Jon and Kate Plus 8. Official Thread!!

[nuke]

I have been trying to stay out of this thread, because it seems that no matter what any "insiders" say, no one beleives them. I just want to add something to the list though.

We live about 15 mins away from J&K. We have seen them at the Ice Cream Parlour, at Cocoa Castle, at the grocery store and in Lancaster. So we have seen them out and about a total of 4 times. Every single time we saw them, the kids were so cute, but John looked completely stressed out and Kate acted like a witch. A few times we saw her actually yell at the camera man to turn off the camera. My DD5 walked over to Maddie at Cocoa Castle and told her she liked her shirt- Kate immediatly yelled at Maddie, "Get over here and don't talk to anyone else". She was very rude.

The camerman asked us to move to another part of the playground so that the Gosselin kids would have more space to play!! I was peeved- it's a public playground for pete's sake. I am not going to move so that Kate's kids do not have to mingle with the "normal" folk.

I used to watch the show religously and was a fan. Not anymore. After my brief encounters with the family I no longer want to support their lifestyle with my viewing.

You can believe this or not. But I do agree that most of you who think they are so wonderful and can do no wrong are in denial.

Thanks for your viewpoint Lisa. I absolutely believe you and I would also be ticked if someone told me to move my family out of view and I would be even more ticked off about Kate yelling like that. What a witch!

 

[mickeyboat]

princess - thanks for your imput. I imagined it would be like that for people who encountered them IRL.

I can understand why Maddie would be rebelious and resentful if she can't even talk to other kids at a playground.

My DD8 (almost 9) really loves this show. She watches for the cute kids and to see the neat places they go. I try to watch for the same reasons which help me gloss over some of what I don't like.

This weekend she diapered 8 of her stuffed animals / babies and she and her sister took them to Cocoa Castle. I overheard her saying she was going somewhere for a "speaking engagement," and later asked me what that meant. She asked me if I could have 8 babies, and if not, could she have them?

Maybe they should market a line of J&K action figures!

Personally I think she is a little too wrapped up in the whole Jon and Kate thing right now, but I suspect that will wane once school and soccer start. It has been a rainy summer!

 

[FergieTCat]

FWIW --

Years ago, I worked with an attorney whose nephew dated a very well-known actress. I won't mention names, but it was about 12 years ago, and said actress was on a very popular TV show and was/is considered to be "America's Sweetheart." This lawyer attended a family dinner with "Sweetheart" and said that she was EXTREMELY rude to her hostess and the family. Exact opposite of her image. The family pressured nephew to break up with actress (because she was so rude) and he did a few weeks later.

Therefore, I can understand people who are frustrated with Kate and her "fans". They want people to see her other side. OTOH, there are those of us who just watch the show for the kids and really don't care about their salary, houses, product placements, trips, etc. No, I don't think the kids are being exploited. And yes, I think if Kate can ride this bandwagon and make money to support her family, why not?

It goes both ways, I guess. If I didn't like the show or Kate, I would watch another channel.

 

[madge]

Abosolutely no one here has said anything like that.

While you are right that no one here has actually said Jon & Kate can do no wrong, there are posters on this thread that treat people who make anti-JK8 comments harshly. Maybe it isn't intended to be that way, but it happens. If you comment on this thread against Jon & Kate, you'd better be prepared to back it up... and I get that. I think that's fair. But at the same time, as soon as someone posts something unflattering about JK8, people jump on them demanding to know the source, how they know, etc.... well, just because you read somewhere that what they said isn't true doesn't make it not true. As an example - the cameras. There are various accounts about how often the cameras are with the children, hidden cameras, etc. Someone can post here their opinion based on what they've seen on the show and read on other message boards. Their opinion could be that they feel like the cameras are there a LOT ... but that person is met with comment after comment that what they perceive isn't right. The cameras aren't there that much, whatever. Based on what? What those posters have read - what someone else has said. They have no more proof about what's going on than the other person, yet they are met with nastiness and questions of proof. If you have an opposing opinion, any opposing opinion on this thread (or any thread) then you should be prepared. On either side. It is what it is.

What insiders, other than Jodi and her sister?

I don't see it happening on this thread so much (the jury's still out for some of us on CottonCandyLvr ) but there are accounts similar to PrincessPiglet's all over the internet. People that have had encounters/relationships/knowledge of the Gosselins from living in the area, seeing them speak, etc. That's what I consider an insider, anyway.

 

[lisaviolet]

FWIW --

Years ago, I worked with an attorney whose nephew dated a very well-known actress. I won't mention names, but it was about 12 years ago, and said actress was on a very popular TV show and was/is considered to be "America's Sweetheart." This lawyer attended a family dinner with "Sweetheart" and said that she was EXTREMELY rude to her hostess and the family. Exact opposite of her image. The family pressured nephew to break up with actress (because she was so rude) and he did a few weeks later.

Therefore, I can understand people who are frustrated with Kate and her "fans". They want people to see her other side. OTOH, there are those of us who just watch the show for the kids and really don't care about their salary, houses, product placements, trips, etc. No, I don't think the kids are being exploited. And yes, I think if Kate can ride this bandwagon and make money to support her family, why not?

It goes both ways, I guess. If I didn't like the show or Kate, I would watch another channel.

Okay, you're hurting my head!!

Were there a lot of "friends" on the show?

Hmmm, twelve years ago - maybe a "party of five" was involved?

My head, my head.

 

[missypie]

My husband has an evil twin. Seriously. He is a church elder but will really truly do anything for a buck. If his family all the sudden had a reality show portraying them in a positive light, it would be VERY hard for me to keep my mouth shut...in that way, I can sort of understand Jodi's desire for everyone to know the "truth." But other than venting, I can see that doing that to a famiy member could cause no good and a whole lot of harm.

 

[lisaviolet]

While you are right that no one here has actually said Jon & Kate can do no wrong, there are posters on this thread that treat people who make anti-JK8 comments harshly.
.

I follow this thread regularly. I can't speak for everyone. But I would guess that a lot of us just enjoy the show. That doesn't mean we think Jon and Kate are saints. It doesn't mean we don't believe a word of any of the musings. But we enjoy the show. And just want a place to do that. Pointe finale really.

I would think Madge that that is where most of the frustration comes from. Not always whether all negative points are valid. But rather hearing the negativity over and over kind of takes away from the enjoyment of the show. And leads to frustration.

That's all.

 

[talulabelle]

I have nothing to add to this conversation. Just wanted to say that I can't even watch the show anymore it makes me so upset. I just want to smack Kate. She is nuts. The show that did it in for me was the Disney trip. Her going whacko and making everyone put shoes on to walk across the carpet in the hotel room to go to the bathroom. I understand obsessive personalites, I am a bit OCD myself, but for the love of my kids (and dog) I have had to step back and realize what is crazy and what is not. Wouldn't you think having 8 kids would "cure" you of some of the obsessiveness. Anyway, the thing that I thought was borderline child abuse was when Kate wigged out that the kids got a little drippy icecream on them at Disney screaming "Jon! they're ruined! They're ruined!" and she took all the icecream away from the hot and tired babies and insisted on feeding them while they all cried and gathered around like hungry ducks hoping for a crumb. It was so sad I could have cried, after that, I feel a little dirty watching that show, like I am part of the army of people exploiting those kids. I have not seen the show since.

 

[FergieTCat]

Were there a lot of "friends" on the show?

It was probably closer to 14 years ago, and yes, there were a lot of friends on the show.

I don't know why but I feel sleazy posting the actress's name.

 

[madge]

Were there a lot of "friends" on the show?

this is my guess!

 

[lisaviolet]

You know what I really enjoy about Kate, and this will have the anti - Kates in arms , is that in general she doesn't seem to give a rat's @#@ about what she looks( as in actions ) or seems like.

I am so not like that. And really enjoy that part of her.

 

[madge]

I would think Madge that that is where most of the frustration comes from. Not always whether all negative points are valid. But rather hearing the negativity over and over kind of takes away from the enjoyment of the show. And leads to frustration.

That's all.

but nowhere on the title of this thread does it say fans only ... someone tried to start a thread like that earlier in the summer and I think it died. LOL.

I understand what you're saying - no one wants to hear negative comments about anything they enjoy. And that goes for JK8, hobbies, vacation choices, food, etc. It always bugs me when people ask my if I'm aware that there are other places to go on vacation other than Walt Disney World or when they say that they know I love it, but (fill in the blank)...

I've definitely felt the double standard here - it's not ok to say anything bad about Jon & Kate, but it sure is ok to say something bad to the person who does. I can only speak for myself when I say that I've been hurt by comments directed at me on this thread... especially because I feel like I've been careful in how I word my thoughts. I know that more than once I've spoken in the moment when I should have thought it through, but I've realized it doesn't matter. People read what they want into what you've posted and can turn it around to make it sound completely different than the way it was intended. And there's no point in arguing about it, because the JK8 die hards are always going to insist that poor Jon & Kate are being bashed.

I really enjoy the dialog with most of the posters here. But sometimes, I just want to scream. But I know that sentiment goes both ways.

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

I have nothing to add to this conversation. Just wanted to say that I can't even watch the show anymore it makes me so upset. I just want to smack Kate. She is nuts. The show that did it in for me was the Disney trip. Her going whacko and making everyone put shoes on to walk across the carpet in the hotel room to go to the bathroom. I understand obsessive personalites, I am a bit OCD myself, but for the love of my kids (and dog) I have had to step back and realize what is crazy and what is not. Wouldn't you think having 8 kids would "cure" you of some of the obsessiveness. Anyway, the thing that I thought was borderline child abuse was when Kate wigged out that the kids got a little drippy icecream on them at Disney screaming "Jon! they're ruined! They're ruined!" and she took all the icecream away from the hot and tired babies and insisted on feeding them while they all cried and gathered around like hungry ducks hoping for a crumb. It was so sad I could have cried, after that, I feel a little dirty watching that show, like I am part of the army of people exploiting those kids. I have not seen the show since.

WOW!! Don't get on the internet for a weekend, and look what transpires!!

Just quoted you because I wear shoes in hotel rooms. I watch too much Dateline.

I also am diagnosed OCD, and if Kate truly is, you can't just "step back and realize what is crazy...". It's part of the disorder.

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

but nowhere on the title of this thread does it say fans only ... someone tried to start a thread like that earlier in the summer and I think it died. LOL.

I understand what you're saying - no one wants to hear negative comments about anything they enjoy. And that goes for JK8, hobbies, vacation choices, food, etc. It always bugs me when people ask my if I'm aware that there are other places to go on vacation other than Walt Disney World or when they say that they know I love it, but (fill in the blank)...

I've definitely felt the double standard here - it's not ok to say anything bad about Jon & Kate, but it sure is ok to say something bad to the person who does. I can only speak for myself when I say that I've been hurt by comments directed at me on this thread... especially because I feel like I've been careful in how I word my thoughts. I know that more than once I've spoken in the moment when I should have thought it through, but I've realized it doesn't matter. People read what they want into what you've posted and can turn it around to make it sound completely different than the way it was intended. And there's no point in arguing about it, because the JK8 die hards are always going to insist that poor Jon & Kate are being bashed.

I really enjoy the dialog with most of the posters here. But sometimes, I just want to scream. But I know that sentiment goes both ways.

Maybe there could be an "episode conversation only" thread. All opinions welcome, but episode discussion only...

 

[troobabiee7]

I've definitely felt the double standard here - it's not ok to say anything bad about Jon & Kate, but it sure is ok to say something bad to the person who does.

The double standard goes both ways. Apparently to some people it's not OK to post anything good about Jon and Kate without it being perceived as them personally attacking the original poster, or living in a "Pollyanna world" (ugh, I hate that term ). When the anti-Jon and Kate crowd posts something, the pro-crowd is going to respond. It also happens the other way though... when the pro-J&K crowd posts something, and anti-crowd responds. It goes back and forth. Sure when someone posts something horrible about the Gosselins people want to know where it comes from and how they know. That's no worse than when someone posts something good about the show and other posters chime in with, "What?! How dare you participate in the exploitation of those kids... there's nothing good about them!" It's the same thing!

 

[EveDallas]

FWIW --

Years ago, I worked with an attorney whose nephew dated a very well-known actress. I won't mention names, but it was about 12 years ago, and said actress was on a very popular TV show and was/is considered to be "America's Sweetheart." This lawyer attended a family dinner with "Sweetheart" and said that she was EXTREMELY rude to her hostess and the family. Exact opposite of her image. The family pressured nephew to break up with actress (because she was so rude) and he did a few weeks later.

Therefore, I can understand people who are frustrated with Kate and her "fans". They want people to see her other side. OTOH, there are those of us who just watch the show for the kids and really don't care about their salary, houses, product placements, trips, etc. No, I don't think the kids are being exploited. And yes, I think if Kate can ride this bandwagon and make money to support her family, why not?

It goes both ways, I guess. If I didn't like the show or Kate, I would watch another channel.

If "America's Sweetheart" is who I think it is, I've heard reports of this behavior from many people.

 

[Camster0307]

It was probably closer to 14 years ago, and yes, there were a lot of friends on the show.

I don't know why but I feel sleazy posting the actress's name.

I don't think you have to bother posting the name. I'm pretty sure I know who you're talking about!

 

[madge]

The double standard goes both ways. Apparently to some people it's not OK to post anything good about Jon and Kate without it being perceived as them personally attacking the original poster, or living in a "Pollyanna world" (ugh, I hate that term ). When the anti-Jon and Kate crowd posts something, the pro-crowd is going to respond. It also happens the other way though... when the pro-J&K crowd posts something, and anti-crowd responds. It goes back and forth. Sure when someone posts something horrible about the Gosselins people want to know where it comes from and how they know. That's no worse than when someone posts something good about the show and other posters chime in with, "What?! How dare you participate in the exploitation of those kids... there's nothing good about them!" It's the same thing!

exactly. LOL. I was only mainly addressing my experience as someone that questions what's going on or say something not so nice about the show. But you are right, it does go both ways. I just know, for myself ... I try to focus on the sentiment expressed and not so much on the person that posts it. I know it's hard to separate the two, and even harder when it's a topic that has someone all worked up.

 

[sha_lyn]

WOW!! Don't get on the internet for a weekend, and look what transpires!!

Just quoted you because I wear shoes in hotel rooms. I watch too much Dateline.

I also am diagnosed OCD, and if Kate truly is, you can't just "step back and realize what is crazy...". It's part of the disorder.

One of my best friends is OCD and bipolar. I see a lot of her behaviors in Kate. I guess that is one reason why I am not so quick to jump on Kate when she does something. IMHO she is trying to lighten up. I can't help but wonder if she is on meds now, or if just watching herself on the show has made her want to lighten up.


As for the fans thread dying..... I believe that was the thread that got so nasty that someone bumped this thread back up.

princesspiglet....I cut my other post short and wanted to follow up a little with my thoughts on your post.

I absolutely understand how aggravating it must have been to be asked to give them more room on the playground. However I really doubt that is isolated to J&K+8.
IE....several yrs ago DD and I were grocery shopping. I noticed a commotion in the produce dept when we entered. Alton Brown was filming a segment for Good Eats. We are big fans, so we were thrilled and stood around and watched. However they had about 1/3 of the produce section closed off for the filming. I sure people were upset that they couldn't grab what they needed. After standing around awhile (25-30 min I would guess) we continued our shopping, then went back to get produce. The "regular" veg section was freed up so we were able to finish. However the ready made sections (bagged salads, cut up fruit etc) was closed off for filming.
I'm certain many were inconvenienced that day.

It also reminds me of something Barbara Walters said on the View yrs ago. She was late getting to the studio although it is practically across the street from her building. Something was being filmed that day in front of her building and they wouldn't let her come outside and walk across the street.

 

[lisaviolet]

especially because I feel like I've been careful in how I word my thoughts.

Madge,

I know that, and can feel that, from your posts 100%.

Here's what I don't get, honestly. Do you like the show? No sarcasm. I'm really curious. I think I get the gist that you find the children entertaining. Is that the pull to the show?

I don't know what the answer is. I just know the negative comments over and over can be very draining. I understand saying them once or twice but over and over just doesn't make sense to me. (That wasn't put directly to you at all). I don't think Kate is anywhere near perfect. And to be honest I think that's why I do enjoy the show. I honestly don't know how they are able to show all their downfalls so openly. I know I couldn't.

I guess I just feel that all of us are black and white, good and bad. As is Kate. As is Jon. And if some of the musings are true about them well life will run its course. As it does for all of us when we when don't make the best choices. Ie. If they really are alienating people - then there won't be the memories that many of us have from commitment to family and friends. That's life. It shows us all.

Jon and Kate to philosophy of life. Oh boy.

Lisa