Jon and Kate Plus 8, Official Thread-Part 4

[Sandy321]

It seems the media is going on about how the premiere episode got "nearly 10 million viewers" (how they determine that always is a head shaker, I understand the premise of Neilson ratings, but feel its flawed nonetheless)

because of that - and because tabloids are selling due to this popularity... it is a feeding frenzy - it reminds me of when Brittany Spears was having her meltdown. How SAD is this?

I just saw a commercial for Monday's Today show - Jon and Kate the early years, with all these clips of their courtship, the reality show that redesigned their first home so they could bring home the sextuplets... How Jon jumped for Joy and hugged... its the same clips over and over -

what is it proving? Magazines are selling, ratings for these celebrity info shows (ET, Inside Edition, TMZ, etc) are rising - as long as they preface it about... Brittany... Jon and Kate....


its just so sad!

 

[OhMari]

http://learningmylines.blogspot.com/...-too-late.html

...For a minute, remove all the rumors and stories (many of which are true), and think only about how the family has chosen to present themselves. Think too about the fact that when the cameras are on, we usually put on our best smiles and best behavior, and then think - long and hard - about what that best behavior has been on this particular show. Then, imagine what life is like and how people act when the cameras aren't rolling. After taking that all into consideration, we shouldn't be surprised by the train wreck that's taken the world by storm. Still, that's not reason to remain silent when things are going horribly wrong. The chaos surrounding any kind of wreck requires analysis and intervention from people who still have their wits about them and who have some sense of not only what's going on, but what to do. People who have been in wrecks usually aren't in any condition to tend to themselves. They need outside help, and they need it fast...
...Which leads me to this; we need to respond. Silence is not an option. One of the great lessons of history is that those who remain silent and uninvolved when a group of people are being oppressed (in this case, 8 small children) are not helping, but hurting the situation. Those people who choose to remain silent and not intervene by speaking up, have chosen to actively participate in the oppression. It's guilt by silence. In this case, two parents and 8 little kids are laying wounded on the side of the road.

Thanks for posting the link Sandy321! I think this is the best article I have read about them. Sad, but well written and thoughtful. WHERE is someone who knows them and can defend them the way they are defended by strangers? I am going from amazed to feeling a little upset about this family. They sucked me in nearly five years ago with their story, and now I can't seem to leave (even though I don't watch the show). The media coverage in the last six or eight weeks is truly unlike anything I can remember. Everyone speaks about the welfare of the kids. What about Kate? What if she really has no one? What happened along the way to make her treat people the way that has been shown to on the show, and accounted first hand? I don't hate her at all; if I was her friend, mother or sister, I'd be sick with worry.

Princess Diana and her 2 sons were hounded by the paparazi, tabloid magazines and tv shows just like this. I don't think there was ever a week, that some type of media wasn't covering every move Diane made. She begged the Papparazi to leave her alone and let her enjoy vacations and outings with her sons. In the end, we all know how that ended.

 

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Coming out of lurkdom to respond to posters comments directed to me. I didn't want to be rude and not answer you!

Awwwww! Stick around. I usually get scared when I stick my toe in, but all in all we have some laughs here.

Thank you, I agree, I've had lots of laughs on here!

Well I am not trying to be insulting in any of my posts. Jut trying to show another side of the story since so many posts are assumptions based on a couple of photos. You can't make a fact out of an assumption. That's all myself and some others are pointing out.

I was not calling any posters here idiots. Just the paparazzi who follow them around and jump in front of them when they try and go places.

And I am definitely not a Kate lover, but I will defend some things if I find the accusations over the top.

Mickey4ever, you quoted my post, I just want to know what I did that was so insulting that would make you want to leave the thread?

ETA:
Adding in nice smileys to show my tone.

I apologize for using your post as an example. I guess when I got to that point, I had reached my limit for all of the nit picky arguments that go on here. It wasn't just you, and I apologize again for using your post as my example. Didn't mean to single you out...

I completely get what you are saying and left the thread myself a few weeks ago for the same reason. I felt ganged up on and I felt that every word I said was being scrutinized.

This is not a true example but didn't want to list the true examples so no one would say i was pointing a finger at them. So here is what i hope will be a funny example:

Me: "OMG, Kate has dyed her hair pink. It looks terrible!"

Another poster: "Why do you care what color she dyed her hair?"

Next poster: "My daughter has pink hair and I think it looks adorable. My daughter is valedictorian of her high school and prom queen."

And another poster: "Can't Kate do anything right in you people's eyes? How do you know that she didn't dye it pink as a special gift for her kid's birthday? Hannah mentioned that she loves pink hair. Sometimes we do outrageous things to make our kids happy."

Then someone else says: "Well of course she had to dye her hair to avoid the P people. It's only a disguise. Give the lady some privacy."

Another poster: "Well, her hair is naturally purple. She hasn't had time to get a real dye job. Maybe it's just faded in the sunlight. I think some of you are jealous because you don't have naturally purple hair like Kate."

And another poster says: "No one cared when Jon covered his gray hair black so why pick on Kate? Jon's been dying his hair much longer than Kate."

And finally: "It's only hair. Jeez, some people were find the most insignificant thing to pick on. I wish I looked as good as she does with pink hair."

Perfect example!!!

So sorry to see you go! It seems like just in the couple of threads I've been on, this happens every now and again then things lull out a little bit. I think there are lots new posters here on the thread because of the pictures from February and the drama until now. I certainly hope I've never said/done anything to make anyone uncomfortable - it was never my intention at all! It's so hard to take things on the internet and it's hard to always make myself clear and I'm sure others have that problem. I remember on the last thread (maybe around the time I joined in the debate) everyone had to be very specific about the "you" (other person) and "you" (general you)....

Actually, I think you and I have been on the same page with our opinions for the most part! No, you have never offended me and I have quite enjoyed your posts. Thanks for your comments to me.

I'm sorry to hear you feel this way. I understand what you mean, I think we all kind of do...it's such a heated topic because most of us on here are parents and well, that tends to bring out very strong opinions. Personally, I've felt like you, that Kate makes me crazy about certain things. Sometimes people jump all over the comments sometimes they don't. I love this thread since it's very interesting (and sometimes downright hilarious!) to see the opposite views. There's no way we'll all agree on J&K+8. I know some people feel that you have to defend your opinion and unless you do, they're not quite satisfied with your post. I don't feel that way. I like that this is an open discussion. I hope I didn't say anything offensive either!

No, you haven't offended me! Not at all!

I don't get it. Are you saying that if you say Kate shouldn't be in a short skirt, we should just ignore what you said and not give our opinion? How quickly this would be a dull board.

I was never a big Kate fan, but as his board turned into a board that talked more and more about the picky stuff, I did post my opinions. I have also asked why someone would feel the way they posted. It's called discussion. Discussion is what has kept this board going. Many of us only have our own experiences to go by and those do creep into the discussion. Some of us are parents (and believe it or not, not all the parents think the show should end..at least not yet, but it may come to it, with all the garbage out there now), some are Kate's age and like her hair and clothes, some are Kate's age and hate ther hair and clothes. Some of us think no matter what Kate does, she's wrong, some think she's right, some aren't sure, etc.

There truly wouldn't be much to this board if we weren't 'allowed' to have our opinions, just like you have yours, or if we weren't allowed to ask why you would feel a certain way, depending on if someone was smiling, if one of the tups looked sad, etc. When I do watch the show now, I do feel like the other person said, that each time Kate does anything, it does pop into my mind..gee what will be made of that. OH OH, Kate looked up, she must want the pap to take her picture, OH OH, Kate isn't smiling, and I think she just yelled at a tup, OH OH, Kate is wearing high shoes, she is so in trouble. It just seems, even if you dislike Kate, surely there must be something she does, that doesn't have a sinister meaning. So I am guilty as charged. When someone posts about something that Kate has done, that seems innocent to me, I do ask why a poster sees somehing bad in it. Because I really want to konw, nt because I am saying you can't have your opinion. Someone asked me today what I like about Kate. I was actually surprised that I could think of so many things. I actually was surprised that no one counterpointed everything I said, because it does seem to me, that often most think she doesn't have a kind bone in her body.
All that said, I like hearing all the different views and as I said to someone in a PM earlier, I too like to play Devil's Advocate. I would miss any of you, if you left.

I'm responding to this post b/c I felt like it might be directed toward me, though she didn't say who she was talking to. Maybe the general "YOU", but I'll reply anyways:

First of all, I am quite aware that we are all entitled to our opinions. As a matter fact, I have said that quite often. I don't think this thread would be very interesting if we all thought the exact same thing. However, I think that there's a difference between friendly debate and making a poster feel bad for posting an opinion on Kate or trying to make a poster think that she's just jealous of Kate. You (general you) don't really know the other poster's feelings, so its not fair to assume that we are all just jealous of Kate and its mean to say so, IMO.

I also think it is uncalled for when I make a comment on how I feel (and notice I said "I") that Kate spends too much time on her celebrity image and should be spending more time with her kids, I get criticized for knocking Kate for exercising and the poster herself exercised and what was so wrong with that? That wasn't even my post. I didn't say anything about exercising. I comment on Kate's image.

And DMRick, you made a comment that kind of made me feel like you took a post of mine too personally when I said that Kate feels the need to tell everyone of her charitable deeds and I felt that she was doing it to improve her image to the public.

You then asked me if you should "hang your head in shame" for your charitable deeds. Of course not! I wasn't talking about you, I was talking about Kate and how every time she does anything charitable, it is broadcast on the show or to anyone who will listen at her speaking engagements.

There's a difference with sharing with a few people a blessing that you received for doing something good and worthwhile, and broadcasting it across the nation for all the world to hear. If you have to tell people over and over that you are a good mother and a good person, people will most likely stop believing you. JMO, though. Most people prefer that stuff to be kind of private. Not Kate. She thinks it makes her look better, but that's just my opinion. It was in no way directed toward you. I just wish that you had not turned into a personal insult.

Honestly you are more like Kate's advocate than playing Devil's Advocate. I don't see you playing devil's advocate for Jon. That to me is picking sides.

As far as your assessment of Kate, that's your opinion and why should anyone question you on them? I don't happen to agree with you but you feel like you do and I feel as I do. Doesn't make either one of us wrong. However when you are constantly (you in the general kate loving sense) questioning the opposing opinion it gets old. Just saying.

I agree with you...

 

[madge]

Anyway, would it help if we had 2 different threads??? One for the "lovers" and one for the "haters"(btw, I hate both those terms).

then there would the devil's advocates go?

I just assumed they were 2 different people. Maybe the Stephen Neild in Maryland is his father or son or even someone completely unrelated.

Steve Neild (the bodyguard) has been widely reported as living in Maryland. I think that's fairly common and correct information. That's why I think it's a little odd that he'd have an address in the same town as the Gosselins.

and speaking of the bodyguard (and if it's been posted, I apologize. I'm a few pages behind) .. this made me LOL.

http://www.tmz.com/2009/06/06/kate-gosselin-is-constantly-secured/

 

[madge]

gj

gosselin jon?

 

[madge]

Hey folks, I'm on a lousy internet service for the weekend, can you all please wait until Sunday night to post

from me, too ... it's a lovely weekend in Kentucky .. I'm headed to the pool for the day and will likely be there tomorrow .. thankfully weekends are pretty slow on the boards.

 

[Epcot luvr]

http://justjared.buzznet.com/galler...lin&pic=kate-gosselin-beach-sextuplets-19.jpg

Just wanted to say bye to all on this thread. Thought I would share one last picture I came across today. Looks like Uncle Steve certainly has cozied up to the kids, I wonder how his kids feel about seeing their dad play daddy with another family. Have a great summer!

 

[Kycha]

Steve Neild (the bodyguard) has been widely reported as living in Maryland. I think that's fairly common and correct information. That's why I think it's a little odd that he'd have an address in the same town as the Gosselins.

Well, this is the only place I go to for my J&K gossip and I've never read about him living in Maryland on this thread. So, I don't know how common or correct the info is.

 

[newtodis]

omg that is awesome!!!

Thanks! I do try!

AND - I got a 40% pin code on Friday for Disney....I guess I'll finally get to stay at the Poly and maybe even for my birthday!! It was a great Friday!

it took me a couple of tries -- but when you enter Steve Neild on the website I linked to, it shows that he has 2 addresses. One in Maryland, and the other is in Wernersville, Pennsylvania.

as for what that means? I have NO idea... it may mean absolutely nothing, but I find it curious. why would he need a Pennsylvania address? (she says, in a genuinely questioning, not snarky, way)

Did anyone pay for it? I almost did...honestly the 95 cents or whatever it was just to satisfy my curiosity! Could one be a business address and one personal? Or did he purchase/rent a house/apartment for a family member or something? Sorry I'm not the smartest about these kinds of things!

I never, ever, ever get coupons that good. ever. and I am so jealous of you having a CVS. We don't have one here!

GREAT job!

Thanks! I used to CVS all the time but they've really cut back on the "extra bucks" so I haven't been in there very often.

I feel bad for his wife. There is no way I would put up with it.

Do we know what his contract is with the Gosselins/TLC/whoever's paying him? He may well have went into this deal knowing he'd be gone 27 out 30 day a month or whatever. I don't know what a contract would be as I've never needed personal security thankfully! Also, maybe his wife likes it! I know I love an occassional break from my husband - or maybe the wife/family (I can't remember if he has kids or whatever) are going with and he has "family" time and "work" time. I think if he and his wife knew what they were getting into from day one and they both agreed that he would accpet the job (granted - it's a job that you know you're going to have to travel), then I don't see how either could be upset. Yeah I'm sure she might miss him but also understands that's what's providing her the life she's comfortable with, be it a nice house, fancy car, whatever (I don't know much about his family/wife).

He's with her all the time she's away and when she's home filming episodes. (wasn't he seen in their town when she went to the Party store?) Even now, Kate's with the children and he's with them. he hasn't had much chance to be home.

I would think he needs to be with her more when it's just her and kids and not so much when Jon's around (or maybe more now if Jon's around so they don't beat each other to a pulp! ). If the kids are comfortable with him, which it looks like they are, don't pull another person away from them....everyone they get close to disappears it seems. I think it's a bit of stability for the kids and that's important to them if for no other reason.

Anyway, would it help if we had 2 different threads??? One for the "lovers" and one for the "haters"(btw, I hate both those terms).

Where would I go - I don't fit in either of those groups!

What about Kate? What if she really has no one? I don't hate her at all; if I were her friend, mother or sister, I'd be sick with worry.

I agree - I hope J&K and all of the kids have a "safe" person to speak with. Someone they trust very much who honestly has NOTHING at stake in the situation other than maintaining a friendship and looking out for the family while offering advice and suggestions and listening - a "real" friend.

Actually, I think you and I have been on the same page with our opinions for the most part! No, you have never offended me and I have quite enjoyed your posts. Thanks for your comments to me.

Well good! You're so very welcome!

http://justjared.buzznet.com/galler...lin&pic=kate-gosselin-beach-sextuplets-19.jpg

Have a great summer!

I love Kate's cover up. I looked like it was much windier (sp?) and colder at the beach when the pictures were taken. Kate honestly looked exhausted in one of the picutres where she was talking to/looking in the general direction of Steve (or someone who's not in the pictures).

Have a great summer as well!

 

[DMRick]

And DMRick, you made a comment that kind of made me feel like you took a post of mine too personally when I said that Kate feels the need to tell everyone of her charitable deeds and I felt that she was doing it to improve her image to the public. ...

The thing is, I did take it personal (although really, I didn't address this to you, because I seldom read names of the posters), because while this may be a Kate and Jon thread, we are certainly all over the board. Kate was sharing about the joy she felt about giving, and the surprise she felt when it was given back. I happen to think that was a nice thing to share, and as many other things she does, even the good was posted as if it was bad. I just seems with some people, it just doesn't matter what she does good, it isn't done right or good enough, or she did it for a sinister reason (such as not smiling. Gee someone just said yesterday she was smiling..prob for the paparazzi, then someone else said, gee she never smiles LOL). In this case (talking about getting back after giving) you (I guess it was you, since you responded) made it sound as if what she shared was bad. And since I have done the same thing, it made me feel like I did something I shouldn't have. I happen to feel that when it comes to giving and charities, we really don't know if K & J do good behind the scenes or not, and in my opinion, when they give, and it's shot down, I wonder just what could she do charity wise to make people happy. We don't know if they tithe, and if we did know that, would that then be bad because it got leaked? I just don't see how she can win no matter what she does. Heck, even when she wrote a check, someone said they could tell she wasn't happy doing it, or something like that.

I feel as far as her hair, clothes, etc that it's balanced, when someone says I would never wear my hair that way, and another says they would. I mean, why should it be ok for someone to say they wouldn't wear their hair like that or wear those clothes, but it's suddenly personal when someone else says they will? Both could be personal. But it is a discussion, back and forth. I'm sure the person being told Kate is too old to wear a short skirt feels it's personal if they do.

I also feel there are many on this board that are saying they feel they should be able to slam her, but those of us that don't see things the same way, should just shut up. That isn't fair either.

And for what it's worth, I very much was on Jon's side in the begining. It was all the slamming of Kate that made me learn more towards her. Jon seems to be able to do a lot that isn't picked on, but Kate is picked on if she does a good thing or a bad thing. Jon can yell at his kids in the woods for picking up a stick, and nothing would be said. Kate can yell at her kids for splashing her, and she's terrible.

Asking for someone's opinions or feelings on a discussion board can be done politley to initiate an exchange, but to at people, and or worse slam them, when their thoughts are given, is not a conversation at all.

If I've done that, I apologize. I have not agreed with both sides through all of these threads, but I certainly didn't mean to laugh or slam anyone. It's hard, not talking in person.
And yes, I do think I have played Devil's Advocate. Like I said, right now I'm more on Kate's side, because I think everything she does is nitpicked lately, but I have been on both sides.

As for being asked why I like Kate..it didn't bother me at all. And if you didn't agree with why I did, it also wouldn't bother me if you (general you) gave your opinions, and they were different from mine (oh wait, many of you have already LOL!)

 

[DMRick]

I agree with you. I also think a lot of the blame is TLC's. I don't think they want to encourage Kate or Jon to get help for their marriage. I think they see a new show in the making, and are quite satisfied with letting it take it's toll. I wonder if TLC had anything to do with the split of Jodi/Kevin and Kate. That's one more family member that wouldn't be able ot talk with her. What if TLC never did offer them money, but let it slip that they tried too? They would have to know that would get them out of the picture. Lots to think about in your post.

I've thought about that too, I wonder who Kate is able to turn to with all this mess. She has sisters and a Mom but there's no way of knowing if she's on good terms with them or not. Both she and Jon need some type of counsel and I just wonder if they're getting it or who it's from. I used to believe they could fix their marriage if they truly wanted to but it's getting harder and harder to when more pics of Jon and his 23 year old pop tart keep surfacing. To make matters worse Kate is still plowing ahead with filming. I know she said she's been dealing with this for 6 months but honestly, when did she find the time to? Schedule-wise, she's been busy with book tours and speaking engagements not to mention the regular filming for the show. I hope her Mom or someone very close to her is talking her through all this. If this were my daughter, my heart would be breaking for her and her family and I would try to do what I could to help regardless of if we'd had a fallout or not. It's just so sad to see it all playing out on TV and the tabloids.

 

[DMRick]

Honestly you are more like Kate's advocate than playing Devil's Advocate. I don't see you playing devil's advocate for Jon. That to me is picking sides.

Been there, done it, go back about 300 pages. It's getting harder to stick up for him thought, because of the pictures. Watch how fast I stop advocating (if that's what I'm doing) for Kate, when they show her coming out of Steve's hotel room, or leaving a bar with him at 2 in the morning. I'm not attached to either of them, but I generally spend time on the underdog's side which is what I used to think Jon was. Not so much anymore (at least this week).

Man, I relaly appreciate my internet service at home. I feel like i am back up on dial up LOL!

 

[mousey]

Bottom line is the Gosselins's invited television cameras into their home 5 years ago for monetary reasons. They were nobody's who became somebody's because they are on TV. They allowed cameras to film their childrens most intimate/private moments and now are complaining because their making headlines!! What do they expect??

 

[floridafam]

I guess the TLC/Kate Gosselin marketing maching is working. I went to Ann Taylor Loft today and spent $100. I probably wouldn't have gone in there if I hadn't had seen some of the clothes on Kate and thought they were cute.

 

[longstangetrip]

http://justjared.buzznet.com/galler...lin&pic=kate-gosselin-beach-sextuplets-19.jpg

Just wanted to say bye to all on this thread. Thought I would share one last picture I came across today. Looks like Uncle Steve certainly has cozied up to the kids, I wonder how his kids feel about seeing their dad play daddy with another family. Have a great summer!

Don't go. You have good links! Are these people ever going home? I see yet another cute (purple) bikini peeking out from under that cover up! She really hasn't worn the same one twice! Steve looks like part of the family for sure. I agree, what must his real family think?

 

[lucas]

Coming out of lurkdom to respond to posters comments directed to me. I didn't want to be rude and not answer you!

Thank you, I agree, I've had lots of laughs on here!

I was trying to be nice.

Moving on.....

Hey Epcot luvr, thanks for the latest link!

 

[DMRick]

I guess the TLC/Kate Gosselin marketing maching is working. I went to Ann Taylor Loft today and spent $100. I probably wouldn't have gone in there if I hadn't had seen some of the clothes on Kate and thought they were cute.

LOL. I went online and looked. I was looking for a coupon before I ordered, but haven't seen one yet. I'm going to order too. I wonder why Jon doesn't have a deal for clothes

 

[madge]

I wonder why Jon doesn't have a deal for clothes

I'm not sure what you mean.. a deal, as in a brand he loves, or a deal like a bargain? LOLOL

I saw pics on Jon this week in an Ed Hardy hoodie. Let's just say I won't be running out to get one for DH anytime soon

 

[madge]

ok. this is funny .. and it might be fixed soon, so if you see a picture of Kate on the site, then you missed a good laugh ... it was a picture of who I think is Paris Hilton in a skin-tight white dress
http://www.theinsider.com/news/2254751_Jon_and_Kate_Gosselin_Another_Day_Apart

 

[themilesfamily]

ok. this is funny .. and it might be fixed soon, so if you see a picture of Kate on the site, then you missed a good laugh ... it was a picture of who I think is Paris Hilton in a skin-tight white dress
http://www.theinsider.com/news/2254751_Jon_and_Kate_Gosselin_Another_Day_Apart

That's hilarious. People who see this, who've never watched the show before will think, "That woman looks INCREDIBLE for having had eight kids!"

Yep, that was Paris Hilton in a very small dress (swimming suit?) -- not Kate.