I'm pleased to announce that the 2007 Flea Circus Games Employee of the Year is...

Joe Lesko!

Congratulations, me!!!



Except, well, while I'm honored, I'm afraid I shall be giving up my Employee of the Year Award.

Yes, that's right. I am protesting the overuse of awards, praise, grades, and other methods of behavioral manipulation that is rampant in our schools, workplaces, and homes. I just think this world would be a better place if people spent less time trying to achieve Success as defined by other people. Especially in schools, where grades, used as carrot and stick, have created a system where measurable skills like memorization and test-taking ability have become more important than curiosity, creativity, and reflection.

After all, I didn't start Flea Circus Games to become rich and famous (I have succeeded in avoiding both!) I did it... just because I wanted to, and I could. For me, there's just nothing better than doing creative work every day. That's why I consider the Employee of the Year award to be against everything this company stands for.

So, when you make your resolutions for 2008, consider whether your goals are things that you really want for yourself, versus things you want in order to comply with someone else's (or society's) expectations of you. Resolve to get worse scores, but live a better life.

Once you have decided on your resolutions, e-mail them to me.

Then in December 2008, based on what you have achieved, I will rate each participant on my Intrinsic Motivation Index (patent pending) -- the person with the highest rating will win the coveted Self-Actuated Achievement Trophy. Understand that this is NOT an award, but keep in mind that only the most self-actuated person will win.

Good luck in 2008 and beyond!