That is true. However: -- You can get your writing (or coding or film making) itch scratched in many ways. You may write fiction, or write long memos at work o

That is true. However: -- You can get your writing (or coding or film making) itch scratched in many ways. You may write fiction, or write long memos at work or write elaborate notes here on HN. What you aren't doing is deliberately writing the thing you want to work on or think about. It isn't directed. -- Even if you do write a lot, you may (you almost certainly do) think your stuff (at least the first draft and perhaps the fifth) is not worth putting out there. So there is still something to be said for encouraging and directing even natural writers.