However, she has had ample opportunities to correct our perception of her, and has not chosen to do so. I find that disturbing.
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"Our" perception? Sorry, but you don't speak for me. Have you read her comments on her blog? I think she has addressed the situation just fine. Maybe she didn't say what you wanted her to say.
Just saw Polly. She came off as gossipy and her appearance was um, very unprofessional. Her tone on her blog has changed since she announced her "book" and her E interview. Sorry, but it is Polly who wants attention.
Uh oh...spelling police. It's been awhile since I've been in high school history class. And I was typing really fast & didn't bother to google it. But yes, I meant 'fuhrer'. But hey, 'furor' works too, being the bossy, mean-spirited wench that she is.
Mickey McKean... May I use your post & some points you made for a video I am doing this weekend (if I have the time) for YouTube about how Kate's E! THS did NOT tell Kate's true story at all. How it was a fluff piece & how Kate sought the limelight from DAY ONE. You all know me here but I'm posting under anonymous. I would like to dispute this THS.
Off topic but we're now in February sweeps and we still haven't heard anything about the episodes in the can right now. Surely they can squeeze four episodes out of Philadelphia and Australia to fill the month of February. They can turn out episodes in sometimes a few weeks. A bit odd.
Not too cool said... Without new pictures of Kate, are we now going to turn on our allies and criticize their motivations AND their appearance?
I'm not sure if this what you meant but, the haters are being VERY rude to Polly now. They are saying awful things about her. They are bashing her looks, which I find highly disturbing, & just being all out mean. I agree that we should NOT be those people. We are not those people. We are above that. Yes, we snark on Kate, which frankly is getting quite stale, we are here for the kids sake, but to turn into the "Gossipy Junior High Kids". No way. We are intelligent, thought provoking, smart women. Let's not turn into THOSE women.
I don't think we've turned on anyone. I see a restrained and overall polite discussion about what was said on E! by everyone who chose to go on. There is a difference between "hate" and criticism. The latter is and always will be allowed here. I don't see any comments about anyone's appearance on that show, with the exception of I think one person said Polly looked unprofessional. That's really quite a stretch to say that's hating on someone's apperance. I can and will delete "hateful" comments.
Administrator said... Off topic but we're now in February sweeps and we still haven't heard anything about the episodes in the can right now. Surely they can squeeze four episodes out of Philadelphia and Australia to fill the month of February. They can turn out episodes in sometimes a few weeks. A bit odd.
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It's also interesting that TLC's commercial about "family" that shows Jen from the "Little Couple", the whole family from "Sister Wives" plus Kat VonD, etc, etc -- but the old matriarch of TLC, their figurehead of 'all things family', Katie Irene Kreider Gosselin, is conspicuously absent. snicker, snicker
I have thought for the past few months now that TLC has been blatantly preparing an "exit strategy" to easily cut Kate loose when they feel the moment has come. This includes slowing down her stupid blog to a halt, not advertising the show with any of the other shows and not including it in the TLC branding campaign, and not repeating any of the episodes like they do endlessly with every other show.
The scissors are poised to cut it loose, the cut just needs to be made when they're ready.
I'm glad I did not watch it. By alot of accounts, it sounds like the show basically "chickened out" in completely telling Kate's "True Hollywood Story" [snicker].
I think that Kate, compared to "REAL" stars (who truly worked hard studying their craft for years, and made it to stardom based on their talents) really had NOTHING to bring to the table. No real story to tell, except that she took advantage of the system to get what she wanted. Of course, her "E True Hollywood Story" [snicker] was going to be empty and crappy.
Perhaps if "E" does a show with the title: "E Reality Show Disaster Stories", they might want to try doing Kate's story again.
Probably "E" will be unsuccessful (again) in finding anyone willing to waste their time and effort in explaining what a retch Kate had been in the past- and still is to this day.
Mickey McKean... May I use your post & some points you made for a video I am doing this weekend (if I have the time) for YouTube about how Kate's E! THS did NOT tell Kate's true story at all. How it was a fluff piece & how Kate sought the limelight from DAY ONE. You all know me here but I'm posting under anonymous. I would like to dispute this THS.
======================
Anonymous ~
You have my permission to use my thoughts and opinions.
However I want to add to my list above:
16. That the children are now protesting being in the limelight to the best of their ability at age 6 by covering their faces with their hands, jackets or towels. Evidence of this fact is in the E! episode at least two times.
17. That Kate has stated for the record during the Nancy Morales interview that she has no contact from her parents except via email, and other than Kevin who has been cut out of her life, what about the other 4 siblings?
18. Where Jon is shown pushing the buttons on the control panel at least two times - to use THAT video with NO SOUND - those children's screams ... they were terrorized being returned to their mother's home yet there was no volume during this clip ... WHY?????
19. Why wasn't there any mention of all the "love offerings"?
20. What about the book "I Just Want You To Know"? It only sold 10,000 copies, could it be that the public does not think that private letters to your children should not be made public?
I have to say that I'm pretty sure that E! held back on a lot of things because they were afraid of legal issues.
Admin... I said I didn't want this blog to turn into THAT blog. I never said we were. I don't want my words to get jumbled. I'm not trying to start anything at all, I didn't even see that anyone said Polly looked unprofessional. I know you would delete any & all comments referring to anyone, especially if it's downright mean, that is just the way you are, & I totally respect you for that. And I know the sheeple's troll over here & try to start "discussions", especially negative ones about peoples appearance, rumors, etc. I was just saying, I hope we can all remain neutral & mature, which we usually do. As I stated above, we are all very intelligent & smart here. :)
Was the trip to Australia part of the exit strategy? I'm still confused as to why TLC shelled out so much money for an all expense paid trip on the other side of the world. Is it possible Kate Plus 8 has a budget and that was a way to blow through it and get it over with? I'm not asking rhetorically. I'm really curious and don't know how these things work.
MickeyMcKean said...I have to say that I'm pretty sure that E! held back on a lot of things because they were afraid of legal issues.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
~or~
As soon as Discovery Inc cuts Kate loose she will take her circus show over to Style Networks, which E! is part of. Style Networks have just been purchased by Comcast, along with the rest of NBC. They also now own Bravo.
I have long said that Kate really wants a Diva Housewife-type reality show, and more and more of those types of shows are featuring divorced women now. She will be able to be pampered, plastic, and act as nasty as possible in front of cameras. A dream come true for Katie Irene.
I did not watch the THS because I did not expect it to be anything other than what it was. Thanks everyone who's comments justified my decision. What I don't get is why they did a profile on Kate in the first place.
Just based on what TLC's legal team did to Jon, and how Discovery's legal team went after the Alaska crab fisherman (Deadliest Catch) when some of them wanted not to continue, I think E! had a healthy and realistic fear of legal repucussions and edited accordingly. JMO
Sure the Australia episodes could be part of an exit strategy. They could be setting up a memorable two episode or three episode "series finale." Go out with a bang. And that is a nice way to say see Kate we gave you the biggest baddest trip we could think of as a send off, to appease her. Seriously where else does she want to go that would be bigger than Australia?
Mickey, I loved your list. Great idea! May I add one more? I thought it was an important misrepresentation on the E! THS.
21. E! said that networks "approached" the Gosselins. Actually, my understanding is that Kate prepared packages to send to networks seeking a reality show. "Approached" definitely makes it sound like some Exec at Discovery picked up the morning papers and thought, "Whoa, let's talk to this family!" That's not the way it happened. Kate FOUGHT to get their attention--and it worked.
I wasn't impressed with the E! show, but I also don't think Kart deserves a two hour show. E! could barely fill up the one hour. Look at the few people who were interviewed. No family members, no friends (where was Jamie), no one who worked with Kart on a professional level, hardly anyone who had any first hand information and a bunch of old tabloid clips. Paul Petersen appeared credible and works for laws to protect these children. But look at the other key interviewees, such as this local blog owner Polly who never even met Jon or Kate, but she wrote two books about them. E! also interviewed Al, the blog owner's coauthor/tabloid reporter/ex pap, who made money off the Gosselins, Stephanie the babysitter who made money selling her stories last year to tabloids, and Eric Roberts, who did an interview for the blog owner. His appearance and comments on the E! show were useless. If that was the best E! could do in finding people to interview about the Gosselin saga, then an additional hour would have been a true waste of airtime. They didn't even verify the photos of the couple who weren't her parents and showed the same trailer park that she didn't grow up in. Ken Baker stated Steve was tall. How tall is Ken Baker, 5'? Why wasn't Jon's father even mentioned and his financial support or the kind strangers who gave money and gift cards to the family through the years? Overall, I give the E! Show a D+ and I'm being generous.
One more thing regarding the E! Show. I give the show "F" for showing a photo of the childrens' school. The majority of people who watch these shows wouldn't know what school the children attend and shouldn't, but thanks to E! they do now. Idiot producers. I bet the school administrators and parents are livid and probably would want all the Gosselin children to attend another school. I don't even know how Kart can even sit in her van near other parents, much less get out of it, during her setup bus stop pap photo shoots.
E! has a show called E! Investigates; Maybe they should have done THIS on Kate. E! Investigates: Child Exploiters & Grifters: Kate Gosselin, Her Story. That may have been worth tuning into.
Polly Kahl has written a book called Jon & Kate Plus Ei8ht: "Reality" TV & the Selling of the Gosselins
I would think that the title alone pretty much sums up what the book is all about. Instead I see that bloggers on both sides of the Gosselin fence - even before the book was released - formed their opinions and have launched personal attacks on the author without even reading the book. WTH?!?!
For the record I have read the book. Actually, I am one of the former fans who was asked if I wanted to contribute to the book and I said yes. I did so because I hoped that by participating I could get the reader - who may not even own a computer or know about the Gosselin blogs - to realize from this viewer’s point of view what effect cameras have had on children in “reality” TV in general, and the Gosselin children in particular.
As we all know the current fans were also given this opportunity to participate and they all choose not to do so at all. Their choice. Hindsight is what it is.
The fact is this book contains not only comments from former fans but of course interviews from several professionals who have added their personal insight from what they know and/or have experienced in their own life. People who have a knowledge of what happens to children during their critical development years, especially when there is no question that just the mere presence of a camera does alter a person’s behavior.
I would think that common sense tells people that one does not have to meet Jon, Kate and each one of the kids in person to know that something is seriously wrong in this family that has been filmed and specifically packaged for the TV viewer by a greedy network. Also, with the recent court activity between Jon and Kate in regards to whether or not to continue to film the children – especially when one takes into consideration that this was before two of the tups were expelled from kindergarten – when is the time to acknowledge that the Gosselin children are being effected by living in a TV fish bowl strictly for the entertainment of the TV viewer?
When is the time to say that the mental health and well being of the children is more important than their mother’s quest for additional fame and fortune? When is the time to acknowledge that it is the parent’s responsibility to support the family, not the children?
I also happen to be one of the people who believe that these children will have lifelong issues thanks to their parent’s decision to sign up for a TV show to help them with the family’s living expenses. Please note I do give Jon and Kate the benefit of the doubt that they were not fully aware of the consequences of their actions when signing the initial contract; that at the time all they saw was an easy financial gain for the family. However now that the family has imploded before our very eyes and both parents have acknowledge publicly that some of the children are having problems in school and at home, it is time for BOTH parents to get on the same page and do what is best for the children which is to end the show and allow the children to live the remainder of their childhood in private.
If Kate wants to continue with her TV career that is fine with me – as long as her career is without the 8 little props. As far as this former fan is concerned, enough is enough! The Gosselin children have certainly earned the right to retire before the six pack turns 7 years old on May 10, 2011.
"I did so because I hoped that by participating I could get the reader - who may not even own a computer or know about the Gosselin blogs -" ============= Serious question - If someone doesn't have a computer, how will they learn of Polly's book? It is coming out in paperback, but being self-published, how is the general public going to learn about it? There will be no advertising.
Mickey, Thank you so much for your postings. I hope I speak for many when I say that you have made excellent, clear points without appearing to have some vendetta against anyone.
You truly do care about the 8 kids who's lives have been turned upside down by the greed of their parents. I am holding out hope that Jon has indeed grown up and realized that it was a mistake. I fear that Kate will NEVER grow up and realize how much she has hurt her children!
What I'd really like to see is '60 Minutes' do sixty minutes on Kate Gosselin.
She doesn't rate a 60 Minutes show. I admit I haven't watched 60 Minutes in quite a while, but do they focus on tabloid trash, talentless, D-list nobodies?
Kate on 60 Minutes! What a hoot! I'd love it if that would ever happen.
I know Andy Rooney doesn't interview people as a correspondent anymore, but wouldn't he have some grist for his wheel with Kate as his subject?
Andy: Who is this Kate Gosselin? All I hear about her is she whines. I hate whiners! Whiners are right up there with people who won't wipe their runny noses and they sniffle all the time. Whiners ought to be banned from ever showing their faces in public. They should have their tongues stapled to the roofs of their mouths. Why is Kate Gosselin all the rage? It looks like she's an accidental phenom. I hate accidental phenoms, mainly because phenom isn't a real word. It's a shortened word. I hate shortened words........ but I digress. Back to my point. I hate whiners. Ergo.. well, you figure it out. I think I need to visit Target and buy a stapler. If I hear any whining or sniffling going on in there, I'm not responsible for my actions.
Questions said... "I did so because I hoped that by participating I could get the reader - who may not even own a computer or know about the Gosselin blogs -" ============= Serious question - If someone doesn't have a computer, how will they learn of Polly's book? It is coming out in paperback, but being self-published, how is the general public going to learn about it? There will be no advertising.
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I am under the impression that Polly is looking into advertising the book once it is available in paperback which should be in about two weeks.
Also I wanted to add that even though I have access to more than one computer, I do not own a Kindle and I do not tweet.
Mickey McKean said...For the record I have read the book. Actually, I am one of the former fans who was asked if I wanted to contribute to the book and I said yes. I did so because I hoped that by participating I could get the reader - who may not even own a computer or know about the Gosselin blogs - to realize from this viewer’s point of view what effect cameras have had on children in “reality” TV in general, and the Gosselin children in particular....
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I'm happy for you Mickey, about helping with Polly's book, but I don't think anyone other than professionals and people who have experienced cameras in their lives themselves can possibly be in a position to know what effect cameras have on children in reality TV and bloggers certainly don't. I don't believe that anyone who doesn't already having computer access or isn't already blogging about the Gosselins would even know about Polly's book, nor probably have an interest in it either.
Although the book might contain interesting interviews I don't think it will shed any more light on the effects of reality tv than we've already seen on the internet and the media. Just like the E!THS brought nothing to light, I don't believe this book will help people realize the harm of reality tv on kids. It's like thinking you'll convince a sheeple that filming the kids is harmful yet we all know that's not going to happen. We already believe it so we don't need convincing.
In an ideal world it would be nice to think that we can learn about children in reality tv from WG's book, but we need to be honest about the situation -- the effects of reality tv on the Gosselins won't be known for perhaps a decade and after lots of research many books will be written by people who have done a lot more research than doing a few interviews (with many questions posed by bloggers themselves) and reading blogs for a few months.
I'll probably be convinced that a book written by a blogger might be helpful at that time, but at this point I don't believe WG's book is more than a compilation of interesting interviews using the Gosselin name in the title as a draw. Naming the book as it has been - is further exploitation of the Gosselin name.
I loved your addition to my list and you are correct, my understanding is that Kate was shopping for media coverage and she lucked out. If you get a chance why don't you add it to my list on GWOP's thread about the show?
Admin ~
I agree with you - here is it February sweeps and yet no advertising of a new Kate + 8 show, and after a trip to Australia and New Zealand, where do they go on this planet to top it and still keep it cost effective with first class air fare and accommodations plus the $250,000 to Kate per episode?
After all TLC knows that the show has been steadily declining in ratings, i.e., "cooled off" and no matter what they do have to be accountable to the top pee-ons (pun intended :)
fido -- LOL! You do a perfect Andy Rooney! "What is it with whiners anyway....?" ~~
Deflate Kate's Ego -- No, SHE doesn't rate anything really, but the fallout, the collateral damage to those kids and the resulting hedonism from the $$ they've earned for Kate would be worthy of at least a segment of the program.
Admin, why does TLC need to or want to 'appease' Kate? What is it about her that makes everyone, including the network that is busy destroying 8 children's lives, kowtow to her every whim? I don't understand why this network would be trying to appease her for anything. They have thrown fame (infamy), money beyond her wildest dreams, trips of a lifetime out the wazoo, straw hair, and every other thing money can buy at her. Why should they try to appease her for anything?
I'm just curious and not trying to sound accusatory, but if the book is only out on Kindle, how did you already read it?
To Curious,
I have an editing/proofreading background so I offered to edit the book before it went to press.
To I'll pass,
I used to be a Sheeple and I wrote about what I saw and observed as a fan of the show, and then once I took off my rose colored glasses as a non-fan. I have never claimed to be a professional in regards to child rearing. However, I certainly can state examples that something does not smell right in Gosselinland, such as when I see 6 year old children hiding their faces when cameras are present, 2 kids being expelled from kindergarten, and of course hear the terrorized screams in THAT video.
No one can get me to believe that something is not seriously wrong, and since I have worked in family law in the past I can come up with some sad scenarios that may or may not apply in this case. Fact is I don't really want to think about it, but I do think that stopping filming will help the kids, and the sooner the better.
The bottom line is that I want to see K+8 canceled. If I write something that gets just 1 person to stop watching too then it was worth my time.
I caught the last few minutes of the ETHS this afternoon. Boring. Nothing new for those of us who read blogs. Me, I wanted to know what Ms. Kreider did to make the DWTS costume designers make her a Series of Unfortunate Outfits. They really were awful and unflattering compared to the usual skill of the costume designers and seamstresses.
"Naming the book as it has been - is further exploitation of the Gosselin name." JMO
********************* I'll pass: Everything you said is spot on. Nice writing, expressed clearly and succinctly. It's JMO, too. I don't care how much of an enlightenment this is designed to be. The fact is that those who read it are those who already know the Gosselin saga and believe this may reveal more of the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth (with maybe some little secrets thrown in). People waited with baited breath for Al's expose, thinking that this was going to dig deep into the Gosselin story; it didn't. It was nothing but a rehashing of what was reported on blogs, tabloids, internet sites.
Who is left to convince that reality television is bad for the kids? We know it; the sheeple deny it; and the middle-of-the-road people are nonchalant about the whole thing.
Has anyone given thought that such a book may have the reverse effect on the "on the fence" people who actually might pick it up out of curiosity? Would those people watch the show just to see how much of a witch this person really is; how sad these kids look in front of the camera? Is that really the desired effect? It's a Catch-22. One thinks that a book on this subject may alert people to the damage done to kids of reality television, when it may, in fact, prompt the curious to watch the show. We're hoping that the ratings go down, not up. We need less viewers, not more.
"Naming the book as it has been - is further exploitation of the Gosselin name."
******************** Absolutely. One can justify the reason for the book -- recounting the psychological damages done to children on reality television -- any way one wants, but the bottom line is that the Gosselin name is being used for profit; it is just one more excuse for jumping on the band wagon and riding this tragic story for notoriety and profit. This isn't a perfect world in which one person's book is going to be the cure for society's ills on children (exposing the exploitation of kids on reality television). TLC, the big greedy green monster of exploitation, isn't going to relent and stop filming. In fact, the more publicity, the better for them, no matter if it's negative publicity. Only the naive believe that there is a cure for the evils perpetrated by production companies such as this.
I would think that in the years to come, when the kids are grown, that this story will be the subject of sociological studies and will be included in college textbooks and psychology journals. By then, though, the cameras will long have been removed, and the societal effect on the psyche of children forced into the world of reality television may serve as a warning or deterent for future generations. Until then, what can be accomplished at the hands of writers who cannot sit down and access this tragedy with objectiveness? The story not yet is over. Even more disconcerting is the fact that more writers, who consider themselves authors, will follow suit. The result would be a convulted compilation of he said/she said stories, unconfirmed "facts," speculation and hypothetical theories. The writers of these books, by their own admission, do not know Kate, nor have they ever met her. I would believe that a book may be more credible if an author would be able to balance their material more convincingly if they would have had one-on-one dealings with the parent (or parents) of these children. It would at least lend some authenticity to the subject matter if the writer were able to claim that he or she had up close and personal knowledge of the protagonist(s).
"The fact is this book contains not only comments from former fans but of course interviews from several professionals who have added their personal insight from what they know and/or have experienced in their own life. People who have a knowledge of what happens to children during their critical development years, especially when there is no question that just the mere presence of a camera does alter a person’s behavior."
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Let me preface my comment by saying that I'm not a Sheeple. I can't stand Kate, and have posted on numerous blogs about my disgust for her abusive behavior toward Jon and the kids. That said, your commnet is all well and good, and I'm sure Werny's book makes for interesting reading. But does the book have any FIRSThand knowledge of the ACTUAL Gosselin family? Any word from people in the inner circle? Any comments from people who actually really know what goes on day-to-day in the Gosselin McOrphanage? Any interviews with people who know the Gosselins -- or better yet, ARE the Gosselins? Because let's face it -- most of us who have blogged on the family for the past few years could write a "tell-all" based on blogger comments and other media sources. Those of us who live near them could add additional insights just because we're "locals." Heck, those of us with advanced degrees can even offer psychological insights. It doesn't mean our books would give any more insight into what's really going on with the Gosselin family. Because the truth is that neither we NOR Werny have any inside information. If Werny had anything new and interesting, she probably wouldn't need to self-publish her book. If she really had some inside information, some publisher/mag would have picked her up to pen a tell-all. The truth is that Werny's claim to fame is that she happens to live in the same town as the Gosselins. I live in the same town as the Tylenol-tycoon -- his estate is just around the block from me here in snowy PA. Doesn't qualify me to write any "inside" information about his family, even if I decided to stalk them all in a cornfield.
My point is that you can have all the fans and professionals as you'd like chime in their fanatic and/or professional opinions about the Gosselins. That does NOT make it a book about the Gosselins unless you also have their story -- told by them or people who know them -- as part of the book. Otherwise, you're just extrapolating opinions from fans and professionals about what "could or could not" be happening in the Gosselin household.
If Werny wants to do an in-depth expose' about kids in reality tv, based on experts' opinions, fine. But she can hardly claim that her experts/fans can speak intelligently and accurately about the Gosselin family without ever having interviewed or met any of them.
Sorry, in my opinion Werny is trying very hard to ride the coattails of the Gosselins in a vain attempt to feel important and "famous." When she does some serious investigative journalism, and writes a book in which she's interviewed Jon, Kate, Steve, family members, former church members, etc. etc. -- then maybe I'll take her seriously. But for now, it seems to me that she's just cherry-picked from the blogs to cobble together yet another half-ass account of the Gosselin story, piggy-backing her book as a one with a "higher cause" about kids in reality tv -- YAWN.
I had few minutes nothing much else to do, stopped by another site and was appauled to even find this. That Kate is now available for various things: sports camps, VIP meeting and greetings, endorsements, grand openings, clientele meetings and such.
Is this aboslutely for real or a joke?! She's a mom of 8, big deal! This best be a joke or...this could be interesting...
Marie said... I had few minutes nothing much else to do, stopped by another site and was appauled to even find this. That Kate is now available for various things: sports camps, VIP meeting and greetings, endorsements, grand openings, clientele meetings and such.
The bottom line is that I sincerely hope that the E! special and Werny Gal's book BOTH help get the viewers who are still tuning in to Kate Plus 8 to stop watching once and for all so the Gosselin children can finally enjoy the rest of their childhood in private.
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Their privacy is being exploited in the show and the book, both of which contribute to keeping this entire ludicrous farce alive! Neither the show, nor a book written by a blogger is going to turn the tide. Not a chance! I think that there are those who don't recognize the power (and unlimited resources) of TLC. The E! show didn't reveal much of anything; the book likely will not either, unless the writer interviewed those in the Gosselin circle, specifically, former co-workers of Kate, Kate's school friends, family members, employees, Steve himself, Beth, and yes, even Kate and Jon.
TLC doesn't care how many E! shows are produced; how many books are written. It's publicity for them, and they will continue to whistle all the way to the bank! They will wield their power until they have sucked the last dollar out of Kate. Only then will the show end. It's a pipe dream to think that a book put together by an unknown writer from a small Pa town will enjoy sales successful enough to produce a drop in ratings, thus leading to the cancellation of the show.
It's not going to happen, and those naive enough to think it will are going to be mighty disappointed.
Administrator said... Off topic but we're now in February sweeps and we still haven't heard anything about the episodes in the can right now. Surely they can squeeze four episodes out of Philadelphia and Australia to fill the month of February. They can turn out episodes in sometimes a few weeks. A bit odd. ----------------------- Actually,Admin, from what I understand, they went back to specials.There are no more seasons.Gosselins ,Gobblins and Ghouls(?)is not Season 2 premiere anymore it's another special. There are now 7 specials and a season with four specials. My guess is these specials(probably two Philadelphia+Christmas and 3 Australia,New Zeeland+Ney Years Eve and possibly one Easter) will be stretched until May-June when the 7th birthday episode will arrive and then they will like you say(and I totally agree) "film the crap" out of them again in the summer. It's how I see things at this point,at least.
JoyinVirginia said... I caught the last few minutes of the ETHS this afternoon. Boring. Nothing new for those of us who read blogs. Me, I wanted to know what Ms. Kreider did to make the DWTS costume designers make her a Series of Unfortunate Outfits. They really were awful and unflattering compared to the usual skill of the costume designers and seamstresses
*****
That's funny. My guess would be that Kate never bothered to show up for fittings, so the designers/seamsters had to give her something that could be gathered, belted, tucked, stretched, folded or otherwise fitted as she was strapping on her dancing shoes and waltzing onto the stage.
I said a few threads ago that this AUS/NZ trip would be her last. This was her swan song, so to speak. What can top it really? I remember reading her that Kate & TLC was going to start filming more at home, to get back to basics, & start from scratch, or to really try & "relate to the viewers again". Yeah, OK. That freakin ship has sailed long ago. With all of the lavish trips added with Kate's incessant whining about how poor she is, NO ONE can relate to her at all.
TLC is funding a sinking ship. From what I have read, there have been no ads on TLC, no blog posts on her stupid blog, nothing pertaining to TLC's EX-Queen Bee. Maybe this new GM at TLC has seen the light & realizes that Kate just ain't worth it. She is too risky, too expensive, & the kids just aren't that cuddly anymore. Kate may be talked about & a love to hate type of person, but when it comes to advertisers, that's all that matters. Sponsors maybe pulling out, they might not want anything to do with a falling reality personality anymore, especially one who is known to ignore her kids, abuse them, use them for fame, bash her ex, does NOTHING for her "celebrity status" except tan, shop, etc, & make her kids travel to places by taking them out of school. Maybe the sponsors wised up, FINALLY!!
Sources said, "But does the book have any FIRSThand knowledge of the ACTUAL Gosselin family? Any word from people in the inner circle? Any comments from people who actually really know what goes on day-to-day in the Gosselin McOrphanage? Any interviews with people who know the Gosselins -- or better yet, ARE the Gosselins?"
Sources,
Do you honestly think Kate would grant anyone permission to interview her as to how her children have been effected by a “reality” TV show? If yes, do you think she would tell the truth during said interview? As it is Kate refuses to even acknowledge that two of her children were expelled - do you think she feels she is accountable in any way for their alleged aggressive behavior?
I'm still trying to figure out what all the fuss is about this book, and it seems to be the title: "Reality" TV and the Selling of the Gosselins.
IMHO Polly Kahl is NOT selling the Gosselins. No, that dubious honor goes to Jon, Kate, Figure 8, Discovery, and TLC. Even if Jon and Kate were clueless as to what they were getting into when they first started to film their family, there is no denying the fact that TLC knew exactly what they were doing when they filmed and then nicely packaged up this cute little show and sold it to their various sponsors.
TLC does not care if the Gosselins had a messy divorce because guess what, over 10 million viewers tuned in to see what all the fuss was about. Keep in mind this is a “business” and TLC has made over $200 million dollars by selling the Gosselins, and the 8 kids in particular have gotten squat, zip, zilch, nada ... screwed. TLC’s POV seems to be so what if 8 childhoods have been trashed and the children might have life long issues because of this show and how they have been used and abused for the TV viewer’s “entertainment” – at least TLC’s big wigs and stockholders are very happy, as well as rich.
Polly's book is about "Reality" TV which is NOT real. It is scripted. It is about child exploitation in general and the abuse the Gosselin children in particular have suffered, children who are not actors but are living their real lives in front of camera in a “reality” TV show. A fish bowl created for entertainment purposes. Just a few of the professionals Polly interviewed - Paul Petersen, Allison Anigram, Jon Provost, a Child Psychologist, a TV Producer, another author of a book on Reality TV and Children, and Becki Dilley. I think there were 5 former fans who were interviewed about how did we feel when we discovered “reality” TV is not what we thought it was.
Now even though I believe I am pretty much aware of all things Gosselin, I learned some things in reading this book and I’m glad I participated in it. See I already have a good idea what the bloggers think; I was interested in reading what the experts think in regards to why “reality” TV can be harmful to the children without interviewing anyone with the last name of Gosselin.
Now you guys can choose to read the book or not, your choice, but I have no intention of debating this issue any more. For more info as to what is in the book, Polly has covered this same issue on her blog earlier today.
From October 2009. I never read this before. And I STILL can't find her People mag. sales. I guess that is something they do not want us to know about. A HUGE bomb I suppose?
Can Kate be anymore of a bitch? Seriously. Stepping on a 3 y.o. toes & just moving right along? "I want sushi. I want sushi" What is she? 5? Now I know where THAT came from. And the last sentence really caught my eye.
Not too cool said... Without new pictures of Kate, are we now going to turn on our allies and criticize their motivations AND their appearance?
Hippie Chick said... I'm not sure if this what you meant but, the haters are being VERY rude to Polly now. They are saying awful things about her. They are bashing her looks, which I find highly disturbing, & just being all out mean. I agree that we should NOT be those people. We are not those people. We are above that. Yes, we snark on Kate, which frankly is getting quite stale, we are here for the kids sake, but to turn into the "Gossipy Junior High Kids". No way. We are intelligent, thought provoking, smart women. Let's not turn into THOSE women.
Administrator said... I don't think we've turned on anyone. ...
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As we see this Gosselin saga starting to wind down this year, especially when there are no recent Kate sightings, it seems that the bloggers themselves are creating the drama. Either comments are being “stolen” from one blog and taken to another and then taken out of context with a new spin to the original words, or out of left field a whole new “rumor” is thrown out just for giggles.
The perfect analogy would be it is like watching rats in a cage attack each just out of sheer boredom. Just because they can.
Werny Gal is currently in the fan’s crosshairs and she is dealing with all the current “red herrings” on her own blog.
Meanwhile ... everyone should be aware I recently found some very disturbing posts, yes posts that do justify Steve’s employment. One blogger felt she found the personal justification in emailing another blogger’s employer to put them on notice that their employee’s opinion differs from her opinion; she felt she had the right to let the boss know about it. Even if this blogger says she did not try or want to get the ex Sheeple fired, there is no doubt in my mind that this was the end result she hoped for with her email. It did not happen; thank goodness the employer in the “real world” saw the email for what it was.
But perhaps more unsettling is that I have also read on another blog that they stated that “the hate is so intense with the haterz that they want to see Kate Gosselin DEAD”.
I have never ever seen any mention of a death wish in regards to Kate on any non fan or hate site until this *alleged* reference, and I certainly know this death wish is not on MY agenda!!! However, we all know that one fan did have a serious wish of harm against Jon and this fan not only posted her opinion on fan sites but also tweeted it. Then this “wish” was repeated by other fans and non fans alike, and thank goodness it did appear that the majority of bloggers did feel this “wish” was wrong ... very, very wrong.
It comes down to we are all women with strong opinions who have found an avenue via the blogs of expressing them. Regardless if you are a lover or a hater, you are not going to change your opinion at this point in time. However, it does appear that some bloggers have lost focus as to what all the fuss is about -- it is and always will be the 8 children.
I know I went from being a dedicated fan of J&K+8 to the feeling of being a voyeur by watching someone else’s children living their real lives including some very private moments that even if filmed should never have been aired. Regardless of what is already out there, enough is enough! These children are no longer toddlers; sorry, they just are not as cute as they used to be.
It is time to cancel K+8 and allow the kids to live what is left of their childhood in private, allow them to focus on their education and socialize with other children outside of this TV fish bowl.
These children were not born to entertain strangers in TV land and to support their family, as well as TLC! They are 8 children who have earned the right by working to grow up in private – just like each and every person did who is now reading my post on this blog.
For some time I have felt that this website was disintigrating into childlike attacks, immature names for Kate, and in general was losing the "sharpness" I felt it had when I first started reading here several months ago.
As I read the second comment to this post, "It is sad to see that Werny Girl sold out to the network", that finished it for me. We don't have Kate to attack at present, so now, as many of the comments revealed, we are attacking Werny Gal, her part on the E presentation, and her book.
It is like a bunch of girls in a junior high lunch room.....and until you have done as much as Polly has, (much of which you do not know) you haven't earned the right to criticize.
Polly runs a first class blog, keeps track of unwelcome comments and in general, has some great commenters.
My assessment is that the administrator of this blog does not like Polly....and is enjoying the nasty tone and direction these comments have taken.
I'll not know if this blog gets cleaned up, as I am finished. I hate in-fighting and judging, especially about things which some of you know nothing about.
Of course, this won't get published, but I feel more honest having said what I did.
Granny, I don't see the cattiness or turning on anyone you see. I see constructive criticism, which is not going to be censored here. Just because someone doesn't like the Gosselins doesn't mean we have to always agree with each and every thing they do or say. It's not personal. This is not a pick on some other blog thing. Someone went way outside the realm of the blogs and appeared on a TV show proclaiming to be a bio on Kate--it's going to get talked about and I'm not going to censor it. Any comments that are personal I've deleted. Remarking that you don't agree with something is not nearly the same thing as the creepy and frightening lengths the sheeple go to to try to silence an OPINION that Hippie has described for us just above.
I do not agree with some of Polly's choices, I am nowhere near the minority on this, but I have nothing against her as a person nor do I really get the sense others here do either. I only have three links in my sidebar to other web sites, and not only is Polly's web site one of them, but it's the first one, it always has been. If I had something personal against her I doubt I would continue to link to her.
One of the first criteria discussed in any writing class is the audience. It is, perhaps, one of the most difficult areas upon which a writer focuses. For whom is one writing? Has WG done any kind of research to determine if there is a market for such a book? What particular people does she hope to reach? A writer needs to know his/her specific audience; otherwise, the work becomes a muddled mess with no direction.
As was pointed out, those opposed to kids in reality television already have their views; those who think Kate is the best thing since ice cream never would read it. What's left is the undecided. If this is the target audience, I would hope that the arguments are presented well enough to pursuade that group to see the the psychological damage to kids exposed to this kind of child labor.
That is, if there are enough of them to purchase the book.
I would also expect that this book has been edited and proofed by a seasoned professional. Al's book, which was poorly written, turned out to be a grammatical nightmare. So much credibility is lost when there are pages and pages of spelling and usage errors. It makes the finished product look like the work of an amateur.
"Regardless if you are a lover or a hater, you are not going to change your opinion at this point in time."
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This assertion is confusing to me. If one's opinions remain steadfast as implied here, then what is the purpose of the book? If it is to reach the undecided, isn't it a bit futile at this point? Aren't most people just sick to death of this whole ordeal because of overexposure by the media?
Mickey McKean said... ...everyone should be aware I recently found some very disturbing posts, yes posts that do justify Steve’s employment. One blogger felt she found the personal justification in emailing another blogger’s employer to put them on notice that their employee’s opinion differs from her opinion; she felt she had the right to let the boss know about it. Even if this blogger says she did not try or want to get the ex Sheeple fired, there is no doubt in my mind that this was the end result she hoped for with her email. It did not happen; thank goodness the employer in the “real world” saw the email for what it was.
But perhaps more unsettling is that I have also read on another blog that they stated that “the hate is so intense with the haterz that they want to see Kate Gosselin DEAD”.
I have never ever seen any mention of a death wish in regards to Kate on any non fan or hate site until this *alleged* reference, and I certainly know this death wish is not on MY agenda!!! However, we all know that one fan did have a serious wish of harm against Jon and this fan not only posted her opinion on fan sites but also tweeted it. Then this “wish” was repeated by other fans and non fans alike, and thank goodness it did appear that the majority of bloggers did feel this “wish” was wrong ... very, very wrong....
*****
Mickey, back and forth conversations like this between some of the radical sheeple blogs has been going on for quite some time and calls to the employers of haterz has been going on for a long time also. This is nothing new and IMO no indication of a need for Steve to protect Kate (they adore and wouldn't threaten her, but hate and threaten those opposed to her), but rather for the 'fans' to be turned in to local law enforcement agencies and internet providers. As you said, there is no blog documentation of danger to Kate so no need for Steve.
It's back and forth inflammatory rhetoric from the fan/sheeple who are causing the uproar on twitter and the blogs which is carried into discussions on other blogs as you did here. There's nothing to be gained by bringing inflammatory comments from other blogs here.
If we don't read their blogs we won't see their nonsense and if we're not reading there, the comments won't be copied and repeated further inflaming other readers. Don't give the sheeple the satisfaction of thinking we're paying attention to their nonsense. They thrive on thinking we spend any time or energy reading their drivel and are emboldened thinking they're noticed and are effective.
"Regardless if you are a lover or a hater, you are not going to change your opinion at this point in time."
Warmth of the Sun said ...
This assertion is confusing to me. If one's opinions remain steadfast as implied here, then what is the purpose of the book? If it is to reach the undecided, isn't it a bit futile at this point? Aren't most people just sick to death of this whole ordeal because of overexposure by the media?
Warmth,
My above comment was not about the book whatsoever.
The comment in question was in my post referring to those overzealous bloggers - especially on the fan sites - whose opinions seem to have pushed them "over the edge" to the point that they feel their actions and words are justified.
Specifically no blogger should attempt to get another blogger fired due to a difference in opinion.
These bloggers have made up their opinion as to what side of the fence they are on and this is never going to change. It just seems to me that some bloggers have forgotten that the focus of the majority of the blogs on both sides of the fence is the mental health and safety of the 8 Gosselin children.
Ignore them -- Well put. I deplore the importing and exporting of blog comments. As for the occasional sheeple wandering over here to drop a turd or two, I heed the advice offered in that lovely old nursery rhyme -- "leave them alone and they'll go home...."
Admin, I commend the way you have handled respectful criticism of Polly'a actions in appearing on tv and (self) publishing a book.
It rankles me a bit that her followers are using this blog to make her points. If you try to question Polly on anything at the blog, she deletes the comments and pretends the questions weren't asked. Perhaps her fans who are posting here could ask her to be a little more reasonable in what she posts?
Polly should deal with some of these issues herself. It's silly to have her minions running around trying to excuse what she won't talk about.
"My above comment was not about the book whatsoever."
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The comment is still applicable: "Regardless if you are a lover or a hater, you are not going to change your opinion at this point in time."
The "lovers" will continue to love and will have no need for the book; the minds of the haters don't need any convincing that kids in reality television (specifically the Gosselins) are being exploited; and those in the middle really don't care one way or another because either they don't pay much attention to the issue, or because they feel that the media has milked this for all its worth.
I loved your addition to my list and you are correct, my understanding is that Kate was shopping for media coverage and she lucked out. If you get a chance why don't you add it to my list on GWOP's thread about the show?
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Mickey, done! Thanks again for cataloging the misrepresentations and errors. It's quite a staggeringly long list.
Polly Kahl has addressed the naysayers' complaints about her motives, her tactics and her book. Accept them or reject what she says as you choose, but she's answering the criticisms put out there.
Personally speaking, I frequent 3 Gosselin blogs - the "Main Three". I find them all to have quality comments for the most part, and find all of them to have some unnecessary comments that seem to be just plain mean and based on emotion rather than information. I can't possibly rank the three; they each have their place and each serve a purpose.
It's kind of like having 3 different big city newspapers to choose from. The basic national news is the same, but the local news is different. One may lean Republican, the other one not. It's a matter of preference, a desire for balance, and being comfortable about where you get your news. One's not "better" or "worse". They all have their usefulness for a large audience.
Would Werny Gal even have been considered for the E! show if she wasn't writing a book or had connections with the other people appearing on the show i.e. Paul Petersen, Eric Roberts, etc.? Was that just a coincidence? Does writing a book, even though self-published, suddenly make you more credible than others who have not?
It seems like E! was grasping at straws, looking for people to interview for this show (especially since Kate, Jon, and other people connected with the show/family refused). Reverting to Gosselin bloggers for interviews? Really?! Do they do this for other celebrities and/or reality stars? Go to their fan/non-fan blogs for insightful information?
I appreciate Werny Gal's insightful interviews posted on her blog, but it seems like she suddenly realized she could profit off of these interviews instead of releasing them for free on her blog to enlighten the Gosselin community about reality tv, etc.
That's always been my philosophy about the Gosselin debacle...if only she had been left alone her value (monetarily for TLC) would have diminished much quicker.
Polly has not addressed very valid questions and concerns brought forth by several professionals and legions of laymen.
Only Polly knows what she has deleted in its entirety. I am aware of many posts that were never saw the light of day because they were not written with the fawning adoration she needs to pretend she is doing the right thing.
Admin is a professional, albeit in a different field. But she understand ethics and protocal.
Werny? It seems as if she has bitten by the same same fame bug that destroyed the Gosselins.
I like Polly, and wish she would listen to those who are expressing genuine concern as to her actions.
I think WG is trying to make a buck.Her book like Al's is nothing new.Nothing we havent heard before...same old BS just a different day or chapter... As for today...The Packers won!!!! Woot Woot!! After 27 years I rooted for the packers and they won!!! Maybe I should write a book!
I've visited Werny Gal a few times. On my last visit I encountered nothing but fawning from her posters. That was it for me. Even though politically I am far to the left of admin, I keep returning here because she allows a cross section of opinions.
I am not a fan of WernyGal and rarely frequent her blog unless there is a link here of interest. That being said I am puzzled by the amount and type of criticism she is receiving.
We have all said many times that someone should write a book and now that someone has there seems to be mixed emotions. Who better to write a book than one of us - a blogger - who has followed the story from the very beginning. Who better to appear on the ETHS than one of us, a blogger, who once again has followed the story from the beginning. I respect the fact that she did not want to sensationalize the story on E but rather stick to what she (we all) know. I think she should be applauded for writing a book that she has obviously spent a great deal of time on to get the story out without once again sensationalizing it.
Not comparing her to Kitty Kelly, but does anyone think that any of the people she wrote about actually sat down with her for an interview? My guess would be a resounding no.
My understanding is that it is not a biography, but rather a look at the phenomenon of child exploitation and its ramifications on children and society at large and the family that essentially turned it into a science.
I post to put my spin on what I see for those who pass through and try not to vent my own frustations although it is not easy. Thousands of people read the blogs that don't comment and may be looking for answers for things they have seen that are disturbing to them. That is how I became a blogger, wondering if it was just me or if anyone else felt the same.
If Polly can even get the money back she spent on self-publishing and the amount of hours that she put into the book she will be lucky. I am quite certain she did not expect the backlash that she has received as she is one of us and at least one of our bloggers was featured to speak for all of us, essentially.
I think we should withhold judgment until we read the book which I plan to do and to balance out what I spent on the book I will send the same to Paul Petersen.
Why WG wrote her book, went on THS, is all on her. I honestly do not care one way or another. I didn't watch the E! show & I don't plan on buying her book. I read the allowed pages of Al's book when it came out (I didn't buy that in full) & it was full of grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, & it was the SAME OLD crap we all knew about. Nothing new was put out there. I'm NOT saying WG's book will be filled with errors & the same old same old, but I am just not interested. I'll get my fill from you lovelies right here, if any of you choose to buy this book.
The point is, how many more people will try to make a buck off the Gosselin kids? I am NOT saying WG is doing such. I know she is trying to explain how detrimental being on TV has been for them. But you can look at this six ways from Sunday, & she is still making money off of them. Is it exploitation? It's not nearly as bad as what k&J have done to them, because WG's book may not reach a large audience. But this book is out there, the G kids will see it someday, they will read it, & whether or not they understand WHY it was written, well, we won't know that. They will however know that Kate took them for everything they had. I think that will be their 1st priority. Exploitation is exploitation. I am not against this book at all, but I guess I'm not for it either. Do what ya gotta do to have your voice heard, but I think it's the kids turn to let THEIR voices be heard.
The book doesn't bother me. I can't see where it's a bad idea. As I said in another post it's the fawning posts that I read on her blog re her at that time upcoming appearance on E. It just seemed a little too much and the posters seemed to shoot down the one poster who was bothered by WG's feeling that she had to soften any critique of Kate. To be honest, I had a similar critique although I didn't voice it.
As to Kate's children reading the book when they are old enough - what of it? That's like saying I can never write a critique of a public figure out of fear their children might read about it.
I'm reminded constantly how fortunate we all are to be living in a country that allows us freedom of speech, dissent and truth.
As for Werny, I think that she is just a messenger/witness speaking what she knows as the truth. Jeeze, no wonder this mess has been allowed to continue for so long- everytime someone has spoken out against the Gosselins, they were attacked. After a while, the witness moves on with their lives, and nothing is resolved.
The sheeple must be enjoying all this hoopla. By criticizing Werny (who is bringing to attention all the stuff that many of us will never see or know), we have effectively given the sheeple a post-coital cigarette to enjoy. Afterall, anything that keeps negative attention from Kate, is alright by them.
I know that all this Kate & her performing little monkeys t.v. show sh*t is going to stop very soon. When that happens, I hope that we have ruffled enough feathers to create laws to protect the Gosselin 8, and others in their position.
Good luck and power to those that still are willing to come forward with more information on the Gosselin 8's situation.
I know that all this Kate & her performing little monkeys t.v. show sh*t is going to stop very soon. When that happens, I hope that we have ruffled enough feathers to create laws to protect the Gosselin 8, and others in their position.
Good luck and power to those that still are willing to come forward with more information on the Gosselin 8's situation. *********** I couldn't agree more, Pink. Personally, I think it's too late for the Gosselin kids. Laws take a long time to enact and I think they and the show will be used to set precedent on what you can NOT do with your kids, that is, film the ever-living crap out of them and destroy anything that resembles privacy, probably for the rest of their lives. I hope that in the future, this will never be allowed to happen to other kids whose parents would sell them out for money.
So, Crabitha, what would you have her do? It's her blog and just like everyone else who has a blog, they delete comments, reject comments all the time. Maybe some people were being very nasty in the way they posted their comments, attacking her in a subtle way. Why not just stay away from a site where you feel 'rejected'? That is something I just don't get. She has a right to write a book based on her professional opinions. She has a right to be on E! and express her opinions. It's simple, if you don't like it, don't watch or read. But for people to try and shoot the messenger while we all are assumed to be on the same side in this debacle just feeds those sheeples egos and they keep on calling work and trying to destroy people's lives.
They're called opinions. They're like assholes. Everyone has one.
When info came out that Kevin & Jodi were paid for their interviews on Radar Online, the Kate lovers criticized them as only doing it for money while the Kate haters defended them saying that it didn't matter if they were paid, the info needed to be put out there, whatever the avenue.
Polly writes a book that is for the same purpose, exposing the exploitation of the Gosselin children. She likely won't make a profit on it, yet she's wrong for "exploiting" the Gosselin kids.
A Pink Straight Jacket For Kate said... ...The sheeple must be enjoying all this hoopla. By criticizing Werny (who is bringing to attention all the stuff that many of us will never see or know), we have effectively given the sheeple a post-coital cigarette to enjoy.
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I think one of the objections many of us have is that the book doesn't 'bring to attention all the stuff that many of us will never see or know' because we've heard it already on blogs - the same place WG and some of her contributors have found it. Other than describing how they became aware of the kids' exploitation, no one is in a position to talk about the effects on the family and you or I could have been interviewed for the book and given our opinions on the effects on the family and been just as legitimate as many others who took part in it (and I'm absolutely NOT jealous).
I have a problem with the fact that WG used the Gosselin name in the title and is marketing it as being about them, when in fact almost NOTHING is known about any effect on the individuals themselves. Aside from knowing that a child hides from cameras and 2 tups were suspended from school, the underlying reasons (divorce, parenting, cameras, all the above, none of the above?, etc.) are still an unknown. While we can speculate about future problems due to being on camera based on previous actor's experiences we don't yet know enough about the Gosselins to be writing a book about them.
Had WG interviewed actual families involved in reality tv I think I might have had a different reaction to the book. While some of the interviews with the producer or Paul Petersen might be interesting, they cannot speak with any substance about the 'Gosselins' and because she chose to use their name in the title I consider it to be further exploitation of their name. Perhaps in a few years when psychologists and historians look back on the phenomenon of reality tv and the destruction of families involved WG's book will be relevant, but IMO today it feels exploitative, spotlight seeking, and inappropriately early. As always, just imo.
As for Werny, I think that she is just a messenger/witness speaking what she knows as the truth. Jeeze, no wonder this mess has been allowed to continue for so long- everytime someone has spoken out against the Gosselins, they were attacked. After a while, the witness moves on with their lives, and nothing is resolved.
The sheeple must be enjoying all this hoopla. By criticizing Werny (who is bringing to attention all the stuff that many of us will never see or know), we have effectively given the sheeple a post-coital cigarette to enjoy. Afterall, anything that keeps negative attention from Kate, is alright by them. **** WG is not bringing attention to anything that others won't see or know. She doesn't have any inside track on anything. She went on national television and spread gossip. What cause does that further?
I have to say that I would have afforded more credibility to Werny Gal had she not used the Gosselins in her book title.
If she had written a book or expose on the whole of children in reality tv, then that would have been okay - even highlighting in a chapter or two the Gosselins. However, she chose to put the Gosselins on the front cover to garner her more interest. In my opinion, that is cashing in on the Gosselin name and using the kids for a step to infamy.
FYI, I haven't read the book, and will refuse to do so. Boycotting all products associated with Gosselins, for the kids' sake.
Check out Baby mama's site for her first annual Kate Gosselin Award 2010 followed by all of her favorite Kate looks and how she goes out and tries to buy all the clothes that she sees Kate wear. Rather scary in my opinion
So, if Tammy Truthteller wrote a book that absolutley knocked Kate (and Jon) flat on their behinds and told the entire world about the horrors of what she (and he) have done to their children -- and sold 500,000 copies of it --- would everyone be happier with it? After all, much of what I'm hearing is complaining that Polly didn't tell us MORE than we already know, that there were no new revelations that we could point and scoff at. It's like Hey Polly! If you're going to write a book, make it fire hot so we can rag on Kate even more! Dig up the truth about Steve, about why she's not speaking to her parents, her desire for IUI, and don't stop until you've dug it ALL up for us! Interview her 5th grade teacher, her old Pastor, her classmates from High School and every nurse she ever worked with!
I think THAT book would sell, and there would be a line-up of bloggers to read it. I think we're disappointed that this is not that book. We want a tell-all, and many have said they can't wait for Jon or Mady to write one.
Mixed Emotions - WG has NOT followed from the beginning. She only started following from when they moved to her town. Most of what she knows about the Gosselins come from the blogs, she has had a few experiences of her own with them, and got info from other locals sure, but if anyone really had to write a book about the G's, it should have been someone who HAS followed from the beginning IMO.
"We all have one" said of Polly:"She has a right to write a book based on her professional opinions".
When a writer's opinions are based on nothing more than information from the tabloids,neighbourhood gossip, and occasional personal observation, as opposed to information gathered from interviews and clinical assessments of the subjects involved, they can hardly be called professional opinions.
In my opinion, using one's credentials to make something seem more learned or important, without actually performing within the diagnostic guidelines of the profession, is dubious from a standpoint of ethics.
Polly's opinions, when not backed up by appropriately scholarly research, are worth no more than yours or mine.
WG is not bringing attention to anything that others won't see or know. She doesn't have any inside track on anything. She went on national television and spread gossip. What cause does that further?
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Hmmmmmm.... Open Your Eyes, I doubt Werny spread any gossip on national t.v. to further anything. Yes, it's true we already know that Kate is an absolute controlling b*tch, witch, etc... But Werny was invited by "E" to be interviewed, not the other way around. As far as the interview not offering anything we don't already know, well I'm sure TLC/Kate's lawyers knocking on "E" door if anyone gave a more indepth account of Ms. Katie Gosselin. I'll bet that people that do KNOW her, or have experienced the delightfulness that is Kate, are bleeding from biting down hard on their lower lip, restraining from telling what they know.
What is a shame is that "E" could not drum up enough people to say positive things about horrible Kate- an old teacher, friends, other school parents, siblings, parents, neighbor, a crew member from Kate + 8 (or as she loves to call them, part of her family), the ladies from The View (or any other show she was on), a proprietor of the stores she visits, etc... Instead, "E" was only able to get strangers (to Kate) for the interview. Oh well, a b*tch is, as a b*tch does...
It is true that we all are pretty savvy when it comes to Gosselin information- but few of us are actual Gosselin neighbors. Werny happens to be a neighbor, so her imput is welcomed by folks like me.
I also think that most of us are smart enough to differentiate between what is the truth, and what is erroneous information.
Unlike the sheeple, I do not feel threatened by Werny (or anyone else) that wishes to share what they know.
This flamefest of Werny Gal and Admin on both this blog and Werny Gal's is getting old.
If we can be critical of Kate because she chose to put herself and her kids on tv, then it should only be fair to be critical of what Werny Gal SAID (or didn't say) on this E! show.
However, this is turning ugly as people are now attacking both bloggers, if not on their own blog but on the opposing blog.
Maybe Rule #4 should be "No board on boards. Period."
I think one of the objections many of us have is that the book doesn't 'bring to attention all the stuff that many of us will never see or know' because we've heard it already on blogs - the same place WG and some of her contributors have found it. Other than describing how they became aware of the kids' exploitation, no one is in a position to talk about the effects on the family and you or I could have been interviewed for the book and given our opinions on the effects on the family and been just as legitimate as many others who took part in it (and I'm absolutely NOT jealous).
I have a problem with the fact that WG used the Gosselin name in the title and is marketing it as being about them, when in fact almost NOTHING is known about any effect on the individuals themselves. Aside from knowing that a child hides from cameras and 2 tups were suspended from school, the underlying reasons (divorce, parenting, cameras, all the above, none of the above?, etc.) are still an unknown. While we can speculate about future problems due to being on camera based on previous actor's experiences we don't yet know enough about the Gosselins to be writing a book about them.
Had WG interviewed actual families involved in reality tv I think I might have had a different reaction to the book. While some of the interviews with the producer or Paul Petersen might be interesting, they cannot speak with any substance about the 'Gosselins' and because she chose to use their name in the title I consider it to be further exploitation of their name. Perhaps in a few years when psychologists and historians look back on the phenomenon of reality tv and the destruction of families involved WG's book will be relevant, but IMO today it feels exploitative, spotlight seeking, and inappropriately early. As always, just imo.
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Point well taken, just imo. And I agree. Except that I really don't think she meant to exploit anybody. I feel that just about ANYONE that writes a book concerning the Gosselins will be accused of exploitation.
Who knows, maybe the blogosphere has replaced written books, because it's true, word certainly does get around, and we have found and shared alot of information online.
I just don't think Werny's intentions were to exploit anybody. And I don't think this book was meant to be her "opus" or make her a millionaire either.
I am also confused by the backlash against Werny. I didn't see the show, so I'm a little out of the loop, but I have read a lot of negative comments about Werny not only here but on other sites that are considered non-sheeple sites (aka "haterz").
What is going on? I hate to sound paranoid, but it almost makes me wonder if some posters here and elsewhere have been stirring the pot on purpse.
I mean just a few months ago, I rarely saw negative comments about Werny, but now I'm reading them quite frequently.
ID said: "When a writer's opinions are based on nothing more than information from the tabloids,neighbourhood gossip, and occasional personal observation, as opposed to information gathered from interviews and clinical assessments of the subjects involved, they can hardly be called professional opinions.
In my opinion, using one's credentials to make something seem more learned or important, without actually performing within the diagnostic guidelines of the profession, is dubious from a standpoint of ethics."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Excellent points and very well said. Living in the same town does not a "neighbor" make. It does, however, enable one to jump on the band wagon and profess to know the inside scoop. I know that when I read a few of the blogs on that person's site awhile back, I was very surprised at the gossip that was passed off as "credible." What comes to my mind was the drunken Jon breaking into the chicken coop story. It supposedly came from a credible source. However, when someone asked for "proof" that this actually happened, the explanation given was that there was no complaint filed with the police and therefore, there was no proof. Baloney. ALL calls are recorded by law enforcement. A complaint does not need to be filed; if there was a call to the chicken coop, there would be documentation of this. Law enforcement doesn't just go scurrying around for their health. If the owner of the blog had such great connections with locals, then it should have been no problem to obtain proof from credible sources. None ever appeared, which made me skeptical of inside information and neighborhood knowledge that was reported as fact.
"Werny happens to be a neighbor, so her imput is welcomed by folks like me."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Why? Living in the same town does not make one more qualified to report on a well-known person. She doesn't live next door to Kate. There are those, however, who did live in the same development as Kate before the move to "the big house." Betcha they could assemble credible accounts of goings-on in the neighborhood...confirmed accounts of life with the Gosselins as neighbors. In fact, Walt [Mueller] wrote a detailed account of life in the neighborhood with the Gosselins.
"I'll bet that people that do KNOW her, or have experienced the delightfulness that is Kate, are bleeding from biting down hard on their lower lip, restraining from telling what they know."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Not everyone. I do know her, and my lower (and upper) lip is still intact. I figure that someday a "real" accounting of the entire Gosselin story will come out from people who don't have to rely on neighborhood gossip to tell the story. Until then, you'll have people who will keep compiling internet gossip, rumors, blog blabble, and the like putting together stories. Some will buy it; some will not. It's a free country...you believe what you choose to believe. Many people who do know her are sick of the whole thing and just wish that she and the fascination with this story would go away. They don't want to reveal what they know because to do so just adds to the hype and does nothing to bring this entire saga to a close.
The sad part, though, are the fame seekers, the name droppers, who are quick to seize the opportunity to ride the Gosselin coattails simply because they maintain blogs and have access to "sources" who don't know any more than the writer does, but still are eager to give "professional" opinions.
Wow. I seriously think this horse has been beaten to death, and that everyone who is going to give their opinion of Werny Gal probably has done so by now. Can't it just be let go and everyone move on?
The childhood picture of Kate at the top of this thread is what I think she is trying so hard to overcome. She seems resentful of that forgettable, coarse featured face, the big-boned body and the cheap, ill-fitting, well-worn shirt and all that they represent. Her obsession with money and appearances must stem from not having them as a young person and feeling that she somehow deserved it. The exclusion she probably experienced for being unremarkable may fuel her love of excluding people from her life. The bodyguard, the gated home, the handlers all feed her desire to seem important, different and above it all. It's quite sad really. And has isolated and hurt those poor lonely kids
Anyone can write a book. Whether one believes what is put forth depends upon how guillible the reader is. What is interesting is that there are those who choose to spill the beans, so to speak, by authoring a book that is not necessarily based on first-hand knowledge.
Then there is Beth, who was involved with this story for a very long time, lived it, and could write a blockbuster of a book. Those who would question the credibility of the Gosselin story, as told from her perspective, would be in the minority.
However, she has chosen to remain silent. This speaks volumes about her character. Discretion is the better part of valour, and Beth is indeed a class act.
It seems to me Kate grew up like 90% of other American kids--modest, simple, but comfortable. A full belly every night and a roof over her head and the normal activities like slumber parties and bike rides but no Disneyland and airplanes (boo hoo, tragic). Do we have any evidence her upbringing was anything other than normal rural PA blue-collar?
90% of Americans are not as discontented with that life as she clearly is. There is some other missing piece to the puzzle. Something happened in her upbringing, or it could just be the screw loose with the narcissism.
I know the narcissists I knew, who had a similar obsession with money, had an "event" in her life that changed things. That was when she got divorced without a pre-nup and was cleaned out. She vowed that would never happen again and ever since then has been miserly and quite literally obsessed with maintaining her lifestyle.
Beth's silence speaks volumes. Whether you agree with it or not, there is a reason she is consciously chosen to be silent, and the most obvious reason is out of love and respect for the kids. Despite how anyone may feel about Kate, you also have to keep in mind that Kate is the children's mother.
It's easy for strangers to criticize Kate. It is quite another thing for people who have formed relationships with the children to then go around trashing their parents. At the end of the day, Kate is still their mother and they love her. Betraying Kate is a betrayal of the children. Others have chosen to talk about Kate despite this and I feel there are also valid reasons for that, too, and I'm not suggesting that means they don't love the kids. I just think it takes just as much courage, if not more, to protect their privacy.
It just tells me loud and clear how much Beth loves those kids. And I also think she may believe that someday those kids might need her, and she wants to be there and still be someone they can trust. I think there's good reasons here.
You know, Admin, it's possible Mady and Cara are in communication with Beth. When they are in school, they may use computers to send and receive occasional e-mails or to chat with her. Also, since Kate only goes upstairs to their room once every 6 months or so to empty out the junk, they might do it from home, too.
No doubt Beth has promised them she wouldn't breathe a word of their conversations to anyone.
Admin, with all the swirling controversy and accusations going around during this absence of KateNews, can you explain the T-shirt ad on this blog? Where did it come from, who designed the shirt, who gets the profits? Thanks.
Questions, the T-shirt is not an ad. It's just a t-shirt made up for fun with Alison Angrim's quote. It's not for sale unless I can drum up interest to order like 50 of them to bring the price down to what a t-shirt should cost (about 20 bucks I think), there hasn't been enough interest to make it anywhere near justified in ordering them. There is no "profit" to decide what to do with the "profits." Nothing has sold.
"She seems resentful of that forgettable, coarse featured face, the big-boned body and the cheap, ill-fitting, well-worn shirt and all that they represent. Her obsession with money and appearances must stem from not having them as a young person and feeling that she somehow deserved it."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I'm not sure where speculations like this come from, but it isn't correct. Kate's family was not poor, by any means. Her father purchased 86 acres of prime Lancaster County farmland, and they built their home on nearly seven acres of it. She graduated from an excellent private school where she was a cheerleader, and a cute one at that. She was not homely, nor was she dressed in tattered threads.
How could you possibly tell from that photo that the blouse was cheap, ill-fitting and well-worn? She looks like most of her classmates at that age. I'm willing to bet if we pulled out some of our own school photos, we'd shake our heads and say, "Did we really look like that?"
I've been reading all the blogs and taking everything in - and I just have to say that I really don't get the impression that Werney Gal is after either fame or money. I think she's one of the few people who actually is doing something to try to make a difference. From what I've read about her book, it's about the effect of reality TV on families and she's gathering various opinions about the issue. I think she's trying to make the point to the world that reality TV hurts families, especially the kids.
Just as an aside, I always kind of shake my head at the way the sheeple have this unfounded notion that anyone who ever speaks to the press in any form must be getting paid. I interned for CNN, I can tell you for a fact they did not pay anyone other than employees. This includes any guest on Larry King and certainly includes talking heads who normally charge a speaking fee--sorry, no can do. Occasionally this made some guests angry, but rules were rules. I also worked for a newspaper in a big city, same thing--no one was paid. I thought of this because I just read an article citing the Superbowl organizers that even the halftime show bands are NOT paid. Sure you get the exposure but you get exposure any time you do something publically. They think everything anyone ever does publically has some big dollar signs behind it and it's simply not so.
Another question to ponder. If they have such a problem with people getting paid to exploit Kate, where's the outrage at Kate for getting paid to exploit her kids?
Admin - perhaps... but it is a known fact that Casey Anthony was paid for photos and video of her murdered child, Caylee Anthony by a news outlet (I believe it was LKL). This has been discussed and documented by people who were there when the money exchanged hands.
Casey Anthony's parents have also received airline tickets, accomodations, and money given not for their attendance but supposedly for photos and video. This is how they sidestep the issue that someone is "not getting paid."
Again, this is documented (go see the Caylee Anthony news coverage).
As a former newspaper reporter, yes it is not ethically right for money to change hands, but in these days of reality television and "i-reporters" (notorious on CNN's website like a spread of leprosy) the high standards of a degree'd and trained professional reporting the news is a thing of the past.
BTW I'm just glad there is nothing new to discuss about Khate. Perhaps she is really fading away.
OT but shows clearly that news outlets and media DO pay:
Cindy and George Anthony paid for photos and videos http://www.wftv.com/news/17970605/detail.html
ABC first denied it, but when caught with the cookie jar had to fess up: http://www.aolnews.com/2010/03/19/abc-news-paid-casey-anthony-200-000/
The reality is that they did a switch and bait; paid for the videos/photos in order to get the interview. I don't believe for one moment that they didn't use the hook of money to get these people to be interviewed.
The simple truth is that we have no idea what money is passing hands or who is providing it.
I have no simple faith in the news, especially television news, where it is all about ratings. If I did, then these bozos would have done REAL interviews with Khate instead of the soft-PR crap that they did.
Do I believe "journalists" (or what passes for that today) care about those kids? Hell, no. They care about ratings and their interviews clearly show it.
I haven't read the book because I don't have a reader but I do plan to read it when it comes out in paperback. I do not agree that it is too early to write this book. (I am basing all my opinions on what I have read here about what the book deals with.) I think saying it is too early to question the wisdom of "filming the crap" out of kids is akin to watching a burning building and saying we don't know that the roof will fall in. A lot of buildings manage to come out of a fire just fine. We can't say THIS building will have structural damage. If a few fire fighters want to talk about what they THINK will happen to this building, if even just people who have read for years about fire's effects on building structures want to give their opinions, then I am willing to listen and learn. And I don't think just watching the fire and waiting to see what actually happens THIS time is a very intelligent or rational response. I think Werney approached the corn maze as a reporter and not as a stalker. I think she approached the book as a reporter and not as a fame whore. I think Werney has a quick and lively brain and I thought she came across as very credible on the E episode. With further research I may change my mind. I do that--read, think and come to conclusions. In this instance and at this point in time my conclusions are different than the mainstream but I wouldn't quit reading here just because I disagreed with the majority. And I wouldn't want anyone to tell me to. If I felt the need I probably would move on all on my own--I wouldn't need someone to tell me to. I don't see how a person can say they love this blog because it allows dissenting view points then say people with differing opinions should just post their opinions elsewhere. Does not compute in this rational brain. I want this blog to remain what it is: A place where both sides of any particular argument can be weighed. Even with some heat if it comes to that but with both sides represented.
IDModo said... "We all have one" said of Polly:"She has a right to write a book based on her professional opinions".
When a writer's opinions are based on nothing more than information from the tabloids,neighbourhood gossip, and occasional personal observation, as opposed to information gathered from interviews and clinical assessments of the subjects involved, they can hardly be called professional opinions.
In my opinion, using one's credentials to make something seem more learned or important, without actually performing within the diagnostic guidelines of the profession, is dubious from a standpoint of ethics.
Polly's opinions, when not backed up by appropriately scholarly research, are worth no more than yours or mine.
February 7, 2011 3:10 PM ************************************************
This is the best post on the topic, and it's worth reading again.
I don't know if you will have access to this site but it's horrible.It's one of my favorite sites, watch TV series online here all the time and now I accidentally found out they have...Kate Plus 8! Here, on a ROMANIAN site.I just hope not too many people are interested. God, I can't believe this. What's worse is that people in my country think they're cute and have vaguely heard of the divorce but they are in no way aware of how awful the situation is for these kids.And to think some may blindly contribute to this woman's fame...
Yes, I have believed for years now that Beth's silence speaks volumes. She is a class act and Kate was/is jealous of her. Beth probably found out the hard way that you cannot be friends with someone who is jealous of you. It doesn't work.
Kate will never have what Beth has. I'm not talking about the material things, it's the class Kate will never own. Beth is her own person and obviously had enough. Kate is searching at the expense (literally) of her children. Whenever I hear about that 15% being split between 8 kids I just want to scream. Worst of all, Kate has access to that amount as well as the other 85%. When all her shows go south, and they will, the money will totally dry up and the kids will become of age and ask, "Where's the money, Mom?"
If I felt the need I probably would move on all on my own--I wouldn't need someone to tell me to. I don't see how a person can say they love this blog because it allows dissenting view points then say people with differing opinions should just post their opinions elsewhere. Does not compute in this rational brain.
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It computes with mine, which is rational most of the time! Sheeple troll here simply to get a rise out of the bloggers, to stir the pot, take it back to their own pastures, dissect the posts, then sit back and laugh until they are bored enough again to find there way here. These aren't opinions from rational brains. These are sheeple who are, in fact, incapable of reasoning and therefore cannot put together any meaningful discussion on their own blogs. Therefore, they have to come here with dissenting opinions. They should post on their own blogs, not muddy the water here.
Thanks for leaving your opinion. While there is no way of knowing whether you truly know Kate- or you are just one of Kate's kookie fanatics, I will fight for your right to state your opinion, just as I hope you will allow me the right to state mine.
We have seen stories from 2 opposing sides that claim to know her in varying degrees. Unfortunately, the majority of people from "your" area have very negative opinions of Kate (including the folks that were her neighbors at their first home).
So whatever you want to believe, if it makes you happy, go for it.
As far as Werny, I don't think she has earned the treatment she has been getting for writing a book.
WG apparently interviewed people well versed on the subject of reality tv and children in television and has written a book. The subjest is of interest to me, but I will not be buying it. If WG had written the same book and not used the Gosselin name in the title, I would most likely be buying it.
Moose Mania: You say the sentiment to go post on your own blog makes rational sense to you. And yes, when the post is by an obvious silly little shit stirrer who traditionally posts on the other side of the fence, I completely agree with you. My issue was with the people complaining about those of us who don't feel Werney should be lambasted and are stating it here. I have never posted on any other blog but here so I have no other "home" place to give my opinion on this issue. Yes, I disagree with most of you (and, apparently most importantly to some, I disagree with Admin) on this issue but only (mostly) just on this issue. I am not here to stir the pot or ruffle the feathers. Nor do I think most of the people on the other side of the Werney issue who are posting here are shit stirrers who should be shooed back to wherever. It is possible I am wrong about the majority here and I should scurry away. But I did think it was a blog that welcomed honest dissenting opinions. As I said earlier I am always reading, thinking and reforming my conclusions. Perhaps I need to rethink my opinion of this blog.
I'm a little perplexed reading the comments (trying to catch up) here. Why would WG be considered to be taking advantage of the Gosselin situation/story any more than the E! Channel who showed the THS episode or all the TV shows that had Kate on as a guest, CNN's Larry King show, all the TV celebrity news shows, all the celebrity news websites, all the blogs and all their administrators....and even all of us who comment on them?
Who would NOT be taking advantage of them? Anyone who never publicly (be it on TV or on the internet) mentions anything remotely related to them?
Also...regarding the THS episode. I once saw one of them about Bob Crane, of the old Hogan's Heroes show. Now....I am sure that those who were in the know about him...or who followed him and his career, etc...were NOT all that surprised about the revelation of his sexual proclivities and behavior on that THS episode. BUT for ME, who really didn't know much about him....it was quite full of some stunning revelations.
We have to remember that the HUGE majority either don't know who Kate is or have only heard of her in passing...or maybe checked out her show once or twice for a few seconds, etc., who recognize her name but not much else. For those of us who are non-fans, the episode may have seemed to be a "puff-piece".....but to most of the rest of the planet...it was probably relatively new information.....and seen from that angle.....it certainly did not present her in a positive light.
Now....those sickening TV interviews they did with her during the past years WERE puff-pieces. To me, a puff-piece is a positive portrayal that in no way resembles the (very negative) reality. But I don't see the THS episode as qualifying as a puff piece. A person who didn't know her sure would NOT have walked away after watching that THS episode saying, "gee, what a great mom and nice person Kate G. is".
I'd only seen a few THS episodes prior to this one.....and this one was certainly no less "shockingly real" than any of the others were. It was true to form, from what I saw. Just like the Bob Crane episode...it certainly implied that he was not the great guy we had all seen on TV....and the same with Kate...the tacit implication being the main effect they use. It implied, IMO, that Kate G. is not a very nice person....certainly nothing like what people who didn't know much about her would probably assume.
And I'm going to assume that this use of tacit implication is probably because of legal issues. "Child Abuse" is a very risky, hot-button topic....and any show would be extremely reluctant to show anything overtly accusatory. I think that they protect themselves legally by doing a whole lot of implying....but I would definitely not call their implications very positive when it came to Kate G. (or any of the other subjects of the THS episodes, for that matter).
It was not a puff-piece nor was it a painfully accurate expose of everything horrible about the real Kate G. It was something that was somewhere in-between...just like all the other THS episodes have been.
Admin said... Just as an aside, I always kind of shake my head at the way the sheeple have this unfounded notion that anyone who ever speaks to the press in any form must be getting paid.
This drives me nuts too. Although I have only been to "The Dark Side" a couple times, I didn't know they were saying this. Do they think EVERY celebrity that goes on Ellen to plug a movie is getting a penny for that?? NO! They are getting their name out there, & getting exposure for their upcoming project. DUH. When ANY guest goes on a talk show, they are NOT getting a cent for it. WG even said she was NOT getting money, & if she did, she seems like the type of person that would probably donate to Paul Peterson's pet project. (sorry, can't remember the name)
Now, stupid challenging reality shows like DWTS, Survivor, things like that, of course you are getting paid. I am not sure if Bachelor/Bachelorette contestants get paid, but let's face facts, they are getting their frigin 15 minutes of fame but only appearing on that show, & then POOF, they are gone before you can say "What happened to..." Kate has been LUCKY. That is all. Where has she been? WHO CARES!!! Maybe TLC dumped her sorry ass once & for all. Maybe she realized she should start being a mother to her children because she Can't Understand Normal Thinking. I think it's great she's hiding under her rock. Leave her there.
A Pink Straight Jacket For Kate said... "So whatever you want to believe, if it makes you happy, go for it." ---------------------- I'm sorry but this isn't allowing him/her to express his/her opinion, this is you calling him/her stupid/delusional and implying that your opinion is the one right one.It's you acting superior,IMO We complain that the sheeple do not respect us, do we respect them? Yes, they have a different opinion,which, in our opinion is the wrong one, but does that give us the right to insult complete strangers?They have called us crazy,morons, haters,hypocrites and many others,yes,but we have also called them delusional,crazy,the real haters,stupid and so on. Should we really stoop down to their level? I am not saying my attitude is different then yours, but at least let's not pretend we're understanding and respectful while they're the only ones being rude.
On a different note,can anybody still find those pictures with the kids being miserable during the Good Housekeeping Magazine shoot? I think ROL presented them for the first time.The boys looked particularly miserable and there was no picture with ALL of them smiling which is why they had to photoshop the cover and the pictures from the article.I can't find them anymore, it's like they've vanished.Does anyone know where they are?
I haven't read the book because I don't have a reader but I do plan to read it when it comes out in paperback. ----------
You don't need to have a Kindle to read books from Amazon. There are various Kindle apps that allow you to read their books on iphone, ipod touch, Android, and even on your computer.
Once you install the Kindle app on your device, you can also read a sample of Werny Gal's book before purchasing (which includes a portion of her transcribed interview with Paul Petersen).
Gosselin Gossip said You don't need to have a Kindle to read books from Amazon. There are various Kindle apps that allow you to read their books on iphone, ipod touch, Android, and even on your computer. ============ Thank you. I have a son in college and cannot force myself to spend so frivously as to buy a Kindle for myself. I tried to convince him that is what he wanted for Christmas but it was a no go so I have to just wait. How lovely that I can read anyway!!!
Not watching I didn't say no one is ever paid. Obviously there are many examples of people getting paid. There are also many examples of people not getting paid. To assume everyone is always paid to talk about the Gosselins is without a basis.
A Pink Straight Jacket For Kate said... "So whatever you want to believe, if it makes you happy, go for it." ---------------------- I'm sorry but this isn't allowing him/her to express his/her opinion, this is you calling him/her stupid/delusional and implying that your opinion is the one right one.It's you acting superior,IMO We complain that the sheeple do not respect us, do we respect them? Yes, they have a different opinion,which, in our opinion is the wrong one, but does that give us the right to insult complete strangers?They have called us crazy,morons, haters,hypocrites and many others,yes,but we have also called them delusional,crazy,the real haters,stupid and so on. Should we really stoop down to their level? I am not saying my attitude is different then yours, but at least let's not pretend we're understanding and respectful while they're the only ones being rude.
On a different note,can anybody still find those pictures with the kids being miserable during the Good Housekeeping Magazine shoot? I think ROL presented them for the first time.The boys looked particularly miserable and there was no picture with ALL of them smiling which is why they had to photoshop the cover and the pictures from the article.I can't find them anymore, it's like they've vanished.Does anyone know where they are?
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roxyhelen,
I meant exactly what I wrote, whatever makes you happy, go for it. Nowhere did I tell that person that his/or her comment was unvalidated, or stupid/delusional and no where did I imply that my opinion is the one right one.
Believe me, I don't suffer fools. I say what I mean, and I mean what I say.
Please refrain from "reading" between the lines before you accuse someone of acting superior.
Thanks for leaving your opinion. While there is no way of knowing whether you truly know Kate- or you are just one of Kate's kookie fanatics, I will fight for your right to state your opinion, just as I hope you will allow me the right to state mine.
88888888888888888888888888
I think you misunderstood my post. I am NOT a fan, I am NOT a sheeple. I dispise everything Kate and Sheeple! The fact is that I do know her, but I would never write a book, even though my information would be more credible than someone who simply lives in the same town. I see no reason to hop aboard the Kate gravy train and put out any book with her name in the title.
What I have a problem with is compiling information from gossip sites, tabloids, and unsubstantiated sources, and then passing this off as facts. I don't care if the book is about Kate or the President of the United States. I'm too much of a fact-oriented person to accept the credibility of unconfirmed sources.
And again, I'm not a kookie Kate fan who belongs on the Dark Side (I NEVER go there). I don't see her disappearing any time soon, unless TLC pulls the plug, and unfortunately there's no indication that this is in the works.
It's too quite on the Gosselin front. This E! show and all these discussions and arguments are just what TLC needs as a diversion from filming at the house. They are probably getting ready for their new exploiting the Gosselin children travel specials and have been quietly filming screaming, squealing voiceovers and sofa set footage in their house.
Who has read WernyGal's entire book and can give us a synopsis of what it's REALLY about? I'm hearing a lot of speculation of what it's about and very little actual book reviewing. Who wants to start?
IDModo said... "We all have one" said of Polly:"She has a right to write a book based on her professional opinions".
When a writer's opinions are based on nothing more than information from the tabloids,neighbourhood gossip, and occasional personal observation, as opposed to information gathered from interviews and clinical assessments of the subjects involved, they can hardly be called professional opinions.
In my opinion, using one's credentials to make something seem more learned or important, without actually performing within the diagnostic guidelines of the profession, is dubious from a standpoint of ethics.
Polly's opinions, when not backed up by appropriately scholarly research, are worth no more than yours or mine. ************************************** Actually I believe opinions from professionals are worth more- and no, they dont have to have done research on the specific subject they are speculating about. For instance, a lawyer can give an opinion on a court decision- w/out having to be a trial attorney or have worked on that case, and a political science professor can give his opinion about policy in a foreign country from just a newspaper article that he has read- why? Because they are educated and have background in those fields. They already have a base knowledge and that is what makes them a professional. I have no opinion of this Werny Gal's book one way or the other except for she has the right to write a book and her background does give her a more educated opinion about child exploitation and reality tv than those of us who have no background in psychology or sociology or anthropology or any social science.
"...political science professor can give his opinion about policy in a foreign country from just a newspaper article that he has read- why?"
*****************************
Not if he knows very little about the foreign country or its history or its current events! He can give his opinion, but it's not going to carry as much weight as someone who has researched that country, has spent time there, or has interviewed foreign dignitaries or people who have actually been on the scene there.
I've been away from G8 blogs for a wk. or two. Funny, life goes on and I have been on a reading kick and devoured multiple books in the past 10 days.
It seems the blogs have run out of things to rant about as it pertains to Kate, it's all been said ad nauseum anyway. Seems like now, all that anger that was directed towards her, has instead, resulted in "in-fighting" amongst the troops/bloggers. Noticed BM has her diversionary tactic going (sending you to a web site other than hers), which makes me think now might just be a good time to stop talking about anything Gosselin. I think some people won't know what to do with their time when that happens. May I recommend reading a good book.
I am astounded at the no. of women who follow apparently, and religiously, 3 or more blogs relating to K8. That does speak volumes to me as to just where people are putting their priorities and where are they getting this time from??????? More to the point, WHO are they taking this time away from? Let it go ladies, Kate is history.
But I did think it was a blog that welcomed honest dissenting opinions. As I said earlier I am always reading, thinking and reforming my conclusions. Perhaps I need to rethink my opinion of this blog.
_____________________________
The fact that you are posting this, it has not been deleted, nor has anyone told you to take this elsewhere, shows that this is a blog that welcomes dissenting opinions.
Everyone on the blogs wrote Werny Girls book. She just slapped all the messages and her interviews with a few people together and got a book.
IntheNeighborhood wrote " What I have a problem with is compiling information from gossip sites, tabloids, and unsubstantiated sources, and then passing this off as facts. I don't care if the book is about Kate or the President of the United States. I'm too much of a fact-oriented person to accept the credibility of unconfirmed sources."
Butterfly said... I have no opinion of this Werny Gal's book one way or the other except for she has the right to write a book and her background does give her a more educated opinion about child exploitation and reality tv than those of us who have no background in psychology or sociology or anthropology or any social science.
*************
Her opinion (or anyone's for that matter) is more educated than yours or mine to write about the Gosselins because she runs blog (came to the Gosselin story rather late) and is a licensed counselor? Please. The only thing I agree with is that we're all allowed to have an opinion.
From what I understand the book is a compilation of interviews or Q&A from various people and copies of various blog comments over time ie: OURS.
And I completely agree with you Butterfly. A person who has been trained and has a career as a professional counselor and has treated people in certain siutations has more expertise than the average Joe on the street. So, I plan to buy the book and read it because I do think her opinion is worth reading. There are people on this blog and others as well who don't mind giving their opinion on the state of PA and their practices regarding abuse of children and actually accusing Kate of child abuse. I don't know this particular woman but she has repeatedly made comments about her career in child protective services and presents herself as an expert. Why is she more valid than WG or anyone else? When I read the book, I will consider that WG has never treated Kate or her children and that she is interviewing people who are experts in the field. I will make my own decision if it is believable or not.
fidosmommy -- as soon as I read the book I will be happy to tell you what it says. LOL
Off topic but this is a good article about John Paul Getty III. It's obvious how much wealth and being part of a famous family shaped his life. Apparently he was very disillusioned by his family's endless squabbles over money. He grew up in a castle with his divorced mother and was expelled from seven schools. As he got older he turned to drugs.
Basically money didn't buy this guy happiness--as Michelle Tanner would say "Duh!" Though apparently not such an obvious duh for some people.
fidosmommy said...Who has read WernyGal's entire book and can give us a synopsis of what it's REALLY about? I'm hearing a lot of speculation of what it's about and very little actual book reviewing. Who wants to start? ----------
Good point.
I, too, am waiting to read reviews from those who have actually PURCHASED AND READ the book before I consider doing the same. (I'm sorry but I can't take the word of mouth from those who also participated in the book in some fashion, even if their intentions were good, because it creates bias on their part.)
I did read the sample of Werny Gal's book (mentioned upthread) and it's reflective of her blog. She actually quoted from her own blog posts and just transcribed her interview with Paul Petersen. I enjoyed reading her interview with the tv producer because it was very insightful but now, I have to pay $9.99 for more of this exclusive content from her blog (now in book form). From the book sample alone, it did not entice me to buy thus far as much of the information (aside from the Paul Petersen interview) can already be found on her existing blog. It comes down to whether I really want to spend that money on something I'll read only once or some other electronic media like an album I can enjoy multiple times over and over again?
I am either a cheapskate, a penny pincher, or have just become accustomed to getting so much information/media content for free on the web. Probably all of the above.
I personally think she would have reached more readers by just posting this exclusive content on her blog. There is no risk factor involved i.e. spending money to read what Paul Petersen, Reality TV producer, etc. have to say. Readers who felt her content could enlighten others could easily spread the word emailing/posting links directly back to her site, instead of paraphrasing/summarizing what was mentioned in a book.
However, she did put in the extra work to deliver these interviews. If she feels this exclusive content shouldn't be free, then she has that right to charge her readers for it.
Unfortunately, at this point, I am one Werny Gal reader who will pass on this book as I do not think it is worth the cost for her exclusive content. However, if I read more enticing reviews from purchasing readers, it might change my mind.
Moose Mania said... "...political science professor can give his opinion about policy in a foreign country from just a newspaper article that he has read- why?"
*****************************
Not if he knows very little about the foreign country or its history or its current events! He can give his opinion, but it's not going to carry as much weight as someone who has researched that country, has spent time there, or has interviewed foreign dignitaries or people who have actually been on the scene there. ****************************** Again let me state my point- I said a professional in comparison to a person who doesnt have background in said field- NOT comparing a professional's opinion of a subject to another's who is active in that field. Apples and oranges. But I will value an opinion from someone who is educated in the subject they are commenting on than the average joe on the street. Again, I have no desire to WG's book, but I do back her right to write on the subject she chooses, this is a free country after all.
I think you misunderstood my post. I am NOT a fan, I am NOT a sheeple. I dispise everything Kate and Sheeple! The fact is that I do know her, but I would never write a book, even though my information would be more credible than someone who simply lives in the same town. I see no reason to hop aboard the Kate gravy train and put out any book with her name in the title.
What I have a problem with is compiling information from gossip sites, tabloids, and unsubstantiated sources, and then passing this off as facts. I don't care if the book is about Kate or the President of the United States. I'm too much of a fact-oriented person to accept the credibility of unconfirmed sources.
And again, I'm not a kookie Kate fan who belongs on the Dark Side (I NEVER go there). I don't see her disappearing any time soon, unless TLC pulls the plug, and unfortunately there's no indication that this is in the works.
***********************************************
Ahhhhhhh.... my apologies then for misunderstanding you.
In the words of the late, great Gilda Radner/Emily Litella-
Nevermind :o)
Psssst, I would never write a book on Kate Gosselin either...
I downloaded the book this afternoon and am about 40% into it. It is not the in-depth look by experts in the field I wanted. It has no footnotes, no original research. So far it is interviews with the standard cast of characters. Nothing new or exciting. It is gossipy. Still keeping an open mind just in case all the dense stuff is held until the second part of the book but am beginning to lose faith. The book is definitely readable but also definitely not ground breaking. There is a book about the Gosselins and reality television that needs to be written. This is not that one. (So far. Still half a book to go and it may surprise me. Not actually holding my breath but it may.)
I do not understand why some think Beth is a saint by keeping her mouth shut. Yes, I would not put myself out there because we have certainly seen what the repercussions are with the trolls, but maybe she is keeping silent because she did not have a falling out with Kate? I have not seen any proof, at least I don't recall any, that she did, just comments that assume she is angry that Kate took the glory for writing the book. Certainly she could be of help to Jon in his fight to keep the kids off TV. She was a witness to the filming. Why doesn't she help Jon? Anyway, maybe she is a class act or maybe not, but she did get involved with the family to get filmed, write a book, and advertise her art. She's not a saint.
As far as Werny's book, she is most definitely not in this for the money. Self-publishing is very expensive. I can speak from experience having worked for an organization which self-published a cookbook. Now I do have to admit I would rather that she just publish on her blog what she wrote but if she wants to write a book, it's a free country. BM can also write a book if she wants.
Since I am the person who has posted regarding Kate as a child abuser, and am being slagged all over the place for doing so, I would like to clarify what I have actually said about the issue.
My quarrel has been with the Pennsylvania child abuse laws, and I have spent a great deal of time trying to get someone to address this issue.
In the province and country where I live,much of Kate's behaviour (documented on film) would be considered reportable abuse.This is a statement of fact, not opinion.I am not speculating about whether it might be or not.
I believe the Pennsylvania laws are inadequate to provide the protection the Gosselin children, and others, need. Incidentally, WG and I have never disagreed on this issue.
I worked with abused children and their familiies for over thirty years. I believe that gives me some expertise in the field. However, I would not speculate on the effect of Kate's behaviour on a particular child or children, because I am not in a position to assess this professionally. This would be against professional ethics. This is my issue with anyone who is doing such speculation and using their "professionalism" to make their words carry more weight.
T.I.N.I.C. said...I downloaded the book this afternoon and am about 40% into it. It is not the in-depth look by experts in the field I wanted. It has no footnotes, no original research. So far it is interviews with the standard cast of characters. Nothing new or exciting. It is gossipy. Still keeping an open mind just in case all the dense stuff is held until the second part of the book but am beginning to lose faith. The book is definitely readable but also definitely not ground breaking. There is a book about the Gosselins and reality television that needs to be written. This is not that one. (So far. Still half a book to go and it may surprise me. Not actually holding my breath but it may.) ----------
Thanks for the info!
Besides your opinion, there are only two other reviews from purchasing readers (one an Amazon Verified Purchase and one on another Gosselin site) and all three of you have similar opinions.
Hopefully, you won't be regretting your purchase like those other two.
As for the interviews and other exclusive content, is there anything enlightening/eye-opening that wasn't already mentioned on Werny Gal's site? Her blog interview with the reality tv producer was very insightful, so I'm wondering what else he said in the 60% she included exclusively for the book.
Questions said... T.I.N.I.C. said... "So far it is interviews with the standard cast of characters."
Who might they be?
================ I am up to 47% now and the second portion is starting better.
We have: Paul Petersen, Eric Roberts (who believes Jon is wrong to try to remove the pay check--not what I wanted to read!), Paul Petersen again, then Dr. Michael Brody-- a child psychiatrist, who had great potential but never quite came up to snuff, Dr. Lillian Glass, The TV Producer, and now the most interesting --Jennifer Pozner, a reality television show researcher. I am just reading her interview and so far find her the most of what I was looking for.
Again let me say I think this book is very readable and holds your interest. The lack of depth was my complaint but in this current interview I may be finding what I was looking for. As I find time to read more I will let you know.
The best book written about Kate would be for a writer to review all of Kate's 125 plus tv shows, her magazine interviews, her books, and all of tv interviews and then write about ALL her lies. Kate could not possibly think of suing the writer because the book would strictly be her words and actions contradicting her words and actions stated elsewhere on tape or page.
That way the writer doesn't need to worry about getting interviews with her family or friends. Let Kate hang herself with her own words and actions. I think it would be a great book exposing her for who she is...a liar.
I would be glad to review and research free of charge for the writer.
I watched a couple of these shows WAY back before the money bug struck. How pathetic these parents are - ruining these children's childhoods. They would be NOTHING without these money makers. I tuned out when I saw Kate treating her husband/ her FAMILY - friends who helped her like SLAVES. She is arrogant, rude, obnoxious. What mother drags her boyfriend around? They are a perfect example of how BIG BUCKS ruins those who were once nobodies. The children will not thank her when they are no longer cute and being dragged around like Christmas Hams. SAD SAD SAD
T.I.N.I.C. said...I downloaded the book this afternoon and am about 40% into it. It is not the in-depth look by experts in the field I wanted. It has no footnotes, no original research. So far it is interviews with the standard cast of characters. Nothing new or exciting. It is gossipy. Still keeping an open mind just in case all the dense stuff is held until the second part of the book but am beginning to lose faith. The book is definitely readable but also definitely not ground breaking. There is a book about the Gosselins and reality television that needs to be written. This is not that one. (So far. Still half a book to go and it may surprise me. Not actually holding my breath but it may.) ----------
Thanks for the info!
Besides your opinion, there are only two other reviews from purchasing readers (one an Amazon Verified Purchase and one on another Gosselin site) and all three of you have similar opinions.
Hopefully, you won't be regretting your purchase like those other two.
As for the interviews and other exclusive content, is there anything enlightening/eye-opening that wasn't already mentioned on Werny Gal's site? Her blog interview with the reality tv producer was very insightful, so I'm wondering what else he said in the 60% she included exclusively for the book.
Butterfly said... I have no opinion of this Werny Gal's book one way or the other except for she has the right to write a book and her background does give her a more educated opinion about child exploitation and reality tv than those of us who have no background in psychology or sociology or anthropology or any social science.
*************
Her opinion (or anyone's for that matter) is more educated than yours or mine to write about the Gosselins because she runs blog (came to the Gosselin story rather late) and is a licensed counselor? Please. The only thing I agree with is that we're all allowed to have an opinion.
From what I understand the book is a compilation of interviews or Q&A from various people and copies of various blog comments over time ie: OURS.
Everyone on the blogs wrote Werny Girls book. She just slapped all the messages and her interviews with a few people together and got a book.
IntheNeighborhood wrote " What I have a problem with is compiling information from gossip sites, tabloids, and unsubstantiated sources, and then passing this off as facts. I don't care if the book is about Kate or the President of the United States. I'm too much of a fact-oriented person to accept the credibility of unconfirmed sources."
Who has read WernyGal's entire book and can give us a synopsis of what it's REALLY about? I'm hearing a lot of speculation of what it's about and very little actual book reviewing. Who wants to start?
fidosmommy said...Who has read WernyGal's entire book and can give us a synopsis of what it's REALLY about? I'm hearing a lot of speculation of what it's about and very little actual book reviewing. Who wants to start? ----------
Good point.
I, too, am waiting to read reviews from those who have actually PURCHASED AND READ the book before I consider doing the same. (I'm sorry but I can't take the word of mouth from those who also participated in the book in some fashion, even if their intentions were good, because it creates bias on their part.)
I did read the sample of Werny Gal's book (mentioned upthread) and it's reflective of her blog. She actually quoted from her own blog posts and just transcribed her interview with Paul Petersen. I enjoyed reading her interview with the tv producer because it was very insightful but now, I have to pay $9.99 for more of this exclusive content from her blog (now in book form). From the book sample alone, it did not entice me to buy thus far as much of the information (aside from the Paul Petersen interview) can already be found on her existing blog. It comes down to whether I really want to spend that money on something I'll read only once or some other electronic media like an album I can enjoy multiple times over and over again?
I am either a cheapskate, a penny pincher, or have just become accustomed to getting so much information/media content for free on the web. Probably all of the above.
I personally think she would have reached more readers by just posting this exclusive content on her blog. There is no risk factor involved i.e. spending money to read what Paul Petersen, Reality TV producer, etc. have to say. Readers who felt her content could enlighten others could easily spread the word emailing/posting links directly back to her site, instead of paraphrasing/summarizing what was mentioned in a book.
However, she did put in the extra work to deliver these interviews. If she feels this exclusive content shouldn't be free, then she has that right to charge her readers for it.
Unfortunately, at this point, I am one Werny Gal reader who will pass on this book as I do not think it is worth the cost for her exclusive content. However, if I read more enticing reviews from purchasing readers, it might change my mind.
Moose Mania: You say the sentiment to go post on your own blog makes rational sense to you. And yes, when the post is by an obvious silly little shit stirrer who traditionally posts on the other side of the fence, I completely agree with you. My issue was with the people complaining about those of us who don't feel Werney should be lambasted and are stating it here. I have never posted on any other blog but here so I have no other "home" place to give my opinion on this issue. Yes, I disagree with most of you (and, apparently most importantly to some, I disagree with Admin) on this issue but only (mostly) just on this issue. I am not here to stir the pot or ruffle the feathers. Nor do I think most of the people on the other side of the Werney issue who are posting here are shit stirrers who should be shooed back to wherever. It is possible I am wrong about the majority here and I should scurry away. But I did think it was a blog that welcomed honest dissenting opinions. As I said earlier I am always reading, thinking and reforming my conclusions. Perhaps I need to rethink my opinion of this blog.
Yes, I have believed for years now that Beth's silence speaks volumes. She is a class act and Kate was/is jealous of her. Beth probably found out the hard way that you cannot be friends with someone who is jealous of you. It doesn't work.
Kate will never have what Beth has. I'm not talking about the material things, it's the class Kate will never own. Beth is her own person and obviously had enough. Kate is searching at the expense (literally) of her children. Whenever I hear about that 15% being split between 8 kids I just want to scream. Worst of all, Kate has access to that amount as well as the other 85%. When all her shows go south, and they will, the money will totally dry up and the kids will become of age and ask, "Where's the money, Mom?"
OT but shows clearly that news outlets and media DO pay:
Cindy and George Anthony paid for photos and videos http://www.wftv.com/news/17970605/detail.html
ABC first denied it, but when caught with the cookie jar had to fess up: http://www.aolnews.com/2010/03/19/abc-news-paid-casey-anthony-200-000/
The reality is that they did a switch and bait; paid for the videos/photos in order to get the interview. I don't believe for one moment that they didn't use the hook of money to get these people to be interviewed.
The simple truth is that we have no idea what money is passing hands or who is providing it.
I have no simple faith in the news, especially television news, where it is all about ratings. If I did, then these bozos would have done REAL interviews with Khate instead of the soft-PR crap that they did.
Do I believe "journalists" (or what passes for that today) care about those kids? Hell, no. They care about ratings and their interviews clearly show it.
The childhood picture of Kate at the top of this thread is what I think she is trying so hard to overcome. She seems resentful of that forgettable, coarse featured face, the big-boned body and the cheap, ill-fitting, well-worn shirt and all that they represent. Her obsession with money and appearances must stem from not having them as a young person and feeling that she somehow deserved it. The exclusion she probably experienced for being unremarkable may fuel her love of excluding people from her life. The bodyguard, the gated home, the handlers all feed her desire to seem important, different and above it all. It's quite sad really. And has isolated and hurt those poor lonely kids
How did this small-town Pennsylvania kid grow up to be one of America's most famous--and reviled--mothers of all time? E! promises to tell us.
355 sediments (sic) from readers:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 355 of 355 Newer› Newest»However, she has had ample opportunities to correct our perception of her, and has not chosen to do so. I find that disturbing.
___________
"Our" perception? Sorry, but you don't speak for me. Have you read her comments on her blog? I think she has addressed the situation just fine. Maybe she didn't say what you wanted her to say.
Just saw Polly. She came off as gossipy and her appearance was um, very unprofessional. Her tone on her blog has changed since she announced her "book" and her E interview. Sorry, but it is Polly who wants attention.
As Mickey ALWAYS says,
JMO!
xyz said...
Furor?" Do you mean Fuhrer??
Uh oh...spelling police. It's been awhile since I've been in high school history class. And I was typing really fast & didn't bother to google it. But yes, I meant 'fuhrer'. But hey, 'furor' works too, being the bossy, mean-spirited wench that she is.
Without new pictures of Kate, are we now going to turn on our allies and criticize their motivations AND their appearance?
Mickey McKean...
May I use your post & some points you made for a video I am doing this weekend (if I have the time) for YouTube about how Kate's E! THS did NOT tell Kate's true story at all. How it was a fluff piece & how Kate sought the limelight from DAY ONE. You all know me here but I'm posting under anonymous. I would like to dispute this THS.
Off topic but we're now in February sweeps and we still haven't heard anything about the episodes in the can right now. Surely they can squeeze four episodes out of Philadelphia and Australia to fill the month of February. They can turn out episodes in sometimes a few weeks. A bit odd.
Not too cool said...
Without new pictures of Kate, are we now going to turn on our allies and criticize their motivations AND their appearance?
I'm not sure if this what you meant but, the haters are being VERY rude to Polly now. They are saying awful things about her. They are bashing her looks, which I find highly disturbing, & just being all out mean. I agree that we should NOT be those people. We are not those people. We are above that. Yes, we snark on Kate, which frankly is getting quite stale, we are here for the kids sake, but to turn into the "Gossipy Junior High Kids". No way. We are intelligent, thought provoking, smart women. Let's not turn into THOSE women.
I don't think we've turned on anyone. I see a restrained and overall polite discussion about what was said on E! by everyone who chose to go on. There is a difference between "hate" and criticism. The latter is and always will be allowed here. I don't see any comments about anyone's appearance on that show, with the exception of I think one person said Polly looked unprofessional. That's really quite a stretch to say that's hating on someone's apperance. I can and will delete "hateful" comments.
Administrator said...
Off topic but we're now in February sweeps and we still haven't heard anything about the episodes in the can right now. Surely they can squeeze four episodes out of Philadelphia and Australia to fill the month of February. They can turn out episodes in sometimes a few weeks. A bit odd.
***********
It's also interesting that TLC's commercial about "family" that shows Jen from the "Little Couple", the whole family from "Sister Wives" plus Kat VonD, etc, etc -- but the old matriarch of TLC, their figurehead of 'all things family', Katie Irene Kreider Gosselin, is conspicuously absent.
snicker, snicker
I have thought for the past few months now that TLC has been blatantly preparing an "exit strategy" to easily cut Kate loose when they feel the moment has come. This includes slowing down her stupid blog to a halt, not advertising the show with any of the other shows and not including it in the TLC branding campaign, and not repeating any of the episodes like they do endlessly with every other show.
The scissors are poised to cut it loose, the cut just needs to be made when they're ready.
Excellent points, MickeyMcKean.
I'm glad I did not watch it.
By alot of accounts, it sounds like the show basically "chickened out" in completely telling Kate's "True Hollywood Story" [snicker].
I think that Kate, compared to "REAL" stars (who truly worked hard studying their craft for years, and made it to stardom based on their talents) really had NOTHING to bring to the table. No real story to tell, except that she took advantage of the system to get what she wanted. Of course, her "E True Hollywood Story" [snicker] was going to be empty and crappy.
Perhaps if "E" does a show with the title: "E Reality Show Disaster Stories", they might want to try doing Kate's story again.
Probably "E" will be unsuccessful (again) in finding anyone willing to waste their time and effort in explaining what a retch Kate had been in the past- and still is to this day.
Thanks again for your informative post.
Mickey McKean...
May I use your post & some points you made for a video I am doing this weekend (if I have the time) for YouTube about how Kate's E! THS did NOT tell Kate's true story at all. How it was a fluff piece & how Kate sought the limelight from DAY ONE. You all know me here but I'm posting under anonymous. I would like to dispute this THS.
======================
Anonymous ~
You have my permission to use my thoughts and opinions.
However I want to add to my list above:
16. That the children are now protesting being in the limelight to the best of their ability at age 6 by covering their faces with their hands, jackets or towels. Evidence of this fact is in the E! episode at least two times.
17. That Kate has stated for the record during the Nancy Morales interview that she has no contact from her parents except via email, and other than Kevin who has been cut out of her life, what about the other 4 siblings?
18. Where Jon is shown pushing the buttons on the control panel at least two times - to use THAT video with NO SOUND - those children's screams ... they were terrorized being returned to their mother's home yet there was no volume during this clip ... WHY?????
19. Why wasn't there any mention of all the "love offerings"?
20. What about the book "I Just Want You To Know"? It only sold 10,000 copies, could it be that the public does not think that private letters to your children should not be made public?
I have to say that I'm pretty sure that E! held back on a lot of things because they were afraid of legal issues.
JMO
Admin...
I said I didn't want this blog to turn into THAT blog. I never said we were. I don't want my words to get jumbled. I'm not trying to start anything at all, I didn't even see that anyone said Polly looked unprofessional. I know you would delete any & all comments referring to anyone, especially if it's downright mean, that is just the way you are, & I totally respect you for that. And I know the sheeple's troll over here & try to start "discussions", especially negative ones about peoples appearance, rumors, etc. I was just saying, I hope we can all remain neutral & mature, which we usually do. As I stated above, we are all very intelligent & smart here. :)
Was the trip to Australia part of the exit strategy? I'm still confused as to why TLC shelled out so much money for an all expense paid trip on the other side of the world. Is it possible Kate Plus 8 has a budget and that was a way to blow through it and get it over with? I'm not asking rhetorically. I'm really curious and don't know how these things work.
MickeyMcKean said...I have to say that I'm pretty sure that E! held back on a lot of things because they were afraid of legal issues.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
~or~
As soon as Discovery Inc cuts Kate loose she will take her circus show over to Style Networks, which E! is part of. Style Networks have just been purchased by Comcast, along with the rest of NBC. They also now own Bravo.
I have long said that Kate really wants a Diva Housewife-type reality show, and more and more of those types of shows are featuring divorced women now. She will be able to be pampered, plastic, and act as nasty as possible in front of cameras. A dream come true for Katie Irene.
I did not watch the THS because I did not expect it to be anything other than what it was. Thanks everyone who's comments justified my decision. What I don't get is why they did a profile on Kate in the first place.
Just based on what TLC's legal team did to Jon, and how Discovery's legal team went after the Alaska crab fisherman (Deadliest Catch) when some of them wanted not to continue, I think E! had a healthy and realistic fear of legal repucussions and edited accordingly.
JMO
Sure the Australia episodes could be part of an exit strategy. They could be setting up a memorable two episode or three episode "series finale." Go out with a bang. And that is a nice way to say see Kate we gave you the biggest baddest trip we could think of as a send off, to appease her. Seriously where else does she want to go that would be bigger than Australia?
Could someone please explain to me what "professional" looks like?
Is it fake boobs, fake tan, $7k hair weave, short skirts and stilettos?
Mickey, I loved your list. Great idea! May I add one more? I thought it was an important misrepresentation on the E! THS.
21. E! said that networks "approached" the Gosselins. Actually, my understanding is that Kate prepared packages to send to networks seeking a reality show. "Approached" definitely makes it sound like some Exec at Discovery picked up the morning papers and thought, "Whoa, let's talk to this family!" That's not the way it happened. Kate FOUGHT to get their attention--and it worked.
I wasn't impressed with the E! show, but I also don't think Kart deserves a two hour show. E! could barely fill up the one hour. Look at the few people who were interviewed. No family members, no friends (where was Jamie), no one who worked with Kart on a professional level, hardly anyone who had any first hand information and a bunch of old tabloid clips. Paul Petersen appeared credible and works for laws to protect these children. But look at the other key interviewees, such as this local blog owner Polly who never even met Jon or Kate, but she wrote two books about them. E! also interviewed Al, the blog owner's coauthor/tabloid reporter/ex pap, who made money off the Gosselins, Stephanie the babysitter who made money selling her stories last year to tabloids, and Eric Roberts, who did an interview for the blog owner. His appearance and comments on the E! show were useless. If that was the best E! could do in finding people to interview about the Gosselin saga, then an additional hour would have been a true waste of airtime. They didn't even verify the photos of the couple who weren't her parents and showed the same trailer park that she didn't grow up in. Ken Baker stated Steve was tall. How tall is Ken Baker, 5'? Why wasn't Jon's father even mentioned and his financial support or the kind strangers who gave money and gift cards to the family through the years? Overall, I give the E! Show a D+ and I'm being generous.
One more thing regarding the E! Show. I give the show "F" for showing a photo of the childrens' school. The majority of people who watch these shows wouldn't know what school the children attend and shouldn't, but thanks to E! they do now. Idiot producers. I bet the school administrators and parents are livid and probably would want all the Gosselin children to attend another school. I don't even know how Kart can even sit in her van near other parents, much less get out of it, during her setup bus stop pap photo shoots.
E! has a show called E! Investigates; Maybe they should have done THIS on Kate. E! Investigates: Child Exploiters & Grifters: Kate Gosselin, Her Story. That may have been worth tuning into.
Polly Kahl has written a book called Jon & Kate Plus Ei8ht: "Reality" TV & the Selling of the Gosselins
I would think that the title alone pretty much sums up what the book is all about. Instead I see that bloggers on both sides of the Gosselin fence - even before the book was released - formed their opinions and have launched personal attacks on the author without even reading the book. WTH?!?!
For the record I have read the book. Actually, I am one of the former fans who was asked if I wanted to contribute to the book and I said yes. I did so because I hoped that by participating I could get the reader - who may not even own a computer or know about the Gosselin blogs - to realize from this viewer’s point of view what effect cameras have had on children in “reality” TV in general, and the Gosselin children in particular.
As we all know the current fans were also given this opportunity to participate and they all choose not to do so at all. Their choice. Hindsight is what it is.
The fact is this book contains not only comments from former fans but of course interviews from several professionals who have added their personal insight from what they know and/or have experienced in their own life. People who have a knowledge of what happens to children during their critical development years, especially when there is no question that just the mere presence of a camera does alter a person’s behavior.
I would think that common sense tells people that one does not have to meet Jon, Kate and each one of the kids in person to know that something is seriously wrong in this family that has been filmed and specifically packaged for the TV viewer by a greedy network. Also, with the recent court activity between Jon and Kate in regards to whether or not to continue to film the children – especially when one takes into consideration that this was before two of the tups were expelled from kindergarten – when is the time to acknowledge that the Gosselin children are being effected by living in a TV fish bowl strictly for the entertainment of the TV viewer?
When is the time to say that the mental health and well being of the children is more important than their mother’s quest for additional fame and fortune? When is the time to acknowledge that it is the parent’s responsibility to support the family, not the children?
I also happen to be one of the people who believe that these children will have lifelong issues thanks to their parent’s decision to sign up for a TV show to help them with the family’s living expenses. Please note I do give Jon and Kate the benefit of the doubt that they were not fully aware of the consequences of their actions when signing the initial contract; that at the time all they saw was an easy financial gain for the family. However now that the family has imploded before our very eyes and both parents have acknowledge publicly that some of the children are having problems in school and at home, it is time for BOTH parents to get on the same page and do what is best for the children which is to end the show and allow the children to live the remainder of their childhood in private.
If Kate wants to continue with her TV career that is fine with me – as long as her career is without the 8 little props. As far as this former fan is concerned, enough is enough! The Gosselin children have certainly earned the right to retire before the six pack turns 7 years old on May 10, 2011.
JMO
"I did so because I hoped that by participating I could get the reader - who may not even own a computer or know about the Gosselin blogs -"
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Serious question - If someone doesn't have a computer, how will they learn of Polly's book? It is coming out in paperback, but being self-published, how is the general public going to learn about it? There will be no advertising.
Mickey, Thank you so much for your postings. I hope I speak for many when I say that you have made excellent, clear points without appearing to have some vendetta against anyone.
You truly do care about the 8 kids who's lives have been turned upside down by the greed of their parents. I am holding out hope that Jon has indeed grown up and realized that it was a mistake. I fear that Kate will NEVER grow up and realize how much she has hurt her children!
Kind of off topic, but the last posting on Kate's blog was 11/30.
She's done.
What I'd really like to see is '60 Minutes' do sixty minutes on Kate Gosselin.
AuntieAnn said...
What I'd really like to see is '60 Minutes' do sixty minutes on Kate Gosselin.
She doesn't rate a 60 Minutes show. I admit I haven't watched 60 Minutes in quite a while, but do they focus on tabloid trash, talentless, D-list nobodies?
Kate on 60 Minutes! What a hoot! I'd love it if that would ever happen.
I know Andy Rooney doesn't interview people as a correspondent anymore, but wouldn't he have some grist for his wheel with Kate as his subject?
Andy: Who is this Kate Gosselin? All I hear about her is she whines. I hate whiners! Whiners are right up there with people who won't wipe their runny noses and they sniffle all the time. Whiners ought to be banned from ever showing their faces in public. They should have their tongues stapled to the roofs of their mouths. Why is Kate Gosselin all the rage? It looks like she's an accidental phenom. I hate accidental phenoms, mainly because phenom isn't a real word. It's a shortened word. I hate shortened words........ but I digress. Back to my point. I hate whiners. Ergo.. well, you figure it out. I think I need to visit Target and buy a stapler. If I hear any whining or sniffling going on in there, I'm not responsible for my actions.
Questions said... "I did so because I hoped that by participating I could get the reader - who may not even own a computer or know about the Gosselin blogs -"
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Serious question - If someone doesn't have a computer, how will they learn of Polly's book? It is coming out in paperback, but being self-published, how is the general public going to learn about it? There will be no advertising.
=========================================
I am under the impression that Polly is looking into advertising the book once it is available in paperback which should be in about two weeks.
Also I wanted to add that even though I have access to more than one computer, I do not own a Kindle and I do not tweet.
I am however on Facebook ;)
JMO
Mickey McKean said...For the record I have read the book. Actually, I am one of the former fans who was asked if I wanted to contribute to the book and I said yes. I did so because I hoped that by participating I could get the reader - who may not even own a computer or know about the Gosselin blogs - to realize from this viewer’s point of view what effect cameras have had on children in “reality” TV in general, and the Gosselin children in particular....
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I'm happy for you Mickey, about helping with Polly's book, but I don't think anyone other than professionals and people who have experienced cameras in their lives themselves can possibly be in a position to know what effect cameras have on children in reality TV and bloggers certainly don't. I don't believe that anyone who doesn't already having computer access or isn't already blogging about the Gosselins would even know about Polly's book, nor probably have an interest in it either.
Although the book might contain interesting interviews I don't think it will shed any more light on the effects of reality tv than we've already seen on the internet and the media. Just like the E!THS brought nothing to light, I don't believe this book will help people realize the harm of reality tv on kids. It's like thinking you'll convince a sheeple that filming the kids is harmful yet we all know that's not going to happen. We already believe it so we don't need convincing.
In an ideal world it would be nice to think that we can learn about children in reality tv from WG's book, but we need to be honest about the situation -- the effects of reality tv on the Gosselins won't be known for perhaps a decade and after lots of research many books will be written by people who have done a lot more research than doing a few interviews (with many questions posed by bloggers themselves) and reading blogs for a few months.
I'll probably be convinced that a book written by a blogger might be helpful at that time, but at this point I don't believe WG's book is more than a compilation of interesting interviews using the Gosselin name in the title as a draw. Naming the book as it has been - is further exploitation of the Gosselin name.
JMO
MickeyMcKean said...
"For the record I have read the book."
"Also I wanted to add that even though I have access to more than one computer, I do not own a Kindle and I do not tweet."
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I'm just curious and not trying to sound accusatory, but if the book is only out on Kindle, how did you already read it?
Virginia Pen Mom ~
I loved your addition to my list and you are correct, my understanding is that Kate was shopping for media coverage and she lucked out. If you get a chance why don't you add it to my list on GWOP's thread about the show?
Admin ~
I agree with you - here is it February sweeps and yet no advertising of a new Kate + 8 show, and after a trip to Australia and New Zealand, where do they go on this planet to top it and still keep it cost effective with first class air fare and accommodations plus the $250,000 to Kate per episode?
After all TLC knows that the show has been steadily declining in ratings, i.e., "cooled off" and no matter what they do have to be accountable to the top pee-ons (pun intended :)
JMO
fido -- LOL! You do a perfect Andy Rooney! "What is it with whiners anyway....?"
~~
Deflate Kate's Ego -- No, SHE doesn't rate anything really, but the fallout, the collateral damage to those kids and the resulting hedonism from the $$ they've earned for Kate would be worthy of at least a segment of the program.
Admin, why does TLC need to or want to 'appease' Kate? What is it about her that makes everyone, including the network that is busy destroying 8 children's lives, kowtow to her every whim? I don't understand why this network would be trying to appease her for anything. They have thrown fame (infamy), money beyond her wildest dreams, trips of a lifetime out the wazoo, straw hair, and every other thing money can buy at her. Why should they try to appease her for anything?
I'm just curious and not trying to sound accusatory, but if the book is only out on Kindle, how did you already read it?
To Curious,
I have an editing/proofreading background so I offered to edit the book before it went to press.
To I'll pass,
I used to be a Sheeple and I wrote about what I saw and observed as a fan of the show, and then once I took off my rose colored glasses as a non-fan. I have never claimed to be a professional in regards to child rearing. However, I certainly can state examples that something does not smell right in Gosselinland, such as when I see 6 year old children hiding their faces when cameras are present, 2 kids being expelled from kindergarten, and of course hear the terrorized screams in THAT video.
No one can get me to believe that something is not seriously wrong, and since I have worked in family law in the past I can come up with some sad scenarios that may or may not apply in this case. Fact is I don't really want to think about it, but I do think that stopping filming will help the kids, and the sooner the better.
The bottom line is that I want to see K+8 canceled. If I write something that gets just 1 person to stop watching too then it was worth my time.
JMO
I caught the last few minutes of the ETHS this afternoon. Boring. Nothing new for those of us who read blogs. Me, I wanted to know what Ms. Kreider did to make the DWTS costume designers make her a Series of Unfortunate Outfits. They really were awful and unflattering compared to the usual skill of the costume designers and seamstresses.
"Naming the book as it has been - is further exploitation of the Gosselin name."
JMO
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I'll pass: Everything you said is spot on. Nice writing, expressed clearly and succinctly. It's JMO, too. I don't care how much of an enlightenment this is designed to be. The fact is that those who read it are those who already know the Gosselin saga and believe this may reveal more of the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth (with maybe some little secrets thrown in). People waited with baited breath for Al's expose, thinking that this was going to dig deep into the Gosselin story; it didn't. It was nothing but a rehashing of what was reported on blogs, tabloids, internet sites.
Who is left to convince that reality television is bad for the kids? We know it; the sheeple deny it; and the middle-of-the-road people are nonchalant about the whole thing.
Has anyone given thought that such a book may have the reverse effect on the "on the fence" people who actually might pick it up out of curiosity? Would those people
watch the show just to see how much of a witch this person really is; how sad these kids look in front of the camera? Is that really the desired effect? It's a Catch-22. One thinks that a book on this subject may alert people to the damage done to kids of reality television, when it may, in fact, prompt the curious to watch the show. We're hoping that the ratings go down, not up. We need less viewers, not more.
"Naming the book as it has been - is further exploitation of the Gosselin name."
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Absolutely. One can justify the reason for the book -- recounting the psychological damages done to children on reality television -- any way one wants, but the bottom line is that the Gosselin name is being used for profit; it is just one more excuse for jumping on the band wagon and riding this tragic story for notoriety and profit. This isn't a perfect world in which one person's book is going to be the cure for society's ills on children (exposing the exploitation of kids on reality television). TLC, the big greedy green monster of exploitation, isn't going to relent and stop filming. In fact, the more publicity, the better for them, no matter if it's negative publicity. Only the naive believe that there is a cure for the evils perpetrated by production companies such as this.
I would think that in the years to come, when the kids are grown, that this story will be the subject of sociological studies and will be included in college textbooks and psychology journals. By then, though, the cameras will long have been removed, and the societal effect on the psyche of children forced into the world of reality television may serve as a warning or deterent for future generations. Until then, what can be accomplished at the hands of writers who cannot sit down and access this tragedy with objectiveness? The story not yet is over. Even more disconcerting is the fact that more writers, who consider themselves authors, will follow suit. The result would be a convulted compilation of he said/she said stories, unconfirmed "facts," speculation and hypothetical theories. The writers of these books, by their own admission, do not know Kate, nor have they ever met her. I would believe that a book may be more credible if an author would be able to balance their material more convincingly if they would have had one-on-one dealings with the parent (or parents) of these children. It would at least lend some authenticity to the subject matter if the writer were able to claim that he or she had up close and personal knowledge of the protagonist(s).
"The fact is this book contains not only comments from former fans but of course interviews from several professionals who have added their personal insight from what they know and/or have experienced in their own life. People who have a knowledge of what happens to children during their critical development years, especially when there is no question that just the mere presence of a camera does alter a person’s behavior."
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Let me preface my comment by saying that I'm not a Sheeple. I can't stand Kate, and have posted on numerous blogs about my disgust for her abusive behavior toward Jon and the kids. That said, your commnet is all well and good, and I'm sure Werny's book makes for interesting reading. But does the book have any FIRSThand knowledge of the ACTUAL Gosselin family? Any word from people in the inner circle? Any comments from people who actually really know what goes on day-to-day in the Gosselin McOrphanage? Any interviews with people who know the Gosselins -- or better yet, ARE the Gosselins? Because let's face it -- most of us who have blogged on the family for the past few years could write a "tell-all" based on blogger comments and other media sources. Those of us who live near them could add additional insights just because we're "locals." Heck, those of us with advanced degrees can even offer psychological insights. It doesn't mean our books would give any more insight into what's really going on with the Gosselin family. Because the truth is that neither we NOR Werny have any inside information. If Werny had anything new and interesting, she probably wouldn't need to self-publish her book. If she really had some inside information, some publisher/mag would have picked her up to pen a tell-all. The truth is that Werny's claim to fame is that she happens to live in the same town as the Gosselins. I live in the same town as the Tylenol-tycoon -- his estate is just around the block from me here in snowy PA. Doesn't qualify me to write any "inside" information about his family, even if I decided to stalk them all in a cornfield.
My point is that you can have all the fans and professionals as you'd like chime in their fanatic and/or professional opinions about the Gosselins. That does NOT make it a book about the Gosselins unless you also have their story -- told by them or people who know them -- as part of the book. Otherwise, you're just extrapolating opinions from fans and professionals about what "could or could not" be happening in the Gosselin household.
If Werny wants to do an in-depth expose' about kids in reality tv, based on experts' opinions, fine. But she can hardly claim that her experts/fans can speak intelligently and accurately about the Gosselin family without ever having interviewed or met any of them.
Sorry, in my opinion Werny is trying very hard to ride the coattails of the Gosselins in a vain attempt to feel important and "famous." When she does some serious investigative journalism, and writes a book in which she's interviewed Jon, Kate, Steve, family members, former church members, etc. etc. -- then maybe I'll take her seriously. But for now, it seems to me that she's just cherry-picked from the blogs to cobble together yet another half-ass account of the Gosselin story, piggy-backing her book as a one with a "higher cause" about kids in reality tv -- YAWN.
"Sources" I agree. The Gosselin debacle is unfortunately disintegrating to gossip vs. CHANGE for the children.
laurajean
I had few minutes nothing much else to do, stopped by another site and was appauled to even find this. That Kate is now available for various things: sports camps, VIP meeting and greetings, endorsements, grand openings, clientele meetings and such.
Is this aboslutely for real or a joke?! She's a mom of 8, big deal! This best be a joke or...this could be interesting...
http://www.athletepromotions.com/celebrity/Kate-Gosselin-appearance-booking-agent.php
Marie said...
I had few minutes nothing much else to do, stopped by another site and was appauled to even find this. That Kate is now available for various things: sports camps, VIP meeting and greetings, endorsements, grand openings, clientele meetings and such.
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Don't worry, Marie. That web page is OLD.
The bottom line is that I sincerely hope that the E! special and Werny Gal's book BOTH help get the viewers who are still tuning in to Kate Plus 8 to stop watching once and for all so the Gosselin children can finally enjoy the rest of their childhood in private.
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Their privacy is being exploited in the show and the book, both of which contribute to keeping this entire ludicrous farce alive! Neither the show, nor a book written by a blogger is going to turn the tide. Not a chance! I think that there are those who don't recognize the power (and unlimited resources) of TLC. The E! show didn't reveal much of anything; the book likely will not either, unless the writer interviewed those in the Gosselin circle, specifically, former co-workers of Kate, Kate's school friends, family members, employees, Steve himself, Beth, and yes, even Kate and Jon.
TLC doesn't care how many E! shows are produced; how many books are written. It's publicity for them, and they will continue to whistle all the way to the bank! They will wield their power until they have sucked the last dollar out of Kate. Only then will the show end. It's a pipe dream to think that a book put together by an unknown writer from a small Pa town will enjoy sales successful enough to produce a drop in ratings, thus leading to the cancellation of the show.
It's not going to happen, and those naive enough to think it will are going to be mighty disappointed.
Administrator said...
Off topic but we're now in February sweeps and we still haven't heard anything about the episodes in the can right now. Surely they can squeeze four episodes out of Philadelphia and Australia to fill the month of February. They can turn out episodes in sometimes a few weeks. A bit odd.
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Actually,Admin, from what I understand, they went back to specials.There are no more seasons.Gosselins ,Gobblins and Ghouls(?)is not Season 2 premiere anymore it's another special. There are now 7 specials and a season with four specials.
My guess is these specials(probably two Philadelphia+Christmas and 3 Australia,New Zeeland+Ney Years Eve and possibly one Easter) will be stretched until May-June when the 7th birthday episode will arrive and then they will like you say(and I totally agree) "film the crap" out of them again in the summer.
It's how I see things at this point,at least.
that's "New" Year,it was a typing mistake. Also New "Zealand"
JoyinVirginia said... I caught the last few minutes of the ETHS this afternoon. Boring. Nothing new for those of us who read blogs. Me, I wanted to know what Ms. Kreider did to make the DWTS costume designers make her a Series of Unfortunate Outfits. They really were awful and unflattering compared to the usual skill of the costume designers and seamstresses
*****
That's funny. My guess would be that Kate never bothered to show up for fittings, so the
designers/seamsters had to give her something that could be gathered, belted, tucked, stretched, folded or otherwise fitted as she was strapping on her dancing shoes and waltzing onto the stage.
Fido's Mommy: Kate "waltzed" onto the stage?? "Plodded" or "slogged" might be more apt... LOL!
I said a few threads ago that this AUS/NZ trip would be her last. This was her swan song, so to speak. What can top it really? I remember reading her that Kate & TLC was going to start filming more at home, to get back to basics, & start from scratch, or to really try & "relate to the viewers again". Yeah, OK. That freakin ship has sailed long ago. With all of the lavish trips added with Kate's incessant whining about how poor she is, NO ONE can relate to her at all.
TLC is funding a sinking ship. From what I have read, there have been no ads on TLC, no blog posts on her stupid blog, nothing pertaining to TLC's EX-Queen Bee. Maybe this new GM at TLC has seen the light & realizes that Kate just ain't worth it. She is too risky, too expensive, & the kids just aren't that cuddly anymore. Kate may be talked about & a love to hate type of person, but when it comes to advertisers, that's all that matters. Sponsors maybe pulling out, they might not want anything to do with a falling reality personality anymore, especially one who is known to ignore her kids, abuse them, use them for fame, bash her ex, does NOTHING for her "celebrity status" except tan, shop, etc, & make her kids travel to places by taking them out of school. Maybe the sponsors wised up, FINALLY!!
Sources said, "But does the book have any FIRSThand knowledge of the ACTUAL Gosselin family? Any word from people in the inner circle? Any comments from people who actually really know what goes on day-to-day in the Gosselin McOrphanage? Any interviews with people who know the Gosselins -- or better yet, ARE the Gosselins?"
Sources,
Do you honestly think Kate would grant anyone permission to interview her as to how her children have been effected by a “reality” TV show? If yes, do you think she would tell the truth during said interview? As it is Kate refuses to even acknowledge that two of her children were expelled - do you think she feels she is accountable in any way for their alleged aggressive behavior?
I'm still trying to figure out what all the fuss is about this book, and it seems to be the title: "Reality" TV and the Selling of the Gosselins.
IMHO Polly Kahl is NOT selling the Gosselins. No, that dubious honor goes to Jon, Kate, Figure 8, Discovery, and TLC. Even if Jon and Kate were clueless as to what they were getting into when they first started to film their family, there is no denying the fact that TLC knew exactly what they were doing when they filmed and then nicely packaged up this cute little show and sold it to their various sponsors.
TLC does not care if the Gosselins had a messy divorce because guess what, over 10 million viewers tuned in to see what all the fuss was about. Keep in mind this is a “business” and TLC has made over $200 million dollars by selling the Gosselins, and the 8 kids in particular have gotten squat, zip, zilch, nada ... screwed. TLC’s POV seems to be so what if 8 childhoods have been trashed and the children might have life long issues because of this show and how they have been used and abused for the TV viewer’s “entertainment” – at least TLC’s big wigs and stockholders are very happy, as well as rich.
Polly's book is about "Reality" TV which is NOT real. It is scripted. It is about child exploitation in general and the abuse the Gosselin children in particular have suffered, children who are not actors but are living their real lives in front of camera in a “reality” TV show. A fish bowl created for entertainment purposes. Just a few of the professionals Polly interviewed - Paul Petersen, Allison Anigram, Jon Provost, a Child Psychologist, a TV Producer, another author of a book on Reality TV and Children, and Becki Dilley. I think there were 5 former fans who were interviewed about how did we feel when we discovered “reality” TV is not what we thought it was.
Now even though I believe I am pretty much aware of all things Gosselin, I learned some things in reading this book and I’m glad I participated in it. See I already have a good idea what the bloggers think; I was interested in reading what the experts think in regards to why “reality” TV can be harmful to the children without interviewing anyone with the last name of Gosselin.
Now you guys can choose to read the book or not, your choice, but I have no intention of debating this issue any more. For more info as to what is in the book, Polly has covered this same issue on her blog earlier today.
JMO
From October 2009. I never read this before. And I STILL can't find her People mag. sales. I guess that is something they do not want us to know about. A HUGE bomb I suppose?
http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/features/2009/10/jon-and-kate-gosselin-200910?currentPage=1
Can Kate be anymore of a bitch? Seriously. Stepping on a 3 y.o. toes & just moving right along? "I want sushi. I want sushi" What is she? 5? Now I know where THAT came from. And the last sentence really caught my eye.
Not too cool said...
Without new pictures of Kate, are we now going to turn on our allies and criticize their motivations AND their appearance?
Hippie Chick said...
I'm not sure if this what you meant but, the haters are being VERY rude to Polly now. They are saying awful things about her. They are bashing her looks, which I find highly disturbing, & just being all out mean. I agree that we should NOT be those people. We are not those people. We are above that. Yes, we snark on Kate, which frankly is getting quite stale, we are here for the kids sake, but to turn into the "Gossipy Junior High Kids". No way. We are intelligent, thought provoking, smart women. Let's not turn into THOSE women.
Administrator said...
I don't think we've turned on anyone. ...
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As we see this Gosselin saga starting to wind down this year, especially when there are no recent Kate sightings, it seems that the bloggers themselves are creating the drama. Either comments are being “stolen” from one blog and taken to another and then taken out of context with a new spin to the original words, or out of left field a whole new “rumor” is thrown out just for giggles.
The perfect analogy would be it is like watching rats in a cage attack each just out of sheer boredom. Just because they can.
Werny Gal is currently in the fan’s crosshairs and she is dealing with all the current “red herrings” on her own blog.
Meanwhile ... everyone should be aware I recently found some very disturbing posts, yes posts that do justify Steve’s employment. One blogger felt she found the personal justification in emailing another blogger’s employer to put them on notice that their employee’s opinion differs from her opinion; she felt she had the right to let the boss know about it. Even if this blogger says she did not try or want to get the ex Sheeple fired, there is no doubt in my mind that this was the end result she hoped for with her email. It did not happen; thank goodness the employer in the “real world” saw the email for what it was.
But perhaps more unsettling is that I have also read on another blog that they stated that “the hate is so intense with the haterz that they want to see Kate Gosselin DEAD”.
I have never ever seen any mention of a death wish in regards to Kate on any non fan or hate site until this *alleged* reference, and I certainly know this death wish is not on MY agenda!!! However, we all know that one fan did have a serious wish of harm against Jon and this fan not only posted her opinion on fan sites but also tweeted it. Then this “wish” was repeated by other fans and non fans alike, and thank goodness it did appear that the majority of bloggers did feel this “wish” was wrong ... very, very wrong.
It comes down to we are all women with strong opinions who have found an avenue via the blogs of expressing them. Regardless if you are a lover or a hater, you are not going to change your opinion at this point in time. However, it does appear that some bloggers have lost focus as to what all the fuss is about -- it is and always will be the 8 children.
I know I went from being a dedicated fan of J&K+8 to the feeling of being a voyeur by watching someone else’s children living their real lives including some very private moments that even if filmed should never have been aired. Regardless of what is already out there, enough is enough! These children are no longer toddlers; sorry, they just are not as cute as they used to be.
It is time to cancel K+8 and allow the kids to live what is left of their childhood in private, allow them to focus on their education and socialize with other children outside of this TV fish bowl.
These children were not born to entertain strangers in TV land and to support their family, as well as TLC! They are 8 children who have earned the right by working to grow up in private – just like each and every person did who is now reading my post on this blog.
JMO
For some time I have felt that this website was disintigrating into childlike attacks, immature names for Kate, and in general was losing the "sharpness" I felt it had when I first started reading here several months ago.
As I read the second comment to this post, "It is sad to see that Werny Girl sold out to the network", that finished it for me. We don't have Kate to attack at present, so now, as many of the comments revealed, we are attacking Werny Gal, her part on the E presentation, and her book.
It is like a bunch of girls in a junior high lunch room.....and until you have done as much as Polly has, (much of which you do not know) you haven't earned the right to criticize.
Polly runs a first class blog, keeps track of unwelcome comments and in general, has some great commenters.
My assessment is that the administrator of this blog does not like Polly....and is enjoying the nasty tone and direction these comments have taken.
I'll not know if this blog gets cleaned up, as I am finished. I hate in-fighting and judging, especially about things which some of you know nothing about.
Of course, this won't get published, but I feel more honest having said what I did.
Granny, I don't see the cattiness or turning on anyone you see. I see constructive criticism, which is not going to be censored here. Just because someone doesn't like the Gosselins doesn't mean we have to always agree with each and every thing they do or say. It's not personal. This is not a pick on some other blog thing. Someone went way outside the realm of the blogs and appeared on a TV show proclaiming to be a bio on Kate--it's going to get talked about and I'm not going to censor it. Any comments that are personal I've deleted. Remarking that you don't agree with something is not nearly the same thing as the creepy and frightening lengths the sheeple go to to try to silence an OPINION that Hippie has described for us just above.
I do not agree with some of Polly's choices, I am nowhere near the minority on this, but I have nothing against her as a person nor do I really get the sense others here do either. I only have three links in my sidebar to other web sites, and not only is Polly's web site one of them, but it's the first one, it always has been. If I had something personal against her I doubt I would continue to link to her.
One of the first criteria discussed in any writing class is the audience. It is, perhaps, one of the most difficult areas upon which a writer focuses. For whom is one writing? Has WG done any kind of research to determine if there is a market for such a book? What particular people does she hope to reach? A writer needs to know his/her specific audience; otherwise, the work becomes a muddled mess with no direction.
As was pointed out, those opposed to kids in reality television already have their views; those who think Kate is the best thing since ice cream never would read it. What's left is the undecided. If this is the target audience, I would hope that the arguments are presented well enough to pursuade that group to see the the psychological damage to kids exposed to this kind of child labor.
That is, if there are enough of them to purchase the book.
I would also expect that this book has been edited and proofed by a seasoned professional. Al's book, which was poorly written, turned out to be a grammatical nightmare. So much credibility is lost when there are pages and pages of spelling and usage errors. It makes the finished product look like the work of an amateur.
"Regardless if you are a lover or a hater, you are not going to change your opinion at this point in time."
+++++++++++++
This assertion is confusing to me. If one's opinions remain steadfast as implied here, then what is the purpose of the book? If it is to reach the undecided, isn't it a bit futile at this point? Aren't most people just sick to death of this whole ordeal because of overexposure by the media?
Mickey McKean said...
...everyone should be aware I recently found some very disturbing posts, yes posts that do justify Steve’s employment. One blogger felt she found the personal justification in emailing another blogger’s employer to put them on notice that their employee’s opinion differs from her opinion; she felt she had the right to let the boss know about it. Even if this blogger says she did not try or want to get the ex Sheeple fired, there is no doubt in my mind that this was the end result she hoped for with her email. It did not happen; thank goodness the employer in the “real world” saw the email for what it was.
But perhaps more unsettling is that I have also read on another blog that they stated that “the hate is so intense with the haterz that they want to see Kate Gosselin DEAD”.
I have never ever seen any mention of a death wish in regards to Kate on any non fan or hate site until this *alleged* reference, and I certainly know this death wish is not on MY agenda!!! However, we all know that one fan did have a serious wish of harm against Jon and this fan not only posted her opinion on fan sites but also tweeted it. Then this “wish” was repeated by other fans and non fans alike, and thank goodness it did appear that the majority of bloggers did feel this “wish” was wrong ... very, very wrong....
*****
Mickey, back and forth conversations like this between some of the radical sheeple blogs has been going on for quite some time and calls to the employers of haterz has been going on for a long time also. This is nothing new and IMO no indication of a need for Steve to protect Kate (they adore and wouldn't threaten her, but hate and threaten those opposed to her), but rather for the 'fans' to be turned in to local law enforcement agencies and internet providers. As you said, there is no blog documentation of danger to Kate so no need for Steve.
It's back and forth inflammatory rhetoric from the fan/sheeple who are causing the uproar on twitter and the blogs which is carried into discussions on other blogs as you did here. There's nothing to be gained by bringing inflammatory comments from other blogs here.
If we don't read their blogs we won't see their nonsense and if we're not reading there, the comments won't be copied and repeated further inflaming other readers. Don't give the sheeple the satisfaction of thinking we're paying attention to their nonsense. They thrive on thinking we spend any time or energy reading their drivel and are emboldened thinking they're noticed and are effective.
Mickey McKean said ...
"Regardless if you are a lover or a hater, you are not going to change your opinion at this point in time."
Warmth of the Sun said ...
This assertion is confusing to me. If one's opinions remain steadfast as implied here, then what is the purpose of the book? If it is to reach the undecided, isn't it a bit futile at this point? Aren't most people just sick to death of this whole ordeal because of overexposure by the media?
Warmth,
My above comment was not about the book whatsoever.
The comment in question was in my post referring to those overzealous bloggers - especially on the fan sites - whose opinions seem to have pushed them "over the edge" to the point that they feel their actions and words are justified.
Specifically no blogger should attempt to get another blogger fired due to a difference in opinion.
These bloggers have made up their opinion as to what side of the fence they are on and this is never going to change. It just seems to me that some bloggers have forgotten that the focus of the majority of the blogs on both sides of the fence is the mental health and safety of the 8 Gosselin children.
JMO
Ignore them -- Well put. I deplore the importing and exporting of blog comments. As for the occasional sheeple wandering over here to drop a turd or two, I heed the advice offered in that lovely old nursery rhyme -- "leave them alone and they'll go home...."
Admin, I commend the way you have handled respectful criticism of Polly'a actions in appearing on tv and (self) publishing a book.
It rankles me a bit that her followers are using this blog to make her points. If you try to question Polly on anything at the blog, she deletes the comments and pretends the questions weren't asked. Perhaps her fans who are posting here could ask her to be a little more reasonable in what she posts?
Polly should deal with some of these issues herself. It's silly to have her minions running around trying to excuse what she won't talk about.
"My above comment was not about the book whatsoever."
*********
The comment is still applicable: "Regardless if you are a lover or a hater, you are not going to change your opinion at this point in time."
The "lovers" will continue to love and will have no need for the book; the minds of the haters don't need any convincing that kids in reality television (specifically the Gosselins) are being exploited; and those in the middle really don't care one way or another because either they don't pay much attention to the issue, or because they feel that the media has milked this for all its worth.
Mickey McKean said:
MickeyMcKean said...
Virginia Pen Mom ~
I loved your addition to my list and you are correct, my understanding is that Kate was shopping for media coverage and she lucked out. If you get a chance why don't you add it to my list on GWOP's thread about the show?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mickey, done! Thanks again for cataloging the misrepresentations and errors. It's quite a staggeringly long list.
Polly Kahl has addressed the naysayers' complaints about her motives, her tactics and her book. Accept them or reject what she says as you choose, but she's answering the criticisms put out there.
Personally speaking, I frequent 3 Gosselin blogs - the "Main Three". I find them all to have quality comments for the most part, and find all of them to have some unnecessary comments that seem to be just plain mean and based on emotion rather than information.
I can't possibly rank the three; they each have their place and each serve a purpose.
It's kind of like having 3 different big city
newspapers to choose from. The basic national news is the same, but the local news is different. One may lean Republican, the other one not. It's a matter of preference, a desire for balance, and being comfortable about where you get your news. One's not "better" or "worse". They all have their usefulness for a large audience.
Would Werny Gal even have been considered for the E! show if she wasn't writing a book or had connections with the other people appearing on the show i.e. Paul Petersen, Eric Roberts, etc.? Was that just a coincidence? Does writing a book, even though self-published, suddenly make you more credible than others who have not?
It seems like E! was grasping at straws, looking for people to interview for this show (especially since Kate, Jon, and other people connected with the show/family refused). Reverting to Gosselin bloggers for interviews? Really?! Do they do this for other celebrities and/or reality stars? Go to their fan/non-fan blogs for insightful information?
I appreciate Werny Gal's insightful interviews posted on her blog, but it seems like she suddenly realized she could profit off of these interviews instead of releasing them for free on her blog to enlighten the Gosselin community about reality tv, etc.
"leave them alone and they'll go home...."
_____________________
That's always been my philosophy about the Gosselin debacle...if only she had been left alone her value (monetarily for TLC) would have diminished much quicker.
Polly has not addressed very valid questions and concerns brought forth by several professionals and legions of laymen.
Only Polly knows what she has deleted in its entirety. I am aware of many posts that were never saw the light of day because they were not written with the fawning adoration she needs to pretend she is doing the right thing.
Admin is a professional, albeit in a different field. But she understand ethics and protocal.
Werny? It seems as if she has bitten by the same same fame bug that destroyed the Gosselins.
I like Polly, and wish she would listen to those who are expressing genuine concern as to her actions.
I don't think Werny is in this for the money.
She has failed to make a dime from her blog, wasn't paid a cent for the tv gig(according to her) and has fees associated with self-publishing a book.
This is a case of someone trying to buy fame, not fortune.
I think WG is trying to make a buck.Her book like Al's is nothing new.Nothing we havent heard before...same old BS just a different day or chapter...
As for today...The Packers won!!!! Woot Woot!!
After 27 years I rooted for the packers and they won!!!
Maybe I should write a book!
Hippie Chick said...
I'm not sure if this what you meant but, the haters are being VERY rude to Polly now...
OMG...I meant to say the Kate lovers. That's where I went wrong. I'm sorry!! Again, typing too damn fast! Please accept my apology all! :)
I've visited Werny Gal a few times. On my last visit I encountered nothing but fawning from her posters. That was it for me. Even though politically I am far to the left of admin, I keep returning here because she allows a cross section of opinions.
MO
I am not a fan of WernyGal and rarely frequent her blog unless there is a link here of interest. That being said I am puzzled by the amount and type of criticism she is receiving.
We have all said many times that someone should write a book and now that someone has there seems to be mixed emotions. Who better to write a book than one of us - a blogger - who has followed the story from the very beginning. Who better to appear on the ETHS than one of us, a blogger, who once again has followed the story from the beginning. I respect the fact that she did not want to sensationalize the story on E but rather stick to what she (we all) know. I think she should be applauded for writing a book that she has obviously spent a great deal of time on to get the story out without once again sensationalizing it.
Not comparing her to Kitty Kelly, but does anyone think that any of the people she wrote about actually sat down with her for an interview? My guess would be a resounding no.
My understanding is that it is not a biography, but rather a look at the phenomenon of child exploitation and its ramifications on children and society at large and the family that essentially turned it into a science.
I post to put my spin on what I see for those who pass through and try not to vent my own frustations although it is not easy. Thousands of people read the blogs that don't comment and may be looking for answers for things they have seen that are disturbing to them. That is how I became a blogger, wondering if it was just me or if anyone else felt the same.
If Polly can even get the money back she spent on self-publishing and the amount of hours that she put into the book she will be lucky. I am quite certain she did not expect the backlash that she has received as she is one of us and at least one of our bloggers was featured to speak for all of us, essentially.
I think we should withhold judgment until we read the book which I plan to do and to balance out what I spent on the book I will send the same to Paul Petersen.
Why WG wrote her book, went on THS, is all on her. I honestly do not care one way or another. I didn't watch the E! show & I don't plan on buying her book. I read the allowed pages of Al's book when it came out (I didn't buy that in full) & it was full of grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, & it was the SAME OLD crap we all knew about. Nothing new was put out there. I'm NOT saying WG's book will be filled with errors & the same old same old, but I am just not interested. I'll get my fill from you lovelies right here, if any of you choose to buy this book.
The point is, how many more people will try to make a buck off the Gosselin kids? I am NOT saying WG is doing such. I know she is trying to explain how detrimental being on TV has been for them. But you can look at this six ways from Sunday, & she is still making money off of them. Is it exploitation? It's not nearly as bad as what k&J have done to them, because WG's book may not reach a large audience. But this book is out there, the G kids will see it someday, they will read it, & whether or not they understand WHY it was written, well, we won't know that. They will however know that Kate took them for everything they had. I think that will be their 1st priority. Exploitation is exploitation. I am not against this book at all, but I guess I'm not for it either. Do what ya gotta do to have your voice heard, but I think it's the kids turn to let THEIR voices be heard.
The book doesn't bother me. I can't see where it's a bad idea. As I said in another post it's the fawning posts that I read on her blog re her at that time upcoming appearance on E. It just seemed a little too much and the posters seemed to shoot down the one poster who was bothered by WG's feeling that she had to soften any critique of Kate. To be honest, I had a similar critique although I didn't voice it.
As to Kate's children reading the book when they are old enough - what of it? That's like saying I can never write a critique of a public figure out of fear their children might read about it.
I'm reminded constantly how fortunate we all are to be living in a country that allows us freedom of speech, dissent and truth.
As for Werny, I think that she is just a messenger/witness speaking what she knows as the truth. Jeeze, no wonder this mess has been allowed to continue for so long- everytime someone has spoken out against the Gosselins, they were attacked. After a while, the witness moves on with their lives, and nothing is resolved.
The sheeple must be enjoying all this hoopla. By criticizing Werny (who is bringing to attention all the stuff that many of us will never see or know), we have effectively given the sheeple a post-coital cigarette to enjoy. Afterall, anything that keeps negative attention from Kate, is alright by them.
I know that all this Kate & her performing little monkeys t.v. show sh*t is going to stop very soon. When that happens, I hope that we have ruffled enough feathers to create laws to protect the Gosselin 8, and others in their position.
Good luck and power to those that still are willing to come forward with more information on the Gosselin 8's situation.
I know that all this Kate & her performing little monkeys t.v. show sh*t is going to stop very soon. When that happens, I hope that we have ruffled enough feathers to create laws to protect the Gosselin 8, and others in their position.
Good luck and power to those that still are willing to come forward with more information on the Gosselin 8's situation.
***********
I couldn't agree more, Pink. Personally, I think it's too late for the Gosselin kids. Laws take a long time to enact and I think they and the show will be used to set precedent on what you can NOT do with your kids, that is, film the ever-living crap out of them and destroy anything that resembles privacy, probably for the rest of their lives. I hope that in the future, this will never be allowed to happen to other kids whose parents would sell them out for money.
So, Crabitha, what would you have her do? It's her blog and just like everyone else who has a blog, they delete comments, reject comments all the time. Maybe some people were being very nasty in the way they posted their comments, attacking her in a subtle way. Why not just stay away from a site where you feel 'rejected'? That is something I just don't get. She has a right to write a book based on her professional opinions. She has a right to be on E! and express her opinions. It's simple, if you don't like it, don't watch or read. But for people to try and shoot the messenger while we all are assumed to be on the same side in this debacle just feeds those sheeples egos and they keep on calling work and trying to destroy people's lives.
They're called opinions. They're like assholes. Everyone has one.
When info came out that Kevin & Jodi were paid for their interviews on Radar Online, the Kate lovers criticized them as only doing it for money while the Kate haters defended them saying that it didn't matter if they were paid, the info needed to be put out there, whatever the avenue.
Polly writes a book that is for the same purpose, exposing the exploitation of the Gosselin children. She likely won't make a profit on it, yet she's wrong for "exploiting" the Gosselin kids.
I don't get it.
A Pink Straight Jacket For Kate said...
...The sheeple must be enjoying all this hoopla. By criticizing Werny (who is bringing to attention all the stuff that many of us will never see or know), we have effectively given the sheeple a post-coital cigarette to enjoy.
*********
I think one of the objections many of us have is that the book doesn't 'bring to attention all the stuff that many of us will never see or know' because we've heard it already on blogs - the same place WG and some of her contributors have found it. Other than describing how they became aware of the kids' exploitation, no one is in a position to talk about the effects on the family and you or I could have been interviewed for the book and given our opinions on the effects on the family and been just as legitimate as many others who took part in it (and I'm absolutely NOT jealous).
I have a problem with the fact that WG used the Gosselin name in the title and is marketing it as being about them, when in fact almost NOTHING is known about any effect on the individuals themselves. Aside from knowing that a child hides from cameras and 2 tups were suspended from school, the underlying reasons (divorce, parenting, cameras, all the above, none of the above?, etc.) are still an unknown. While we can speculate about future problems due to being on camera based on previous actor's experiences we don't yet know enough about the Gosselins to be writing a book about them.
Had WG interviewed actual families involved in reality tv I think I might have had a different reaction to the book. While some of the interviews with the producer or Paul Petersen might be interesting, they cannot speak with any substance about the 'Gosselins' and because she chose to use their name in the title I consider it to be further exploitation of their name. Perhaps in a few years when psychologists and historians look back on the phenomenon of reality tv and the destruction of families involved WG's book will be relevant, but IMO today it feels exploitative, spotlight seeking, and inappropriately early.
As always, just imo.
A Pink Straight Jacket For Kate said...
As for Werny, I think that she is just a messenger/witness speaking what she knows as the truth. Jeeze, no wonder this mess has been allowed to continue for so long- everytime someone has spoken out against the Gosselins, they were attacked. After a while, the witness moves on with their lives, and nothing is resolved.
The sheeple must be enjoying all this hoopla. By criticizing Werny (who is bringing to attention all the stuff that many of us will never see or know), we have effectively given the sheeple a post-coital cigarette to enjoy. Afterall, anything that keeps negative attention from Kate, is alright by them.
****
WG is not bringing attention to anything that others won't see or know. She doesn't have any inside track on anything. She went on national television and spread gossip. What cause does that further?
I have to say that I would have afforded more credibility to Werny Gal had she not used the Gosselins in her book title.
If she had written a book or expose on the whole of children in reality tv, then that would have been okay - even highlighting in a chapter or two the Gosselins. However, she chose to put the Gosselins on the front cover to garner her more interest. In my opinion, that is cashing in on the Gosselin name and using the kids for a step to infamy.
FYI, I haven't read the book, and will refuse to do so. Boycotting all products associated with Gosselins, for the kids' sake.
Check out Baby mama's site for her first annual Kate Gosselin Award 2010 followed by all of her favorite Kate looks and how she goes out and tries to buy all the clothes that she sees Kate wear. Rather scary in my opinion
So, if Tammy Truthteller wrote a book that absolutley knocked Kate (and Jon) flat on their
behinds and told the entire world about the horrors of what she (and he) have done to their children -- and sold 500,000 copies of it --- would everyone be happier with it? After all, much of what I'm hearing is complaining that Polly didn't tell us MORE than we already know, that there were no new revelations that we could point and scoff at. It's like Hey Polly! If you're going to write a book, make it fire hot so we can rag on Kate even more! Dig up the truth about Steve, about why she's not speaking to her parents, her desire for IUI, and don't stop until you've dug it ALL up for us! Interview her 5th grade teacher, her old Pastor, her classmates from High School and every nurse she ever worked with!
I think THAT book would sell, and there would be a line-up of bloggers to read it. I think we're disappointed that this is not that book.
We want a tell-all, and many have said they can't wait for Jon or Mady to write one.
This is only an opinion, mind you.
The only expo story I want to read is the one written by the Gosselin children after they win their lawsuit against their mother and TLC.
These poor kids are hte only ones who know what the heck is truly going on. And they are living that hell every day. :(
Mixed Emotions - WG has NOT followed from the beginning. She only started following from when they moved to her town. Most of what she knows about the Gosselins come from the blogs, she has had a few experiences of her own with them, and got info from other locals sure, but if anyone really had to write a book about the G's, it should have been someone who HAS followed from the beginning IMO.
Does JMO, MO, IMO, drive anyone else nuts, or is it just me? Be honest...!!!
"We all have one" said of Polly:"She has a right to write a book based on her professional opinions".
When a writer's opinions are based on nothing more than information from the tabloids,neighbourhood gossip, and occasional personal observation, as opposed to information gathered from interviews and clinical assessments of the subjects involved, they can hardly be called professional opinions.
In my opinion, using one's credentials to make something seem more learned or important, without actually performing within the diagnostic guidelines of the profession, is dubious from a standpoint of ethics.
Polly's opinions, when not backed up by appropriately scholarly research, are worth no more than yours or mine.
Open Your Eyes said...
WG is not bringing attention to anything that others won't see or know. She doesn't have any inside track on anything. She went on national television and spread gossip. What cause does that further?
***********************************************
Hmmmmmm.... Open Your Eyes, I doubt Werny spread any gossip on national t.v. to further anything. Yes, it's true we already know that Kate is an absolute controlling b*tch, witch, etc... But Werny was invited by "E" to be interviewed, not the other way around. As far as the interview not offering anything we don't already know, well I'm sure TLC/Kate's lawyers knocking on "E" door if anyone gave a more indepth account of Ms. Katie Gosselin. I'll bet that people that do KNOW her, or have experienced the delightfulness that is Kate, are bleeding from biting down hard on their lower lip, restraining from telling what they know.
What is a shame is that "E" could not drum up enough people to say positive things about horrible Kate- an old teacher, friends, other school parents, siblings, parents, neighbor, a crew member from Kate + 8 (or as she loves to call them, part of her family), the ladies from The View (or any other show she was on), a proprietor of the stores she visits, etc... Instead, "E" was only able to get strangers (to Kate) for the interview. Oh well, a b*tch is, as a b*tch does...
It is true that we all are pretty savvy when it comes to Gosselin information- but few of us are actual Gosselin neighbors. Werny happens to be a neighbor, so her imput is welcomed by folks like me.
I also think that most of us are smart enough to differentiate between what is the truth, and what is erroneous information.
Unlike the sheeple, I do not feel threatened by Werny (or anyone else) that wishes to share what they know.
This flamefest of Werny Gal and Admin on both this blog and Werny Gal's is getting old.
If we can be critical of Kate because she chose to put herself and her kids on tv, then it should only be fair to be critical of what Werny Gal SAID (or didn't say) on this E! show.
However, this is turning ugly as people are now attacking both bloggers, if not on their own blog but on the opposing blog.
Maybe Rule #4 should be "No board on boards. Period."
just imo said...
I think one of the objections many of us have is that the book doesn't 'bring to attention all the stuff that many of us will never see or know' because we've heard it already on blogs - the same place WG and some of her contributors have found it. Other than describing how they became aware of the kids' exploitation, no one is in a position to talk about the effects on the family and you or I could have been interviewed for the book and given our opinions on the effects on the family and been just as legitimate as many others who took part in it (and I'm absolutely NOT jealous).
I have a problem with the fact that WG used the Gosselin name in the title and is marketing it as being about them, when in fact almost NOTHING is known about any effect on the individuals themselves. Aside from knowing that a child hides from cameras and 2 tups were suspended from school, the underlying reasons (divorce, parenting, cameras, all the above, none of the above?, etc.) are still an unknown. While we can speculate about future problems due to being on camera based on previous actor's experiences we don't yet know enough about the Gosselins to be writing a book about them.
Had WG interviewed actual families involved in reality tv I think I might have had a different reaction to the book. While some of the interviews with the producer or Paul Petersen might be interesting, they cannot speak with any substance about the 'Gosselins' and because she chose to use their name in the title I consider it to be further exploitation of their name. Perhaps in a few years when psychologists and historians look back on the phenomenon of reality tv and the destruction of families involved WG's book will be relevant, but IMO today it feels exploitative, spotlight seeking, and inappropriately early.
As always, just imo.
************************************************
Point well taken, just imo. And I agree.
Except that I really don't think she meant to exploit anybody. I feel that just about ANYONE that writes a book concerning the Gosselins will be accused of exploitation.
Who knows, maybe the blogosphere has replaced written books, because it's true, word certainly does get around, and we have found and shared alot of information online.
I just don't think Werny's intentions were to exploit anybody. And I don't think this book was meant to be her "opus" or make her a millionaire either.
Jmo is not necessary or anything like it. It's obvious when it's an opinion you don't need to qualify it.
I am also confused by the backlash against Werny. I didn't see the show, so I'm a little out of the loop, but I have read a lot of negative comments about Werny not only here but on other sites that are considered non-sheeple sites (aka "haterz").
What is going on? I hate to sound paranoid, but it almost makes me wonder if some posters here and elsewhere have been stirring the pot on purpse.
I mean just a few months ago, I rarely saw negative comments about Werny, but now I'm reading them quite frequently.
Just not getting it.
Administrator said... Jmo is not necessary or anything like it. It's obvious when it's an opinion you don't need to qualify it.
February 7, 2011 4:12 PM
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Admin, THANK YOU!!!
That's one of my pet peeves. It is repetitive and annoying.
ID said: "When a writer's opinions are based on nothing more than information from the tabloids,neighbourhood gossip, and occasional personal observation, as opposed to information gathered from interviews and clinical assessments of the subjects involved, they can hardly be called professional opinions.
In my opinion, using one's credentials to make something seem more learned or important, without actually performing within the diagnostic guidelines of the profession, is dubious from a standpoint of ethics."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Excellent points and very well said. Living in the same town does not a "neighbor" make. It does, however, enable one to jump on the band wagon and profess to know the inside scoop.
I know that when I read a few of the blogs on that person's site awhile back, I was very surprised at the gossip that was passed off as "credible." What comes to my mind was the drunken Jon breaking into the chicken coop story. It supposedly came from a credible source. However, when someone asked for "proof" that this actually happened, the explanation given was that there was no complaint filed with the police and therefore, there was no proof.
Baloney. ALL calls are recorded by law enforcement. A complaint does not need to be filed; if there was a call to the chicken coop, there would be documentation of this. Law enforcement doesn't just go scurrying around for their health. If the owner of the blog had such great connections with locals, then it should have been no problem to obtain proof from credible sources. None ever appeared, which made me skeptical of inside information and neighborhood knowledge that was reported as fact.
"Werny happens to be a neighbor, so her imput is welcomed by folks like me."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Why? Living in the same town does not make one more qualified to report on a well-known person. She doesn't live next door to Kate. There are those, however, who did live in the same development as Kate before the move to "the big house." Betcha they could assemble credible accounts of goings-on in the neighborhood...confirmed accounts of life with the Gosselins as neighbors. In fact, Walt [Mueller] wrote a detailed account of life in the neighborhood with the Gosselins.
"I'll bet that people that do KNOW her, or have experienced the delightfulness that is Kate, are bleeding from biting down hard on their lower lip, restraining from telling what they know."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Not everyone. I do know her, and my lower (and upper) lip is still intact. I figure that someday a "real" accounting of the entire Gosselin story will come out from people who don't have to rely on neighborhood gossip to tell the story. Until then, you'll have people who will keep compiling internet gossip, rumors, blog blabble, and the like putting together stories. Some will buy it; some will not. It's a free country...you believe what you choose to believe. Many people who do know her are sick of the whole thing and just wish that she and the fascination with this story would go away. They don't want to reveal what they know because to do so just adds to the hype and does nothing to bring this entire saga to a close.
The sad part, though, are the fame seekers, the name droppers, who are quick to seize the opportunity to ride the Gosselin coattails simply because they maintain blogs and have access to "sources" who don't know any more than the writer does, but still are eager to give "professional" opinions.
Wow. I seriously think this horse has been beaten to death, and that everyone who is going to give their opinion of Werny Gal probably has done so by now. Can't it just be let go and everyone move on?
The Werny fans are as bad as the Kate fans.
Why can't they return to the nest and leave the rational minds alone?
It makes Werny appear to be very weak when her followers post here, or anywher else. She's a big girl, let her speak for herself.
She has Crabitha, and you just won't let it be. You having such a rational mind and all, I find that curious.
The childhood picture of Kate at the top of this thread is what I think she is trying so hard to overcome. She seems resentful of that forgettable, coarse featured face, the big-boned body and the cheap, ill-fitting, well-worn shirt and all that they represent. Her obsession with money and appearances must stem from not having them as a young person and feeling that she somehow deserved it. The exclusion she probably experienced for being unremarkable may fuel her love of excluding people from her life. The bodyguard, the gated home, the handlers all feed her desire to seem important, different and above it all. It's quite sad really. And has isolated and hurt those poor lonely kids
Anyone can write a book. Whether one believes what is put forth depends upon how guillible the reader is. What is interesting is that there are those who choose to spill the beans, so to speak, by authoring a book that is not necessarily based on first-hand knowledge.
Then there is Beth, who was involved with this story for a very long time, lived it, and could write a blockbuster of a book. Those who would question the credibility of the Gosselin story, as told from her perspective, would be in the minority.
However, she has chosen to remain silent. This speaks volumes about her character. Discretion is the better part of valour, and Beth is indeed a class act.
It seems to me Kate grew up like 90% of other American kids--modest, simple, but comfortable. A full belly every night and a roof over her head and the normal activities like slumber parties and bike rides but no Disneyland and airplanes (boo hoo, tragic). Do we have any evidence her upbringing was anything other than normal rural PA blue-collar?
90% of Americans are not as discontented with that life as she clearly is. There is some other missing piece to the puzzle. Something happened in her upbringing, or it could just be the screw loose with the narcissism.
I know the narcissists I knew, who had a similar obsession with money, had an "event" in her life that changed things. That was when she got divorced without a pre-nup and was cleaned out. She vowed that would never happen again and ever since then has been miserly and quite literally obsessed with maintaining her lifestyle.
Beth's silence speaks volumes. Whether you agree with it or not, there is a reason she is consciously chosen to be silent, and the most obvious reason is out of love and respect for the kids. Despite how anyone may feel about Kate, you also have to keep in mind that Kate is the children's mother.
It's easy for strangers to criticize Kate. It is quite another thing for people who have formed relationships with the children to then go around trashing their parents. At the end of the day, Kate is still their mother and they love her. Betraying Kate is a betrayal of the children. Others have chosen to talk about Kate despite this and I feel there are also valid reasons for that, too, and I'm not suggesting that means they don't love the kids. I just think it takes just as much courage, if not more, to protect their privacy.
It just tells me loud and clear how much Beth loves those kids. And I also think she may believe that someday those kids might need her, and she wants to be there and still be someone they can trust. I think there's good reasons here.
You know, Admin, it's possible Mady and Cara are in communication with Beth. When they are in school, they may use computers to send and receive occasional e-mails or to chat with her. Also, since Kate only goes upstairs to their room once every 6 months or so to empty out the junk, they might do it from home, too.
No doubt Beth has promised them she wouldn't breathe a word of their conversations to anyone.
I hope they do chat with Beth and Talia.
Admin, with all the swirling controversy and accusations going around during this absence of KateNews, can you explain the T-shirt ad on this blog? Where did it come from, who designed the shirt, who gets the profits? Thanks.
Questions, the T-shirt is not an ad. It's just a t-shirt made up for fun with Alison Angrim's quote. It's not for sale unless I can drum up interest to order like 50 of them to bring the price down to what a t-shirt should cost (about 20 bucks I think), there hasn't been enough interest to make it anywhere near justified in ordering them. There is no "profit" to decide what to do with the "profits." Nothing has sold.
"She seems resentful of that forgettable, coarse featured face, the big-boned body and the cheap, ill-fitting, well-worn shirt and all that they represent. Her obsession with money and appearances must stem from not having them as a young person and feeling that she somehow deserved it."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I'm not sure where speculations like this come from, but it isn't correct. Kate's family was not poor, by any means. Her father purchased 86 acres of prime Lancaster County farmland, and they built their home on nearly seven acres of it. She graduated from an excellent private school where she was a cheerleader, and a cute one at that. She was not homely, nor was she dressed in tattered threads.
How could you possibly tell from that photo that the blouse was cheap, ill-fitting and well-worn? She looks like most of her classmates at that age. I'm willing to bet if we pulled out some of our own school photos, we'd shake our heads and say, "Did we really look like that?"
I've been reading all the blogs and taking everything in - and I just have to say that I really don't get the impression that Werney Gal is after either fame or money. I think she's one of the few people who actually is doing something to try to make a difference. From what I've read about her book, it's about the effect of reality TV on families and she's gathering various opinions about the issue. I think she's trying to make the point to the world that reality TV hurts families, especially the kids.
Just as an aside, I always kind of shake my head at the way the sheeple have this unfounded notion that anyone who ever speaks to the press in any form must be getting paid. I interned for CNN, I can tell you for a fact they did not pay anyone other than employees. This includes any guest on Larry King and certainly includes talking heads who normally charge a speaking fee--sorry, no can do. Occasionally this made some guests angry, but rules were rules. I also worked for a newspaper in a big city, same thing--no one was paid. I thought of this because I just read an article citing the Superbowl organizers that even the halftime show bands are NOT paid. Sure you get the exposure but you get exposure any time you do something publically. They think everything anyone ever does publically has some big dollar signs behind it and it's simply not so.
Another question to ponder. If they have such a problem with people getting paid to exploit Kate, where's the outrage at Kate for getting paid to exploit her kids?
Admin - perhaps... but it is a known fact that Casey Anthony was paid for photos and video of her murdered child, Caylee Anthony by a news outlet (I believe it was LKL). This has been discussed and documented by people who were there when the money exchanged hands.
Casey Anthony's parents have also received airline tickets, accomodations, and money given not for their attendance but supposedly for photos and video. This is how they sidestep the issue that someone is "not getting paid."
Again, this is documented (go see the Caylee Anthony news coverage).
As a former newspaper reporter, yes it is not ethically right for money to change hands, but in these days of reality television and "i-reporters" (notorious on CNN's website like a spread of leprosy) the high standards of a degree'd and trained professional reporting the news is a thing of the past.
BTW I'm just glad there is nothing new to discuss about Khate. Perhaps she is really fading away.
OT but shows clearly that news outlets and media DO pay:
Cindy and George Anthony paid for photos and videos
http://www.wftv.com/news/17970605/detail.html
ABC first denied it, but when caught with the cookie jar had to fess up:
http://www.aolnews.com/2010/03/19/abc-news-paid-casey-anthony-200-000/
The reality is that they did a switch and bait; paid for the videos/photos in order to get the interview. I don't believe for one moment that they didn't use the hook of money to get these people to be interviewed.
The simple truth is that we have no idea what money is passing hands or who is providing it.
I have no simple faith in the news, especially television news, where it is all about ratings. If I did, then these bozos would have done REAL interviews with Khate instead of the soft-PR crap that they did.
Do I believe "journalists" (or what passes for that today) care about those kids? Hell, no. They care about ratings and their interviews clearly show it.
I haven't read the book because I don't have a reader but I do plan to read it when it comes out in paperback.
I do not agree that it is too early to write this book. (I am basing all my opinions on what I have read here about what the book deals with.) I think saying it is too early to question the wisdom of "filming the crap" out of kids is akin to watching a burning building and saying we don't know that the roof will fall in. A lot of buildings manage to come out of a fire just fine. We can't say THIS building will have structural damage.
If a few fire fighters want to talk about what they THINK will happen to this building, if even just people who have read for years about fire's effects on building structures want to give their opinions, then I am willing to listen and learn.
And I don't think just watching the fire and waiting to see what actually happens THIS time is a very intelligent or rational response.
I think Werney approached the corn maze as a reporter and not as a stalker. I think she approached the book as a reporter and not as a fame whore. I think Werney has a quick and lively brain and I thought she came across as very credible on the E episode.
With further research I may change my mind. I do that--read, think and come to conclusions. In this instance and at this point in time my conclusions are different than the mainstream but I wouldn't quit reading here just because I disagreed with the majority. And I wouldn't want anyone to tell me to. If I felt the need I probably would move on all on my own--I wouldn't need someone to tell me to. I don't see how a person can say they love this blog because it allows dissenting view points then say people with differing opinions should just post their opinions elsewhere. Does not compute in this rational brain.
I want this blog to remain what it is: A place where both sides of any particular argument can be weighed. Even with some heat if it comes to that but with both sides represented.
IDModo said... "We all have one" said of Polly:"She has a right to write a book based on her professional opinions".
When a writer's opinions are based on nothing more than information from the tabloids,neighbourhood gossip, and occasional personal observation, as opposed to information gathered from interviews and clinical assessments of the subjects involved, they can hardly be called professional opinions.
In my opinion, using one's credentials to make something seem more learned or important, without actually performing within the diagnostic guidelines of the profession, is dubious from a standpoint of ethics.
Polly's opinions, when not backed up by appropriately scholarly research, are worth no more than yours or mine.
February 7, 2011 3:10 PM
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This is the best post on the topic, and it's worth reading again.
http://www.vplay.ro/serials/browse.do?sid=1109
I don't know if you will have access to this site but it's horrible.It's one of my favorite sites, watch TV series online here all the time and now I accidentally found out they have...Kate Plus 8! Here, on a ROMANIAN site.I just hope not too many people are interested. God, I can't believe this. What's worse is that people in my country think they're cute and have vaguely heard of the divorce but they are in no way aware of how awful the situation is for these kids.And to think some may blindly contribute to this woman's fame...
Yes, I have believed for years now that Beth's silence speaks volumes. She is a class act and Kate was/is jealous of her. Beth probably found out the hard way that you cannot be friends with someone who is jealous of you. It doesn't work.
Kate will never have what Beth has. I'm not talking about the material things, it's the class Kate will never own. Beth is her own person and obviously had enough. Kate is searching at the expense (literally) of her children. Whenever I hear about that 15% being split between 8 kids I just want to scream. Worst of all, Kate has access to that amount as well as the other 85%. When all her shows go south, and they will, the money will totally dry up and the kids will become of age and ask, "Where's the money, Mom?"
If I felt the need I probably would move on all on my own--I wouldn't need someone to tell me to. I don't see how a person can say they love this blog because it allows dissenting view points then say people with differing opinions should just post their opinions elsewhere. Does not compute in this rational brain.
*******************
It computes with mine, which is rational most of the time! Sheeple troll here simply to get a rise out of the bloggers, to stir the pot, take it back to their own pastures, dissect the posts, then sit back and laugh until they are bored enough again to find there way here. These aren't opinions from rational brains. These are sheeple who are, in fact, incapable of reasoning and therefore cannot put together any meaningful discussion on their own blogs. Therefore, they have to come here with dissenting opinions. They should post on their own blogs, not muddy the water here.
In The Neighborhood,
Thanks for leaving your opinion. While there is no way of knowing whether you truly know Kate- or you are just one of Kate's kookie fanatics, I will fight for your right to state your opinion, just as I hope you will allow me the right to state mine.
We have seen stories from 2 opposing sides that claim to know her in varying degrees. Unfortunately, the majority of people from "your" area have very negative opinions of Kate (including the folks that were her neighbors at their first home).
So whatever you want to believe, if it makes you happy, go for it.
As far as Werny, I don't think she has earned the treatment she has been getting for writing a book.
That's my opinion, and I'm standing by it.
WG apparently interviewed people well versed on the subject of reality tv and children in television and has written a book. The subjest is of interest to me, but I will not be buying it.
If WG had written the same book and not used the Gosselin name in the title, I would most likely be buying it.
Moose Mania: You say the sentiment to go post on your own blog makes rational sense to you. And yes, when the post is by an obvious silly little shit stirrer who traditionally posts on the other side of the fence, I completely agree with you. My issue was with the people complaining about those of us who don't feel Werney should be lambasted and are stating it here. I have never posted on any other blog but here so I have no other "home" place to give my opinion on this issue. Yes, I disagree with most of you (and, apparently most importantly to some, I disagree with Admin) on this issue but only (mostly) just on this issue. I am not here to stir the pot or ruffle the feathers. Nor do I think most of the people on the other side of the Werney issue who are posting here are shit stirrers who should be shooed back to wherever. It is possible I am wrong about the majority here and I should scurry away. But I did think it was a blog that welcomed honest dissenting opinions. As I said earlier I am always reading, thinking and reforming my conclusions. Perhaps I need to rethink my opinion of this blog.
I'm a little perplexed reading the comments (trying to catch up) here. Why would WG be considered to be taking advantage of the Gosselin situation/story any more than the E! Channel who showed the THS episode or all the TV shows that had Kate on as a guest, CNN's Larry King show, all the TV celebrity news shows, all the celebrity news websites, all the blogs and all their administrators....and even all of us who comment on them?
Who would NOT be taking advantage of them? Anyone who never publicly (be it on TV or on the internet) mentions anything remotely related to them?
Also...regarding the THS episode. I once saw one of them about Bob Crane, of the old Hogan's Heroes show. Now....I am sure that those who were in the know about him...or who followed him and his career, etc...were NOT all that surprised about the revelation of his sexual proclivities and behavior on that THS episode. BUT for ME, who really didn't know much about him....it was quite full of some stunning revelations.
We have to remember that the HUGE majority either don't know who Kate is or have only heard of her in passing...or maybe checked out her show once or twice for a few seconds, etc., who recognize her name but not much else. For those of us who are non-fans, the episode may have seemed to be a "puff-piece".....but to most of the rest of the planet...it was probably relatively new information.....and seen from that angle.....it certainly did not present her in a positive light.
Now....those sickening TV interviews they did with her during the past years WERE puff-pieces. To me, a puff-piece is a positive portrayal that in no way resembles the (very negative) reality. But I don't see the THS episode as qualifying as a puff piece. A person who didn't know her sure would NOT have walked away after watching that THS episode saying, "gee, what a great mom and nice person Kate G. is".
I'd only seen a few THS episodes prior to this one.....and this one was certainly no less "shockingly real" than any of the others were. It was true to form, from what I saw. Just like the Bob Crane episode...it certainly implied that he was not the great guy we had all seen on TV....and the same with Kate...the tacit implication being the main effect they use. It implied, IMO, that Kate G. is not a very nice person....certainly nothing like what people who didn't know much about her would probably assume.
And I'm going to assume that this use of tacit implication is probably because of legal issues. "Child Abuse" is a very risky, hot-button topic....and any show would be extremely reluctant to show anything overtly accusatory. I think that they protect themselves legally by doing a whole lot of implying....but I would definitely not call their implications very positive when it came to Kate G. (or any of the other subjects of the THS episodes, for that matter).
It was not a puff-piece nor was it a painfully accurate expose of everything horrible about the real Kate G.
It was something that was somewhere in-between...just like all the other THS episodes have been.
Admin said...
Just as an aside, I always kind of shake my head at the way the sheeple have this unfounded notion that anyone who ever speaks to the press in any form must be getting paid.
This drives me nuts too. Although I have only been to "The Dark Side" a couple times, I didn't know they were saying this. Do they think EVERY celebrity that goes on Ellen to plug a movie is getting a penny for that?? NO! They are getting their name out there, & getting exposure for their upcoming project. DUH. When ANY guest goes on a talk show, they are NOT getting a cent for it. WG even said she was NOT getting money, & if she did, she seems like the type of person that would probably donate to Paul Peterson's pet project. (sorry, can't remember the name)
Now, stupid challenging reality shows like DWTS, Survivor, things like that, of course you are getting paid. I am not sure if Bachelor/Bachelorette contestants get paid, but let's face facts, they are getting their frigin 15 minutes of fame but only appearing on that show, & then POOF, they are gone before you can say "What happened to..." Kate has been LUCKY. That is all. Where has she been? WHO CARES!!! Maybe TLC dumped her sorry ass once & for all. Maybe she realized she should start being a mother to her children because she Can't Understand Normal Thinking. I think it's great she's hiding under her rock. Leave her there.
A Pink Straight Jacket For Kate said...
"So whatever you want to believe, if it makes you happy, go for it."
----------------------
I'm sorry but this isn't allowing him/her to express his/her opinion, this is you calling him/her stupid/delusional and implying that your opinion is the one right one.It's you acting superior,IMO
We complain that the sheeple do not respect us, do we respect them? Yes, they have a different opinion,which, in our opinion is the wrong one, but does that give us the right to insult complete strangers?They have called us crazy,morons, haters,hypocrites and many others,yes,but we have also called them delusional,crazy,the real haters,stupid and so on. Should we really stoop down to their level?
I am not saying my attitude is different then yours, but at least let's not pretend we're understanding and respectful while they're the only ones being rude.
On a different note,can anybody still find those pictures with the kids being miserable during the Good Housekeeping Magazine shoot? I think ROL presented them for the first time.The boys looked particularly miserable and there was no picture with ALL of them smiling which is why they had to photoshop the cover and the pictures from the article.I can't find them anymore, it's like they've vanished.Does anyone know where they are?
I haven't read the book because I don't have a reader but I do plan to read it when it comes out in paperback.
----------
You don't need to have a Kindle to read books from Amazon. There are various Kindle apps that allow you to read their books on iphone, ipod touch, Android, and even on your computer.
Amazon.com: Free Kindle Reading Apps
Once you install the Kindle app on your device, you can also read a sample of Werny Gal's book before purchasing (which includes a portion of her transcribed interview with Paul Petersen).
Gosselin Gossip said
You don't need to have a Kindle to read books from Amazon. There are various Kindle apps that allow you to read their books on iphone, ipod touch, Android, and even on your computer.
============
Thank you. I have a son in college and cannot force myself to spend so frivously as to buy a Kindle for myself. I tried to convince him that is what he wanted for Christmas but it was a no go so I have to just wait. How lovely that I can read anyway!!!
I meant frivolously obviously. And periods between the initials instead of commas. I was just so happy at this news I got too giddy to proof read!
Not watching I didn't say no one is ever paid. Obviously there are many examples of people getting paid. There are also many examples of people not getting paid. To assume everyone is always paid to talk about the Gosselins is without a basis.
roxyhelen said...
A Pink Straight Jacket For Kate said...
"So whatever you want to believe, if it makes you happy, go for it."
----------------------
I'm sorry but this isn't allowing him/her to express his/her opinion, this is you calling him/her stupid/delusional and implying that your opinion is the one right one.It's you acting superior,IMO
We complain that the sheeple do not respect us, do we respect them? Yes, they have a different opinion,which, in our opinion is the wrong one, but does that give us the right to insult complete strangers?They have called us crazy,morons, haters,hypocrites and many others,yes,but we have also called them delusional,crazy,the real haters,stupid and so on. Should we really stoop down to their level?
I am not saying my attitude is different then yours, but at least let's not pretend we're understanding and respectful while they're the only ones being rude.
On a different note,can anybody still find those pictures with the kids being miserable during the Good Housekeeping Magazine shoot? I think ROL presented them for the first time.The boys looked particularly miserable and there was no picture with ALL of them smiling which is why they had to photoshop the cover and the pictures from the article.I can't find them anymore, it's like they've vanished.Does anyone know where they are?
***********************************************
roxyhelen,
I meant exactly what I wrote, whatever makes you happy, go for it. Nowhere did I tell that person that his/or her comment was unvalidated, or stupid/delusional and no where did I imply that my opinion is the one right one.
Believe me, I don't suffer fools. I say what I mean, and I mean what I say.
Please refrain from "reading" between the lines before you accuse someone of acting superior.
Thanks for leaving your opinion. While there is no way of knowing whether you truly know Kate- or you are just one of Kate's kookie fanatics, I will fight for your right to state your opinion, just as I hope you will allow me the right to state mine.
88888888888888888888888888
I think you misunderstood my post. I am NOT a fan, I am NOT a sheeple. I dispise everything Kate and Sheeple! The fact is that I do know her, but I would never write a book, even though my information would be more credible than someone who simply lives in the same town. I see no reason to hop aboard the Kate gravy train and put out any book with her name in the title.
What I have a problem with is compiling information from gossip sites, tabloids, and unsubstantiated sources, and then passing this off as facts. I don't care if the book is about Kate or the President of the United States. I'm too much of a fact-oriented person to accept the credibility of unconfirmed sources.
And again, I'm not a kookie Kate fan who belongs on the Dark Side (I NEVER go there). I don't see her disappearing any time soon, unless TLC pulls the plug, and unfortunately there's no indication that this is in the works.
It's too quite on the Gosselin front. This E! show and all these discussions and arguments are just what TLC needs as a diversion from filming at the house. They are probably getting ready for their new exploiting the Gosselin children travel specials and have been quietly filming screaming, squealing voiceovers and sofa set footage in their house.
Who has read WernyGal's entire book and can give us a synopsis of what it's REALLY about? I'm hearing a lot of speculation of what it's about and very little actual book reviewing. Who wants to start?
IDModo said... "We all have one" said of Polly:"She has a right to write a book based on her professional opinions".
When a writer's opinions are based on nothing more than information from the tabloids,neighbourhood gossip, and occasional personal observation, as opposed to information gathered from interviews and clinical assessments of the subjects involved, they can hardly be called professional opinions.
In my opinion, using one's credentials to make something seem more learned or important, without actually performing within the diagnostic guidelines of the profession, is dubious from a standpoint of ethics.
Polly's opinions, when not backed up by appropriately scholarly research, are worth no more than yours or mine.
**************************************
Actually I believe opinions from professionals are worth more- and no, they dont have to have done research on the specific subject they are speculating about. For instance, a lawyer can give an opinion on a court decision- w/out having to be a trial attorney or have worked on that case, and a political science professor can give his opinion about policy in a foreign country from just a newspaper article that he has read- why? Because they are educated and have background in those fields. They already have a base knowledge and that is what makes them a professional. I have no opinion of this Werny Gal's book one way or the other except for she has the right to write a book and her background does give her a more educated opinion about child exploitation and reality tv than those of us who have no background in psychology or sociology or anthropology or any social science.
"...political science professor can give his opinion about policy in a foreign country from just a newspaper article that he has read- why?"
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Not if he knows very little about the foreign country or its history or its current events! He can give his opinion, but it's not going to carry as much weight as someone who has researched that country, has spent time there, or has interviewed foreign dignitaries or people who have actually been on the scene there.
I've been away from G8 blogs for a wk. or two. Funny, life goes on and I have been on a reading kick and devoured multiple books in the past 10 days.
It seems the blogs have run out of things to rant about as it pertains to Kate, it's all been said ad nauseum anyway. Seems like now, all that anger that was directed towards her, has instead, resulted in "in-fighting" amongst the troops/bloggers. Noticed BM has her diversionary tactic going (sending you to a web site other than hers), which makes me think now might just be a good time to stop talking about anything Gosselin. I think some people won't know what to do with their time when that happens. May I recommend reading a good book.
I am astounded at the no. of women who follow apparently, and religiously, 3 or more blogs relating to K8. That does speak volumes to me as to just where people are putting their priorities and where are they getting this time from??????? More to the point, WHO are they taking this time away from? Let it go ladies, Kate is history.
But I did think it was a blog that welcomed honest dissenting opinions. As I said earlier I am always reading, thinking and reforming my conclusions. Perhaps I need to rethink my opinion of this blog.
_____________________________
The fact that you are posting this, it has not been deleted, nor has anyone told you to take this elsewhere, shows that this is a blog that welcomes dissenting opinions.
Everyone on the blogs wrote Werny Girls book. She just slapped all the messages and her interviews with a few people together and got a book.
IntheNeighborhood wrote " What I have a problem with is compiling information from gossip sites, tabloids, and unsubstantiated sources, and then passing this off as facts. I don't care if the book is about Kate or the President of the United States. I'm too much of a fact-oriented person to accept the credibility of unconfirmed sources."
Intheneighborhood is very observant and correct.
Butterfly said...
I have no opinion of this Werny Gal's book one way or the other except for she has the right to write a book and her background does give her a more educated opinion about child exploitation and reality tv than those of us who have no background in psychology or sociology or anthropology or any social science.
*************
Her opinion (or anyone's for that matter) is more educated than yours or mine to write about the Gosselins because she runs blog (came to the Gosselin story rather late) and is a licensed counselor? Please.
The only thing I agree with is that we're all allowed to have an opinion.
From what I understand the book is a compilation of interviews or Q&A from various people and copies of various blog comments over time ie: OURS.
And I completely agree with you Butterfly. A person who has been trained and has a career as a professional counselor and has treated people in certain siutations has more expertise than the average Joe on the street. So, I plan to buy the book and read it because I do think her opinion is worth reading. There are people on this blog and others as well who don't mind giving their opinion on the state of PA and their practices regarding abuse of children and actually accusing Kate of child abuse. I don't know this particular woman but she has repeatedly made comments about her career in child protective services and presents herself as an expert. Why is she more valid than WG or anyone else? When I read the book, I will consider that WG has never treated Kate or her children and that she is interviewing people who are experts in the field. I will make my own decision if it is believable or not.
fidosmommy -- as soon as I read the book I will be happy to tell you what it says. LOL
Off topic but this is a good article about John Paul Getty III. It's obvious how much wealth and being part of a famous family shaped his life. Apparently he was very disillusioned by his family's endless squabbles over money. He grew up in a castle with his divorced mother and was expelled from seven schools. As he got older he turned to drugs.
Basically money didn't buy this guy happiness--as Michelle Tanner would say "Duh!" Though apparently not such an obvious duh for some people.
And here's the article, lol I forgot the link:
http://www.aolnews.com/2011/02/08/john-paul-getty-iii-dies-oil-heir-led-tragic-life/
I can hear it now .......... But he had so many opportunities: trips, castles, the best private schools!
Yes, lonely castles, schools he was kicked out of, and trips where he loaded himself up with so much drugs he paralyzed himself.
fidosmommy said...Who has read WernyGal's entire book and can give us a synopsis of what it's REALLY about? I'm hearing a lot of speculation of what it's about and very little actual book reviewing. Who wants to start?
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Good point.
I, too, am waiting to read reviews from those who have actually PURCHASED AND READ the book before I consider doing the same. (I'm sorry but I can't take the word of mouth from those who also participated in the book in some fashion, even if their intentions were good, because it creates bias on their part.)
I did read the sample of Werny Gal's book (mentioned upthread) and it's reflective of her blog. She actually quoted from her own blog posts and just transcribed her interview with Paul Petersen. I enjoyed reading her interview with the tv producer because it was very insightful but now, I have to pay $9.99 for more of this exclusive content from her blog (now in book form). From the book sample alone, it did not entice me to buy thus far as much of the information (aside from the Paul Petersen interview) can already be found on her existing blog. It comes down to whether I really want to spend that money on something I'll read only once or some other electronic media like an album I can enjoy multiple times over and over again?
I am either a cheapskate, a penny pincher, or have just become accustomed to getting so much information/media content for free on the web. Probably all of the above.
I personally think she would have reached more readers by just posting this exclusive content on her blog. There is no risk factor involved i.e. spending money to read what Paul Petersen, Reality TV producer, etc. have to say. Readers who felt her content could enlighten others could easily spread the word emailing/posting links directly back to her site, instead of paraphrasing/summarizing what was mentioned in a book.
However, she did put in the extra work to deliver these interviews. If she feels this exclusive content shouldn't be free, then she has that right to charge her readers for it.
Unfortunately, at this point, I am one Werny Gal reader who will pass on this book as I do not think it is worth the cost for her exclusive content. However, if I read more enticing reviews from purchasing readers, it might change my mind.
Moose Mania said...
"...political science professor can give his opinion about policy in a foreign country from just a newspaper article that he has read- why?"
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Not if he knows very little about the foreign country or its history or its current events! He can give his opinion, but it's not going to carry as much weight as someone who has researched that country, has spent time there, or has interviewed foreign dignitaries or people who have actually been on the scene there.
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Again let me state my point- I said a professional in comparison to a person who doesnt have background in said field- NOT comparing a professional's opinion of a subject to another's who is active in that field. Apples and oranges. But I will value an opinion from someone who is educated in the subject they are commenting on than the average joe on the street. Again, I have no desire to WG's book, but I do back her right to write on the subject she chooses, this is a free country after all.
In The Neighborhood said...
I think you misunderstood my post. I am NOT a fan, I am NOT a sheeple. I dispise everything Kate and Sheeple! The fact is that I do know her, but I would never write a book, even though my information would be more credible than someone who simply lives in the same town. I see no reason to hop aboard the Kate gravy train and put out any book with her name in the title.
What I have a problem with is compiling information from gossip sites, tabloids, and unsubstantiated sources, and then passing this off as facts. I don't care if the book is about Kate or the President of the United States. I'm too much of a fact-oriented person to accept the credibility of unconfirmed sources.
And again, I'm not a kookie Kate fan who belongs on the Dark Side (I NEVER go there). I don't see her disappearing any time soon, unless TLC pulls the plug, and unfortunately there's no indication that this is in the works.
***********************************************
Ahhhhhhh.... my apologies then for misunderstanding you.
In the words of the late, great Gilda Radner/Emily Litella-
Nevermind :o)
Psssst, I would never write a book on Kate Gosselin either...
I downloaded the book this afternoon and am about 40% into it. It is not the in-depth look by experts in the field I wanted. It has no footnotes, no original research. So far it is interviews with the standard cast of characters. Nothing new or exciting. It is gossipy. Still keeping an open mind just in case all the dense stuff is held until the second part of the book but am beginning to lose faith. The book is definitely readable but also definitely not ground breaking. There is a book about the Gosselins and reality television that needs to be written. This is not that one. (So far. Still half a book to go and it may surprise me. Not actually holding my breath but it may.)
I do not understand why some think Beth is a saint by keeping her mouth shut. Yes, I would not put myself out there because we have certainly seen what the repercussions are with the trolls, but maybe she is keeping silent because she did not have a falling out with Kate? I have not seen any proof, at least I don't recall any, that she did, just comments that assume she is angry that Kate took the glory for writing the book. Certainly she could be of help to Jon in his fight to keep the kids off TV. She was a witness to the filming. Why doesn't she help Jon? Anyway, maybe she is a class act or maybe not, but she did get involved with the family to get filmed, write a book, and advertise her art. She's not a saint.
As far as Werny's book, she is most definitely not in this for the money. Self-publishing is very expensive. I can speak from experience having worked for an organization which self-published a cookbook. Now I do have to admit I would rather that she just publish on her blog what she wrote but if she wants to write a book, it's a free country. BM can also write a book if she wants.
T.I.N.I.C. said... "So far it is interviews with the standard cast of characters."
Who might they be?
Since I am the person who has posted regarding Kate as a child abuser, and am being slagged all over the place for doing so, I would like to clarify what I have actually said about the issue.
My quarrel has been with the Pennsylvania child abuse laws, and I have spent a great deal of time trying to get someone to address this issue.
In the province and country where I live,much of Kate's behaviour (documented on film) would be considered reportable abuse.This is a statement of fact, not opinion.I am not speculating about whether it might be or not.
I believe the Pennsylvania laws are inadequate to provide the protection the Gosselin children, and others, need. Incidentally, WG and I have never disagreed on this issue.
I worked with abused children and their familiies for over thirty years. I believe that gives me some expertise in the field. However, I would not speculate on the effect of Kate's behaviour on a particular child or children, because I am not in a position to assess this professionally. This would be against professional ethics. This is my issue with anyone who is doing such speculation and using their "professionalism" to make their words carry more weight.
T.I.N.I.C. said...I downloaded the book this afternoon and am about 40% into it. It is not the in-depth look by experts in the field I wanted. It has no footnotes, no original research. So far it is interviews with the standard cast of characters. Nothing new or exciting. It is gossipy. Still keeping an open mind just in case all the dense stuff is held until the second part of the book but am beginning to lose faith. The book is definitely readable but also definitely not ground breaking. There is a book about the Gosselins and reality television that needs to be written. This is not that one. (So far. Still half a book to go and it may surprise me. Not actually holding my breath but it may.)
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Thanks for the info!
Besides your opinion, there are only two other reviews from purchasing readers (one an Amazon Verified Purchase and one on another Gosselin site) and all three of you have similar opinions.
Hopefully, you won't be regretting your purchase like those other two.
As for the interviews and other exclusive content, is there anything enlightening/eye-opening that wasn't already mentioned on Werny Gal's site? Her blog interview with the reality tv producer was very insightful, so I'm wondering what else he said in the 60% she included exclusively for the book.
Questions said... T.I.N.I.C. said... "So far it is interviews with the standard cast of characters."
Who might they be?
================
I am up to 47% now and the second portion is starting better.
We have: Paul Petersen, Eric Roberts (who believes Jon is wrong to try to remove the pay check--not what I wanted to read!), Paul Petersen again, then Dr. Michael Brody-- a child psychiatrist, who had great potential but never quite came up to snuff, Dr. Lillian Glass, The TV Producer, and now the most interesting --Jennifer Pozner, a reality television show researcher. I am just reading her interview and so far find her the most of what I was looking for.
Again let me say I think this book is very readable and holds your interest. The lack of depth was my complaint but in this current interview I may be finding what I was looking for. As I find time to read more I will let you know.
The best book written about Kate would be for a writer to review all of Kate's 125 plus tv shows, her magazine interviews, her books, and all of tv interviews and then write about ALL her lies. Kate could not possibly think of suing the writer because the book would strictly be her words and actions contradicting her words and actions stated elsewhere on tape or page.
That way the writer doesn't need to worry about getting interviews with her family or friends. Let Kate hang herself with her own words and actions. I think it would be a great book exposing her for who she is...a liar.
I would be glad to review and research free of charge for the writer.
I watched a couple of these shows WAY back before the money bug struck. How pathetic these parents are - ruining these children's childhoods. They would be NOTHING without these money makers. I tuned out when I saw Kate treating her husband/ her FAMILY - friends who helped her like SLAVES. She is arrogant, rude, obnoxious. What mother drags her boyfriend around? They are a perfect example of how BIG BUCKS ruins those who were once nobodies. The children will not thank her when they are no longer cute and being dragged around like Christmas Hams. SAD SAD SAD
T.I.N.I.C. said...I downloaded the book this afternoon and am about 40% into it. It is not the in-depth look by experts in the field I wanted. It has no footnotes, no original research. So far it is interviews with the standard cast of characters. Nothing new or exciting. It is gossipy. Still keeping an open mind just in case all the dense stuff is held until the second part of the book but am beginning to lose faith. The book is definitely readable but also definitely not ground breaking. There is a book about the Gosselins and reality television that needs to be written. This is not that one. (So far. Still half a book to go and it may surprise me. Not actually holding my breath but it may.)
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Thanks for the info!
Besides your opinion, there are only two other reviews from purchasing readers (one an Amazon Verified Purchase and one on another Gosselin site) and all three of you have similar opinions.
Hopefully, you won't be regretting your purchase like those other two.
As for the interviews and other exclusive content, is there anything enlightening/eye-opening that wasn't already mentioned on Werny Gal's site? Her blog interview with the reality tv producer was very insightful, so I'm wondering what else he said in the 60% she included exclusively for the book.
Butterfly said...
I have no opinion of this Werny Gal's book one way or the other except for she has the right to write a book and her background does give her a more educated opinion about child exploitation and reality tv than those of us who have no background in psychology or sociology or anthropology or any social science.
*************
Her opinion (or anyone's for that matter) is more educated than yours or mine to write about the Gosselins because she runs blog (came to the Gosselin story rather late) and is a licensed counselor? Please.
The only thing I agree with is that we're all allowed to have an opinion.
From what I understand the book is a compilation of interviews or Q&A from various people and copies of various blog comments over time ie: OURS.
Everyone on the blogs wrote Werny Girls book. She just slapped all the messages and her interviews with a few people together and got a book.
IntheNeighborhood wrote " What I have a problem with is compiling information from gossip sites, tabloids, and unsubstantiated sources, and then passing this off as facts. I don't care if the book is about Kate or the President of the United States. I'm too much of a fact-oriented person to accept the credibility of unconfirmed sources."
Intheneighborhood is very observant and correct.
Who has read WernyGal's entire book and can give us a synopsis of what it's REALLY about? I'm hearing a lot of speculation of what it's about and very little actual book reviewing. Who wants to start?
fidosmommy said...Who has read WernyGal's entire book and can give us a synopsis of what it's REALLY about? I'm hearing a lot of speculation of what it's about and very little actual book reviewing. Who wants to start?
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Good point.
I, too, am waiting to read reviews from those who have actually PURCHASED AND READ the book before I consider doing the same. (I'm sorry but I can't take the word of mouth from those who also participated in the book in some fashion, even if their intentions were good, because it creates bias on their part.)
I did read the sample of Werny Gal's book (mentioned upthread) and it's reflective of her blog. She actually quoted from her own blog posts and just transcribed her interview with Paul Petersen. I enjoyed reading her interview with the tv producer because it was very insightful but now, I have to pay $9.99 for more of this exclusive content from her blog (now in book form). From the book sample alone, it did not entice me to buy thus far as much of the information (aside from the Paul Petersen interview) can already be found on her existing blog. It comes down to whether I really want to spend that money on something I'll read only once or some other electronic media like an album I can enjoy multiple times over and over again?
I am either a cheapskate, a penny pincher, or have just become accustomed to getting so much information/media content for free on the web. Probably all of the above.
I personally think she would have reached more readers by just posting this exclusive content on her blog. There is no risk factor involved i.e. spending money to read what Paul Petersen, Reality TV producer, etc. have to say. Readers who felt her content could enlighten others could easily spread the word emailing/posting links directly back to her site, instead of paraphrasing/summarizing what was mentioned in a book.
However, she did put in the extra work to deliver these interviews. If she feels this exclusive content shouldn't be free, then she has that right to charge her readers for it.
Unfortunately, at this point, I am one Werny Gal reader who will pass on this book as I do not think it is worth the cost for her exclusive content. However, if I read more enticing reviews from purchasing readers, it might change my mind.
Moose Mania: You say the sentiment to go post on your own blog makes rational sense to you. And yes, when the post is by an obvious silly little shit stirrer who traditionally posts on the other side of the fence, I completely agree with you. My issue was with the people complaining about those of us who don't feel Werney should be lambasted and are stating it here. I have never posted on any other blog but here so I have no other "home" place to give my opinion on this issue. Yes, I disagree with most of you (and, apparently most importantly to some, I disagree with Admin) on this issue but only (mostly) just on this issue. I am not here to stir the pot or ruffle the feathers. Nor do I think most of the people on the other side of the Werney issue who are posting here are shit stirrers who should be shooed back to wherever. It is possible I am wrong about the majority here and I should scurry away. But I did think it was a blog that welcomed honest dissenting opinions. As I said earlier I am always reading, thinking and reforming my conclusions. Perhaps I need to rethink my opinion of this blog.
Yes, I have believed for years now that Beth's silence speaks volumes. She is a class act and Kate was/is jealous of her. Beth probably found out the hard way that you cannot be friends with someone who is jealous of you. It doesn't work.
Kate will never have what Beth has. I'm not talking about the material things, it's the class Kate will never own. Beth is her own person and obviously had enough. Kate is searching at the expense (literally) of her children. Whenever I hear about that 15% being split between 8 kids I just want to scream. Worst of all, Kate has access to that amount as well as the other 85%. When all her shows go south, and they will, the money will totally dry up and the kids will become of age and ask, "Where's the money, Mom?"
OT but shows clearly that news outlets and media DO pay:
Cindy and George Anthony paid for photos and videos
http://www.wftv.com/news/17970605/detail.html
ABC first denied it, but when caught with the cookie jar had to fess up:
http://www.aolnews.com/2010/03/19/abc-news-paid-casey-anthony-200-000/
The reality is that they did a switch and bait; paid for the videos/photos in order to get the interview. I don't believe for one moment that they didn't use the hook of money to get these people to be interviewed.
The simple truth is that we have no idea what money is passing hands or who is providing it.
I have no simple faith in the news, especially television news, where it is all about ratings. If I did, then these bozos would have done REAL interviews with Khate instead of the soft-PR crap that they did.
Do I believe "journalists" (or what passes for that today) care about those kids? Hell, no. They care about ratings and their interviews clearly show it.
The childhood picture of Kate at the top of this thread is what I think she is trying so hard to overcome. She seems resentful of that forgettable, coarse featured face, the big-boned body and the cheap, ill-fitting, well-worn shirt and all that they represent. Her obsession with money and appearances must stem from not having them as a young person and feeling that she somehow deserved it. The exclusion she probably experienced for being unremarkable may fuel her love of excluding people from her life. The bodyguard, the gated home, the handlers all feed her desire to seem important, different and above it all. It's quite sad really. And has isolated and hurt those poor lonely kids
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