius from the humdrum of tiny, everyday improvements in process.

Or

A good idea and $2 will get you a cup of coffee, a good idea and great execution will make you rich, famous, or whatever else it is you want.