Help w/ new edition of Myths of Innovation
Currently I’m in talks with O’Reilly Media about releasing an updated version of The Myths of Innovation in paperback some time this year.
I have a few obvious things to take care of:
- Correct these errata
- Add a chapter on applying the lessons from the chapters to projects
Mind you, this is not a complete overhaul, but I’m happy to update/add/enhance the book with a few new sections as part of the paperback edition and I’d rather base that on what you want, rather than what I think you want.
Here are some questions to help me get what i’m looking for:
- Was there a question you were left with when you finished the book?
- Was there a situation you bought the book to help you deal with, and if so, was the book helpful?
- Were there other myths, or legends, you’d heard of that you hoped the book would have talked about?
Let me know – thanks.
I’d love to see a chapter fleshing out your BusinessWeek article entitled “‘Good’ Beats ‘Innovative’ Nearly Every Time” – http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/feb2010/id20100222_506858.htm
Thanks Dan – that’s a good one. I’ve also been thinking of doing something based on this: Stop saying innovation.
Another way of asking this question: when you finished the book, what was the first question or challenge or desire you had? I’d like to find a way to help readers close that gap.
Hello Scott,
Loved the book, I think you should add a chapter on how innovation has waned in focus for business during the recession and why that may be.
S’funny… I was thinking about “Myths” just this morning… I’ve been struggling with a project where the key players are sticking to their assumptions… the most tenacious problems I’ve encountered (like the one I’m currently in) are often rooted on someone’s faith in their own assumptions.
I thought of your book because it occurred to me that possibly innovators are willing to doubting their assumptions. Those who don’t innovate never make it to that crucial second step! In other words, does a person who clings to their assumptions ever say “I have not failed. I have just found ten thousand ways that won
Do innovators proofread their work? Yeah… I bet they do that too…
Scott
I actually just finished reading “the myths of innovation” – my LinkedIn connections can find my detailed ramblings (for what they’re worth on my profile..
But to your point, what could the next edition feature enhance it? stories and anecdotes are powerful mechanisms to relay concepts in a book such as yours. What I think would add to the next edition would be some Scott Berkun one-on-one interviews with contemporary innovators mentioned in the book, such as Timm Berners-Lee, Douglas Engelbert and (dare I say it!) Steve Jobs. In so doing, we would get great insight not only into the individuals concerned, but also into how the ‘myths’ were or are perceived by such prominent innovators.
Scott, your evolving profile would, I hope, entice such individuals to see the value in expressing their thoughts so they can be shared with your readers.
Either way, I look forward to the next edition. All the best with your endeavours…