Jon and Kate Plus 8 Official Thread - Part 8

[whitneyNC]

...I may disagree on the book being written (without having read it, though that may be unfair), but I also don't think, if it's true that GWOP is suggesting people bomb the book without reading it, that it's fair to say there are more bad reviews than good and the bad ones are the correct ones. While you and I may not like it, it does appear that some people who have actually read it, do.

Customer Reviews
I Just Want You to Know: Letters to My Kids on Love, Faith, and Family

22 Reviews
5 star: (3)
4 star: (0)
3 star: (1)
2 star: (0)
1 star: (18)

Average Customer Review- 1.5/5
(22 customer reviews)


There are 6 used copies already for sale! Correct is not what I said about the less than favorable reviews. I said the one I found interesting was insightful and used actual material from the text of the book for its basis for the review. Obviously the author of the review read the book. Reviews are of course opinions, and none could be "wrong." I agree, everyone who reviews the book hopefully has read it. This goes for the positive and negative ones.

 

[DMRick]

Is this a usual thing (I don't look at the reviews on Amazon) that people that review there haven't bought from Amazon, but review there? I have seen in a few spots now, that GWOP is asking people to 'review' the book there. Does anyone here post there and have you seen that? Am I the only one who thinks, if that is so, that that is just not nice?

Most of the things talked about in the reviews are things that were pre posted on line.

It shows you in the top of the review, if the reviewer bought the book from Amazon, put there by Amazon (I assume like Barnes and Noble they ask for reviews and post if you bought the book from them). I suppose the books could have been bought anywhere, but I'm not getting why the review would be written at Amazon if the book wasn't bought through them.

I'm not reading it, unless it's given to me, but I am curious about why people would suggest someone review a book they haven't read, if that is happening.

Customer Reviews
I Just Want You to Know: Letters to My Kids on Love, Faith, and Family

22 Reviews
5 star: (3)
4 star: (0)
3 star: (1)
2 star: (0)
1 star: (18)

Average Customer Review- 1.5/5
(22 customer reviews)


There are 6 used copies already for sale! Correct is not what I said about the less than favorable reviews. I said the one I found interesting was insightful and used actual material from the text of the book for its basis for the review. Obviously the author of the review read the book. Reviews are of course opinions, and none could be "wrong." I agree, everyone who reviews the book hopefully has read it. This goes for the positive and negative ones.

 

[Dee77]

Is this a usual thing (I don't look at the reviews on Amazon) that people that review there haven't bought from Amazon, but review there? I have seen in a few spots now, that GWOP is asking people to 'review' the book there. Does anyone here post there and have you seen that? Am I the only one who thinks, if that is so, that that is just not nice?

Isn't GWOP the site that you mentioned earlier that is really over the top haters? Just curious, do you follow that site? I thought you were against a lot of the commentary from that site?

 

[kidshop]

I agree that she trashed Jon on national TV especially since she didn't go into detail that her child support is being paid and that Jon is currently blocked from doing paid interviews, participating on TV shows etc. If he was flipping burgers at McDonald's she would complain that he can't provide for them. I also find it funny that she is shocked that the custody issue is being re-opened. If the situation was reversed and she was expected to pay a lot of money for child support and Jon was the one away from the kids for at least 3 days per week, making a small fortune, I would bet she would be all over the place looking to change things.

Jay Leno tapes in LA correct? Kate was on last night right, Thursday? Is she planning on going home at all this week? I hope her girls don't have any questions about her lovely book for a babysitter to have to answer. That could be awkward.

Yep, let's remember for Kate that Jon is not allowed to get paid by any person, company etc except TLC. and that she is solely in charge of when or if Jon sees the kids. (this is all in the paperwork Mr List filed)

Kate's MO from day 1 has been how poor she is and how hard life is for her. there will never be enough to fill her up.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Yep, let's remember for Kate that Jon is not allowed to get paid by any person, company etc except TLC. and that she is solely in charge of when or if Jon sees the kids. (this is all in the paperwork Mr List filed)

Kate's MO from day 1 has been how poor she is and how hard life is for her. there will never be enough to fill her up.

Let us not forget that in divorce--no parent is given anything unless the other parent gave it up.

Their hearing was so quick--they didn't fight for anything. Jon surrendered. But he is free to pull the pity strings by the public.

He agreed to the arrangement. He needs to be personally accountable for it.

The days of mommies getting automatic custody just b/c they are mommy have long since passed in this society. He screwed up, then gave up--but now it is Kate's fault? I don't think so.

 

[DMRick]

I thought I made it clear I didn't follow that site. What little I have seen of it, way in the past, or quotes from was very nasty, IMO. However several other K & J boards and the Amazon review area, has people saying that GWOP is asking people to post bad reviews. That's why I asked if others who do follow that site have seen that suggestion. As I said, if so, that just isn't nice.

Isn't GWOP the site that you mentioned earlier that is really over the top haters? Just curious, do you follow that site? I thought you were against a lot of the commentary from that site?

 

[DMRick]

Is this true? He could not get a job in IT? I thought it was just entertainment jobs that were stopped in the contract, and then only if he didn't get permission from TLC. If Jon is still under contract with TLC, is he not still getting paid by them?

Yep, let's remember for Kate that Jon is not allowed to get paid by any person, company etc except TLC. and that she is solely in charge of when or if Jon sees the kids. (this is all in the paperwork Mr List filed)

Kate's MO from day 1 has been how poor she is and how hard life is for her. there will never be enough to fill her up.

 

[kidshop]

Let us not forget that in divorce--no parent is given anything unless the other parent gave it up.

Their hearing was so quick--they didn't fight for anything. Jon surrendered. But he is free to pull the pity strings by the public.

He agreed to the arrangement. He needs to be personally accountable for it.

The days of mommies getting automatic custody just b/c they are mommy have long since passed in this society. He screwed up, then gave up--but now it is Kate's fault? I don't think so.

Agreed, Jon is dumber than a post, but that is not a reason to take advantage of him. Maybe it's not Kate's fault, but she doesn't want it known that she says if he can be there or not and that Jon can't work right now. Again it takes away from 'poor me' . If anyone should be saying poor me, it Jon!

 

[kidshop]

Is this true? He could not get a job in IT? I thought it was just entertainment jobs that were stopped in the contract, and then only if he didn't get permission from TLC. If Jon is still under contract with TLC, is he not still getting paid by them?

As far as I know, it is true. The paperwork filed said nothing about the entertainment field. It said no payment for any person or company. I'm absolutely certain TLC is paying Jon. He sold the children back. I don't know for how long though.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Is this true? He could not get a job in IT? I thought it was just entertainment jobs that were stopped in the contract, and then only if he didn't get permission from TLC. If Jon is still under contract with TLC, is he not still getting paid by them?

There was a claim in Jon's lawsuit that stated Kate was paid extra by TLC if he didn't violate the contract. Or something to that effect. I'm way too lazy right now to go dig it up. The whole thing is strange though, Jon being under TLC's contract yet not allowed to work elsewhere? He could go back into IT just like Kate could go back into nursing! Ya, that will happen!

Does anyone know how long that contract with TLC was for? I remember we discussed it at one point but don't recall the length.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Agreed, Jon is dumber than a post, but that is not a reason to take advantage of him. Maybe it's not Kate's fault, but she doesn't want it known that she says if he can be there or not and that Jon can't work right now. Again it takes away from 'poor me' . If anyone should be saying poor me, it Jon!

Perhaps she has taken advantage of him.

I was under the impression that they had an agreed arrangement...not a Kate can dictate all the shots arrangement.


My defense of any custody issues prior were under that assumption and I am ashamed that I didn't have the facts.

It does take away poor me from Kate (but I've never bought her poor me act)....

But Jon--messed up big. I don't feel he deserves "poor Jon" when he created the situation.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

There was a claim in Jon's lawsuit that stated Kate was paid extra by TLC if he didn't violate the contract. Or something to that effect. I'm way too lazy right now to go dig it up. The whole thing is strange though, Jon being under TLC's contract yet not allowed to work elsewhere? He could go back into IT just like Kate could go back into nursing! Ya, that will happen!

Does anyone know how long that contract with TLC was for? I remember we discussed it at one point but don't recall the length.

You know--I'm going to have to assuem that if he has a TLC contract he is getting paid. Getting paid to do nothing--but he is getting paid.

It seems very odd that he hasn't even been seeking any type of opportunity in any field. And his attorney saying he can't get a job--please. He's not a convicted criminal.

It seems to be a fishy set up. Or Jon is indeed the laziest divorce man on the face of the planet.

 

[Dee77]

Let us not forget that in divorce--no parent is given anything unless the other parent gave it up.

Their hearing was so quick--they didn't fight for anything. Jon surrendered. But he is free to pull the pity strings by the public.
He agreed to the arrangement. He needs to be personally accountable for it.

The days of mommies getting automatic custody just b/c they are mommy have long since passed in this society. He screwed up, then gave up--but now it is Kate's fault? I don't think so.

They tried to handle this on their own apparently without any real lawyers or reps, correct? It couldn't have helped that TLC was supporting her just to get the family back on TV.

He may have screwed up and acted reckless and immature for the duration of last year but I never got the impression that he was vindictive. The arrangement of Kate's employer TLC blocking him for the duration of the contract from doing what would allow for him to have a lucrative job to me just screams desperation. The family made that network a lot of money and now they are trying to navigate through a divorce, the right thing to do would be to streamline the process but instead they made it even more chaotic. Is this Kate being vindictive or TLC continuing to exploit the family for profits?

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Perhaps she has taken advantage of him.

I was under the impression that they had an agreed arrangement...not a Kate can dictate all the shots arrangement.


My defense of any custody issues prior were under that assumption and I am ashamed that I didn't have the facts.

It does take away poor me from Kate (but I've never bought her poor me act)....

But Jon--messed up big. I don't feel he deserves "poor Jon" when he created the situation.

I swear, Jon doesn't have 2 brain cells to rub together. He obviously agreed to the arrangement which is insane IMO. Letting Kate decide when he can and can't see the kids?? Crazy. When my parents divorced, the papers specified when my dad was to see us (every other weekend and all school perfomances/events). Holidays were split, mom got us in the morning of the holiday and dad got us the late afternoon.

I'm glad Jon is now living in PA closer to his kids but I wonder if the only reason why is that his latest soulmate kicked him to the curb. The best thing for him right now is for him to be s.i.n.g.l.e. Give the kids his undivided attention and do his best to make them feel 'normal'! I had to throw that word in since Kate so clearly thinks their family is not 'normal'!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

He may have screwed up and acted reckless and immature for the duration of last year but I never got the impression that he was vindictive. The arrangement of Kate's employer TLC blocking him for the duration of the contract from doing what would allow for him to have a lucrative job to me just screams desperation. The family made that network a lot of money and now they are trying to navigate through a divorce, the right thing to do would be to streamline the process but instead they made it even more chaotic. Is this Kate being vindictive or TLC continuing to exploit the family for profits?

I'm discussing custody arrangements, not his employment status. (The fishy part is in regards to his employment).

When one freely gives in to a custody arrangement --they must be personally accountable. He is suing for primary custody b/c he is now accusing Kate being an abseentee parent.

She has employment that requires her to be out of town. But that doesn't make her "absentee". Lest we call all the married couples with one parent that travels quite a bit for work to be absentee. The accusation is unjustfied.

TLC, may have advised her--I have no idea. But they are not marriage and family law experts and cannot coerce Jon into any arrangement in the divorce.

There are actually 2 separate issues here--

The whole "working" part--and the divorce/custody part.

Their divorce was finalized 4 months ago.
DWTS has been on for 1 month adn Kate prepped for the show for about a month prior to that.

He also had to have an idea that she was pursuing career interests in television. How can he not when the rest of the world knew?

You don't consider it vindictive to sue the person, whom you gave primary custody, for primary custody on the premise that they are absentee?

It's repugnant of him to do that and a slap in the face to the many American men AND women who do travel for a living. (I have a friend that is a flight attendant--she's gone lots, but I wouldn't call her "absentee"--it carries a hefty negative connotation).

He's not suing her for being vindictive.

On that note, he will allegedly reconsider that lawsuit if he can get in on a show with them.

IF true--then his interests are not genuine and he just wants to use his kids as bargaining chips. Ick.

One can argue that Kate does the same--but then if so, why has that not been brought up in legal proceedings?

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I swear, Jon doesn't have 2 brain cells to rub together. He obviously agreed to the arrangement which is insane IMO. Letting Kate decide when he can and can't see the kids?? Crazy. When my parents divorced, the papers specified when my dad was to see us (every other weekend and all school perfomances/events). Holidays were split, mom got us in the morning of the holiday and dad got us the late afternoon.

I'm glad Jon is now living in PA closer to his kids but I wonder if the only reason why is that his latest soulmate kicked him to the curb. The best thing for him right now is for him to be s.i.n.g.l.e. Give the kids his undivided attention and do his best to make them feel 'normal'! I had to throw that word in since Kate so clearly thinks their family is not 'normal'!

AGREED on all points.

Though I'm grateful that my dad gave up custody. It took me 8 years to get my visitation reduced to zero--but if I had to visit him and his shrew more often--I would have bene even more screwed up than I already was by the limited arrangements.

 

[Dee77]

You know--I'm going to have to assuem that if he has a TLC contract he is getting paid. Getting paid to do nothing--but he is getting paid.

It seems very odd that he hasn't even been seeking any type of opportunity in any field. And his attorney saying he can't get a job--please. He's not a convicted criminal.

It seems to be a fishy set up. Or Jon is indeed the laziest divorce man on the face of the planet.

If he is under contract with TLC, isn't there a per episode payment, no filming now probably means that there is bare minimum payments being made to him. Just a thought.

I thought he also made an accusation once that Kate "squirreled" away a lot of the book and personal appearance money.

I don't think either of them realized just how quickly the nastiness would begin. Correct me if I am wrong but didn't they do the renewal of their vows just a few months before separating? It went down quickly and I believe that Kate was better prepared for it (financial stability and public image) than Jon who just ran amuck and acted like a freed prisoner.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

If he is under contract with TLC, isn't there a per episode payment, no filming now probably means that there is bare minimum payments being made to him. Just a thought.

I thought he also made an accusation once that Kate "squirreled" away a lot of the book and personal appearance money.

I don't think either of them realized just how quickly the nastiness would begin. Correct me if I am wrong but didn't they do the renewal of their vows just a few months before separating? It went down quickly and I believe that Kate was better prepared for it (financial stability and public image) than Jon who just ran amuck and acted like a freed prisoner.

On your first point--I don't know. They aren't filming new episodes, but they did do 100, which was key for residuals. But they would get that (if contracted for it) regardless of a divorce or contract dispute chaining Jon.

In the second--I do remember that, isn't that why they had to produce documentation on where money was going or something?

I think so on the renewal of vows--things Kate said during the show were extremely odd. While I can't stand the gwopperazzi....they did hone in on that and the end was pretty much written at that point. I recall on a separate thread about someone posting about their own vow renewal--another poster chimed in about how sometimes vow renewals precede a separation. I don't remember the exact quote or if they cited a statistic or if it was accurate. But I foudn it interesting.

My dad and his shrew had a vow renewal--but it was after a very contensious (sp?) period where he (rightfully) threatened divorce. She promised to behave and now does to a certain extent--but she will always be a shrew to me. In any case--their vow renewal wasn't so much a reaffirmation of their devotion to one another but *proof* that they were willing to stick it out. While I wasn't there--my DH lived with them while on a field assignment during that time period and he and my dad had some discussions about that.

Anyway--some folks do a vow renewal to reminisce and relive that special day. Some after they overcome some hardship that tested the couple. Others do so for very different reasons related to problems that they need something for show to show that things are all right.

I believe Jon and Kate were the latter.

I do agree Kate was more prepared--but I'm guessing that part of that vow renewal was some unspoken promise that he'd behave as she required him to and when he had had enough of that and fell short of her expectations, that was the end of that.

 

[DMRick]

I'm thinking that TLC is also Jon's employer last I knew. I have read that ends in May. I wonder if he wants to make changes now, so that when he does start up in the entertainment field (has anyone even thought about what the heck he would be doing, other than interviews?) he can hold onto his money, maybe even be getting support himself if he gets the kids?

Contracts are funny things. They are there so people can't change their minds later. I've signed a few I wish I hadn't myself. Jon was happy with it when he signed it. The non compete clause was most likely part of what he signed. TLC said Jon was supposed to ask before he went on shows and he didn't. Jon tried to blackmail (and I guess he actually did) TLC and told them if they didn't release him, he was pulling the kids out of the show. Sounds to me that TLC hated being blackmailed so much, they said ok, pull them out and we'll sue you to make you honor your contract...and we all know the rest of the story.

In NY, the judge usually sends you for mediation to figure things out. At the time we were told they did that. So while I think if his circumstances have changed (like, uh, you don't have a girlfriend you can jet around with, so now you want to settle down) and it's within the law, he should go and revisit the arrangements. I don't think he would get far in NYS. It used to be you had to wait 2 years to make changes. Lots of reasons for that, but since I have no idea if this is still true, no point in my going there.

They tried to handle this on their own apparently without any real lawyers or reps, correct? It couldn't have helped that TLC was supporting her just to get the family back on TV.

He may have screwed up and acted reckless and immature for the duration of last year but I never got the impression that he was vindictive. The arrangement of Kate's employer TLC blocking him for the duration of the contract from doing what would allow for him to have a lucrative job to me just screams desperation. The family made that network a lot of money and now they are trying to navigate through a divorce, the right thing to do would be to streamline the process but instead they made it even more chaotic. Is this Kate being vindictive or TLC continuing to exploit the family for profits?

 

[Dee77]

I just caught a link for the video clip of Kate's interview on Jay Leno. YIKES she said that can speak in front of 25,000 people and that she can talk, that it's one of her better qualities.

She also talked about her commute, and had the nerve to go on about how she gets on the first flight back to PA after the results show. (not this week though, she has a book to plug, although all she talks about is DWTS)Apparently she set off the metal detector (500 hair pins) and that a TSA worker asked her to show up for her flight earlier and she offered a lecture to the worker about being on a live show. WOW I guess she's above the safety regulations that the rest of us are subjected to.

IMHO she needs to find something else that she's good at because the talking/public speaking thing just is not working out.