dance of ideas
The note was angry. The note concluded, “You should know better.”
What was the transgression? The sender felt offended because my friend wrote a blog post about a concept that she has been working on for almost a decade. The professor’s idea was similar to the one posted.
The note asked her to remove the post.
Really?
It’s important to remember that even if was exactly what you had in mind, spreading an idea can be a positive thing.
Over the years I have coined dozens of original phrases, some of which are based upon concepts that I introduced. It’s only because I don’t bother people who post things that, in my mind, overlap my work that I have the time to do it. These ideas have inspired entire industries and books. I don’t expect to see any royalty checks, or credit lines anytime soon.
It’s actually a good sign when posts overlap.
Ideas that spread win.
You shouldn’t claim credit for ideas that aren’t yours. Giving credit to others makes you look more intelligent and confident. Crediting others is an excellent way to boost your status.
There’s no need to keep expanding the crediting. This brings a mindset of scarcity to the work. Instead, we should be generating connection and possibilities.
You’re in big trouble if everyone in the town shows up at your factory to take a sample. If everyone else takes your idea, or an idea you think is similar to yours, you are onto something.
