Jon and Kate Plus 8. Official Thread!!

[brittsmum1998]

I don't think any of us are "sheeple" . Those of use who do take up for Kate don't defend her blindly. We recognize that she has flaws, like all people. Yet for some reason many want to hold her up to a higher standard

ETA: and why doesa it make one a sheeple to say that the cameras aren't there all the time. Are the swim teachers also sheeple since in an article one of them said that the cameras were only at the beach house the first week?

Ahh now I remember why I stopped posting for a while...maybe I wasn't clear on the "sheeple" remark. I certainly didn't mean that only in the one particular instance w/ 24/7 cameras, I meant in general.

My meaning of sheeple is people that refuse to sometimes see something that may be right in front of them...sort of like a "cult" (don't try looking it up in the dictionary it isn't there)....some people refuse to ever see anything wrong w/ J&K even when its right in front of their face. While you say you realize she has flaws, I very rarely ever see sheeples agree w/ anything negative and have no problems coming up with excuses constantly.

Which is it? Do they film 24/7 or not? Is it hectic w/ 8 children but NOT w/ 12 like Aunt Jody? Anyone say anything positive (swim teachers) and they are put on a pedistal but Aunt Jody, the volunteer, people running into her in public and they are ALL WRONG. Do you see what I am getting at?

Sheeple

 

[longstangetrip]

I hope she censors herself all of the time. She reminds us a lot about her being a Christian, and aside from living by example, adults have social cues they have to learn to follow. She appears to have no soft skills. She treats people, especially in the service industry, unlike I have ever seen. Train conductor, cupcake ladies, babysitters, housekeepers, etc.

I think the gum episode was the last straw but certainly not the whole source of conflict. The eye rolling, inside joke giggling on the interview couch each time Jodi was mentioned was rude and inappropriate. I don't understand why people defend her actions. I don't hate her by any stretch of the imagination, but I don't know anyone like her. I guess Kate and hate rhyme so people go with it, but I can't stand that word, and obviously I don't know her.

I think all of the buzz has to do mostly with her behavior. I have never heard of "regular" person behaving and expecting treatment the way she is said to. Even high strung, anal type people I know have never taken it to the level I've seen on the show with her. There is a common thread with her family and friends; many have had conflict or disappeared from her life. The re-run the other night when she was talking about her parents was so odd. She said "it's best right now if they are not in our lives." Is it normal for one family to have this much conflict among the people who love them? I think it was going on before the show.

I don't know her, so I don't know anything about her except what I watch on tv (like 99% of the posters). All we have to go on is what we see and what we hear. The people who have removed themselves from the Gosselins lives all have something in common; they all feel like they were taken advantage of, treated without respect, or unappreciated. Are they unfounded? I sometimes notice Mady and Cara taking it all in during one of her rants, or imagine them later watching the interview couch when she's criticizing an adult or saying that boys are "yucky." What must they be learning?

Jon and Kate are probably not bad people; I'm certain they love their kids the best way they know how. This stuff I read about abuse, social services, etc. is ridiculous. I just hope that they put it all in perspective and make the best choices for all ten of them to be healthy. Damage control is not what the kids need, that is soley for the viewers' sake. Suddenly "lightening up" when the cameras are around as people have commended her for doing in the latest episodes would be nothing but confusing to young children. Those of you who say, "she can't win no matter what she does," ... I fear at this point you may be right.

 

[madge]

You beat me to it, but that's what I saw, too. I believe she said "Would you do me a favor, no more gum?" or something along those lines. I remember because I use that line, too, when I'm trying to be civil when I'm PO'd.

IMO, it wasn't what she said ... it was HOW she said it. And what she said, when she wasn't on the phone. This isn't a situation where you hang up the phone and can rant and rave about something (and fell MUCH better) and the person you're ranting and raving about never knows. This played out on national television .. with a close family member. Ugh.

Kate shouldn't censor herself just because there are cameras around. But she should think about what (or who) she's talking about in front of her children - especially when it involves a beloved family member. Kate might as well have gone on and ripped Jodi a new one during the phone conversation, since she did it behind her back for the world to see.

 

[TanyaLovesPooh]

Now, if I have a beef with something that happened in the care of a family member, I either bring it up nicely, or let it go. Mostly, I let it go. Life is too short to sweat the small stuff.

I felt horrible for Collin during this episode and totally agree that Kate was way over the top. However, for someone with OCD, there is no "small stuff". If you are obsessive compulsive then life is all about routine and order and gum being on clothing is a big deal.

 

[MM27]

My meaning of sheeple is people that refuse to sometimes see something that may be right in front of them...sort of like a "cult" (don't try looking it up in the dictionary it isn't there)....some people refuse to ever see anything wrong w/ J&K even when its right in front of their face. While you say you realize she has flaws, I very rarely ever see sheeples agree w/ anything negative and have no problems coming up with excuses constantly.

So what is it called then when people see something that isn't right in front of them? Many of the Kate bashers create their own scenerios about what's going on, what Kate "meant" and so on, based on their own assumptions and not what is really being shown on the show. That group is very much a cult of their own.

I watch the show and yes there are times I don't agree with something that they do or say, but I also find that some of the things that some people complain about are pretty petty. The extremes go both ways and I don't fit in either of them.

Personally, I hate that term 'sheeple'. It's an easy way for people that don't agree with someone else to make the other person look like they don't know what they are talking about. If you discredit what someone is saying because they don't agree with you, it doesn't automatically make you right, except in your own mind.

 

[sha_lyn]

So what is it called then when people see something that isn't right in front of them? Many of the Kate bashers create their own scenerios about what's going on, what Kate "meant" and so on, based on their own assumptions and not what is really being shown on the show. That group is very much a cult of their own.

I watch the show and yes there are times I don't agree with something that they do or say, but I also find that some of the things that some people complain about are pretty petty. The extremes go both ways and I don't fit in either of them.

Personally, I hate that term 'sheeple'. It's an easy way for people that don't agree with someone else to make the other person look like they don't know what they are talking about. If you discredit what someone is saying because they don't agree with you, it doesn't automatically make you right, except in your own mind.

Well said all in all and especially the bolded part.

 

[Camster0307]

Well said all in all and especially the bolded part.

What she said! Well put - on both parts!

 

[madge]

Personally, I hate that term 'sheeple'. It's an easy way for people that don't agree with someone else to make the other person look like they don't know what they are talking about. If you discredit what someone is saying because they don't agree with you, it doesn't automatically make you right, except in your own mind.

I agree with the bolded part.

As someone who uses the term sheeple ... I can only speak to how I use it. To me, it's the people that have put Jon & Kate (or just Kate) and the family on a pedestal and believe, sometimes blindly, everything they say as the Gospel truth. They're drinking the kool-aid, so to speak. They can do no wrong.

On the other side of the coin, I believe that people (bashers) like Serena & the bunch over at GWoP have sheeple following them, too. Whatever they say against JK8, people believe hook, line, and sinker, and will travel all over the internet to prove their point. That one poster from last month comes to mind as a sheeple.

Sheeple is a general term. It isn't JK8 specific. LOL.

 

[brittsmum1998]

I've already explained my meaning of 'sheeple' I'm not going to do it again. I actually learned that word here on the boards a few years ago during Big Brother. I did notice that some people choose to pick on my meaning of 'sheeple' as opposed to their opinions on the questions I asked in my last post. Its a shame it can't be a friendly debate on a scripted reality show.

I do realize now that the reason why there are so many "pro" J&K plus 8 is that if you have a differing opinion its no longer fun to post on this thread. My PM box gets full ALL the time from people who no longer post on this thread.

Have a good day all

 

[MichelleVW]

I do realize now that the reason why there are so many "pro" J&K plus 8 is that if you have a differing opinion its no longer fun to post on this thread. My PM box gets full ALL the time from people who no longer post on this thread.

Have a good day all

I started posting on this thread because it seemed like a friendly place to discuss a show that I enjoy watching. No, I don't think they are perfect in any way shape or form, but neither am I. I enjoy watching the show, then I go about my life.

I do get annoyed with the bashers because some just seem to go crazy, and "Jon is a saint and Kate is a witch, and blah blah blah" Seriously, if people hate the show so much WHY DO THEY WATCH?? I hate hate hate Rock of Love with Brett Michaels and think it's a horrid show, but I don't watch it and then go on the internet and bash it. I just don't watch it...easy enough.

I can't believe your PM box gets full of people telling you why they don't post anymore. Are people's lives so boring that they need to explain to people why they don't post anymore on a thread on the internet?? That is just so weird to me....if you don't like it.....don't read it.....no one cares.

 

[Camster0307]

My meaning of sheeple is people that refuse to sometimes see something that may be right in front of them...sort of like a "cult" (don't try looking it up in the dictionary it isn't there)....some people refuse to ever see anything wrong w/ J&K even when its right in front of their face. While you say you realize she has flaws, I very rarely ever see sheeples agree w/ anything negative and have no problems coming up with excuses constantly.
Which is it? Do they film 24/7 or not? Is it hectic w/ 8 children but NOT w/ 12 like Aunt Jody? Anyone say anything positive (swim teachers) and they are put on a pedistal but Aunt Jody, the volunteer, people running into her in public and they are ALL WRONG. Do you see what I am getting at?

Sheeple

Based on this post, and most of your others, I would consider you to be part of the "sheeple" also - just for the bashing side. Yes, as madge pointed out, there are "blind" supporters of this show; and there are also "blind" bashers of it - people who will NEVER think Kate does one single thing right and is just a horrible person with the most horrible of intentions.

You seem to be bent out of shape because some of us here are not in agreement with your assessment of the family and situation - and when we contradict something you've posted, we're labeled as "sheeple" who "refuse to see anything wrong even when it's right in front of our faces." I think MM27 said it perfectly in her post.

I agree - if you don't want to hear from people who's opinions are different from your own, it's probably best that you don't post here anymore. You'll just make yourself nuts - and it certainly isn't worth it. LOL.

 

[kidshop]

[QUOTEf
I don't think the gum caused the family conflict.

While I don't blindly believe what the GWoPpos and their sheeple say, I do believe money may have been the main factor if there is, in fact, an actual issue (not a staged one) between the families. Money and friendship don't mix. I don't lend/borrow money or go into business with friends or family. Too messy. If others were to be compensated for being on the show, that should have been laid out in their contracts.[/QUOTE]

I haven't followed this all that closely, so I may not know what I am talking about, but I do think it is about the money. That is based on what Jodi said and her sister's blog. When the show was just a documentary I don't think people were paid, but it evolved into a scripted reality show where the regular 'cast' was approached to have contracts and be compensated. Jodi had cameras in her house all the time and I think she should have been paid as part of the show. I don't look at it like she would be making money off the kids, but she would be paid for her part that she played. As far as I can tell, Kate didn't want anyone to be paid but the kids (and them). So they hired Jenny to be the paid (by TLC) caregiver and Jodi was out. I do believe this may be as close to the truth as we can get.

I don't think there were contracts at first, but as the show grew they were needed. Jodi claim is that Kate did not want her to have a contract and be paid.

 

[madge]

Its a shame it can't be a friendly debate on a scripted reality show.

I do realize now that the reason why there are so many "pro" J&K plus 8 is that if you have a differing opinion its no longer fun to post on this thread. My PM box gets full ALL the time from people who no longer post on this thread.

I got my panties in a wad and left back in the summer. There are times I wonder why on earth I came back.

I watch the show with my 6-year-old DD - not to pull it apart and criticize and not because I think Jon & Kate are awesome parents. I have watched a rerun more than once, especially after reading comments here. It's not very often that I see things differently after watching it a second or third time.

I genuinely enjoy some of the conversations that take place on this thread... and as a result, I try to be sensitive to other people's feelings about the show when I'm posting. I honestly don't feel like I've tried to change anyone's opinion of JK8, that's not why I post.

This thread has always remained civil, for the most part. I've said time and time again that it amazes me that it hasn't been locked. But negative comments about Jon & Kate, legitimate or not, are not welcome here. There is always someone at the ready to pounce. Sometimes it's warranted, but it usually isn't.

I'm pretty sure I've PMed Brittsmum before, expressing my frustration at this thread.

 

[Camster0307]

I haven't followed this all that closely, so I may not know what I am talking about, but I do think it is about the money. That is based on what Jodi said and her sister's blog. When the show was just a documentary I don't think people were paid, but it evolved into a scripted reality show where the regular 'cast' was approached to have contracts and be compensated. Jodi had cameras in her house all the time and I think she should have been paid as part of the show. I don't look at it like she would be making money off the kids, but she would be paid for her part that she played. As far as I can tell, Kate didn't want anyone to be paid but the kids (and them). So they hired Jenny to be the paid (by TLC) caregiver and Jodi was out. I do believe this may be as close to the truth as we can get.

I don't think there were contracts at first, but as the show grew they were needed. Jodi claim is that Kate did not want her to have a contract and be paid.

Oh I agree with you - it may very well all be just about money. And if it comes out that is what the fallout was about, then it is just extremely sad all around. Shame on Kate for not allowing other family members to be paid when appearing on the show; and shame on those family members for not being involved in those kids lives anymore because they are not being paid to be on tv. Don't know if we'll ever hear both sides of the story, but until I do, I'm not going to assume anything.

And, I'll still watch the show because I think those kids are just too darn cute!

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

I haven't followed this all that closely, so I may not know what I am talking about, but I do think it is about the money. That is based on what Jodi said and her sister's blog. When the show was just a documentary I don't think people were paid, but it evolved into a scripted reality show where the regular 'cast' was approached to have contracts and be compensated. Jodi had cameras in her house all the time and I think she should have been paid as part of the show. I don't look at it like she would be making money off the kids, but she would be paid for her part that she played. As far as I can tell, Kate didn't want anyone to be paid but the kids (and them). So they hired Jenny to be the paid (by TLC) caregiver and Jodi was out. I do believe this may be as close to the truth as we can get.

I don't think there were contracts at first, but as the show grew they were needed. Jodi claim is that Kate did not want her to have a contract and be paid.

There had to be some kind of contracts. You can't just go into a situation like this and not have something to cover your, um, behind. That goes for TLC and the Gosselins.

I got my panties in a wad and left back in the summer. There are times I wonder why on earth I came back.

I watch the show with my 6-year-old DD - not to pull it apart and criticize and not because I think Jon & Kate are awesome parents. I have watched a rerun more than once, especially after reading comments here. It's not very often that I see things differently after watching it a second or third time.

I genuinely enjoy some of the conversations that take place on this thread... and as a result, I try to be sensitive to other people's feelings about the show when I'm posting. I honestly don't feel like I've tried to change anyone's opinion of JK8, that's not why I post.

This thread has always remained civil, for the most part. I've said time and time again that it amazes me that it hasn't been locked. But negative comments about Jon & Kate, legitimate or not, are not welcome here. There is always someone at the ready to pounce. Sometimes it's warranted, but it usually isn't.

I'm pretty sure I've PMed Brittsmum before, expressing my frustration at this thread.

Because you love it!!

There are some people on this thread who do not welcome any negative comments, but I think most of the "regulars" are very civil and just express their opinions on comments opposite their viewpoints. That doesn't mean they aren't welcome. It seems to be only when the drive-bys make their appearance that things get ugly. They're not unwelcome because of their opinions, just their level of respect for other posters.

At least that's how I see it.

Off to the bouncy house for a birthday party!! I loved that episode. I'm a big fan of the giant slide!

 

[whitneyNC]

I But negative comments about Jon & Kate, legitimate or not, are not welcome here. There is always someone at the ready to pounce. Sometimes it's warranted, but it usually isn't.

I'm pretty sure I've PMed Brittsmum before, expressing my frustration at this thread.

I totally agree that a few are ready to defend ANYTHING about Kate and the show. I don't understand why? Everyone says "I'm not perfect, neither is Kate" but do you really know anyone who is surrounded by as much conflict as Kate seems to be? Show or no show. My feelings for her are usually disbelief more than dislike.

 

[Camster0307]

Off to the bouncy house for a birthday party!! I loved that episode. I'm a big fan of the giant slide!

That's our favorite episode -- because it's focuses on our favorite sextuplet - Leah! She's so cute in that one!

 

[sha_lyn]

I started posting on this thread because it seemed like a friendly place to discuss a show that I enjoy watching. No, I don't think they are perfect in any way shape or form, but neither am I. I enjoy watching the show, then I go about my life.

I do get annoyed with the bashers because some just seem to go crazy, and "Jon is a saint and Kate is a witch, and blah blah blah" Seriously, if people hate the show so much WHY DO THEY WATCH?? I hate hate hate Rock of Love with Brett Michaels and think it's a horrid show, but I don't watch it and then go on the internet and bash it. I just don't watch it...easy enough.

I can't believe your PM box gets full of people telling you why they don't post anymore. Are people's lives so boring that they need to explain to people why they don't post anymore on a thread on the internet?? That is just so weird to me....if you don't like it.....don't read it.....no one cares.

 

[madge]

I totally agree that a few are ready to defend ANYTHING about Kate and the show. I don't understand why? Everyone says "I'm not perfect, neither is Kate" but do you really know anyone who is surrounded by as much conflict as Kate seems to be? Show or no show. My feelings for her are usually disbelief more than dislike.

 

[madge]

March 5-10 2008 Pop Century!! Sep 8-12 2008 Pop Century and FREE DINING

MichelleWV ... any tips for me about Pop Century? We're staying there this week!!