Happy Crappy

Author Shelley Sykes is so happy, so happy in fact, that she calls herself  ’the world leader in happiness’. A grandiose claim by any stretch of the imagination, but coming from an author whose weighty tomes include such titles as, ‘Sexy & Single and Ready to Mingle’, ‘Success 4 Life’, and ‘Road to Wealth’, it’s not surprising. However, the hubris which Sykes indulges in with her recycled folk wisdom and pumped up public speaking persona is apparently not all it’s cracked up to be.

On the eve of the “Happiness and its Causes” conference at Darling Harbour, it turns out Ms Sykes hasn’t been invited to this soirée of sanguine sagacity. She is miffed, well, to use her term, unhappy. A surprising admission.

The ‘Happiness’ conference will host a number of high profile people, all apparently experts in the ‘happiness’ field. I imagine that many readers here would suggest that I purchase a front row ticket to this event, seeing as how I obviously need it. However the guest list is looking decidedly grim.

First cab off the rank is former premier, the dour Bob Carr. He managed New South Wales’ governance and economy in the 90s. His policy achievements were of the cerebral nature rather than the pragmatic. Although his more esoteric policies reaped some reward, we are once again questioning the veracity of Labor’s education programme. More glaringly in error was his complete disregard for infrastructural development. Each subsequent State Labor government has battled, and, is today battling this reality.

I’m sure Bob is happy on his life-time pension, but I won’t pay money to hear how he screwed the transport system, while he  is being chauffeur-driven for the rest of his life.

Similarly other speakers aren’t the experts they’re purported to be. No matter how glamorous, no matter how visible on TV Jessica Rowe once was, that doesn’t give her the right to parade as an authority. There are thousands, possibly millions of mums who experience post natal depression. Their experiences hold as much gravitas as Rowe, but because Rowe was in the public eye, she gains elevated status. Better to put a mum from somewhere, anywhere, who, although not being a professional speaker, has also managed, without highly paid help, to overcome this traumatic period.

I’d feel my dollar more well spent listening to a woman from the suburbs than a privileged princess from the nanny classes.

There are many other speakers, many of these are interesting people, but really, happiness? Why would the average normal person consider spending this sort of money to hear television presenters expound their version of wisdom. To wit, Gretel Killeen. They’re having a lend of us, folks.

Check the price list…

Gold Pass (2 day conference plus 1 pre- and 2 post- conference workshops)

$1,685

1 Pre-conference Workshop and 2 Day Conference

$1,490

2 Day Conference and 1 Post-conference Workshop

$1,240

2 Day Conference Only

$995

Pre-conference Workshop Only

$495

2 Post-conference Workshops (1 morning and 1 afternoon workshop)

$490

Post-conference Workshop Only

$245

Obviously none of the ‘worm operators’ will be attending.

As for Ms Sykes, the author of those weighty tomes such as ‘Sexy & Single and Ready to Mingle’, ‘Success 4 Life’, and ‘Road to Wealth’, complaining about being excluded. Well, it’s obvious her writing doesn’t make the grade alongside the erudite opinions of the TV presenters, comedians and Big Brother hosts.

Let’s ignore the hooey about there being no more room on the bill, I’d suggest that by going public with her complaint, she’s shown that while it’s ok to pedal snake oil in her books, she’s  not prepared to take the same advice herself. Ms Sykes prefers the tried and trusted method of trial by media. It’s funny that when faced with unhappiness, her first reaction is to attack through the media rather than follow her own advice. She obviously doesn’t practise what she preaches.

In any situation, until all other legal avenues have been exhausted, media contact should be a last resort. These days, it seems it is the first resort. Get the cash first, then the justice later. In many cases justice is a moot point, it’s a done deal. All they want is the cash.