Helga Henry, with whom I have worked on a number of (okay, two) training courses, has a new blog about "releasing creativity".

Self-promotion may appear revolting, but it’s the only promotion that’s guaranteed in this business. Do it right, and only haters will hate you for it. To get, you must give.

Interesting attempt to find a middle ground between the cynics and evangelists.

If it is play, why not just say so? Why not just say it’s fun? After all, one of the reasons “play” is always in vogue in certain business magazines is that it really is important to creativity — taking yourself out of the routine makes your thinking less rigid, etc.

I found this irreverent talk to be rather inspirational, but then I'm a fan of both speakers. Your mileage may vary especially as they're talking to a room full of people-like-me so injokes abound. But I hope there's some good stuff in there. "We talked about building a blog you can be proud of, trying to improve the quality of your work, reaching the people you admire, and maybe even making a buck (in a way that doesn’t blow your deal)."

Interesting looking conference in Amsterdam that I'm tempted to go to. 3 day pass costs £1000 though so better be worth it.