This post originated from an RSS feed registered with Ruby Buzz by Jason Watkins. Original Post: Bright ideas: imitation isn't sad. Feed Title: Jason Watkins Feed URL: http://jasonwatkins.net/rss Feed Description: blog.collect{ Thought.rand } Latest Ruby Buzz Posts Latest Ruby Buzz Posts by Jason Watkins Latest Posts From Jason Watkins

So I really like the Pragmatic Programmers beta book program. I think it’s a great idea, and likewise with their Fridays.

These are bright ideas, and they really fill a need. So is any wonder other businesses are working on similar offerings?

Dave’s rant seems conflicted: he’s disappointed other publishers are imitating them, but yet confident that their other bright ideas about their internal processes will give them a secure competitive advantage.

I say relax Dave. Any bright idea worth doing will be imitated. Keep doing it better and I’ll keep buying your books.

Besides, books aren’t a zero sum game. The more folks that imitate these bright ideas and go on to produce quality, the happier I’ll be.

Imitation means choice and competition. And in my book, that’s good.