Episode 4: Immature squared

After potentially eliminating all inactives in the past three rounds, I figured that this task would probably one of the most demanding to the contestants ever. I was proved wrong later on.

The fourth task was a simple one. I got my friend Will, an upcoming host, to help me out with it. I had asked him to choose between two possible new, original game ideas -- and that's where the task came in. Both teams would have to use an application, rules, a logo and descriptions to impress Will. Not only is Will a very good talent, but he's also a personal friend of mine. So I trusted him with the decision, to say the least.

Both teams had decided that the project managers were going to be Kim and Chris. Although some Team S'n'A members were not pleased with Chris as the PM, the task had to go on.

Reporting back to me for Astute Inc. was Ryan. He reported that Kim did practically everything with Kevin and Andrew, excluding Philip, Mike and Krista from the task. Needless to say, I was not pleased with Kim's performance. She submitted the task 12 hours (or more) before it was due.

Team Shock and Awe's Project Manager, Chris, didn't give Naomi much to report back to me. Rather than communicating directly through instant messaging, he used e-mail. Good point #1 about Chris, his communication with the rest of the team. He micro managed the team... but made one mistake. He forgot to include Scott into the micromanagement.

Then, a fight broke out between Chris and Scott. Surprise that Scott was in another fight, eh? Scott told his opinion about the task, and also asked Chris why he wasn't included. Arguing continued, the words "immature", "negative" and "lazy" were thrown around a lot, and then Scott decided to try to settle it once and for all.

"Alright Shock and Awe, I think its time we have a talk.

I understand a few of you may have a problem with me. Well, I guess maybe I should explain myself a little better, then. First of all, I am being as productive as possible. In task one, I worked on the highest point-earning division of the task. Someone mentioned that all I did was "complain," well, the truth is I didn't complain once. I started to share my thoughts with a host (as we were all told we were supposed to) and my thoughts were shut down. That is fine, you learn to deal with people like that in life. Josh, the PM of that task, never once complained or commented on my work ethic. During task two, it is said that I was "negative." I voiced my opinion. I'm sorry if you are too sensitive to deal with criticizm, perhaps if you would let me know your issues with that, I could somehow work around it with you. I gave opinions during task two (more than a few people on the team can even say) and my opinions were shared by the judges. No one on the team listened to me, though. And we lost. Reginia did a great job on that logo, even if I personally didn't like it, the judges did and that deserves praise. I really cannot comment on anyone else's work on that task because, to be honest, there wasn't much. During task three, I was out of town. The hosts and project manager knew that, and I was told it was fine. And we won task three, but I'm told by Regina that she's the only one who really worked on it. I cannot say first hand whether that is true or not, that is only what I've been told.

And as for task four, well, I've done a lot. I helped Josh develop the game idea, and again Josh has not commented or complained about my work ethic. I gave ideas to Kelley and both of the Dans for the rules and applications. They're simple things to do, and thats why I only sent small ideas. Because I was not delegated a task, I could not work on anything fully, so I did what I could. If you doubt that I did everything I could, then you're looking for an excuse to complain about me.

The bottom line here, folks, is this team's priorities are screwed up. We're spending more time bitching than we are actually doing. Notice I say we...everyone is guilty of it. You cannot blame our disorganization and lack of teamwork on any one of us, although one or two of you have tried to pin it on me. I work hard, I am working hard, and I will continue to work hard.

Its time to turn things around. Lets stop complaining and start doing. I'm callling out to all of you, folks, lets put our past behind us, forgive and forget, and band together to make this team as strong as possible. I believe that we're all awesome people and players and we can kick ass from here to the end. So here is my apology to anyone I have offended. I'm sorry and I believe in you all. You're all great, and believe me when I say that.

So lets go Shock and Awe!!!"

Sincere, if you ask me. The address was very well needed for Team Shock and Awe. However, Chris wasn't being as positive as he could have been in response. He told Scott that he had sent him the task, and that it wasn't his fault, it was Scott's server. And then Scott, playing peacemaker (for now, anyway) responded, making Chris look dumb. And boy, it worked really well.

To see how the task played out, go here: http://www.oocities.org/theapprenticehost/Task4.htm

I, for one, was shocked. Team Shock and Awe was dysfunctional, they didn't talk to each other. Yet, they still won. And the best part: ALL of them worked on the task. No one was excluded.

I couldn't say the same about Astute Inc. I was severely disappointed with the outcome of the task, and severely disappointed, specifically, at Kim.

It was now Kim's turn to take two people with her to the boardroom. Making me feel like a psychic, she didn't take the two people included in the task, Andrew and Kevin. Instead, she chose Mike and Philip, due to "inactivity" and not "helping" with the tasks.

Right after Kim's decision, Mike talked to her,  the conversation went.. well, bad for Kim, and great for Mike.

During it, Mike accused Kim of being Andrew's "bitch".  While reading this conversation, I was very amused at seeing Mike's opinion. Kim told Mike he hadn't done anything for any task at all, and Mike retaliated by telling Kim that neither did she. He said that she should have micro managed for the task, and he was right. Then he said that he was going to do all he could to get her eliminated in the boardroom.

Then, Kim's immaturity started to creep out. Almost giving in to Mike, she told him that Philip would be eliminated, making even more excuses, almost giving Mike even MORE to go against her with in the boardroom. Mike was doing something I had never seen in the game before: playing mind games. Kim fell for it. She showed Mike her weaknesses, and boy, did she.

Kim argued with Mike that she wasn't participating that much because of International Choir, and a "tumor" (this was the first time I was hearing about a tumor) that she had. Kim talked to me right after the conversation, and said she was officially resigning from the game.

Before leaving, she gave Mike two final things. One being, "JOSH WILL WIN!!!!!!!!!!" and another being a 35% warning level.

Kim is the fourth casualty of the game.

Naomi, Ryan and I thought about this. Astute Inc. had Kevin, Mike, Krista, Philip and Andrew. A divided team. That's not good. So, we decided that we, ourselves, would switch things up.

Only 12 are left -- who will be fired next?