Jon and Kate Plus 8, Official Thread--Part 7

[walden]

Hey Madge! Can I be you when I grow up?
As I'm probably 20 years older than you, that should make you

I've tried my best, for the longest time, to like Kate and focus on her good qualities, but somewhere in there she crossed the Rubicon into dislikability. I actually did like her in the first couple of specials. But then there were the other episodes and her recent behaviors.

Sadly, I now think she is nasty, abusive, mean, disrespectful, entitled and grasping. For the record, I don't like Jon much either, but Kate makes me cringe. She is just not nice. At all.

Madge, you are so judicious and can withstand attacks out of left field.

My bottom line is that children in Reality TV should have Federal protection, similar if not more far-reaching than the Coogan Law. I think that Jon and Kate have amply demonstrated that these controls are necessary.

that crazy Marge made her way back to this thread again!

I like to think I'm a pretty typical example of what you're describing. I've never been a fan of Kate, but have been able to see the forest for the trees from time to time... every now and then, I do give Kate the benefit of the doubt and I've not been afraid to say it when I do. In fact, I try to make myself say something positive because it seems like the right thing to do, especially for the balance of the thread. LOL

I will be the first to admit that some of my annoyances over the last 15 months or so are petty. And while I'm sure I've done it occasionally, I've intentionally tried to stay away from commenting on the Gosselin's discipline or other parenting issues .. I'm certain that I'm not a perfect parent, so I have no room to comment on someone else, especially when we don't see the whole picture. We see, 99% of the time, what the tabloid media or TLC wants us to see. It's been that way all along.

Seeing her in person, talking to people who are members of the host church, too many local articles early on .. they've tainted me from ever truly liking Kate. I just can't do it. I certainly don't see myself as better than Kate Gosselin, we all have our faults.. no doubt about that.

I wonder, at the end of the day, if Kate looks around and thinks that the money and fame is worth it. And I don't mean today. I mean, when things are all said and done, will it have been worth it?

 

[C.Ann]

My bottom line is that children in Reality TV should have Federal protection, similar if not more far-reaching than the Coogan Law. I think that Jon and Kate have amply demonstrated that these controls are necessary.

The voice of reason - and yes, it should apply to all Reality TV..

 

[redrosesix]

I could have just as easily added Jon's name to Kate's. I do think they need to have some responsibility over what is in the tabloids..if what is in there is true..not much they can do about the lies. If only they would both lay low. I found it hard to believe when Jon said he wasn't aware of the articles..and nothing has changed now. His speech on the couch about being so public led me to believe he knew what was being reported. I think if it's not an article that says he's a jerk, he enjoys them, based on his talk about the paps.
I don't think Jon realizes (or Kate) that people do believe this stuff..real or not. Could they be that stupid about this?

Yes, I think they could. They have been so much about the show, and the PR, that they haven't been living in real life. The sad thing about that is, real life is where their kids are going to grow up.

Maybe this is a stretch, but does anyone else think TLC could have paid for school? Would it be like the same thing as studios paying for actors to be taught on set?
I don't know, and don't want to be taken as fact. Just something to ponder.

I don't think it's that much of a stretch. I wondered if the reason they were put in private school was so that private schools are generally more lenient about absenses -- I know that in some of your states, based on what I've read on the Dis, parents stress about taking their kids out of school because of mandatory attendance rules.

And when I went to boarding school, about 1/4 of the kids there had their tuition paid for by their parents' companies while the parents were working abroad.

Only three people could personally save the kids...Kate, Jon and TLC. but, maybe now we can get laws that afford kids on reality shows the same protections that child actors get. (hours filmed, their welfare, and monetary regulation) That is the main issue. I still think the PA labor dept does/did have something on TLC and I hope it comes out if they found something.

ITA with this. At first I thought that kids working on reality TV would be much like any kid working in a family business or on a family farm. But it is so different -- year-round work rather than seasonal, crazy schedules that can interfere with schooling and extracurricular activities.

And it's funny how the last few months, TLC has been saying the kids were only working a couple of hours at a time, for 1 or 2 days per week. That's a lot less than I've ever heard from Jon or Kate.

Hey Madge! Can I be you when I grow up?
As I'm probably 20 years older than you, that should make you

I've tried my best, for the longest time, to like Kate and focus on her good qualities, but somewhere in there she crossed the Rubicon into dislikability. I actually did like her in the first couple of specials. But then there were the other episodes and her recent behaviors.

Sadly, I now think she is nasty, abusive, mean, disrespectful, entitled and grasping. For the record, I don't like Jon much either, but Kate makes me cringe. She is just not nice. At all.

Madge, you are so judicious and can withstand attacks out of left field.

My bottom line is that children in Reality TV should have Federal protection, similar if not more far-reaching than the Coogan Law. I think that Jon and Kate have amply demonstrated that these controls are necessary.

I'm with you. I tried to like Kate, I really did, because she is a mother. But she is just so different from me. Then I tried respect -- but that went right out the window once she started doing interviews about the divorce. I don't like Jon much more, but at least I agree with him about the ice cream in WDW, and I have to hold onto that sometimes when he starts acting like a real idiot.

I agree with you about federal protections being necessary, otherwise networks will just choose to base their shows in the states with the weakest child protection laws. Luckily, we don't have these issues to deal with in Canada right now -- there aren't any TV reality shows based here, and I'm not sure we ever will given the backlash to J&K.

 

[DMRick]

No really..tell us how you really feel. I wonder you are are personally attacking this time

I'm guessing me, since that's who it usually is LOL!

More annoying than Jon & Kate is the "poster" who feels they have to disect everything shown, written, televised, recorded and constantly repeat the same old stuff over and over again.
I think this poster is having problems dealing with this show ending than the main characters. Its too bad this poster can't except that the majority of tv viewers are looking out for the kids. The best thing that could happen is to get these kids out of the limelight.
I don't know the age of this poster but my guess is 100 because the said poster has experienced or knows somebody who experienced anything that is written here!

Sorry, but enough is enough!!!

 

[redrosesix]

So Kate is now looking into the accusations that Stephanie Santoro made about Jon and considering legal action:
http://www.examiner.com/x-11363-Dallas-TV-Examiner~y2009m10d15-Jon-and-Kate-Plus-8-Kate-Gosselin-reacts-to-hacking-accusations

Apparently, one of her representatives contacted TMZ to issue the statement. My only question is: why TMZ and not People? Does that mean they don't take Stephanie's claims as seriously?

 

[WaltD4Me]

So Kate is now looking into the accusations that Stephanie Santoro made about Jon and considering legal action:
http://www.examiner.com/x-11363-Dallas-TV-Examiner~y2009m10d15-Jon-and-Kate-Plus-8-Kate-Gosselin-reacts-to-hacking-accusations

Apparently, one of her representatives contacted TMZ to issue the statement. My only question is: why TMZ and not People? Does that mean they don't take Stephanie's claims as seriously?

I don't really believe Stephanie, but I wouldn't be shocked if what she said turned out to be true either. Who knows what Jon said to her? Maybe he was just trying to brag. Maybe he was thinking of what he could do and he told Stephanie he was doing it. Who knows. But if I were Kate it would bother me...I wouldn't go to TMZ about it, but I'd be concerned if anyone, let alone my soon to be ex, was being accused of saying they had
hacked into my computer or cell phone stuff.

 

[LoraJ]

I don't really believe Stephanie, but I wouldn't be shocked if what she said turned out to be true either. Who knows what Jon said to her? Maybe he was just trying to brag. Maybe he was thinking of what he could do and he told Stephanie he was doing it. Who knows. But if I were Kate it would bother me...I wouldn't go to TMZ about it, but I'd be concerned if anyone, let alone my soon to be ex, was being accused of saying they had
hacked into my computer or cell phone stuff.

My feelings exactly.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

ITA! I think both Jon and Kate work hard to provide for their family and have "real" jobs. They might not have ordinary jobs but they do have jobs. For example, let's use the camping gear they got. Their job was to use it and promote it. Just because their job duties are easier than the factory worker who help manufacture the tents, it doesn't make their job less real. Some people are just luckier, work smarter, etc.

I really doubt any of the sponsors care if Kate is grateful. The crooked houses, kitchen remodeling, etc. were not done or given to the Gosselins as charity. It was a business deal that was beneficial to both parties. Example, the kids got crooked houses and the Crooked House guys got bombarded with so much business and interest after that episode aired, their website couldn't handle the traffic.

Being on reality TV is certainly not a normal job. (Look at all the celebs who've gotten divorced while on a reality tv show). Honestly, if it weren't for the kids, J&K wouldn't even have this job. It doesn't matter that they're promoting camping equipment, crooked houses, etc. The kids are what makes the show, not the product placements or happy companies who get extra business because of the show. Why should J&K live off their kids? That's not normal. Sadly, the Dionne Quintuplets situation is hauntingly similar now to the Gosselin kids. It's ridiculous IMO to make them film for several days a week (this season was supposed to have 40 episodes) and think that's ok because the kids are just 'playing'. Now 80% of their money is in a revocable trust which, as we've all learned, means J&K can dip into it if need be. This is not a normal family job. I think J&K have been exploiting their beautiful kids and IMO will most likely cause them emotional damage in the long run. Imagine Collin 10 or 20 years from now watching the famous constipation episode. Or how they were all horribly sick with the flu, sleeping on the floor while their parents went out of town for Jon's hairplugs. Or how about Kate over reacting all the time. Or berating Jon. All of these things are forever on film now, what a lovely keepsake from their childhood. Who wants to see their parents that way? But I guess it's ok because apparently it was the ONLY job J&K could get in order to provide for their kids.

IMO Kate is very ungracious and rude. There have been many reports of this from people at her events and such. Heck, why do you think Jen the producer and all the camera crew left J&K+8? I do think she believes she is entitled to things, look at the way she treated Jon. Yes he's pretty much an idiot but you don't treat someone you love the way she did. It was rude, hateful and disrespectful. Of course Jon retaliated in his own way too but Kate was just plain mean IMO.

How is it working 'smarter' when you're demanding, ungracious and willing to sacrifice your children's privacy for money? That's actually the opposite of smart in my book. When all is said and done, I wonder if Kate will think all of this was worth it. Her marriage is broken, her life is in shambles and her kids have been on reality TV for 4 years. IMO she'll probably feel a lot of regret and wonder why she thought all of this was necessary. Especially for how she treated Jon and how she talked about the divorce and what her kids were going through, what they said, etc. What a mess. My hope is that the kids will be able to deal with all of these issues and not resent their parents.

 

[DMRick]

Never count chickens before they hatch:
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-...8-TLC-confirms-Kate-Plus-Eight-is-still-alive

 

[walden]

Never count chickens before they hatch:
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-...8-TLC-confirms-Kate-Plus-Eight-is-still-alive

Do you really want or somehow need the filming of these children to continue?

I do have to ask.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Never count chickens before they hatch:
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-...8-TLC-confirms-Kate-Plus-Eight-is-still-alive

Oh good grief. Hasn't TLC done enough damage? Why put out information that they're hopeful Kate+8 will resume? Leave the family alone and let them heal for crying out loud. This just further demonstrates to me that TLC doesn't give a hoot about the Gosselins, not a bit. Shame on them. They make me sick. If Jon goes back and let's the filming resume, he is nothing but a lying scumbag. I hope he stands by what he said and doesn't let the $ blind him, again.

 

[hbkfan637]

Being on reality TV is certainly not a normal job. (Look at all the celebs who've gotten divorced while on a reality tv show). Honestly, if it weren't for the kids, J&K wouldn't even have this job. It doesn't matter that they're promoting camping equipment, crooked houses, etc. The kids are what makes the show, not the product placements or happy companies who get extra business because of the show. Why should J&K live off their kids? That's not normal. Sadly, the Dionne Quintuplets situation is hauntingly similar now to the Gosselin kids. It's ridiculous IMO to make them film for several days a week (this season was supposed to have 40 episodes) and think that's ok because the kids are just 'playing'. Now 80% of their money is in a revocable trust which, as we've all learned, means J&K can dip into it if need be. This is not a normal family job. I think J&K have been exploiting their beautiful kids and IMO will most likely cause them emotional damage in the long run. Imagine Collin 10 or 20 years from now watching the famous constipation episode. Or how they were all horribly sick with the flu, sleeping on the floor while their parents went out of town for Jon's hairplugs. Or how about Kate over reacting all the time. Or berating Jon. All of these things are forever on film now, what a lovely keepsake from their childhood. Who wants to see their parents that way? But I guess it's ok because apparently it was the ONLY job J&K could get in order to provide for their kids.

IMO Kate is very ungracious and rude. There have been many reports of this from people at her events and such. Heck, why do you think Jen the producer and all the camera crew left J&K+8? I do think she believes she is entitled to things, look at the way she treated Jon. Yes he's pretty much an idiot but you don't treat someone you love the way she did. It was rude, hateful and disrespectful. Of course Jon retaliated in his own way too but Kate was just plain mean IMO.

How is it working 'smarter' when you're demanding, ungracious and willing to sacrifice your children's privacy for money? That's actually the opposite of smart in my book. When all is said and done, I wonder if Kate will think all of this was worth it. Her marriage is broken, her life is in shambles and her kids have been on reality TV for 4 years. IMO she'll probably feel a lot of regret and wonder why she thought all of this was necessary. Especially for how she treated Jon and how she talked about the divorce and what her kids were going through, what they said, etc. What a mess. My hope is that the kids will be able to deal with all of these issues and not resent their parents.

I never said it was OK for them to live off the kids. And I didn't mean Kate was working smarter. I guess I didn't write out my opinion well because I was trying to address how people always say the Gosselins never work for anything or have a job. Like doing a reality show, making appearances, etc. are not jobs and only jobs like being a nurse, teacher, retail clerk, etc. are considered jobs to some people on this forum.

 

[C.Ann]

Being on reality TV is certainly not a normal job. (Look at all the celebs who've gotten divorced while on a reality tv show). Honestly, if it weren't for the kids, J&K wouldn't even have this job. It doesn't matter that they're promoting camping equipment, crooked houses, etc. The kids are what makes the show, not the product placements or happy companies who get extra business because of the show. Why should J&K live off their kids? That's not normal. Sadly, the Dionne Quintuplets situation is hauntingly similar now to the Gosselin kids. It's ridiculous IMO to make them film for several days a week (this season was supposed to have 40 episodes) and think that's ok because the kids are just 'playing'. Now 80% of their money is in a revocable trust which, as we've all learned, means J&K can dip into it if need be. This is not a normal family job. I think J&K have been exploiting their beautiful kids and IMO will most likely cause them emotional damage in the long run. Imagine Collin 10 or 20 years from now watching the famous constipation episode. Or how they were all horribly sick with the flu, sleeping on the floor while their parents went out of town for Jon's hairplugs. Or how about Kate over reacting all the time. Or berating Jon. All of these things are forever on film now, what a lovely keepsake from their childhood. Who wants to see their parents that way? But I guess it's ok because apparently it was the ONLY job J&K could get in order to provide for their kids.

IMO Kate is very ungracious and rude. There have been many reports of this from people at her events and such. Heck, why do you think Jen the producer and all the camera crew left J&K+8? I do think she believes she is entitled to things, look at the way she treated Jon. Yes he's pretty much an idiot but you don't treat someone you love the way she did. It was rude, hateful and disrespectful. Of course Jon retaliated in his own way too but Kate was just plain mean IMO.

How is it working 'smarter' when you're demanding, ungracious and willing to sacrifice your children's privacy for money? That's actually the opposite of smart in my book. When all is said and done, I wonder if Kate will think all of this was worth it. Her marriage is broken, her life is in shambles and her kids have been on reality TV for 4 years. IMO she'll probably feel a lot of regret and wonder why she thought all of this was necessary. Especially for how she treated Jon and how she talked about the divorce and what her kids were going through, what they said, etc. What a mess. My hope is that the kids will be able to deal with all of these issues and not resent their parents.

--------------------

Another excellent post.. Nice job..

 

[3prettyprincesses]

I never said it was OK for them to live off the kids. And I didn't mean Kate was working smarter. I guess I didn't write out my opinion well because I was trying to address how people always say the Gosselins never work for anything or have a job. Like doing a reality show, making appearances, etc. are not jobs and only jobs like being a nurse, teacher, retail clerk, etc. are considered jobs to some people on this forum.

No worries. I kind of went off on my own little tangent, sorry about that. I just feel strongly about this whole mess and I didn't mean to single you out even though I quoted your post! I hope there's no hard feelings.

 

[kidshop]

So Kate is now looking into the accusations that Stephanie Santoro made about Jon and considering legal action:
http://www.examiner.com/x-11363-Dallas-TV-Examiner~y2009m10d15-Jon-and-Kate-Plus-8-Kate-Gosselin-reacts-to-hacking-accusations

Apparently, one of her representatives contacted TMZ to issue the statement. My only question is: why TMZ and not People? Does that mean they don't take Stephanie's claims as seriously?

Didn't Stephanie's mother give all this info in her interview about a month ago? I wonder why now, they deem it as possibly credible, not to mention giving computer whiz Jon all that extra time to hack emails and gather info?

About Kate + 8 continuing, they cannot film the children without Jon's permission. If he doesn't give it, they will not proceed with the kids, however they can film Kate all they want. I'm sure TLC is working Jon hard to relent, we can only hope he will not. All TLC can see is dollar signs, but at this point so many; even in the mainstream media have declared it child abuse to keep filming these kids.

 

[DMRick]

Do you really want or somehow need the filming of these children to continue?

I do have to ask.

I have said several times the past few days, that I thought the end needed to be here, based on what is going on with the divorce. K & J need to get out of this mess and let things settle down with the kids. There is way too much publicity at this time to have the show continue. Plus, as I have said in the past, the twins are getting to old to be on. I thought the show was winding down back in May..but all the interest seems to have made it alive again. I was posting a report. Is there a reason you asked, based on my posting the message from TLC? Many people have the show gone. I said earlier, I thought it was only gone, until Jon needed the money and gave permission.

 

[DMRick]

I can't say I was surprised. I was more surprised that everyone thought it was over, just because Jon said so. They cut Jon out, he suddenly said no more taping for the benefit of the kids (although someone said he cut them out first. I think we may have just heard that first). So, if they put him back in does that mean he used them as a bargaining chip.
I really don't know what TLC is thinking. They, along with K & J need to not put out any more press releases. Someday, maybe we'll be ready for an update, but I don't think it's now. Not with all the press.

Oh good grief. Hasn't TLC done enough damage? Why put out information that they're hopeful Kate+8 will resume? Leave the family alone and let them heal for crying out loud. This just further demonstrates to me that TLC doesn't give a hoot about the Gosselins, not a bit. Shame on them. They make me sick. If Jon goes back and let's the filming resume, he is nothing but a lying scumbag. I hope he stands by what he said and doesn't let the $ blind him, again.

 

[LoraJ]

I never said it was OK for them to live off the kids. And I didn't mean Kate was working smarter. I guess I didn't write out my opinion well because I was trying to address how people always say the Gosselins never work for anything or have a job. Like doing a reality show, making appearances, etc. are not jobs and only jobs like being a nurse, teacher, retail clerk, etc. are considered jobs to some people on this forum.

Very true. If it's not a job, then why the complaint about child labor laws?

I am sure most people wouldn't think my job is a job either sometimes. I got paid to watch Real Housewives of Atlanta all day.

 

[C.Ann]

Oh good grief. Hasn't TLC done enough damage? Why put out information that they're hopeful Kate+8 will resume? Leave the family alone and let them heal for crying out loud. This just further demonstrates to me that TLC doesn't give a hoot about the Gosselins, not a bit. Shame on them. They make me sick. If Jon goes back and let's the filming resume, he is nothing but a lying scumbag. I hope he stands by what he said and doesn't let the $ blind him, again.

-----------------------------------

Well it does seem that some people have a very real "need" to see this show continue - although I'm not sure why - and TLC sure doesn't want to bow out with the final comments being "the nightmare is finally over"..

However, greed is just as much a motivating factor for TLC as it is for Jon & Kate.. It's all about the money - regardless of the cost to the children..

Here's a novel idea.. Institute strong child labor laws for every child who appears on a Reality tv show - come back when the sextuplets are - umm - let's say 13 or 14 years old and Mady and Cara are 16 - ask for their permission to film their daily lives - and let them make the decision..

Oh - and I forgot to add: Let the KIDS decide if Mommy and Daddy get paid for THEIR appearances..

 

[emer95]

Never count chickens before they hatch:
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-...8-TLC-confirms-Kate-Plus-Eight-is-still-alive

Direct quote from the article:

"What will need to happen in order for this move to become a reality? Jon Gosselin will first of all have to allow the network to resume filming the children; as of right now, there doesn't appear to be much of a chance of this happening."

Hooray!!!