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

[redrosesix]

That's very true. I think this is going to backfire on TLC. Their little petition has disclosed information about the contract between them and J&K. I'm guessing people will think TLC is very controlling and acting like a bully toward a family that is literally falling apart before our very eyes. The way they're going after Jon is hideous IMO given all that's going on with the Gosselin family. Shame on them. And I still think they broke the contract with Jon first by changing the show's focus and removing his name from the title. If they have a contract with Kate for Kate+8 then I think they may have screwed themselves. Jon didn't sign a contract for the new show (that we know of) which means he hasn't consented to the kids being filmed. Doesn't the fact that TLC changed the focus and name of the show nullify Jon's contract anyway? This is all so confusing.

I've been watching the comments today and not only do I think TLC overdid it, they have bad timing. There have been comments about them helping Kate, helping Stephanie, Kate working with Kate. IMO they made it look like a big conspiracy where there really might not be any (since the timing may only be based on the need to tape to get Kate + 8 going)

Since TLC retained the right to change the name of the show, it isn't really a new show, which makes sense -- like if they had had another child (there was some talk about them wanting J & K to adopt a child from Korea) they would have changed it to J & K + 9.

However, a TLC rep said a couple of weeks ago that the family doesn't get paid when they're not taping, so that would mean Jon wouldn't be paid but they could hold him to his exclusive contract so he couldn't do other shows -- however, they now say that they offered to continue paying him (which makes me actually believe Jon more about wanting to get his kids off the show) His current contract ends in Feb 2010, but they have the right to continue it (and keep him to his exclusive contract) for either 1 or 2 more years -- not sure, I'd have to read the petition again to figure that out. So that would mean that he can't do any other work during that time.

J & K must have believed the show would last forever when they signed that contract, or that TLC wouldn't simply cancel the show if ratings fell. They might have reduced the number of shows per year, yet J&K would have been held to that exclusive contract, unable to do other TV shows (with or without the kids) to make money to support their family.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

I've been watching the comments today and not only do I think TLC overdid it, they have bad timing. There have been comments about them helping Kate, helping Stephanie, Kate working with Kate. IMO they made it look like a big conspiracy where there really might not be any (since the timing may only be based on the need to tape to get Kate + 8 going)

Since TLC retained the right to change the name of the show, it isn't really a new show, which makes sense -- like if they had had another child (there was some talk about them wanting J & K to adopt a child from Korea) they would have changed it to J & K + 9.

However, a TLC rep said a couple of weeks ago that the family doesn't get paid when they're not taping, so that would mean Jon wouldn't be paid but they could hold him to his exclusive contract so he couldn't do other shows -- however, they now say that they offered to continue paying him (which makes me actually believe Jon more about wanting to get his kids off the show) His current contract ends in Feb 2010, but they have the right to continue it (and keep him to his exclusive contract) for either 1 or 2 more years -- not sure, I'd have to read the petition again to figure that out. So that would mean that he can't do any other work during that time.

J & K must have believed the show would last forever when they signed that contract, or that TLC wouldn't simply cancel the show if ratings fell. They might have reduced the number of shows per year, yet J&K would have been held to that exclusive contract, unable to do other TV shows (with or without the kids) to make money to support their family.

That's what I was thinking too. If what TLC says is true, then Jon would still be getting paid even though the show would be called Kate+8. If Jon is as lazy as people think and only out for personal gain, then wouldn't it have made more sense for him to sit back, let Kate+8 roll and quietly collect the checks? The fact that he still stopped them from filming the kids is rather telling, IF we believe that TLC would continue to pay him as they alledged in their petition. And of course, he didn't film on Sept. 24th already. Does anyone know someone at LKL so we can find out when Jon had called to schedule his appearance there? I think that would help solve this mystery of him wanting the show to stop, the timeline. If he'd already set it up before TLC changed the show, then I'll believe him (somewhat ).

I think the exclusivity clause is outrageous. Like you said, suppose the ratings fell forcing TLC cut back on episodes. Which would of course mean less $ yet J&K would still be held to that ridiculous contract, barring them from making $ elsewhere. It's all just strange to me and I'm stunned that J&K supposedly had legal representation and STILL signed that thing. Especially knowing that it includes their kids.

 

[OhMari]

I think the exclusivity clause is outrageous. Like you said, suppose the ratings fell forcing TLC cut back on episodes. Which would of course mean less $ yet J&K would still be held to that ridiculous contract, barring them from making $ elsewhere. It's all just strange to me and I'm stunned that J&K supposedly had legal representation and STILL signed that thing. Especially knowing that it includes their kids.

I'm betting TLC had some kind of representation there, and pretending they were representing Jon and Kate, but were only representing TLC. If what Kate says is true, that Jon will listen to anyone and Jon says Kate is brained washed, thinking TLC is her best friends, why wouldn't they sign. They were totally schmooved.

Anyone think it is wierd that Steve didn't do security with Kate when they went to court. He must work and get paid exclusively for TLC, but than again, makes you wonder if Jon has finally said something to him, since he is spitting everything else out into the public eye.

 

[redrosesix]

That's what I was thinking too. If what TLC says is true, then Jon would still be getting paid even though the show would be called Kate+8. If Jon is as lazy as people think and only out for personal gain, then wouldn't it have made more sense for him to sit back, let Kate+8 roll and quietly collect the checks? The fact that he still stopped them from filming the kids is rather telling, IF we believe that TLC would continue to pay him as they alledged in their petition. And of course, he didn't film on Sept. 24th already. Does anyone know someone at LKL so we can find out when Jon had called to schedule his appearance there? I think that would help solve this mystery of him wanting the show to stop, the timeline. If he'd already set it up before TLC changed the show, then I'll believe him (somewhat ).

I think the exclusivity clause is outrageous. Like you said, suppose the ratings fell forcing TLC cut back on episodes. Which would of course mean less $ yet J&K would still be held to that ridiculous contract, barring them from making $ elsewhere. It's all just strange to me and I'm stunned that J&K supposedly had legal representation and STILL signed that thing. Especially knowing that it includes their kids.

There is the letter that Heller had at the interview with LKL -- he said it was from TLC dated the 25th (which seems like more than a coincidence now that we know Jon didn't show up for filming on the 24th) stating that Jon should not do the interview with Larry King Live blah blah blah about breach of contract -- and we know that LKL does not pay for interviews, soooo....

But we never saw the letter.

Anyways, they made it sound as if they had been in negotiations with the producers for Jon to come on the show to make his announcement, and a date had not been set until the 29th, when Jon issued his cease and desist order (complete with the announcement that he would be on LKL in 2 days)

Yes, this all works. But I'm sure if I was looking for evidence to the contrary, I might be able to come up with another scenario.

I'm betting TLC had some kind of representation there, and pretending they were representing Jon and Kate, but were only representing TLC. If what Kate says is true, that Jon will listen to anyone and Jon says Kate is brained washed, thinking TLC is her best friends, why wouldn't they sign. They were totally schmooved.

Anyone think it is wierd that Steve didn't do security with Kate when they went to court. He must work and get paid exclusively for TLC, but than again, makes you wonder if Jon has finally said something to him, since he is spitting everything else out into the public eye.

Never thought of that. Of course, this sounds crazy to me because we never made a move without a lawyer because of the family business ie. real estate, where you need a lawyer for just about anything here -- I'm betting the Roloffs and the Duggars had their own lawyers there.

That is strange about Steve -- you'd think they would have expected chaos outside the courthouse.

 

[redrosesix]

Posting TLC's petition again, because I keep losing it :
http://www.tmz.com/2009/10/16/jon-gosselin-kate-jon-and-kate-plus-eight-lawsuit-tlc/

It looks to me that they signed the contract for season 4, giving TLC the option to renew for 3 additional seasons. So Jon is under contract for 2 1/2 more years, unless they cancel the show (I presume)

 

[dicar123]

I don't have a lot of problems with the contract (based upon what I have read here, haven't read it myself).

None of us could go on tv and badmouth our employer without geting fired, unless we fell under some kind of whistleblower law. They tend to frown on that sort of thing.

A multiyear contract has both risks and benefits. If they were under contract for 3 years and after 1 year the ratings tanked, the Gosslins are protected because they would (presumably) be paid for 3 years. Who wouldn't like that stability? It also protected TLC from having Jon and Kate come in at the height of their popularity and demand 3x the salary or no show. It gives both sides protection. But there is some risk to each.

As far as exclusivity goes, it's a good thing for TLC, in general, to have the family out there. But given the "brand" they would have to be able to say, "No, you're not going on Jerry Springer. No, you won't do commercials for viagra." Ideally, they would ask for an increased salary in exchange for exclusivity so that they aren't cut off from making money that they need.

I don't know how one would go about having any kind of agreement with the predictability both parties would want, and yet always leave an "opt out" in case the kids are negatively affected. And maybe that is the whole problem in a nutshell?

 

[barkley]

after reading the legal docs i could see this lawsuit as realy working to some extent towards jon's benefit.

kate was saying he left her unable to pay the bills, he was contending there was much more money available to her and demanding financial docs-then tlc waltzes in and in their lawsuit details out how none of the gosselins can do any paid ventures without tlc's permission. the way i see it that opens the door for jon's legal team to use "discovery" to request from tlc every detail on every financial venture the any of the gosselin's ever participated in or considered participating in. if tlc claims that they did'nt require the gosselin's to get advance written permission then jon's team can show that 'past practices' led jon to believe he (like kate) could do interviews and other compensable activities. if tlc ponies up all the documents it will create a paper trail that jon's attny's can use to establish exactly what the marital assetts are and perhaps use to show that kate purposely embarked on misleading the public (and causing defamation to jon) about the recent financial circumstances.

i would think it would be beneifical to any entity that is pursing child labor issues as well-tlc can continue to claim the show itself was'nt "work" but that does'nt mean any other compensable activities the kids were involved in does'nt fall under child labor-be it doing commercials, photo spreads, appearances at venues or on interview shows...it will be interesting to see if the corporation jon & kate appear to have set up (as listed in the court documents) does'nt get some heavy duty investigation as well. just because they are the parents of the kids they are'nt excused from their legal duties as corporate principles and directors (which the tlc document identifies them as) in ensuring that all the legal aspects of their corporation's activities are covered (which i suspect would include the whole child labor permit issue).

tlc may have opened the door to being dragged into something they could have totaly sidestepped by taking the 'this is a personal issue between the jon and kate and we will not comment' track.

 

[redrosesix]

I don't have a lot of problems with the contract (based upon what I have read here, haven't read it myself).

None of us could go on tv and badmouth our employer without geting fired, unless we fell under some kind of whistleblower law. They tend to frown on that sort of thing.

A multiyear contract has both risks and benefits. If they were under contract for 3 years and after 1 year the ratings tanked, the Gosslins are protected because they would (presumably) be paid for 3 years. Who wouldn't like that stability? It also protected TLC from having Jon and Kate come in at the height of their popularity and demand 3x the salary or no show. It gives both sides protection. But there is some risk to each.

As far as exclusivity goes, it's a good thing for TLC, in general, to have the family out there. But given the "brand" they would have to be able to say, "No, you're not going on Jerry Springer. No, you won't do commercials for viagra." Ideally, they would ask for an increased salary in exchange for exclusivity so that they aren't cut off from making money that they need.

I don't know how one would go about having any kind of agreement with the predictability both parties would want, and yet always leave an "opt out" in case the kids are negatively affected. And maybe that is the whole problem in a nutshell?

the only information we have on this is a statement by a TLC rep a couple of weeks ago that the Gosselins were paid when they were filming, not when the shows aired.

after reading the legal docs i could see this lawsuit as realy working to some extent towards jon's benefit.

kate was saying he left her unable to pay the bills, he was contending there was much more money available to her and demanding financial docs-then tlc waltzes in and in their lawsuit details out how none of the gosselins can do any paid ventures without tlc's permission. the way i see it that opens the door for jon's legal team to use "discovery" to request from tlc every detail on every financial venture the any of the gosselin's ever participated in or considered participating in. if tlc claims that they did'nt require the gosselin's to get advance written permission then jon's team can show that 'past practices' led jon to believe he (like kate) could do interviews and other compensable activities. if tlc ponies up all the documents it will create a paper trail that jon's attny's can use to establish exactly what the marital assetts are and perhaps use to show that kate purposely embarked on misleading the public (and causing defamation to jon) about the recent financial circumstances.

i would think it would be beneifical to any entity that is pursing child labor issues as well-tlc can continue to claim the show itself was'nt "work" but that does'nt mean any other compensable activities the kids were involved in does'nt fall under child labor-be it doing commercials, photo spreads, appearances at venues or on interview shows...it will be interesting to see if the corporation jon & kate appear to have set up (as listed in the court documents) does'nt get some heavy duty investigation as well. just because they are the parents of the kids they are'nt excused from their legal duties as corporate principles and directors (which the tlc document identifies them as) in ensuring that all the legal aspects of their corporation's activities are covered (which i suspect would include the whole child labor permit issue).

tlc may have opened the door to being dragged into something they could have totaly sidestepped by taking the 'this is a personal issue between the jon and kate and we will not comment' track.

Some excellent points, especially in light of the fact that TLC's petition contains the statement that they have exclusive control over marketing and promotion of the show ie. they decided which photo shoots, commercials, etc the children were to do. And these were requirements of their contract, not necessarily additional items which brought them additional pay.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

after reading the legal docs i could see this lawsuit as realy working to some extent towards jon's benefit.

kate was saying he left her unable to pay the bills, he was contending there was much more money available to her and demanding financial docs-then tlc waltzes in and in their lawsuit details out how none of the gosselins can do any paid ventures without tlc's permission. the way i see it that opens the door for jon's legal team to use "discovery" to request from tlc every detail on every financial venture the any of the gosselin's ever participated in or considered participating in. if tlc claims that they did'nt require the gosselin's to get advance written permission then jon's team can show that 'past practices' led jon to believe he (like kate) could do interviews and other compensable activities. if tlc ponies up all the documents it will create a paper trail that jon's attny's can use to establish exactly what the marital assetts are and perhaps use to show that kate purposely embarked on misleading the public (and causing defamation to jon) about the recent financial circumstances.

i would think it would be beneifical to any entity that is pursing child labor issues as well-tlc can continue to claim the show itself was'nt "work" but that does'nt mean any other compensable activities the kids were involved in does'nt fall under child labor-be it doing commercials, photo spreads, appearances at venues or on interview shows...it will be interesting to see if the corporation jon & kate appear to have set up (as listed in the court documents) does'nt get some heavy duty investigation as well. just because they are the parents of the kids they are'nt excused from their legal duties as corporate principles and directors (which the tlc document identifies them as) in ensuring that all the legal aspects of their corporation's activities are covered (which i suspect would include the whole child labor permit issue).

tlc may have opened the door to being dragged into something they could have totaly sidestepped by taking the 'this is a personal issue between the jon and kate and we will not comment' track.

Very good point. I remember reading about the Good Housekeeping shoot they did last year. It was done in the summer but the kids had to dress in winter clothes because the issue would come out in November. Apparently the shoot took all day, the kids were hot and miserable, wouldn't smile, etc. so they had to shoot it again the next day. Sounds like work to me.

Here's an article from March 2009 by a journalist who went to one of J&K's speaking engagements. It is very interesting:

http://www.phillymag.com/articles/jon_and_kate_gosselin/

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Here's another article about the Good Housekeeping photo shoot:

The Photo Shoot for Good Housekeeping's November Issue Reveals a Family Sinking into Chaos
October 07, 2008 by Susan Braun

A picture is worth a thousand words, so they say.

A recent episode of the wildly-popular Jon and Kate Plus Eight features the family in a Good Housekeeping magazine photo shoot. Just what do the pictures reveal?

First things first. Let's start at the beginning of the episode. Jon and Kate are sitting on the ever-present sofa, discussing their delight at being featured on the cover of Good Housekeeping, which Kate terms "a very reputable magazine". I guess their previous articles in National Enquirer and US Weekly weren't deemed to be so reputable, huh? She goes on to state that the article and photo will be great exposure "for the show, and for our family". I don't know about you, but I don't generally look for more exposure for my family. Hmmmm ...

We learn that the Good Housekeeping photo staff of 23 will be visiting the Gosselins' house for the first part of the shoot. "No, this is not something we enjoy," Kate tells us, just before she is shown with makeup artists who have set up a studio in her home and will be styling her hair and makeup. They also ask about the children's hair and we learn that Mady and Cara, the 7-year-olds, will need blow-outs.

We see Jon having his makeup applied as well, and he tells us, "I'm not comfortable with it either, but it's the way it has to be." Apparently someone is holding guns to Jon and Kate's heads, because the last time I heard, no one can force you to do a photo shoot or do a reality TV show based on your family.

The family heads out to their back deck, dressed in beautiful fall clothing. Jon informs us that it is 93 degrees, but that the crew has brought leaves, pumpkins and other decor to make the deck look more fall-like. The photographer begins shooting, shouting out encouragements such as, "Mom, you look GORGEOUS!" Jon and Kate can apparently hold smiles forever, but the kids are less enthusiastic. Most of them are shown melting down at one time or another, and saddest of all is Cara, the quiet twin. The family later discovers that she is looking sad in most every photo. Clearly, she knows something is wrong with this whole set-up. Dressing for fall in the summer heat? Decorating our deck to look like October in the middle of July? That's got to create some major cognitive dissonance in little minds.

The dissonance continues inside, where we head for more photos. We learn that the crew is decorating the house for fall, and Jon tells us that they all "pretend to do an art project" for some great photo shots. Think: how odd would you find it if you were 4 years old and your parent told you that you would be pretending to do a project so that a bunch of strangers could take photos of you? Hmmm ....

The day ends, but unfortunately we're not done with the photo shoot. No, the next day the family is driven in a bus to the Good Housekeeping studio for another shoot. Jon tells us that "The most important thing is that the kids get comfortable with the crew so they act natural." Hmmmm ... I would think the most important thing might be trying to ensure that the kids have fun, or learn something, but I guess I'm just being naive.

The kids do proceed to act natural, if by that you mean fussing, crying, and being temperamental during the shoot. Jon and Kate smile away, but the photographers have a heck of a time getting the kids to all cooperate. Finally some joy ensues when a crew member brings out a dog to play with the kids, as a pre-arranged treat. They do seem to love the dog, and Kate tells us that despite all evidence to the contrary, the kids "consider these days fun ... different people to play with, rewards ..." I guess they prefer adult crews over children their own age to play with? Hmmmm ....

We end the program with the final cover shot, which does capture most of the kids looking at least relatively happy. Not bad for two days' worth of shots, huh? The backstage glimpses are far more revealing.



And here are the youtube clips from that photo shoot, Picture Perfect:

Clip1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43aD...EDE70C5A&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=50

Clip2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG8T02azgjQ&feature=related

 

[kidshop]

Posting TLC's petition again, because I keep losing it :
http://www.tmz.com/2009/10/16/jon-gosselin-kate-jon-and-kate-plus-eight-lawsuit-tlc/

It looks to me that they signed the contract for season 4, giving TLC the option to renew for 3 additional seasons. So Jon is under contract for 2 1/2 more years, unless they cancel the show (I presume)

When I read it, I can't tell if they (JKIG) can opt out of the renewing or if they have to renew if TLC wants three more seasons. What a stupid thing to sign! Anyway, it clearly states that TLC can end the contract for all of them or just Jon for 'bad behavior' Why did they not choose to exercise that option, but instead choose to continue paying Jon, and not allow him the ability to earn any other money? (I'll tell you why...to keep him quiet!) And as stated above, if Jon just wanted easy money he had it all right at TLC.

 

[redrosesix]

When I read it, I can't tell if they (JKIG) can opt out of the renewing or if they have to renew if TLC wants three more seasons. What a stupid thing to sign! Anyway, it clearly states that TLC can end the contract for all of them or just Jon for 'bad behavior' Why did they not choose to exercise that option, but instead choose to continue paying Jon, and not allow him the ability to earn any other money? (I'll tell you why...to keep him quiet!) And as stated above, if Jon just wanted easy money he had it all right at TLC.

Not having seen the actual contract, I have to go by their petition ie. on Pg. 5 Sec. 12, it states "Plaintiff also secured the right to renew the program for three additional seasons (with the family's compensation increasing each season)"

We use options a lot in real estate -- if J & K had the right to opt out, TLC would not actually have the right to renew ie. they would just renegotiate the contract anew after each season ended. The Season 4 contract also gave TLC additional rights, which by their wording we can assume they didn't have before, in exchange for increasing the pay per show.

 

[DMRick]

That's what I was thinking too. If what TLC says is true, then Jon would still be getting paid even though the show would be called Kate+8. If Jon is as lazy as people think and only out for personal gain, then wouldn't it have made more sense for him to sit back, let Kate+8 roll and quietly collect the checks? The fact that he still stopped them from filming the kids is rather telling, IF TLC would continue to pay him as they alledged in their petition.

I'm so far behind, so forgive me if I'm taking this out of context.

I think (just my own opinion) that Jon does not like to work 'regular' jobs. But I think he likes the attention TV gives him (just not being second fiddle to Kate). I just wonder..maybe he didn't want to just get paid, but wanted to be on TV..for instance the divorced dads show, or some other reality show. Since he had to be exclusive to TLC, he wanted out. Holding the kids for a bargaining chip might have been that out. Except he forgot that TV stations will not lay down and let contracts be broke..otherwise anyone not wanting to continue would just break their contract.

 

[WaltD4Me]

I'm so far behind, so forgive me if I'm taking this out of context.

I think (just my own opinion) that Jon does not like to work 'regular' jobs. But I think he likes the attention TV gives him (just not being second fiddle to Kate). I just wonder..maybe he didn't want to just get paid, but wanted to be on TV..for instance the divorced dads show, or some other reality show. Since he had to be exclusive to TLC, he wanted out. Holding the kids for a bargaining chip might have been that out. Except he forgot that TV stations will not lay down and let contracts be broke..otherwise anyone not wanting to continue would just break their contract.

I think Jon wanted to something more "hip." I think he wanted to shed the boring dad image and do something "cool." Unfortunately he hooked up with Michael Lohan...who, I don't even know why he would be on a show about Divorced Dads, considering his children don't speak to him, but none the less, I think at first this seemed like a good idea to Jon...then Michael Lohan hooked him up with the creepy lawyer. The creepy lawyer told Jon he knew how to get him out of his TLC contract. Creepy lawyer said "Don't worry, I will take care of everything, no problem." Jon being Jon, believed Creepy lawyer and here we are. At some point though Jon figured out Divorced Dad Club wasn't a good idea and now he doesn't know what to do. Unfortunately it doesn't seem like he has figured out yet that Creepy lawyer needs to go.

 

[redrosesix]

I'm so far behind, so forgive me if I'm taking this out of context.

I think (just my own opinion) that Jon does not like to work 'regular' jobs. But I think he likes the attention TV gives him (just not being second fiddle to Kate). I just wonder..maybe he didn't want to just get paid, but wanted to be on TV..for instance the divorced dads show, or some other reality show. Since he had to be exclusive to TLC, he wanted out. Holding the kids for a bargaining chip might have been that out. Except he forgot that TV stations will not lay down and let contracts be broke..otherwise anyone not wanting to continue would just break their contract.

That certainly is a whole other way to look at it.

But we don't know him, so I think it's impossible to guess what his motives were. But if he just wanted to be on TV, he could have just continued with the show since he and Kate were no longer filming together. If he had done Divorced Dad's Club (which he is apparently not interested in, since it sounds like Michael Lohan is planning to sue him for not doing it), he would have had to share the spotlight with several other dads.

And your scenario would make sense if we knew for sure that TLC had reduced his role on their show before Jon had told them he wanted out, but it just isn't looking that way.

 

[DMRick]

That certainly is a whole other way to look at it.

But we don't know him, so I think it's impossible to guess what his motives were. But if he just wanted to be on TV, he could have just continued with the show since he and Kate were no longer filming together. If he had done Divorced Dad's Club (which he is apparently not interested in, since it sounds like Michael Lohan is planning to sue him for not doing it), he would have had to share the spotlight with several other dads.

I think Jon had no interest in being on K & 8..he wouldn't have had a very important role, I'm sure (other than being the dad, of course which we all know is important).

And your scenario would make sense if we knew for sure that TLC had reduced his role on their show before Jon had told them he wanted out, but it just isn't looking that way.

Jon was reducing his role on the show wasn't he? It just wasn't legal. Holding the kids from filming would give him a total out.

I have to admit I haven't read everything. I do wish TLC would just drop it, and let Jon go. If he starts to work, and the kids show is over (and Kate isn't working, or not earning what Jon would earn, if he got his own show), Jon will have to pay more child support..at that point, if he has to give up some bucks, I think we would see him be willing to let the kids film. I hope the interest just dies down and TLC drops it.

But I guess we'll really just have to see how this plays out. I never would have thought anyone could use their kids that way (if it's not true that he stopped the filming becasue he had the kids interest at heart), but then we have the balloon incident..

 

[madge]

something interesting I just learned .... (and it has nothing to do with anything, really... just found it interesting)

Radar Online is owned by the same people that own Star & the National Enquirer.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

I'm so far behind, so forgive me if I'm taking this out of context.

I think (just my own opinion) that Jon does not like to work 'regular' jobs. But I think he likes the attention TV gives him (just not being second fiddle to Kate). I just wonder..maybe he didn't want to just get paid, but wanted to be on TV..for instance the divorced dads show, or some other reality show. Since he had to be exclusive to TLC, he wanted out. Holding the kids for a bargaining chip might have been that out. Except he forgot that TV stations will not lay down and let contracts be broke..otherwise anyone not wanting to continue would just break their contract.

Well, Jon did say at the end of season 4 that he wanted out. He was unhappy, even though he was still in the limelight by doing the show. Kate's response to this was that she loves what they're doing. I think that was truly Jon's genuine feelings. Of course we know that by signing season 4 (which would have been before Kate told him their marriage was over) they were obligated to 3 more seasons after. I think his unhappiness was very clear on the show...Kate was very snippy with him and he looked like a beaten down dog IMO. There must have been so much more going on behind the scenes during season 4. I can remember so many times where watching them on couch was truly sad and uncomfortable for me.

Fast forward to the present. He didn't want to film on Sept. 24th either which would have kept him in the limelight again, by doing the show. Instead he didn't film, didn't have the kids filmed and made it known that he wanted the kids off tv. This was before the big Kate+8 announcement.

Now, having said all that, I am certainly not putting all my eggs in Jon's basket here. Ok, that was a strange sentence! But I think you know what I mean.

 

[Promomx2]

Something just dawned on me. You'd think that Kate would be okay with Jon going out on his own and doing other tv shows. One, he'll get a paycheck which she can get child support from. And two, he'll probably do something stupid and make her look good.

 

[DMRick]

Something just dawned on me. You'd think that Kate would be okay with Jon going out on his own and doing other tv shows. One, he'll get a paycheck which she can get child support from. And two, he'll probably do something stupid and make her look good.

Child support would not bring anywhere near what they get for the show though. I think she wants to continue the show, not only for the money, but perhaps to keep her in the limelight for a future show of her own.

Fast forward to the present. He didn't want to film on Sept. 24th either which would have kept him in the limelight again, by doing the show.

I don't think the limelight he wants is second fiddle to Kate and the kids. I think he wants his own show, his own control, to show how 'strong' he has become. No more wimp. I don't think (again, these are just opinions, no facts) he could pull if off, and I would bet Kate thinks he would soon be jobless, or supported by Hailey if his projects failed. Not much child support there.

I wonder if both he and Kate have known for a bit about the title change..it just hadn't been announced to us.

Who would have thought, that this show would be discussed around a fire at camp? With older adults! Funny thing is, so many different opinions, I could have been reading this board LOL! Another thing I find funny, is, that many men think Jon is a complete idiot..yet, woman stick up for him, and he seems to draw them in. If this was happening to our sisters, we would want to bop him over the head LOL. I think he has the whole NOW group with him