How do you define "a good idea"?
How do you actually rate ideas to be good or bad?
If the implementation of an idea fails can the idea still be rated as good?
To me it seems that excellent ideas usually are rated excellent only afterwards, when they are already successfully implemented. The same ideas were just good or average before the implementation.
What is the primary function of an idea? Let's say it is to inspire and to show a direction. This definition would at least explain some of the above, wouldn't it?
Antti
Re: How good is good enough?
Some people might consider particular idea as a brilliant while others might conclude that it sucks big time. So it is mostly about the people who rate the idea.
After a large group of people have rated some idea you should have some feeling how good it is. Now, the problem with people is that most of them are not able to rate things properly if they do not have enough knowledge about the subject. So, the group of people who rate the idea must have proper expertise to value ideas. And of course the history has plenty of stories how even the smartest and wise failed to recognize great things...
The good ideas stay good even though the implementation has failed several times horribly. The idea looses (some of) it's goodness only when a better idea emerges. I think.
There is a nice essay (How Art Can Be Good) which discusses bit similar problem.
Re: How good is good enough?
I admit that my definition has some room for improvement too. For example "one more beer" at 2am in the morning might sound like a good idea when you are enjoying the party. In other words, it is an inspiring thought and it gives a direction to go. On the other hand, the same idea may not feel too good when you wake up the next morning. To me it still seems the goodness of the idea is a relative concept (and yes, I don't quite agree with PG in this issue).