Exchange Urinals
Anyone who can follow the Anon crowd without shaking their head still write in these? At the outset, this seemed like a good if not entirely unclear and vague tool for creating a roadmap to success within Apple Retail and beyond. However, since its inception, it has become more and more clear that the Exchange Journal marks the dividing line between thinkers and drinkers, once Apple has set a fresh pitcher of Kool Aid on the table. For those who have fallen from grace, the EJ comes across like a written confession in the hands of the world's most vindictive district attorney, and for those still "growing" in the non-light of Apple's mushroom farm. And if you're not familiar with mushroom farms, the chief prerogative there, in terms of quality product, is to feed them shit and keep them in the dark. If you're unclear on whether you're part of the thinker group or the drinker group, think back to the last time you were told or encouraged to complete an EJ entry. If it's been more than a month, chances are, you wouldn't have five stars next to your name on a manager's iTunes playlist of Employee Favorites. While you may still be in their good graces, you're not exactly a platter that matters. If you ask for time to complete an EJ and are declined, then not only would it seem that your growth is not important, but that it has become important that you NOT grow at all. I'd argue you should watch your back, and no matter where you stand, always know who your enemies are. This may sound paranoid, and maybe it is, but Apple Retail is a game, and EJ is a cycle of play that comes somewhere shortly after rolling the dice, but before your discard phase. If you need this job, it is imperative that you play the game wisely, even if you don't care about winning.