by - The idea isn't new. Possibly, it describes a product or design that is well known or similar to something existing, or it relates to a common apprehension which - although realization is still science fiction - isn't novel in any way.
- The idea is incomplete or isn't really an idea at all (at least not an entire one). Ideas are also regarded as incomplete if the reader has to visit another website to understand what the idea is actually about.
- The idea is based on a claim that is either unproven ("olive oil would make a great rocket fuel"), or, according to current scientific or common knowledge, simply wrong ("potato chips are healthy").
- The idea solves a non-existing problem. "We need to change the taste of coffee!
" is a good example - do we? Why? There are millions of coffee-drinkers around the world who love coffee the way it is, and thousands of alternatives for those who despise coffee. This is not to say that inventing a new beverage based on the coffee bean may in itself not be a viable idea, but if the reasoning for a new invention needs to be invented, too, that's usually not a good sign.
- The idea is incomprehensible. Submissions to the Creativity Pool can only be accepted in English (sorry!), and any text (translation or not) should be at least comprehensible. Scientists are encouraged to choose a language that laymen might understand as well.
If there's a problem with a submission that can be easily fixed, will usually post it under the idea.
NEW: Creative things you did at home (or somewhere else) now have their own forum section here. Check out the other forum categories as well.
