Aims: To determine whether ``vortex creep'' in neutron stars, the slow motion
of neutron vortices with respect to pinning sites in the core or inner crust,
is consistent with observations of long-period precession. Methods: Using the
concept of vortex drag, I discuss the precession dynamics of a star with
imperfectly-pinned (i.e., "creeping'') vortices. Results: The precession
frequency is far too high to be consistent with observations, indicating that
the standard picture of the outer core (superfluid neutrons in co-existence
with type II, superconducting protons) should be reconsidered. There is a slow
precession mode, but it is highly over-damped and cannot complete even a single
cycle. Moreover, the vortices of the inner crust must be able to move with
little dissipation with respect to the solid.Comment: 4 pages, v3. Missing reference adde