While you may think that this book isn't ground breaking, and it being the first edition, what this book does is give voice to feelings and desires I have about going into a role-playing session with less prep and more fun engaging my creative sides while still having fun with my friends how they want. 

Like a lot of books, you need to find the essence of the text and apply it to your situation, there isn't a direct formula to prep less and succeed. Everyone is different, and finding what worked for someone, analyzing their situation and how they did it can help you figure out how to apply it to your situation. A bit of psychology helps a bit too.