Jon and Kate Plus 8. Official Thread!!

[princesspiglet]

Abosolutely no one here has said anything like that.

Sounds like you are more peeved about the camera man asking you to move then anything else.

What insiders, other than Jodi and her sister?

Uh, yea, I was peeved. I can imagine any mother would be. And it wasn't just the camera man, it was J&K. Either one of them could have said, "no, that's ok, they have lots of room to play", but no, they both were asking the camera men to tell the other people to move. That is pure entitlement.

I talking about others beating up CottonCdyLover- who is most likely an insider who knows the family.

I have co-workers that attend their church and they have many stories to tell- 90% of them negative.

 

[Camster0307]

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!

Again - ITA!

 

[sha_lyn]

Uh, yea, I was peeved. I can imagine any mother would be. And it wasn't just the camera man, it was J&K. Either one of them could have said, "no, that's ok, they have lots of room to play", but no, they both were asking the camera men to tell the other people to move. That is pure entitlement.

I talking about others beating up CottonCdyLover- who is most likely an insider who knows the family.

I have co-workers that attend their church and they have many stories to tell- 90% of them negative.

I'm sorry but IMHO that is not "pure entitlement" that is producing a TV show.

 

[AprilShowers]

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.

I've been trying to stay out of this thread as well, but I think Princesspiglett's experience is different than a filming of Alton Brown's show. The Gossellins are always saying "This is our REAL life, this is how we are, no pretending."
In essence this is (supposed to be) a reality show. Why are the producers or J&K concerned about the kids playing with other kids on a playground if it's their "real" life?
When I used to take my kids to the playground, they played with OTHER kids. I still watched them to make sure things were ok, but what's wrong with playing with others? Not very real if you ask me.

 

[WaltD4Me]

Just curious...does the nanny thing bug anyone, or is it just me?

Of course we all know "reality" shows are not reality, but reading how the kids have nannies that you never see or hear anyone talk about .... (unless they mean Jenny?) is, I don't know, deceptive? Not really the right word, but if there are nannies taking care of the kids outside of filming, where they make it seem like Kate does everything, I don't know, it bugs me. Same thing with the chef (if that's true) if they have nannies taking care of the kids and a chef that makes and delivers their meals, (and I don't even care if they do have nannies and a chef) what is the point of the show anymore if there is no reality left in it?

 

[sha_lyn]

I've been trying to stay out of this thread as well, but I think Princesspiglett's experience is different than a filming of Alton Brown's show. The Gossellins are always saying "This is our REAL life, this is how we are, no pretending."
In essence this is (supposed to be) a reality show. Why are the producers or J&K concerned about the kids playing with other kids on a playground if it's their "real" life? When I used to take my kids to the playground, they played with OTHER kids. I still watched them to make sure things were ok, but what's wrong with playing with others? Not very real if you ask me.

There would be a lot of legalities involved in showing other peoples children on the show.

 

[talulabelle]

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.

I haven't looked at this thread in months, and just came this afternoon and read the last few pages. I just wanted to say that many times earlier and recently in this thread people say "If you don't like them or the show, don't watch". Well it sorta goes both ways here too. If reading negativity over and over takes away from the enjoyment of the show and leads you to frustration, then don't read the thread? I mean really, that woman is going to draw negativity. It's a given, unavoidable.

 

[della]

I think it would be hard to discuss the episode without discussing the people/behaviors in that episode.

I totally believe that Kate is abrasive and could definitely work on her people/parenting skills. But no one is a perfect parent and I often think that those who try to be perfect parents (or have others think they are) are products of low self esteem and they are setting themselves up to fail. Also, a lot of people who come across as "thinking they are better than everyone else" are really trying to convince themselves that they are just as good as everyone else. JMHO.

My family does not look like the average family-DH and I and oldest dd are white, the other four are AA or biracial. I am not on tv or in the public eye. But I am shocked at how often someone tells me they know where I live (no lie checking into the Boardwalk one time-cast member says I remember I used to deliver pizza to you when I lived in NJ-it was a pizza place we had only ordered from a couple of times). People (strangers) also used to be very braison about approaching my kids especially when they were young. I guess we are a novelty to some.

A big difference I guess is that I didn't choose to be on tv. We were just blessed to grow our family through adoption. I also think that if Kate had a less abrasive way about her, a lot of her short comings would be more easily forgiven. More flies with honey then vinegar and all that.

At the playground I would have been paranoid about people getting too close to my kids. I probably would have whispered a similar comment to my dd. That doesn't mean I am not friendly or that my kids don't have a lot of friends. Sometimes I just feel the need to be careful. Kate could work on coming across better to people. That said, she is who she is and who am I to judge?

 

[Embel]

I wonder if other kids at the playground wandered into the shot, would the production company need them to sign releases? If so, producing a reality show must be a logistical PITA.

My kids love the show, and were playing "J&K plus 8" the other day. I had 8 kids at my house they all watch the show, so they came up with the idea. Have to admit- there is no silence with 8 kids. Not one moment. Everyone at my house behaved wonderfully, but I also didn't have 6 2yr olds....

As for Jon & Kate- I don't think I'd want to be related to them or friends with them, but I do love watching them on TV.

 

[lisaviolet]

I haven't looked at this thread in months, and just came this afternoon and read the last few pages. I just wanted to say that many times earlier and recently in this thread people say "If you don't like them or the show, don't watch". Well it sorta goes both ways here too. If reading negativity over and over takes away from the enjoyment of the show and leads you to frustration, then don't read the thread? I mean really, that woman is going to draw negativity. It's a given, unavoidable.

Maybe that's the answer talulabelle. Not to read the thread anymore. It's a shame. Because I come on and it goes in ebbs and flows with the bashing. I've never thought to tell anyone not to watch a show. It's none of my business.

 

[Desnik]

I've been trying to stay out of this thread as well, but I think Princesspiglett's experience is different than a filming of Alton Brown's show. The Gossellins are always saying "This is our REAL life, this is how we are, no pretending."
In essence this is (supposed to be) a reality show. Why are the producers or J&K concerned about the kids playing with other kids on a playground if it's their "real" life?
When I used to take my kids to the playground, they played with OTHER kids. I still watched them to make sure things were ok, but what's wrong with playing with others? Not very real if you ask me.

Maybe it also has to do with getting the other parents to sign releases for their kids to be on TV? They can't just film anyone. They could blurr their faces, but it might just be easier to have kids at a playground move to the side while they are filming. Personally it wouldn't bother me a bit if they asked me to move. I understand they are filming a show. Also, if I was Kate I also wouldn't let my kids talk to strangers.(in response to her not letting Maddy talk to another kid) Now that they are known, who knows how many crazies she has to watch out for? Some crazy parents will make their kids talk to her kids just so the parents can get close to them. Or how about if a kid was to repeat a nasty comment their parent said to one of the Gosselin kids? She really has to be careful and selective with who she allows her kids to talk to, that's the point I am trying to make.

And I do want to add that most reality shows aren't completely real. Some may start out that way, but for those that have been on for years, well, the production crew helps them along with putting them in different situations. For example, The Hills(and I don't watch it but saw one of the girls in an interview) she was asked if this reality show she was in is real. She responded they place people in their lives, and put them in certain situations to see how they react. So while their reactions are real, the situations they are in are brought on by the producers. This seems to be the way J&K8 are filmed now.

 

[sha_lyn]

Maybe it also has to do with getting the other parents to sign releases for their kids to be on TV? They can't just film anyone. They could blurr their faces, but it might just be easier to have kids at a playground move to the side while they are filming. Personally it wouldn't bother me a bit if they asked me to move. I understand they are filming a show. Also, if I was Kate I also wouldn't let my kids talk to strangers.(in response to her not letting Maddy talk to another kid) Now that they are known, who knows how many crazies she has to watch out for? Some crazy parents will make their kids talk to her kids just so the parents can get close to them. Or how about if a kid was to repeat a nasty comment their parent said to one of the Gosselin kids? She really has to be careful and selective with who she allows her kids to talk to, that's the point I am trying to make.

And I do want to add that most reality shows aren't completely real. Some may start out that way, but for those that have been on for years, well, the production crew helps them along with putting them in different situations. For example, The Hills(and I don't watch it but saw one of the girls in an interview) she was asked if this reality show she was in is real. She responded they place people in their lives, and put them in certain situations to see how they react. So while their reactions are real, the situations they are in are brought on by the producers. This seems to be the way J&K8 are filmed now.

ITA....

Also when I was looking back through this thread I ran across a post I forgot about. Someone actually asked for their address so they could go to the house. It was around page 37 or so, around the time this thread was bumped up in late May because of the nastiness on the other thread.

 

[madge]

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 find the children adorable That is how DD and I started watching the show a few months ago. Do I like the show? That's a little trickier. At this point, I feel like watching the show is mandatory to follow along with the train wreck that it has all become. I am more fascinated by the drama surrounding the show, if that makes sense. It's a train wreck, seriously. You couldn't make all this up if you tried.

I love to read boards about TV shows I watch, I like the backstory, spoilers, etc - that's how I got sucked into all of this JK8 stuff. Although I usually only read, not reply.... except with The Bachelorette thread. I did find myself drawn into that one, too. LOL.

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

very well put!

 

[princesspiglet]

I'm sorry but IMHO that is not "pure entitlement" that is producing a TV show.

Youv'e got to be kidding me, right? I thought their show was a "reality" show- showing their REAl life. Well, in my real life, my daughter plays with others kids at the playground and doesn't have the whole thing to her self. She also has to go to Bounce U with other kids there and god forbid she actually has to wait her turn to do the slide!!

Everywhere they go they want to whole place to themselves -that is total entitlement!

Oh yea, I worked in television production for 6 years at KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh. That is not how production is done.

I just want to clarify about the playground. We were not asked to move to the side because they didn't want to film us. We were asked to move OUT of the playground because a 1 acre playground is not big enough for 8 kids plus 10 others who could have possibly contaminated their perfect shot.

 

[Desnik]

8 kids is a lot of noise!LOL

I just babysat for my BFF, the one with the triplets. They are 1 and a half, and I also had my 5yo and 10yr old. Also, they have 3 dogs. Can I tell you I was exhausted! I don't know how parents of multiples do it and I am in awe of you all!! When it was time to put the babies to bed, I looked at DD(my 10 yr old) and said, how the heck do we get them all to bed without leaving one behind while going back and forth upstairs!? Thank goodness DH came over to help and we each took a baby. Then once in their cribs, as soon as one started to cry, they all cried! By the time I left I was shocked I survived!LOL

 

[Desnik]

Youv'e got to be kidding me, right? I thought their show was a "reality" show- showing their REAl life. Well, in my real life, my daughter plays with others kids at the playground and doesn't have the whole thing to her self. She also has to go to Bounce U with other kids there and god forbid she actually has to wait her turn to do the slide!!

But your kid can do that because she is not on a tv show. Anyone or group or large party can rent out the Bounce U place for the right price. I am sure TLC had no problem doing it. Also, they could've had them open earlier for them. I'm sure celebrities do it all the time. Most of the time it is out of safety or necessity, not entitlement.

Everywhere they go they want to whole place to themselves -that is total entitlement!

Oh yea, I worked in television production for 6 years at KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh. That is not how production is done.

I just want to clarify about the playground. We were not asked to move to the side because they didn't want to film us. We were asked to move OUT of the playground because a 1 acre playground is not big enough for 8 kids plus 10 others who could have possibly contaminated their perfect shot.

Wow, just WOW is all I have to say.

 

[lisaviolet]

I think it would be hard to discuss the episode without discussing the people/behaviors in that episode.

I absolutely agree.

It's certainly not what I was trying to explain.

 

[talulabelle]

Maybe it also has to do with getting the other parents to sign releases for their kids to be on TV? They can't just film anyone. They could blurr their faces, but it might just be easier to have kids at a playground move to the side while they are filming. Personally it wouldn't bother me a bit if they asked me to move. I understand they are filming a show. Also, if I was Kate I also wouldn't let my kids talk to strangers.(in response to her not letting Maddy talk to another kid) Now that they are known, who knows how many crazies she has to watch out for? Some crazy parents will make their kids talk to her kids just so the parents can get close to them. Or how about if a kid was to repeat a nasty comment their parent said to one of the Gosselin kids? She really has to be careful and selective with who she allows her kids to talk to, that's the point I am trying to make.

And I do want to add that most reality shows aren't completely real. Some may start out that way, but for those that have been on for years, well, the production crew helps them along with putting them in different situations. For example, The Hills(and I don't watch it but saw one of the girls in an interview) she was asked if this reality show she was in is real. She responded they place people in their lives, and put them in certain situations to see how they react. So while their reactions are real, the situations they are in are brought on by the producers. This seems to be the way J&K8 are filmed now.

Exactly. That is why many of us don't like J&K, we can't imagine opening our children to that kind of danger or life for money. She has brought it on herself.

 

[princesspiglet]

Wow, just WOW is all I have to say.

I'm confused. What of what I said are you wowing and rolling your eyes about??

 

[Desnik]

Exactly. That is why many of us don't like J&K, we can't imagine opening our children to that kind of danger or life for money. She has brought it on herself.

I see your point and agree and I wouldn't do it either, but who am I to judge her? There are many things I do as a parent that most people would think I'm crazy for. Some examples, my kids have tv's in their bedrooms, and I let DS(5) watch Star Wars and Indiana Jones movies!