EDWARD DE BONO'S MESSAGE
30th November 1997

"Important, Important, Important!"

If you were to write a book on 'simplicity' What would be the simplest way to write that book?

Get other people to write it for you.

That is what I intend to do.

I have plenty of ideas on simplicity but probably not enough time to put them down. So I am inviting members of the Creative Team and other visitors to this site to take part in the book.

The following are the conditions. These are not in any way promises. If you do not like the conditions just do not take part.

1. Each submission will be in the form of a letter. This letter must not be more than 250 words in length - nor less than 50 words. If you have many ideas you can send many letters.
2. I retain the right to edit, abbreviate or otherwise alter the letter but not to make additions. This is up to my judgement and the altered letters may not be returned to the writer for approval - this is to avoid delays and administrative hassles. There is no obligation whatsoever to publish any submission.
3. You may put your name and address on the letter for publication. You may choose just to use your initials. You may choose to be anonymous. Please remember that if you put your name and address you may be subject to junk mail, harrassment etc. There are also complications if you change address. At the same time I cannot guarantee to forward all mail directed to you via me.
4. Payment. There is no promise of payment but the following are my intentions. The book and sales of the book are based on my reputation in the field. The main part of the book will consist of my ideas on the subject. So I shall retain the advance (modest). After the advance has been repaid from royalties then future earnings will be divided directly in proportion to the actual space occupied in the book by a submission. You can waive this right or ask for payment to a charity. In any case payments will not be made until the sum reaches a minimum of $50.
5. Copyright will remain with the author of the letter but I have the right to use the letter in this book, in any other editions of this book or in foreign translations of the book.
6. Submissions must be made before 31st December 1997. They can be sent by:
   e-mail: edwdebono@msn.com (subject: SIMPLE)
   Fax: UK: 01865 554027 International: +44 1865 554027
   (also include contact number/address and any instructions regarding potential payment)
7. The submission will be sent to my brother Peter. I guarantee not to look at any submissions until I have completed my part of the book. In that way you need not fear that I am stealing your ideas. And I need not fear such accusations because someone has an idea similar to mine!
8. If you send a submission it means you agree with the above conditions.
9. Why bother? The benefite are that you have exposure for your ideas; that you are in a book of mine (with the credability that goes with this); and the challenge to your thinking. If you do not think these benefits sufficient then do not bother.
10. Do I expect a volume of powerful insights? I do not. Experience has shown me that most people believe themselves to be rather more creative than is actually the case. I hope to be surprised.

Edward de Bono
29th November 1997
London