There is an element of luck, but moreover, it simply comes down to the chops of the people doing the work. Some of them, Paul Hoffman, for example, are simply incredibly gifted and hard working people with enormous background in both computer science and the arts. But I think what drove us forward was the cause of the Irish children and the incredible story we were working with. Then of course, the competition to see who could build the neatest stuff. That is really healthy when everyone understands the game.
Most artistic types are temperamental.
That may sound unbelievable, but I have never worked with a better and more serene group of people. The closest they got was one day when a fellow proposed we arm the JJ with guns so the kids could play with those. Every list member to a person signed on that morning and said they would resign if we did. So, the JJ has no guns. I told the list that I could not arbitrate moral disputes among three generations from across the world, but that I was as proud of them that day as I had ever been of any group.