Jon and Kate Plus 8. Official Thread!!

[sha_lyn]

We laughed when we saw that episode because when my oldest dd started preschool she was "deficient" in scissor use. The teacher told me she had a problem using scissors. I said, she just turned three-I don't let her use scissors! I didn't know I was supposed to!
Bad mommy! I guess I am as bad as Kate!

ITA...how many kids use scissors before pre-K? I know mine never did. I guess I'll get accused of delaying my kids too.

 

[madge]

Jon and Kate seem to like that viewers send them things/gifts for the kids-I guess they are willing to accept the "crazies" along with the adoring fans!

back in July, there was a blog entry from someone who sent Kate a gift .. the lady that wrote it seems so disappointed

laurie said...

I'm new to this blog. I have to say that I am one of those people who fell into the "kate trap". I had my own personal experience with Kate, via MY sending HER a bracelet and earrings for Mother's Day. I made sure that it made it in time for her to have something "more than special" to open. I honestly thought that she "missed out" and was "struggling to make ends meet" and all the other things she comments on now and then. I have made blog posts about how my children (I have four) love LOVE the show (now I do not permit them to watch it, they don't need anymore shock value).

I make glass beads and design jewelry. And I think I'm pretty good at it. So, I wanted to send a little gift from me to Kate. Kinda like that gal who was in Toys R Us almost buying gifts for the kids? Yeah. I did something like that. LOL My experience with Kate was "fine" but the things she had to say about Mady and Cara slightly bothered me. In an email she says that they "need to learn to love" so I needed to put a Love charm on the bracelets I was designing for them. Wow. It blew me away, her candid statement. Ugh. I'd never say that about my kids, "that they need to learn to love". Ugh. To 'act as a reminder' when they see the charm. UGH!!

I won't go into all the details of what happened, but I will say this, after the cupcake episode I realized that I had made a horrible judgement in WHO I thought Kate was and what kind of mother she IS. I was trying to relate to her, that altho I only have four kids, I CAN relate to chaos and juggling schedules and making it all "work". But the thing is, we have absolutely NOTHING in common. I hate to say it because I truly thought so well of her, that I loved talking "gosselin" episodes with my girlfriends while our kids romped in the local pool. Fun talk, ya know? LOL

But this episode sent me over the edge and I was nealy in tears at one point. How often as we as parents "caved" on a grounding of a child, given an empty threat for one reason or another, simply changed our minds to let them do something with a friend when we said originally they couldn't? I know I've done this LOTS of times and well, I have to say there's nothing wrong with it. Why was it necessary for Kate to keep the little ones away from the beautiful thing they had made at the bakery? Why couldn't they eat it there? Were their clothes THAT special? They did, after all, have aprons on, so what would have been the big deal? yeah. nothing.

I think what bothered me the most was her sitting by herself with her arms crossed, not wanting to be involved in the day. It bothered me. And the "we don't eat stuff our kids make" upset me too. i have eaten lots of things my kids have made and i'm okay. I can't say that all of it was good, but heck, they sure were PROUD when Momma ate some of THEIR food. and I, I was PROUD to be their Momma.

I wake up each day thrilled to be a parent, a parent who, like Kate and Jon, had to do major amounts of fertility to get my crew of four. I am thankful to kiss them and tell them that my world REVOLVES around them and that I will do my best to keep them safe, but more importantly, I want them to be happy and content with who they are.

Altho my experience with Kate wasn't the best (she did however, love and was "thrilled" with her bracelet and earrings), I wish it had been better. I wish that she had lived up to who I thought she was, a caring gal who was normal and trying to "make it all work".

I think I would have rather gone on blinded. ::sigh:: Is that wrong? Is it wrong for me to long for what I "thought" they were? To wish that they were as "every day normal" and all that? I feel like the Matrix, Neo. LOL I wish I hadn't seen through the smoke and mirrors.

I'm sure I'll be blasted for this post and if it doesn't make it "up" i'm okay with that, I just had no one to vent to about my personal situation with them. I really wish it had turned out differently and that my experience with them was one I could be proud of and enjoy. To the contrary, it left a horrible taste in my mouth.

LG

as an aside, the woman makes beautiful jewelry:

http://www.bylgd.typepad.com/

 

[Camster0307]

back in July, there was a blog entry from someone who sent Kate a gift .. the lady that wrote it seems so disappointed


And this post doesn't bother me. This woman had an ACTUAL experience with Kate and is relating the details of what happened. She wrote a truly heartfelt description of why she feels the way she does. And I don't blame her. I'd rather hear from people who have interactions with the family than read posts from people who just hate them and post unsubstantiated claims.

as an aside, the woman makes beautiful jewelry:

http://www.bylgd.typepad.com/

I have a woman in my town who makes the same type of jewelry. It is gorgeous and she does quite well for herself!

 

[sha_lyn]

And this post doesn't bother me. This woman had an ACTUAL experience with Kate and is relating the details of what happened. She wrote a truly heartfelt description of why she feels the way she does. And I don't blame her. I'd rather hear from people who have interactions with the family than read posts from people who just hate them and post unsubstantiated claims.

ITA....Although something in her blog does bother me

But this episode sent me over the edge and I was nealy in tears at one point. How often as we as parents "caved" on a grounding of a child, given an empty threat for one reason or another, simply changed our minds to let them do something with a friend when we said originally they couldn't? I know I've done this LOTS of times and well, I have to say there's nothing wrong with it. Why was it necessary for Kate to keep the little ones away from the beautiful thing they had made at the bakery? Why couldn't they eat it there? Were their clothes THAT special? They did, after all, have aprons on, so what would have been the big deal? yeah. nothing.

Not letting the kids eat the the cupcakes at the bakery had nothing to do with the kids being grounded or fear of them ruining their clothing. Both Kate and Jon didn't want them to ruin their dinner. IMHO I probably would have done the exact same thing.

 

[madge]

And this post doesn't bother me. This woman had an ACTUAL experience with Kate and is relating the details of what happened. She wrote a truly heartfelt description of why she feels the way she does. And I don't blame her. I'd rather hear from people who have interactions with the family than read posts from people who just hate them and post unsubstantiated claims.

That's why I posted it .. it seems genuine and heartfelt (and legit) ... as an example that there are people out there who are being hurt, more actual real-life experience. I hate to say proof , because that would suggest I'm trying to convince people not to change their feelings of Kate or the show. I'm absolutely not doing that. We're all adults here, capable of choosing our own TV entertainment. LOLOL.

And while you and I don't agree on a lot of things related to the show ... I think we're on the same page, most of the time I really appreciate that.

 

[Camster0307]

That's why I posted it .. it seems genuine and heartfelt (and legit) ... as an example that there are people out there who are being hurt, more actual real-life experience. I hate to say proof , because that would suggest I'm trying to convince people not to change their feelings of Kate or the show. I'm absolutely not doing that. We're all adults here, capable of choosing our own TV entertainment. LOLOL.

And while you and I don't agree on a lot of things related to the show ... I think we're on the same page, most of the time I really appreciate that.

Me too!

I'll say it again - makes no difference to me whether people like or hate Kate; just don't like to see people posting ugly claims with no way to back it up. I enjoy the show because of the kids.

 

[madge]

I'll say it again - makes no difference to me whether people like or hate Kate; just don't like to see people posting ugly claims with no way to back it up. I enjoy the show because of the kids.

speaking of claims ... and I have absolutely, positively, 100% no way to know if it's true or not ... I've read a couple of places that some of the earlier episodes have been edited since they were originally aired. If it's true, I wonder why that would be happening? Is viewer response that strong? Seriously, are that many people really writing Figure8 or TLC?

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

OK, so I was going to quote several posts, but it seems like people are headed back to their corners. Definitely don't want to get everyone riled up again.

So, I'm just thinking out loud...

Someone mentioned how all this just happened to start during the "summer lull." Just wondering if this was strategic. All publicity, good and bad, gains results, and JK8 sure has been on a lot of people's lips (and keyboards) this summer.

Of course, that could be the PR education talking.

 

[madge]

OK, so I was going to quote several posts, but it seems like people are headed back to their corners. Definitely don't want to get everyone riled up again.

there will be a new episode on later ... people will get riled up then, no doubt

So, I'm just thinking out loud...

Someone mentioned how all this just happened to start during the "summer lull." Just wondering if this was strategic. All publicity, good and bad, gains results, and JK8 sure has been on a lot of people's lips (and keyboards) this summer.

Of course, that could be the PR education talking.

I think I might have mentioned something similar upthread. I know I talked about whether or not they'd show up on TV anytime soon.

The book release date has to be soon. Much press is planned. Could be interesting.

 

[sha_lyn]

OK, so I was going to quote several posts, but it seems like people are headed back to their corners. Definitely don't want to get everyone riled up again.

So, I'm just thinking out loud...

Someone mentioned how all this just happened to start during the "summer lull." Just wondering if this was strategic. All publicity, good and bad, gains results, and JK8 sure has been on a lot of people's lips (and keyboards) this summer.

Of course, that could be the PR education talking.

I can't help but to think it is because both sides have nothing else to say because of the summer lull. There aren't new episodes to discuss, so all the nit picking and bickering starts up.

 

[madge]

I can't help but to think it is because both sides have nothing else to say because of the summer lull. There aren't new episodes to discuss, so all the nit picking and bickering starts up.

there aren't new episodes to discuss? there was a new episode last week, and there's one tonight. Season 3 started in January and will end on September 1 after 44 episodes.

Season 3 Episode List

 

[Nancy]

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.

Madge I think your posts have always been good here, you seem to be able to look at it from both sides. You have always been respectful of others too. I don't think anyone can complain or state that you are a kate basher

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

Th is goes back to America's sweetheart, if it involves lots of "friends" and is who I think it is then it just re-affirms what I always thought about her.

 

[madge]

Madge I think your posts have always been good here, you seem to be able to look at it from both sides. You have always been respectful of others too. I don't think anyone can complain or state that you are a kate basher.

thanks, Nancy! I appreciate the kind words ... I really do believe that there are some good people on this thread.

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

I can't help but to think it is because both sides have nothing else to say because of the summer lull. There aren't new episodes to discuss, so all the nit picking and bickering starts up.

I didn't mean the summer lull was the cause of the discussion (well, not directly), but that all of a sudden all this controversy pops up and has spread like wildfire. This was actually a tactic we learned in a contemporary PR class. If you really want word to spread...internet. Messageboards, MySpace, YouTube. All free publicity. Just a thought.

there will be a new episode on later ... people will get riled up then, no doubt


I think I might have mentioned something similar upthread. I know I talked about whether or not they'd show up on TV anytime soon.

The book release date has to be soon. Much press is planned. Could be interesting.

And you know who will pick up that book? Of course, the fans, but also the anti-fans. They will pick it apart. Guess what. Their money is the same, and that's what the publishers care about.

 

[madge]

And you know who will pick up that book? Of course, the fans, but also the anti-fans. They will pick it apart. Guess what. Their money is the same, and that's what the publishers care about.

I thought about that very thing earlier today!

I wonder how broad their fan base is, though. Seriously. Outside of my mommy friends, most of the people I know have never heard of Jon & Kate Plus 8. I have no doubt this is a highly anticipated book, but will it have staying power? Or will it be a flash in the pan, popular for a while, and then die down type deal? I guess that will all depend on their marketing strategy, right?

 

[Camster0307]

thanks, Nancy! I appreciate the kind words ... I really do believe that there are some good people on this thread.

And we're all really related to Kate!

 

[madge]

And we're all really related to Kate!

 

[sha_lyn]

I didn't mean the summer lull was the cause of the discussion (well, not dorectly), but that all of a sudden all this controversy pops up and has spread like wildfire. This was actually a tactic we learned in a contemporary PR class. If you really want word to spread...internet. Messageboards, MySpace, YouTube. All free publicity. Just a thought.



And you know who will pick up that book? Of course, the fans, but also the anti-fans. They will pick it apart. Guess what. Their money is the same, and that's what the publishers care about.

Don't know why I was thinking there hasn't been any new episodes. Guess this head cold nad ear infection have gotten the best of me. I've been hazy all day.

I get your point, and it all very well may be true. However I doubt that is all of it. I think a lot of it has to do with the speculations/questions etc coming up around Beth, Jodi, if they are moving etc. There are a lot of questions out there that people are looking for answers to.

True about the book too. $$ is $$ whether a fan a basher, or someone in the middle buys the book.

My one little "nit pick" is if they are behind some of the bad publicity, why does it seem they are doing just the oppisite on the show?
IE....They've pretty much stopped showing bathroom shots (IMHO I was shocked there wasn't one in the episode where someone pooped in the little potty). why does it seem that Kate is trying to make an effort to step outside of her comfort zone etc?
However OTOH I guess the arguemnt could be made that they are hyping up or allowing the negative so that people who tune in will really notice the changes

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

I thought about that very thing earlier today!

I wonder how broad their fan base is, though. Seriously. Outside of my mommy friends, most of the people I know have never heard of Jon & Kate Plus 8. I have no doubt this is a highly anticipated book, but will it have staying power? Or will it be a flash in the pan, popular for a while, and then die down type deal? I guess that will all depend on their marketing strategy, right?

Never underestimate mommy power. I spent most of the weekend volunteering at out JBF Sale, and those ladies have some spending power. That's a great group towards which to direct marketing strategies! And just to argue with you (since you've been gone so long ), I always chat about JK8 with my mommy and non-mommy clients at the salon (my part-time job that I just can't stand to quit). The men, kids or not, aren't too interested.

In our instant gratification/in-the-now society, can you think of any contemporary books that have staying power? I think most of 'em end up on the bargain books shelves these days.

 

[madge]

Never underestimate mommy power. I spent most of the weekend volunteering at out JBF Sale, and those ladies have some spending power. That's a great group towards which to direct marketing strategies! And just to argue with you (since you've been gone so long ), I always chat about JK8 with my mommy and non-mommy clients at the salon (my part-time job that I just can't stand to quit). The men, kids or not, aren't too interested.

how'd you do in the sale? we don't have JBF, but our big consignment sale is next week ... I am SOOOO not ready.

and I agree about the power of mommies. you're preaching to the choir, there. You know who else will buy this book? Christians - they're Zondervan's bread & butter, I'd imagine.

In our instant gratification/in-the-now society, can you think of any contemporary books that have staying power? I think most of 'em end up on the bargain books shelves these days.

that's true! books like The Last Lecture come to mind. I know that Randy Pausch died recently, which is why it's popular now ... but it's the kind of book that has legs. It has advice that will be relevant in a year or 5 years. I hope it isn't on a bargain rack some day... I liked what that guy had to say.