Ask HN: If ideas are so cheap, why can't we think of better ones?

Re:Ask HN: If ideas are so cheap, why can't we think of bett... by joeld42 on Tuesday May 03, 2011 @05:12PM (#2511678)

I like to think if it as a multiplier:

idea * execution = outcome

idea * 0 = 0. "Ideas are worthless without execution"

1 * execution = execution. "with hard work, any decent idea can succeed"

100 * execution = something amazing. "great ideas can change the world"

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Re:Ask HN: If ideas are so cheap, why can't we think of bett... by bluekeybox on Tuesday May 03, 2011 @05:13PM (#2511687)

If that is correct, it follows that one should seek out the best people to work with, no matter whether one is more of an engineer or a visionary.

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Re:Ask HN: If ideas are so cheap, why can't we think of bett... by JoeCortopassi on Tuesday May 03, 2011 @05:26PM (#2511726)

Just be prepared to make up for what they lack. i.e. If they are a visionary, you better be prepared to work.

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Re:Ask HN: If ideas are so cheap, why can't we think of bett... by entangld on Tuesday May 03, 2011 @05:28PM (#2511740)

Reality trumps imagination. Of course, but especially because it's easier to measure.

Creativity, innovation and the like are difficult for humans to quantify. So we get in arguments like "ideas are worthless" and debates over the importance of design.

But our economy is becoming much more based on intellectual property, and I don't believe this kind of thinking, will help us in the future.

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