Copy, Copy, Copy

The idea of copying other's ideas as a smart strategy seems a no-brainer to me.  I'm happy to admit that I do it all the time. And as the author makes clear, copying comes naturally to most of us. So is there enough here to sustain interest over the course of 170-odd pages?

It’s billed as a 'how-to' guide and it is written in a very practical and easy-to-read way – especially the second half, where it covers how to analyse challenges and use a variety of copying strategies (52 of them!) to come up with answers that are new and address your situation.   

It’s fast moving with loads of examples, anecdotes and references – everything from Elvis to Sorry I Haven't A Clue and the success of British cycling in recent years to Peter the Great's reforms of Russian Society. There’s something in here for everyone. I like the way it tells you at the outset what each chapter will cover, delivers the chapter and then summarises what it's just told you. And as one of the endorsements on the cover says, this book helps you see the world in fresh and mind-altering ways – it's smart to copy!
 
What didn't I like? At times I thought it stretched a fairly straight-forward idea and over-analysed how to copy – but I accept that others may like the detail.   

So, did it make me think? Give me new ideas? Leave me with something that I'll use in my day to day?
Not sure. Maybe this might help me copy a bit more intelligently in future. I can imagine dipping back into the book for inspiration when I'm faced with something where I don't know the answer.

Overall it’s an entertaining read with loads of examples, ideas & practical suggestions.  

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