"Being a good writer is 3% talent and 97% not being distracted by the internet" is a quote that has been around for a number of years. But for how long? And who coined it?

I'm sure whoever coined it was inspired by that old "Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration" by Thomas Edison (1847-1931).

According to some of the misinformation on the internet, the author is Cyrus Farivar.

He's not the author because I asked him a few days ago and his reply was: "No I didn't coin it. A friend found it on a website years ago and I like it. I'm happy to source it if you know its author." (http://bit.ly/hgp1DM)

Well, I've searched the internet and the earliest reference to this quote that I could find is dated November 13, 2004. See above. (http://bit.ly/SAExpress2004) And if you read it, you'll discover that even back in 2004 web searchers for its author failed.

Do you know this quote’s author? If so, please share! Unless, of course, the author wants to remain anonymous.