Jon and Kate Plus 8 Official Thread - Part 8

[susykt4]

Last night Yahoo had Kate's book "bombing" as one of their top news stories. I checked the ranking on Amazon and it was 914 (or something close.) I just checked again and it was back up in the 400s. I have no idea how the Amazon ranking system works, but that seems like a pretty significant jump in 15 hours.

 

[walden]

****

On the parenting class--very interesting. Though I'm not sure I agree with courts mandating parenting. But in this case--since the couple is "warring" over custody, it would make sense. But for a couple that is "on-board" for an amicable divorce...not feeling the need to require a class. It's not required in my state.

Lisa I don't think the court is mandating parenting. From what I can see the PA family court is just requiring that parents involved in a custody battle are required to watch an educational video. It gives them some info and advice on not placing the kids in the middle, not asking them to be intermediaries, and not trashing the other parent in front of the kids.

That's not how I took it though. Not that it makes me right but it's not how I interpreted it. When he went on Larry King Live he sat there and vehemently said that his kids *needed* to be off the show. That he has to do what is best for them and that meant not filming them anymore. He even went so far as to say that one of them (or several, I can't recall exactly) wanted to stop. The whole tone of that interview was that he was the caring, compassionate Dad who had his kids' best interest at heart. Of course now we know what it all boiled down to...him getting his fair share of the profits. He's allowed the kids to be filmed again so I can't really believe his motives on Larry King Live were genuinely about the kids welfare.

I had a hard time reconstructing this too. I do remember being glad that Jon mentioned that the children did not have work permits (this is my main interest, and the work permit issue has now been corrected) and being delighted that he finally drew a line that stopped the children being filmed during the divorce. Most of us here (almost all, IIRC) agreed that this was a good thing. Kate/TLC seemed oblivious to the need.

As to Jon's motives -- heck we can't know! Some here also speculated and assumed that he was blackmailing TLC and Kate, but that is mere speculation and assumptions. It is certainly not fact.

Jon's refusal to allow filming, whatever his motives, at least gave the kids some necessary privacy for a while. Privacy was what TLC and Kate wanted to deny them. And, frankly, the kids did not need to be filmed during the divorce.

My limited memory is confirmed here: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/33127196/ns/entertainment-reality_tv/ Everything he said was referring to the divorce. If you can find a reference to his regretting all filming, please do so. I remember being very disappointed in him back last year because he limited himself to the divorce.

I still find myself sadly disappointed that neither of these two parents can apparently conceive of a way to support the eight without filming them. Parents should support children, children should not have to work to support themselves or their parent. At least the 8 will be better protected with their brand new work permits.

Yep, those babies have been working. For a long time. Now thay are better protected.

 

[DMRick]

Isn't it wonderful that they are middle school aged, have two celebrity parents and you didn't know about them? I think that says a lot about she and Tommy's choices.

It is..there are enough of those kids already. But, er, who is their celebrity father? Is Pam married to him? I know, I don't get out much (although I'm out camping right now..no celebraties anywhere to be found!).

 

[mousey]

I had a hard time reconstructing this too. I do remember being glad that Jon mentioned that the children did not have work permits (this is my main interest, and the work permit issue has now been corrected) and being delighted that he finally drew a line that stopped the children being filmed during the divorce. Most of us here (almost all, IIRC) agreed that this was a good thing. Kate/TLC seemed oblivious to the need.

As to Jon's motives -- heck we can't know! Some here also speculated and assumed that he was blackmailing TLC and Kate, but that is mere speculation and assumptions. It is certainly not fact.

Jon's refusal to allow filming, whatever his motives, at least gave the kids some necessary privacy for a while. Privacy was what TLC and Kate wanted to deny them. And, frankly, the kids did not need to be filmed during the divorce.

My limited memory is confirmed here: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/33127196/ns/entertainment-reality_tv/ Everything he said was referring to the divorce. If you can find a reference to his regretting all filming, please do so. I remember being very disappointed in him back last year because he limited himself to the divorce.

I still find myself sadly disappointed that neither of these two parents can apparently conceive of a way to support the eight without filming them. Parents should support children, children should not have to work to support themselves or their parent. At least the 8 will be better protected with their brand new work permits.

Yep, those babies have been working. For a long time. Now thay are better protected.

ITA Walden! Those Gosselin kids deserve and need this break. Those tups have been working since before birth! I know Kate's book is not doing well, but I can't wait to read the book that these kids write.

 

[walden]

It is..there are enough of those kids already. But, er, who is their celebrity father? Is Pam married to him? I know, I don't get out much (although I'm out camping right now..no celebraties anywhere to be found!).

Tommy Lee of Motley Crue. I'm a really old lady and I know that! He makes Jon Gosselin look like a saint.

Pam seems a really lovely Mom, who was married to that loser a couple of times. Poor judgement.

But she values her children's privacy and is a very involved parent.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

I had a hard time reconstructing this too. I do remember being glad that Jon mentioned that the children did not have work permits (this is my main interest, and the work permit issue has now been corrected) and being delighted that he finally drew a line that stopped the children being filmed during the divorce. Most of us here (almost all, IIRC) agreed that this was a good thing. Kate/TLC seemed oblivious to the need.

As to Jon's motives -- heck we can't know! Some here also speculated and assumed that he was blackmailing TLC and Kate, but that is mere speculation and assumptions. It is certainly not fact.

Jon's refusal to allow filming, whatever his motives, at least gave the kids some necessary privacy for a while. Privacy was what TLC and Kate wanted to deny them. And, frankly, the kids did not need to be filmed during the divorce.

My limited memory is confirmed here: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/33127196/ns/entertainment-reality_tv/ Everything he said was referring to the divorce. If you can find a reference to his regretting all filming, please do so. I remember being very disappointed in him back last year because he limited himself to the divorce.

I still find myself sadly disappointed that neither of these two parents can apparently conceive of a way to support the eight without filming them. Parents should support children, children should not have to work to support themselves or their parent. At least the 8 will be better protected with their brand new work permits.

Yep, those babies have been working. For a long time. Now thay are better protected.

Oh, I remember feeling relief too that the kids wouldn't have to deal with filming and a messy divorce. I completely agree that they needed that time and felt at last Jon had manned up. I've come to the conclusion too that it's not healthy for the kids to be filmed like they were. I do think it's bizarre that J&K seem to believe they only can support their children by having them on tv. It's pretty weird and a**backwards....the kids working to support the family rather than the parents working to support the kids. Kate has given the impression that the only way she can support them is by reality tv. And of course writing personal letters to them and publishing it for profit.

I have a feeling that Kate+8 will dwindle away, time has passed since the last J&K+8 episode, messy divorce, custody battle and tabloid rumors abound. Makes me think the shine has worn off the novelty of the show. Just my opinion of course but I wouldn't be surprised if the show pans.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I had a hard time reconstructing this too. I do remember being glad that Jon mentioned that the children did not have work permits (this is my main interest, and the work permit issue has now been corrected) and being delighted that he finally drew a line that stopped the children being filmed during the divorce. Most of us here (almost all, IIRC) agreed that this was a good thing. Kate/TLC seemed oblivious to the need.

As to Jon's motives -- heck we can't know! Some here also speculated and assumed that he was blackmailing TLC and Kate, but that is mere speculation and assumptions. It is certainly not fact.

Jon's refusal to allow filming, whatever his motives, at least gave the kids some necessary privacy for a while. Privacy was what TLC and Kate wanted to deny them. And, frankly, the kids did not need to be filmed during the divorce.

My limited memory is confirmed here: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/33127196/ns/entertainment-reality_tv/ Everything he said was referring to the divorce. If you can find a reference to his regretting all filming, please do so. I remember being very disappointed in him back last year because he limited himself to the divorce.

I still find myself sadly disappointed that neither of these two parents can apparently conceive of a way to support the eight without filming them. Parents should support children, children should not have to work to support themselves or their parent. At least the 8 will be better protected with their brand new work permits.

Yep, those babies have been working. For a long time. Now thay are better protected.

The whole entire opinion base for Jon and Kate is pure speculation. We can only assume based on what is presented before us to draw our own conclusions.

To me--motive is EXTREMELY important in anything that someone does. Just b/c it elicits the response you want, doesn't mean that there wasn't some reason behind it.

It is funny--Kate's motives are questioned all the time...presumably b/c she is doing what folks don't want with the kids.

But Jon--doesn't matter what his motive is--he does what you want with the kids...suddenly it doesn't matter.

Ahhh--but it does. Permitting wasn't his only issue--and he was praised. The fact that he conveniently change his mind should draw suspicion from those who were all over Jon for "doing the right thing".

The right thing is only right if it resolves the problem--but alas--it hasn't. It was done out of convenience for Jon and when it became an inconvenience, it was quickly undone. Just like suing for custody--just like every decision Jon makes. He's a flip flopper and a bunch of other things.

Let us not forget that after he BANNED and put his foot down on filming, Father of the year had a camera crew with him for the twins birthday when he picked up the misspelled cake and then delivered it. TLC was banned--but evidently "Extra" or "ET" or whatever film crew that was--that was okay to capture any moments in the event he was permitted to see the kids at his non-agreed to time.

A film crew is a film crew--doesn't matter what show they represent. At that moment, I knew that Jon's decision had NOTHING to do with the welfare of his children. But yet--he drew high praise anyway.

Those tups have been working since before birth! I

That's a bit of hyperbole. How can one "work" in utero?

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I have a feeling that Kate+8 will dwindle away, time has passed since the last J&K+8 episode, messy divorce, custody battle and tabloid rumors abound. Makes me think the shine has worn off the novelty of the show. Just my opinion of course but I wouldn't be surprised if the show pans.

I have a sneaky feeling they will not fade.

Her book was a very controversial piece of publication. I mean--seriously...as all of us have stated in one way or the other--who does that?

I never had plans to buy it and the released bits pretty much sealed the fate on that one.

 

[walden]

Oh, I remember feeling relief too that the kids wouldn't have to deal with filming and a messy divorce. I completely agree that they needed that time and felt at last Jon had manned up. I've come to the conclusion too that it's not healthy for the kids to be filmed like they were. I do think it's bizarre that J&K seem to believe they only can support their children by having them on tv. It's pretty weird and a**backwards....the kids working to support the family rather than the parents working to support the kids. Kate has given the impression that the only way she can support them is by reality tv. And of course writing personal letters to them and publishing it for profit.

I have a feeling that Kate+8 will dwindle away, time has passed since the last J&K+8 episode, messy divorce, custody battle and tabloid rumors abound. Makes me think the shine has worn off the novelty of the show. Just my opinion of course but I wouldn't be surprised if the show pans.

I hope they will dwindle away too, because neither of the parents have much to teach us. IMO.

I guess they have taught us how to parlay multiple births into money, how to film children without work permits, and how to stop working because the kids can support us, and how to manage a divorce really badly.

Ouch!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I hope they will dwindle away too, because neither of the parents have much to teach us. IMO.

I guess they have taught us how to parlay multiple births into money, how to film children without work permits, and how to stop working because the kids can support us, and how to manage a divorce really badly.

Ouch!

Ever watch Mythbusters?

Jon and Kate have plenty to teach us.....

"DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!!!!!!"

(Translation--what NOT to do...)

 

[walden]

ITA Walden! Those Gosselin kids deserve and need this break. Those tups have been working since before birth! I know Kate's book is not doing well, but I can't wait to read the book that these kids write.

Yes, thank you, the tups were working in utero because the Gosselin parents began to solicit donations prior to their births. See the Reading Eagle.

Kate's latest book doesn't seem to be doing too well. I'm not too surprised.

I also wonder when Mady, or even better Cara, will publish her book. Poor Mady, she has historically been the *most maligned*, but I think she may have been the bell-wether for the kids. Cara just breaks my heart with her sad little face.

Can anyone find a picture of Cara looking truly happy?

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Yes, thank you, the tups were working in utero because the Gosselin parents began to solicit donations prior to their births. See the Reading Eagle.

Seriously?

They were working?

It really weakens the whole permit debate if we are to water down the word.

I suppose my cancer patients that I raised money for were "working" while I did Team in Training since I was seeking donations on their behalf.

Sorry--it doesn't even fit the definition. I don't care what their parents did or what the Reading Eagle says--asking for "help" by way of "donations"...while it may be "tacky" or "inappropriate...it doesn't constitute work for a fetus.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

I hope they will dwindle away too, because neither of the parents have much to teach us. IMO.

I guess they have taught us how to parlay multiple births into money, how to film children without work permits, and how to stop working because the kids can support us, and how to manage a divorce really badly.

Ouch!

It doesn't paint a pretty picture does it. Oh man, I just had an insight! You know how TLC's show is called "What Not to Wear"? Well, they could pitch a new show with Jon and Kate called "What Not to Do"! It could be a parenting show highlighting their mistakes...gumgate, Toys R Us, coupon episode, etc. Can you imagine?

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Can anyone find a picture of Cara looking truly happy?

Photos do exist of her "happy".

I'm not her shrink though--so I'm not going to judge any pictures of her scowling to define her as truly sad either. Especially "action" shots taken with a camera millions of feet away on "sport mode" designed to take many photos in succession so that the photographer can utilize the perfect image to promote their story.

Pictures say 1000 words, but lately, pictures seem to tell a lot of fiction for the reasons mentioned above. Photography by that method seems to work very well when trying to capture sporting events, but now it is used to grab money shots.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

It doesn't paint a pretty picture does it. Oh man, I just had an insight! You know how TLC's show is called "What Not to Wear"? Well, they could pitch a new show with Jon and Kate called "What Not to Do"! It could be a parenting show highlighting their mistakes...gumgate, Toys R Us, coupon episode, etc. Can you imagine?

They would never stoop so low as to trash Kate in that manner.





(ETA: this is a joke against TLC who clearly promotes Kate in a more positive manner despite what archive footage shows.)

 

[kidshop]

Seriously?

They were working?

It really weakens the whole permit debate if we are to water down the word.

I suppose my cancer patients that I raised money for were "working" while I did Team in Training since I was seeking donations on their behalf.

Sorry--it doesn't even fit the definition. I don't care what their parents did or what the Reading Eagle says--asking for "help" by way of "donations"...while it may be "tacky" or "inappropriate...it doesn't constitute work for a fetus.

Well, maybe not working at that point. But they were born to acquire money and things for their parents. They have been used for that purpose since they were fetuses. With no end in sight.

Their work began when the show became their life. So maybe 3 or 4?

 

[mousey]

The Gosselin tups were exploited before they were even born. Didn't Jon lose his job trying to solicit money, baby items, etc....to support them. For the sake of the kids, I hope they do fade away. Let them live their lives out of the spotlight.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

The Gosselin tups were exploited before they were even born. Didn't Jon lose his job trying to solicit money, baby items, etc....to support them. For the sake of the kids, I hope they do fade away. Let them live their lives out of the spotlight.

I've heard varying stories. One of his claims (I thought) was that it was an insurance issue/Kate being on bed rest needing him issue. It seems that was very easily (and credibly from what I gather) disputed claim by his former employer.

But I don't feel that they were exploiting their kids from the start. They had no way to predict where they would end up. Exploiting their situation to garner sympathy and freebies to make their lives easier...perhaps. Exploiting the sextuplets? Hardly. There is a huge difference between the two.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Well, maybe not working at that point. But they were born to acquire money and things for their parents. They have been used for that purpose since they were fetuses. With no end in sight.

Their work began when the show became their life. So maybe 3 or 4?

Then agreeing they were working in utero is a stretch then.

They were not born with the express purpose of acquiring money. That's a horryifying accusation that really has no merit.

Unless it was Kate and Jon's dream to have free cribs and diapers and baby supplies.

Even Kevin and Jodi can't back that claim up.

 

[longstangetrip]

The Gosselin tups were exploited before they were even born. Didn't Jon lose his job trying to solicit money, baby items, etc....to support them. For the sake of the kids, I hope they do fade away. Let them live their lives out of the spotlight.

Yes. This is absolutely what has been substantiated by former boss, family, etc. Hasn't Kate even said now that is why Jon lost his job? Family has said her fascination with McCaughey septuplets was obssessive. It seems the large amount of attention associtated with large order multiples was Kate's dream. The free stuff; let's hope not. But, Jon and Kate were soliciting charitable support, and publicity before the tups were born. Their website was created before she went on bedrest at about 16-20 weeks along. She "sold" their story to local news, national news and TLC. This wasn't by accident. Kate sent a tape to TLC (and other networks) this family wasn't discovered randomly. This isn't necessarily wrong, but it is calculated and contrived. Jon and Kate have made money due to their large number of kids; not their talent, expertise or knowledge. These reality shows are modern day side shows. Nobody thought they were wrong at their peak of popularity; now it makes us uncomfortable. Even all the little people on TV is too much for me. Little candy makers, little doctors...they are on TV because they have dwarfism it seems.