Tuesday, August 26, 2008

SOUND OFF - Secret Message Board


I am receiving quite a few comments regarding the secret message board on different posts where they probably don't belong. So please discuss it here. Feel free to copy and paste other things that have been submitted this morning and submit them here.

107 comments:

amy said...

what is the secret message board...i saw reference to it somewhere on here???

Anonymous said...

After much digging on Bitter but Brilliant, I found some posts about the secret message board. I didn't find anything by afrojo, but from somebody called seashell. Seashell's post from Feb 16 2008 was quoted here

http://bitterbutbrilliant.rapidboards.com/index.php?showtopic=69&st=3600&rbp=85531&#entry85531

"Oh thank goodness, I am another refugee from TWOP. I am also a refugee from the new secret forum that was started in January. It was started w/ good intentions by good people but time has taken its toll. The last 3 weeks, ugh. The new site requires an invite. Sadly, it turned quite toxic this week. All the cyber stars you mention from many threads seem to be flocking to the new private site. By April it will be over the top."

But seashell edited her original post on Mar 1 2008 here

http://bitterbutbrilliant.rapidboards.com/index.php?showtopic=73&st=17450&rbp=85514&#entry85514

"Ugh, maybe I have found sanctuary. I was on TWOP sporadically. I made the mistake of posting a tiny bit more on the J&K thread recently.

These TWOP refugees view themselves as simply better, which is humorous. Some feel they write better. Parent better. Have a better sense of humor. Pocess a clever wit, beyound reproach. Then they end up expressing what they hated at TWOP. And are more toxic but in a veiled way. They think they are clever or different when all they say is stuff like, Kate is a BITCH, her kids are spoiled or delayed or emotional time bombs, etc, etc..............Anyhoo, thanks, I will read and see if saner people prevail. People that admit they make fun and can be katty, but not so serious. And not not incessant tattlers to the TWOP."

A poster called Port Authority also confirms the existence of the secret forum here

http://bitterbutbrilliant.rapidboards.com/index.php?showtopic=73&st=17450&rbp=85576&#entry85576

"I was invited onto the alternative J & K site as well. I did not choose to do that. And yet, I am one of the most hated persons on THIS board. It is a show, I have opinions, and yet, I actually listen to other people and can change my opinions, or modify them."

Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have e-mailed Serena and Sharla with thoughts and have always, more consistently from Serena, recieved polite, thankful, useful responses. When I say this, I mean they are not condescending or sarcastic and consistent with their stand.

I don't know and can't speak for anyone else who may not have had the same type of experience when dealing with either one of them.

This being said. A few weeks back when there was mention of the "Secret Board" I e-mailed Serena about it. She replied that there was a Private Board and she described how it was started (from the TWOP - members who met privately) and how its use relates to the GWOP board. She was vehement in her stance that it was not at all used for the reasons stated here (GDNNOP) - making fun and being nasty at the children's expense.

Though vague, I accepted her answer.

Now the issue of the Private, Secret board or boards has come up again and I e-mailed Serena again. Once again she acknowledged the Private board but she denied the accusation that the content is contrary to the "mission" of GWOP.

I e-mailed her the link. I asked her point blank about it and once again she said the content is not contrary to GWOP mission - it is not attacking or making fun of children, other members of their own board, Jodi, etc. I told her that I had seen the header pictures and she said that they are placed their by the moderator of the board.

Serena claims she had to be invited like everyone else and the moderator of the board is not a contributing member of the GWOP board.

I told her from the beginning that I would not ask her to be invited to the group - I questioned her about the content (I never questioned its existence) and her relation to it.

"So, anyone who wants access can see for themselves and verify its content." I asked.

She again reiterated that the board did not belong to her and there is nothing offensive that would prevent the group from adding new members. It would be up to the moderator - because in addition to whatever Gosselin-related topic the group started with - there is also 8 months worth of personal information the group has shared with each other.

She gave a pretty compelling social situation example that made sense to me.

I do not believe there is content that is contrary to GWOP or that Serena is directly involved and or condoning a site that is.

I did not ask for access to the site, but if you are still skeptical, e-mail Serena yourself and ask for the "Secret Board's" mods info and ask for access yourself.

This is information from Serena herself. Of course there may be a possibility that she is lying, but since I was speaking directly to the source and there is no other compelling evidence to prove otherwise, I am giving her the benefit of the doubt.

Nina Bell, the mod on this site, has equally been polite, repectful and forthcoming.

August 26, 2008 10:08 AM

Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...

What fgf didn't tell you about the "Fatty Arbuckle" comment was that someone posted it in jest and then people immediately said it was in poor taste and she apologized. We all make mistakes. When among people we think are friends, we don't expect someone to then try to pass a momentary lapse in judgement as condemnation of an entire group.

August 26, 2008 10:37 AM

Anonymous said...

Anonymous Fanny said...

Serena can say whatever she wants to, I ain't buyin' it.

August 26, 2008 10:41 AM

Anonymous said...

Anonymous Linda said...

Anonymous:

I appreciate your very lengthy explanation of your emails with Serena/Sharla re: the private board.

You wrote this:

"I do not believe there is content that is contrary to GWOP"

I know that I've stated this over and over again, but it seems to me that alot of the commentary on the GwoP blog is contrary to the mission of the GwoP blog.

I've seen comments posted that say that the kids are brats, look suicidal, will become drug dealers, have unwanted pregnancies, etc., etc.

If that stuff is posted on the public board without batting an eye, then I have no doubt that the stuff posted on the secret board is much worse.

August 26, 2008 10:51 AM

Anonymous said...

Anonymous to me
show details 12:15 PM (15 minutes ago) Reply


Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Good Advice":

Actually, there are many commenters on the blog who are much harsher on Kate than the vast majority on the private board. You just can't generalize from one to the other. A lot of people on the private board never go to the blog. They don't care about it. Be thankful that as much crazy gets deleted as it does. There are REAL wackjobs out there that aren't anywhere near the private board.

Nina Bell said...

Please note - comments have been moved to this post.

Anonymous said...

Amy -

It's a private board that many of the GWoP moderators and regulars belong to:

http://z15.invisionfree.com/Reality_TV_Unlocked/index.php?act=Reg&CODE=00

The whole issue - including FGF's decision to come forward with more details is included in the Aunt Jodi's Video thread (start looking around comment 200). At least that's where I found it just now.

Anonymous said...

My thoughts.

-I can't wrap my mind around the thought that calling a (then) three-year-old "Fatty Arbuckle" could be said in *jest*. This is not a "momentary lapse in judgement", but rather the hateful thoughts of a very sick person in my opinion.

-I appreciate FGF providing the information she has. It does further validate what a lot of us have been saying about the unsavory aspects of GWoP for some time. However, similar to the Jodi video, it doesn't change anything for me. I have already seen enough inappropriate speculation and comments made about the kids on the GWoP site itself. I already have zero respect for those who post this type of garbage. If they want to have a private board to further let their hair down, go at it. It's a free country.

I do hope that some of the more reasonable posters at GWoP are made aware of this information so they can judge for themselves whether they want to continue to be associated with GWoP. (I would have thought that most would have already fled, but I guess we all have different tolerance levels).

Anonymous said...

What fgf didn't tell you about the "Fatty Arbuckle" comment was that someone posted it in jest and then people immediately said it was in poor taste and she apologized. We all make mistakes. When among people we think are friends, we don't expect someone to then try to pass a momentary lapse in judgement as condemnation of an entire group.

Huh. Really? Never mentioned before?


The all consuming hatred of Kate has legs, too. A certain "private" hater board was starting take out its "Kate Hate" on the Gosselin child that appears to be Kate's favorite. I won't mention that tup's name (you can probably figure it out), but posters began crossing the line in making fun of that particular tup's physical appearance and favored status. I mean, my GOD, what adult makes fun of a four year old? A few posters voiced their objection to the name calling, and it ceased, but they were definitely in the minority and you got the feeling that someone had spoiled the name caller's fun.

August 1, 2008 2:15 PM


Looks like it was mentioned to me. More than once, actually.

I spoke up when one child was snarked about for being Kate's "favorite," with the final straw being when the child was referred to as "Fatty Arbuckle." I admit, that there were several posters who spoke up against THAT, proving that not everyone over there is a bad person.

August 8, 2008 1:17 PM


Maybe you should do some research and check the other threads before opening your yap (and hiding under the screen name “anonymous,” of course).

I don’t get it. So, you have a message board. Big deal. Yeah, you were “outed.” By more than one of your former members on more than one board, it looks like. Did you really think everyone was going to fall into place and agree with what was being said there? This isn’t Nazi Germany. The Internet is never really private and defections were bound to occur. If you were rude enough to someone, or ignored them because they didn’t go along with the rest of the herd, they’re going to have no problem ratting you out, given the opportunity. Plus, calling them "liars" is really smart, isn’t it? Yeah, throw some gasoline on the fire and see what happens.

Yet, some crazies in the GWoP crowd are hounding Ninabell with posts trying to “out” people. There are people monitoring this board until all hours. Checking the site meter. Trying to find out log-in information. Sending cryptic messages trying to “out’ the “suspects.” Basically proving that, yeah, they are quite capable of cyberstalking the Gosselins if they’re doing the same thing to posters here.

All this over a freaking TV SHOW? Isn’t that a little extreme?

Anonymous said...

linda said...
By the way, anonymous. I don't know that anyone is saying Serena is behind the private message boards as in she started them.

I do believe that she acknowledges starting the GwoP blog and that it was born out of a group of people who started chatting after the TwoP forum on J&K was closed.

The secret message board, by Serena's own admission exists. She is saying that the content isn't offensive or inconsistent with the mission of GwoP, but then again she doesn't find the derogatory posts about the Gs on her blog to be inconsistent with the mission of GwoP.

Hmmmm

Anonymous said...

Serena didn't start the blog. So yes, there are malcontents. I've tried to be reasonable and get along here. It's wasted effort.

Anonymous said...

According to me,the actual intent of the GwoP moderators is the real reason why that site has so many vile, nasty comments. By allowing people to get away with abusing J&K and also the children, they have proven their lack of understanding of what the word 'moderator' really means. I can understand if they want to be anti J&K and have issues with supposed J&K irregularities (based on what they see on the TV show and Jodi's video), but to broadcast their dissent in that manner actually turns people off, makes their intent really suspect.
One of the contributors even made a racist remark- (paraphrasing)- All of Korea smells of 'human waste' and Kate would be disgusted there.

Anonymous said...

I think this board is just becoming a board to come to in order to feud with and talk about people from GWoP, it always ends up about them, even when commenting about the latest episode.

I said before that I just skip over the rants about GWoP because I find it boring, (I agree they are crazy but get tired of reading about them and what they say, so no I am not one of them), but since this site has decided to become all about GWoP there is too much to skip over, so I guess I will just move on now. It's just all becoming so ridiculous.

Anonymous said...

I think this board is just becoming a board to come to in order to feud with and talk about people from GWoP, it always ends up about them, even when commenting about the latest episode.

Wow, I don't think I've ever seen that sentiment expressed before.

I said before that I just skip over the rants about GWoP because I find it boring, (I agree they are crazy but get tired of reading about them and what they say, so no I am not one of them), but since this site has decided to become all about GWoP there is too much to skip over, so I guess I will just move on now. It's just all becoming so ridiculous.

Yes, you have said it before. I'm sure I've repeated myself a time or two on this blog, but I confess that I don't understand repeated comments about how you skip over posts related to GWoP. So, you skip over the posts and then...you post about them? If you want to skip those posts because they don't interest you, then do so. But when you (or anyone) feels the need to comment as you do above, it feels manipulative to me. Read GWoP-related posts, or don't. Visit this blog, or don't. I don't understand the need to make pronouncements about it, unless you're trying to make a point.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous 4:49 -

May I suggest that your first step to "get along" and "be reasonable" might be to establish a screen name so that we know to whom we are addressing our comments.

It is not a wasted effort. Tell Serena that I said hello.

P.S. And Manda too!

Anonymous said...

Actually, I agree with scp's comment. I came here for the supposed "fair and balanced" discussion - but I too get the very strong sense that this site was created simply to attack GWOP. If it is, just go ahead and say so. You don't have to say "no" if it's really true. Why are they mentioned all over the place? I thought they were too harsh over there, but I'm wondering if this site is simply a Pro Jon and Kate site in disguise? If so ... then there IS no fair and balanced place.

Nina Bell said...

kimberlee,

I have never seen you post here?

Anonymous said...

It's my first publication. I lurk, but felt I wanted to say this.

Nina Bell said...

This site is what you make it. Balanced as I have said before means that everyone's opinion is heard. Why don't you tell me what you would like to see here. E-mail me. Write an article to be posted. Set the tone. Ask people to join you doing so. If that fails, that you have a right to complain.

Anonymous said...

I have actually found this site to be fair and very well balanced. I have seen positive and negative thoughts/comments relating to J+K. I think because it is so balanced, it makes the regulars over at GWOP afraid. They have the attitude: "if you are not with us, you are against us!!"

So, thank you Nina Bell for providing this blog!!

Anonymous said...

The "secret board" is a group of good friends that originally got together chatting when the J&K thread on TWoP would shut down. It isn't secret as much as a private place for friends to talk among themselves. There is no mystique. Topics and conversation are wide and vast as talk among friends often is. There is some personal info and sharing that goes on as it is among friends, therefore privacy among friends is protected and kept private. I have said things to a friend that was in poor judgement now and then and yet within that relationship it would be understood that it isn't really what I mean or who I am and it would not be spread to be hurtful. I am human and will never be perfect and my friends understand this. I don't understand all of the fuss, and all of the interest, it's not a big deal. It's just a more intimate space where friends talk among themselves privately, no motives, no mission, no harm, no foul. It is a great place for us to share and I would highly recommend developing one of your own, if you want a place to discuss and work out life issues that at times are difficult. Or just to share the days joys and sorrows in friendship.

Anonymous said...

Anon 7:33 AM said....

They have the attitude: "if you are not with us, you are against us!!"


If I am not mistaken, didn't Kate say that to Jon once?! They are more like Kate than they want to admit!

Seriously, I get the same feeling as you do and I don't understand it. It seems their site has plenty of hits and more posts than it can keep up with. Why worry about little 'ol us?

Nobody is getting rich off this enterprise. I am pretty sure Nina Bell and NoMoreDrama will back me on that assertion!

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said, re: the secret board: "It is a great place for us to share and I would highly recommend developing one of your own, if you want a place to discuss and work out life issues that at times are difficult. Or just to share the days joys and sorrows in friendship."

It's odd that the Gosselins come up often on a board that is dedicated to friendship and life issues! I belong to a mom's message board where we discuss child rearing, sickness and other life issues and I can count on one hand how many times the Jon and Kate have come up!

Anonymous said...

Anonymous 9:19 -

You wrote:

I have said things to a friend that was in poor judgement now and then and yet within that relationship it would be understood that it isn't really what I mean or who I am and it would not be spread to be hurtful. I am human and will never be perfect and my friends understand this.

That sounds great that you all can understand human faults.

Have you all considered extending that same courtesy to the Gs?

Anonymous said...

I am human and will never be perfect and my friends understand this.

Too bad Kate Gosselin isn't afforded the same kindness.

kimberlee, it's been said before, but I think this site was created in response to the fact that very few posts that were not vociferously anti-Gosselin made it through on GWoP. The moderators there have sometimes claimed a certain set of criteria for denying posts, and yet many of us have found that our posts did not violate that criteria, and still they were not posted.

So GDNNOP was born - it was (and is) simply a place where different POVs can be heard. Speaking for myself, some of my posts are anti-GWoP, some are pro-Gosselin, some criticize the Gosselins, and some are a mixture. They all get posted, so I that's why I think this site is "fair and balanced" - different POVs are welcome. You can post pro-Gosselin, anti-Gosselin, pro-GWoP, anti-GWoP. I believe only obvious trolling posts are not allowed.

I still don't understand the point of posting just to say that you don't like what other people are posting. Why not say something substantive instead? Talk about the show, talk about the Gosselins. People may or may not agree with you but I still think it's more productive than complaining about this site being anti-GWoP.

Anonymous said...

I've been a lurker on this site until now. I came here looking for a different perspective on things. Just as an observation from someone who reads both blogs:

- GWoP do get nasty at times and I haven't agreed with some of the things certain moderators say
- I think GWoP has veered off from it's original intent
- I think I read more about GWoP or references to GWoP on this blog than I do about JK+8 issues... at least lately. GWoP has it's issues but I rarely hear people outwardly bash this website. I would be able to take this side of the argument more seriously if it wasn't so concerned about what other people were saying/doing. Right now it seems more like a blog about how your opinion is superior to others than a blog about your concerns for a certain show.

What I'd like to see more on this blog:
- More commentary on the show and not other blogs. Let others say what they want and just let it be.
- Maybe a Q&A from your perspective if you have true information to questions asked

Now I"m sure this isn't going to be a popular post here. I get the feeling that if people aren't in complete agreement, they're bashed, so I doubt if I"ll post anymore. Just my two cents.

Nina Bell said...

Thanks for your comment. Can you explain the Q&A in more detail or possibly e-mail me. ninabell53@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Neutral said...

"Now I"m sure this isn't going to be a popular post here. I get the feeling that if people aren't in complete agreement, they're bashed, so I doubt if I"ll post anymore."


I am not sure why you think your post is going to be "bashed." It certainly won't be by me. There are some posters here who enjoy a good debate, but I assure you they are as harmless as kittens!

I am not sure that you are going to find a place where you can just state your opinion and not have anyone challenge you. I agree we should keep it respectful, however.

I love talking about the show. I don't have a problem talking about issues SURROUNDING the show either, however. For you, perhaps you want to stick more to posting in the feature devoted specifically to that week's show. It may have gotten bumped down a bit on the page, but the 4th of July feature is still here and I personally check it a couple times of day to see if anyone has added any new thoughts.

As Nina Bell and others have stated, the blog is going to take the tone of those willing to post. Nina posts just about everything, so if you want to see some changes, lead the way. I am sure there are probably other lurkers who feel like you do.

Anonymous said...

Well GWoP has a Q&A section where people can ask questions regarding the show, family, etc. Sometimes it gets too personal, but some of the information is interesting. My feeling is that if the question is too personal in the moderators opinion they can simply say it's a breach of privacy. My one complaint for GWoP's section is the overuse of assumptions in answers.

Example:
Q: Do the Gosselins have friends in the church?
A: We don't know but we really doubt it
(as opposed to "we dont know because we don't go to their church")

Nina Bell said...

Neutral,

Let me just respond to a few other things. This is not a serious site. There is no mission here. So it is ok if you don't take what is said here seriously. Everyone has their interpretation of what they think this site should be. Most people think we should run this site like GWoP runs theirs. Obviously we are not. That is why your comment made it through and why you do not see the same type of comment coming through on their site about us. I respect how they run their blog. I respect your comment. I actually have a few things in the works to try and mix things up a little. If you would like to help, please let me know. I do work full time so help is always welcomed. But please note that to most of us the issues surrounding J&K all have to do with what Glop is doing. Otherwise to me J&K is just a show for entertainment. JMO

Anonymous said...

Well I like debate too and I have opinions on other people's opinions, so I"m sure they'll have opinions on mine! I respect that and like to engage in debate as long as it's not the gang up bully type of debate.

I realize this site is different from the other. As a reader, however, I would just like to see less mention of the other and more mention on the issues at hand with the show. :-) I am more interested in the issues surrounding the show than the show itself (I like the show, watch it every week, but I have my issues with certain things). I like the discussion about things and different people's perspectives. I have at times thought people were a little harsh, outlandish, over judgmental, etc in their posts and have even defended Kate on the rare occasion (I"m not a fan, but I know she's still human). Thats why I go looking for more venues and avenues for discussion. I have issues with certain aspects of the show and I believe that talking about it can hopefully help produce positive change.

Anonymous said...

Neutral said...

"My one complaint for GWoP's section is the overuse of assumptions in answers."


See I knew we would hit it off! That drives me crazy too!

And along with that goes its "cousin" -- the insinuation that they know just about *everything* there is to know about the Gosselins because they are "in" with Julie and have watched and re-watched every show.

Anonymous said...

But please note that to most of us the issues surrounding J&K all have to do with what Glop is doing. Otherwise to me J&K is just a show for entertainment.

ITA! (And I like "Glop" too, though I'm guessing it was a typo. Can I call them "Glop" from now on? Pleeeaasse?)

Neutral, since most of the posters here are, I would say, opposed to trying to dig up info on the Gosselins outside of the show, I don't think you'll find any answers about them here. From my perspective, watching them on the show is enough; I don't have a desire to know about them outside of it. I mean, I'll read the occasional interview, but that's it. I think taking action beyond that is intrusive and inappropriate, and it's the reason I call those at GWoP who engage in such behavior "stalkers."

Nina Bell said...

I can not quit laughing over the Glop. Can you tell me what ITA means?
My son isn't here to ask.

Anonymous said...

Well my original point was proven just now, so have a nice day. I probably won't contribute on this site anymore. I don't like to feel unwelcome, especially on something like an internet blog.

However, if you are here to talk about the show, talk about the show. If you're not, don't act like you are. It turns readers away.

Anonymous said...

ITA=I totally agree.

Glop today...
Glop tomorrow...
Glop FOREVER!!!!

Anonymous said...

Well my original point was proven just now, so have a nice day. I probably won't contribute on this site anymore. I don't like to feel unwelcome, especially on something like an internet blog.

Well, your post above just proves to me that you were never sincere in your original comments (I suspected as much, since they fell in line with what GWoP sock puppets have posted before), and are only trying to stir up trouble. I don't know what comment made you feel "unwelcome", but I suggest that if you're that sensitive, you might just want to stay off of the internets entirely. And possibly avoid going out in public.

(See, now THIS is me being bitchy. No point in being nice if people are just going to take offense anyway, is there?)

However, if you are here to talk about the show, talk about the show. If you're not, don't act like you are. It turns readers away.

Well, it turns readers who want to tell us what we should and should not talk about away, anyway. Maybe try GWoP, where they post charming comments like, "i love that kate informed aaden that he would get lost and then he wouldn't have a mommy... doesn't she realize how tempting that might be for him!?!?"

Anonymous said...

Maybe I'll start my own blog - "Glop Without Pity" - posters won't be allowed to talk about J&K+8 AT ALL, but will be limited to discussing the antics over at our favorite blog. At least I wouldn't have to deal with these daily disingenuous posts from GWoPpers with an agenda.

Anonymous said...

Neutral was making some valid points. But, what the heck brought this on:

"Well my original point was proven just now, so have a nice day. I probably won't contribute on this site anymore. I don't like to feel unwelcome, especially on something like an internet blog."

Totally out of left field for me. I reread everything on this thread and I can't figure out what set him/her off.

Anonymous said...

Guinevere said...
Maybe I'll start my own blog - "Glop Without Pity"


GLOP cracked me up.
HAHAHA!!!! I would read that. :)

Anonymous said...

Geez, guinevere, you just cannot win!

So now we're gwop haters posing as J+K lovers?


Neutral said...

However, if you are here to talk about the show, talk about the show. If you're not, don't act like you are. It turns readers away.


Take your comment, change "the show" to "advocating for the children" and send it to Gwop.

Anonymous said...

guinevere--it already sounds like you have that blog here.

What if someone wanted to post here and at GWoP, would it be so terrible? Terrible to share ideas, thoughts, comments?

I don't get the strife.

It also sounds to me like the "secret" blog was started from a TWoP Jon and Kate topic, so why wouldn't it involve Jon and Kate comments, if that is the common thread that was used to create the blog?

If we were all friends here, wouldn't we discuss ideas with each other, and wouldn't those ideas include a lot of Jon & Kate stuff, as that is what brought us together to begin with?

I read here and there, but I haven't been seeing the content here that I see at GWoP. Sure, I don't like everything they say, but the comments are not all written by the moderators. Just like here. I read here, and I see that most of the content is about GWoP, not Jon and Kate plus 8? If there isn't anything more fresh than that, don't you think it would be more interesting to read at GWoP, as so many comments here would tend to drive people over there, to see what's up?

Anonymous said...

GLOP.

Gosselins Love Outdoor Potties?

Not sure if this goes here, but whatever! :)

I was watching Discovery Health last night. It was Multiple Mayhem night. WHOOO!

They reran the show about the Australian couple with two sets of quads. For all the lip service GWoP and RTVU give to the theory that selfish Kate intentionally got pregnant with multiples in an attempt to cash in, here was a PRIME example of that.

The Chalke's used IVF and a sperm donor to conceive their first daughter, Shelby. Despite losing ten pints of blood in childbirth and recommendations that she NOT get pregnant again, Dale Chalk did. Same sperm donor, using IVF. They overstimulated her ovaries and she got pregnant with quads (Emma, Ellie, Samuel and Joseph). They now had five children under two years old. When the quads were SEVEN MONTHS OLD, they did it again despite doctors protests. Result? ANOTHER set of quads (Sarah, Alice, Matthew and Millie. Millie died in utero, however). So, these people have EIGHT children under the age of three (while living with her parents at the time) all being paid for by the Australian government. PLUS, under Australian social services provisions, designed to encourage larger families, the Chalks will receive a baby bonus for every batch of children they spit out. In addition, they will be showered with supplies by companies eager to milk the enormous publicity potential.

They seemed like a nice couple, but HOLY CRAP. Not really all that intelligent. WHAT the hell? Oh, and as the show ends, they talk about wanting 12 kids total. Good GOD.

As far as selfish and self-absorbed? HEllO? THAT is the definition of it. Dad's a cab driver and the government pays for the fertility and the aftermath. Cha-CHING.

I wonder if Extreme Makeover Home Edition will do an episode "Down Under?"

Yet Kate is the whack job.

I'd actually like to see DH or TLC give us an update on the Healy's. He's Irish, she's German. She was married to an American GI and had six biracial kids. She married Kit and had THREE sets of twins (all without fertility assistance) and one single birth. Last I heard, Kit had cancer. :(

Anonymous said...

jenn,
It was in reference to comments like Guinevere's follow up at 12:23.

fanny,
Fair enough. You have a point.

Nina,
I enjoyed talking to you. However, like I said originally, I dont feel like I'm really open to my own opinion on this blog, even if it IS published because of certain people and their nasty comments in return.

Anonymous said...

but I haven't been seeing the content here that I see at GWoP.

Because we don't have a "mission" other than chatting. They do. They spend an inordinate amount of time investigating and fleshing out EVERYTHING the Gosselins do (and lurking to see what we say). We, however, have lives. We don't drive by the Gosselin house with cameras, or search the internet for information about Jon's second cousin twice removed, or write to tabloids to get them to do negative articles on the family, or e-mail, write and phone anyplace the Gosselins are booked for speaking engagements or search for J&K's tax records. So, yeah, they have content. Most of it is negative and why we need to know 75% of it is beyond me, however.

Nina Bell said...

Anon 12:55 pm

We are not in a competition with them. If more people find their site because of our site, I am ok with that. But actually I don't think that is the way it is working.

This site is a work in progress. People need to quit defining it for what they think it should be and start putting some effort in to it for what they would like it to be.

Write some articles. Give me an idea for a Sound Off. Write a book review or movie review.

I had Open Discussion. Where were you?

But I will not give you the content comment.

Please! I haven't seen an article with content there yet.

Anonymous said...

Well, mcb, the mission here does seem to be chatting about GWoP?

Anonymous said...

I agree anon 1:23. I was confused when I came here and saw the sub-headline read "THE INTENTION OF THIS BLOG IS TO BRING SOME BALANCE TO THE DISCUSSION OF THE SHOW "JON AND KATE PLUS EIGHT"." but then I read and all I see is discussion about another blog. If this is just a blog to chat about what you're thinking/feeling, then say that in the headline. It's hard to take seriously when it's "We're here to talk about the show, but we have lives and GWoP doesn't, but we're here to talk about the show, but back to GWoP"

Nina Bell said...

Anon 1:32

Trying to stir things up are you. Really bugs you that we have a place to voice our opinions, doesn't it? You can silence us over there but not over here. You don't care about having a discussion.You don't care about fairness or balance. You have your own agenda. That is pretty evident. I have stated what, two or three times in just this post and many times in the past, e-mail me, write an article. But you don't. Someone sent me a parody. I wasn't going to post it because of all of the complaining. But this person put some time into it and now I will.

Anonymous said...

The only agenda I have is to make a point! It just bugs me when a front is put up. It's obvious what the intent of the other blog is. If the intent here is to have no intent, then just say it. And if I feel like taking the time to make up an email address that doesn't have my personal name in it, then I just might email you. You sound like a rational individual.

Anonymous said...

I'm seeing a pattern. Like some little birdies got together and instead of calling us names (since that didn't work and they looked foolish doing it) perhaps in the privacy of their no-longer-a-secret message board, decided, "Let's ask all post and ask them why they're so obsessed with us?"

I dunno. Why are you all so obsessed with Kate?

Well, mcb, the mission here does seem to be chatting about GWoP?

Why not? Do they think they can make such outrageous statements about something we're also interested in and not be questioned about it? As Guinevere says on the front page, "You have the right to your opinions. You don't have the right to not have your opinions questioned. We are sorry you don't like it, but that's the way it is.

Nina Bell said...

Anon 1:46

I have stated this over and over and over again in articles that I have written for this blog. In the comment section. I have stated that we will discuss the show and issues surrounding the show. GWoP is big in that department. No one is trying to hide that. It is very evident or you wouldn't be seeing it.

Nina Bell said...

Yes mcb,

I am aware of that. I feel like it is the same person just changing names. Down below on another article also. Well I am going to put those lessons that I took the other day and use the reject button and work on getting that parody out.

Anonymous said...

Nina belle, I will answer you here because I just realized this post had this conversation and not the one about the episode recap.

You say you guys chat about whatever you want, but at the top of the page it says: THE INTENTION OF THIS BLOG IS TO BRING SOME BALANCE TO THE DISCUSSION OF THE SHOW "JON AND KATE PLUS EIGHT".

That's why I came here in the first place. I wanted both sides. Not fighting between blogs.

And for the record, I don't know what TWOP is that everyone keeps referring to, or some secret message board or half the people you mention. I'm truly someone who was watching the show, had some concerns, searched the internet and found this site and the "without pity" site. I have no affiliation to anyone who started them. And it "seemed" on both sites you could have a fair discussion, but I guess its meant to be something more between two groups of people who posted together somewhere else, and I'm not in either group. I guess I'll keep my thoughts on the Gosselins to myself.

I don't mean to sound harsh, but it seems like everywhere you look, if you don't take some definitive stand on the issue, both sides dump on you and that's just not worth it.

Anonymous said...

It was in reference to comments like Guinevere's follow up at 12:23.

Except...your post was before that comment. Are you psychic and knew what I was going to post before I posted it? (Kidding, kidding. This is me NOT trying to be bitchy. Maybe I should label all my posts "intentionally mean" or "unintentionally mean"? I feel like I'm accused of the former a lot. I don't see my just disagreeing with someone to be mean, nasty or "unwelcoming".)

Actually, I'm assuming what set off Neutral was my comment about "stalkers" in my 11:31 a.m. post. And I won't take that back. Maybe Neutral feels that it's appropriate to have people digging up dirt on the Gosselin, contacting relatives, trolling home sale records, etc. I most emphatically do NOT think it's appropriate. That's a big reason why I post here, and a big part of the issue I have with GWoP. If it was just their hatefulness to the Gosselin family, including towards innocent children, I would probably just ignore it. But the nastiness combined with the self-serving claims of advocacy that they feel gives them permission to interfere in strangers' lives - that is more than I can take.

That said, I'll just echo Nina Bell and say *I* don't have a mission. No one who posts here has a "mission" as far as I know. People are given a lot of latitude, it seems to me, to post what they want, and yet it seems like every day there are several posts trying to direct the discussion away from GWoP. Why? What do you care if people here talk about GWoP? Why does it bother you that the masthead statement is (in your mind) misleading? There are threads to talk about the show - so talk about it!

Geez, if these people think we're mean, they should visit the thread devoted to GWoP at Princess Marie Chantal. But I would guess that they are already aware of that board, and know that they wouldn't get away with the stuff they pull here over there.

And for the record, I don't know what TWOP is that everyone keeps referring to, or some secret message board or half the people you mention. I'm truly someone who was watching the show, had some concerns, searched the internet and found this site and the "without pity" site.

Forgive me for the rudeness, but I don't believe you. I just don't. One or more posters posts the same stuff, over and over, pretending that they just fell of the turnip truck and discovered the internet yesterday and know nothing about TWoP or GWoP. I feel like I've fallen for that one a few too many times now.

Anonymous said...

Well I'm still confused here... when you mean "issues surrounding the show" do you mean GWoP? If so, it's a fair statement. GWoP is technically an "issue surrounding the show." I'm just really confused here because "issues" at GWoP are apparently different than "issues" here. And that's fine don't get my wrong! Just confusing for someone who isn't an all the time regular... trying to get the lingo down thats all.

Anonymous said...

Neutral,

You state it was due to Guin's comment at 12:23... However your comment that said your point was proven was written at 12:12.

I don't see how you can blame her 12:23 post on your over reaction.

Her 12:23 post WAS based on your "my point was proven" cry-baby sally rant.

I took you seriously until all that. I think all you proved was that you're possibly trying to start trouble. Why? What is the point? Do you enjoy it?

And as far as your comment to Nina, no one "attacked" you. It was a discussion. You went off on your rant way before anyone was "nasty".

As as my daughters teacher says "you get what you get and you don't throw a fit". IMO, you got what you got because of what you gave.

Anonymous said...

"Forgive me for the rudeness, but I don't believe you. I just don't. One or more posters posts the same stuff, over and over, pretending that they just fell of the turnip truck and discovered the internet yesterday and know nothing about TWoP or GWoP. I feel like I've fallen for that one a few too many times now."

Guinevere, I don't know you, I don't know anything about you and I wont make any assumptions about you. I would appreciate the same courtesy. I'm not an avid internet surfer. I have like 3 websites I go to. Excuse me if I used google once and found this site and the "without pity" site. Even if you say you "don't believe," I do have a very labor intensive job, kids, husband and things I do outside of computer time. I don't frequent message boards or anything like that. I came upon here by chance. And sadly it seems like I'll just roll on out of here.

Nina Bell said...

Anon 2:06

Yes that is no secret. You must not read the board. I have stated several times that issues surrounding the show include GWoP. It is very clear. And very clear that people are just trying to make "us" look bad. We have never denied that we like discussing GWoP. It is very obvious. We will continue to do so along with discussing other things.

Nina Bell said...

iliveinthegray

I have to ask you, have you ever posted before today?

Anonymous said...

nina, no I've never posted. In fact, I had never even visited the site.

I was intrigued by the show and had concerns. Nothing major, nothing I would stalk anyone or go through their trash or anyting like that and thought it would be interesting to see if others on the web had talked about it as well. Now I see all this controversy I had no idea existed. I guess I hit a sore spot with some people with my comment, I had no idea that the issue had been brought up before.

At the end of the day, its a tv show, and I'm not gonna loose sleep over the issue. Life goes on.

But thank you for asking Nina.

Nina Bell said...

I have changed the header to say" and issues surrounding the show." If I just said issues surrounding the show and left out the part about discussing the show "Jon and Kate," does that mean that we couldn't discuss Jon and Kate anymore? I am confused. And I have a headache.

Anonymous said...

I was referring to previous comments and my response about the 12:23 comment proved my point, so I included that as well.. it was further evidence of what I felt. I guess I wasn't clear enough about that. Sheesh. This site isn't very friendly. GWoP may have it's issues, but they don't attack others like internet bullies. I get that you guys may get a lot of slack from GWoP posters, but you shouldn't automatically assume EVERYONE questioning things has an "agenda". We might be fairly new readers with genuine questions about the content of this blog.

Nina Bell said...

Iliveinthegray,

Most people that come here, and I should only probably be speaking for myself, are not big Jon and Kate lovers. We enjoy the show but know they have faults. Just like we do. What we object to is the treatment they are receiving. I feel it is disrespectful and you wouldn't want your family members treated the way they have been by many, not all, but many of the people that frequent the GWoP board. The actions appear to be driven more by a hatred of Kate than concerns for the children. It doesn't set well with any of us. There are other avenues to go if you have concerns for the children's welfare. And if you just don't like Kate, then turn off the TV

Anonymous said...

Haha, I think you're fine with the change. You've covered all your bases!

Anonymous said...

Guinevere, I don't know you, I don't know anything about you and I wont make any assumptions about you. I would appreciate the same courtesy. I'm not an avid internet surfer. I have like 3 websites I go to. Excuse me if I used google once and found this site and the "without pity" site. Even if you say you "don't believe," I do have a very labor intensive job, kids, husband and things I do outside of computer time. I don't frequent message boards or anything like that. I came upon here by chance. And sadly it seems like I'll just roll on out of here.

It just seems extremely coincidental that several of the things you say are EXACTLY what has been posted before, quite a few times, on quite a few threads, but one or more posters using one or more names:

- That you don't understand if the point of this blog is to have a "balanced discussion" or to bash GWoP.

- That you were heretofore unfamiliar with TWoP, GWoP, or any of what GWoP likes to call (rather dramatically, IMO) the "controversy" surrounding J&K+8.

- That since we're talking about GWoP so much, and you don't want to do that, you guess you'll just leave.

Lather, rinse, repeat.

GWoP may have it's issues, but they don't attack others like internet bullies.

They call 4-year-olds NAMES. They tell 7-year-olds to shut up. They joke about a woman that they don't like being killed. They try to interfere with the Gosselins' lives. They stalk them. All of which is far worse than anything any of the "internet bullies" have written on this blog since its inception.

Anonymous said...

Guinevere, it's all good. We can just agree to disagree on that one. I harbor no ill will, nor will I pass judgement on you or anyone else here. I stand by my words and my choices. They may not always sit well with others but I just try to keep it civil always.

Can I just say, for the sake of the place where we are having this conversation, these children are adorable! All of them! And I wish nothing but health and happiness for them and that as they grow up they appreciate the wonderful opportunities that have been brought their way.

EveryoneLovesErin said...

I don't think it's that strange to not know what the controversy around J&K plus 8 is. My discovery of all of this was similar to that of iliveingray. I was shocked. I know there are a lot of other people out there who have no idea that this is going on. A week or 2 ago I was talking to one of my co-workers who is a fan of the show. She was blown away too. Had no clue.

I'm just saying....

EveryoneLovesErin said...

Regarding discussion of GWoP...I posted this in another thread but I'm going to repeat myself and post it here.

The Gosselin controversy mostly exists online. You can't read about it (yet) in US Weekly, People, etc. A lot of the world is unaware, frankly.
In terms of "hate" sites, if you can point me to a more popular one that GWoP, please do. But from what I know, they are the #1 driving force behind the controversy.

So...given this...it stands to reason that we would respond to their posts. However, response cannot be made there(as has been pointed out thousands of times)....you cannot post something that is not in line with their thinking. So, we come over here to discuss the controversy that is, quite frankly, created by GWoP. You can't talk about one without talking about the other...sorry.

Anonymous said...

Not to discuss this to death, I'm just trying to understand, and maybe I just need to realize that there is more than one voice here, but, nomoredrama says that:

"I don't think it's that strange to not know what the controversy around J&K plus 8 is. My discovery of all of this was similar to that of iliveingray. I was shocked. I know there are a lot of other people out there who have no idea that this is going on. A week or 2 ago I was talking to one of my co-workers who is a fan of the show. She was blown away too. Had no clue."

So, there is interest here in knowing the controversy, but no interest in doing the legwork, or spying or whatever GWoP is doing to get their info?


And then mcb says that:

"We don't drive by the Gosselin house with cameras, or search the internet for information about Jon's second cousin twice removed, or write to tabloids to get them to do negative articles on the family, or e-mail, write and phone anyplace the Gosselins are booked for speaking engagements or search for J&K's tax records. So, yeah, they have content. Most of it is negative and why we need to know 75% of it is beyond me, however.

My head spins, but as I said I may be over-thinking the two different points of view, and need to see that the voices here are different, not that the blog is saying contradicting things. I see that the "recap" here is very funny in many ways, but also negative, although the details that I am learning about this family would bring that out.

I have also been surprised by a lot of the back-story behind this show, when just a few things were bothering me, I had no idea this was discussed at such length in these different blogs!

Anonymous said...

I guess the re-cap is sort of an inside joke.

EveryoneLovesErin said...

I keep re-reading your post trying to figure out how in the world you drew the conclusion that my post and MCB's post contradicted one another.

What does my initial discovery of the J&K controversy have to do with not driving by the Gosselin home?

Furthermore, I don't recall saying I had a burning desire to "know the controversy." What I said was prior to my discovery of the blogs on the internet, I was unaware of the controversy. I inadvertently discovered the controversy, read the different points of view and came up with my own opinion.

Our point here is to discuss issues surrounding the J*K+8 show. Should we just pretend that there is no controversy going on? Maybe I should go see about getting my memory erased....

P.S. If by doing "legwork" you mean stalking and harassing the family or invading their privacy, looking up their tax records and contacting their family members then no, I'm not interested in that type of "legwork." And one more thing, in case you hadn't noticed, we don't even have to leave this blog anymore for controversy to come to us...as soon as the Jodi video posted we had comments on several threads about it....

Anonymous said...

I don't think it's that strange to not know what the controversy around J&K plus 8 is. My discovery of all of this was similar to that of iliveingray. I was shocked. I know there are a lot of other people out there who have no idea that this is going on. A week or 2 ago I was talking to one of my co-workers who is a fan of the show. She was blown away too. Had no clue.

I'm just saying....


Oh, absolutely. I assume most of the viewing public is ignorant of the "controversy" as well as ignorant of the "fact" that Kate Gosselin is the Worst Mother Ever. But when people come here and post the exact same points, albeit worded a bit differently, I get suspicious. Particularly since I feel like I've given the benefit of the doubt a couple of times in the past couple of days in those circumstances, and what do you know, the poster ended up being a troll.

Anonymous said...

You see discussion about another blog because the people on that blog come to this one and rant. The mods of that GORP blog are searching for information on the people who set up this blog-I think I read that in some posting here in another thread. If there is backlash to the posts left here it is because the GORP gang is committed to invading this board and starting controversy. Fair and balanced mods here put these snarky posts through which is not the case over at GORP. If you fear nothing why do you censor posts that are not crude and use filthy language? So, for what it's worth, I think the women who are here that you are referring to as attacking or talking about the GORP website are simply responding to the nasty things that are left here. Talked to my husband about this tonight and he said the ratings are through the roof. All publicity is good. Makes people watch and the more everyone talks about it the more people are tuning in, both negative and positive.

Look, J and K will not get parents of the year, but neither will i and I suspect most people here wouldn't either. But nobody is filming us and editing our day and what we say and how we say it. The amount of hatred that is spewed against these people is mind boggling. Who would get so worked up over a TV show of people one doesn't even know? Still shaking my head and trying to understand the mentality of attack and hiss. If you don't want people to talk about GORP then don't mention it here when you pop in to spy or leave intentionally ugly posts. I admire what has been done here and the humor far outweighs the angry responses. The satirical writing on the blog yesterday was very funny and entertaining.

Anonymous said...

After taking a breather and thinking about this situation, I've come back with a better way hopefully to explain a noobie's perspective. If one has spent most, if not all, of their time at the other blog they would become accustomed to a different definition of the word "controversy". So when one comes here and sees the word "controversy" a lot, they can very well become confused. "Controversy" over there usually revolves around yard signs, getting rid of family, love offerings, etc. However, "controversy" over here revolves around the other "controversy". I'm getting confused just trying to explain it. Trolls definitely exist and they apparently have no better thing to do than stalk internet blogs.. kind of lame. However, there are some of us that are genuinely confused when we first come here about what the "intent" or "theme" of the conversation here is because it's different than the other. Now that I've been attacked a few times and finally had a real explanation, I get it. If you want respect, you need to give respect... even on the internet.

Anonymous said...

Neutal,

Can I just say that if the "intent or theme" was the same as the "other board", there would not be a need for this board. They do a pretty good job doing what they are doing.

Anonymous said...

Okay, I think this thread is officially reached the "talking in circles" stage, because I tried to read through it last night and got totally confused by the end.

What I do notice is that the threads that have to do with GWoP have a LOT more replies than the ones that don't. Why? Well, because GWoP fans keeps extending its life. They come here, ask "why do you keep talking about us?" and when they get an answer, come back with, "no, really, why do you keep talking about us?" I don't see GWoPPERS commenting on anything else. I even posted about Australian family with multiples early in the comments and noone picked up on it. The GwoPPERS were too busy asking, "Why are you talking about us?" Well, maybe because you're giving us a reason to? You guys don't want to come here and comment on anything else BUT you. Stop extending the subject and it will die. Pretty simple, really.

EveryoneLovesErin said...

Neutral,
I think we do discuss those things. I know you can't possibly read the whole blog (that would take a long time and I'm sure you have better things to do) but those things have been discussed.

As I've said before, the story is often "broken" by the stalkers, eh, GWoP. One example was Jon just walking out on his job (supposedly). Which, by the way, the poster of that nonsense had to eat crow. A regular on the site posted a correction stating that there was no evidence that Jon walked out on his job.

I guess to us (or at least to me) that is a major part of the controversy. 1 rather large and overly invested group creating stories and pointing the finger. All the while terrorizing supporters and trying to monopolize the commentary on every article ever written...

Nina Bell said...

I agree mcb and so comments have not and will not be posted if that continues.

Anonymous said...

mcb said it very well. I'm going to be the first to say "ok, then ... I won't say "why are you talking about GWOP" (I can't say "us" because I'm not really one of them - meaning I don't post there). I was one of the people asking why so much talk about them... but you are right - let's let it go. It won't die unless we ALL just kill it now. I'm not going to aks the question anymore, and I hope I won't keep hearing about GWOP too. I hope others will let it go too ... it doesn't need to keep going. I'll do my part.

Anonymous said...

Regarding the comment that, "GWoP may have it's issues, but they don't attack others like internet bullies."

I absolutely disagree with this comment. First, GWoP does not frequently (although they seem to be getting a little bit better) post dissenting comments, therefore, there is little cause for posters there to "attack." Why would you attack someone who basically agrees with you? The dissenting comments that do get posted on GWoP tend to be anemic and not very controversial. Second, I have been following this board for awhile (I have only recently began posting), and there have been many instances of persons from the GWoP board coming here to "attack."

That being said, I think the main issue here is that we are working with a faulty communication process (the written word) that makes it very easy to misinterpret the tone and or intent of the message. Several people on here, IMO, have a snarky, sarcastic style of writing, which I personally enjoy. Other visitors, however, seem to be more sensitive and take comments here as personal attacks and choose not to participate anymore. That is their choice, but it should not dictate Nina's decisions whether or not to post comments.

I believe that Nina is doing an outstanding job as moderator, and those who have issues with the tone of this blog can either work to change it by submitting comments about the topic at hand (not complaints about the tone which does nothing but put people on the defensive and exacerbate the problem) or articles to be posted for discussion.

(Sorry if this is long-winded, Nina. I realize I am repeating some of what you have previously said several times in this thread. Feel free to edit if you feel necessary.)

Nina Bell said...

Thank you GLO

You said it much better than I did. Also just to let everyone know, I can not edit comments. Only delete after they are posted.

Anonymous said...

No sooner do I say "let's let it go" and Nina bell ... you publish yet another post about GWOP. Oh well ... I DID try.

Nina Bell said...

Kimberly,

I felt that GLO really said what I was attempting to say yesterday, much clearer than I did. All of it. I felt it was important because it reflects how I feel and I think she sensed I was very frustrated. I also wanted people to know I can not edit comments. Now I am the moderator today and we will make decisions such as this one but I will probably no longer have a major discussion about why we did or did not do something on this blog in the comment section. That is going to stop. We will be doing a FAQs in the near future to refer to and after that people who are unhappy about something, will need to e-mail me or nomoredrama. Thank you,

EveryoneLovesErin said...

Kimberlee,
I think it's pretty safe to say we're not going to stop talking about GWoP...well, maybe we'll stop talking about them when they stop making up lies about the Gosselins or posting things like this

That said. I am sad about Joel. I don't think that they are mean to him. Actually Jon goes out of his way to be affectionate and playful with him. But I think he is easily dismissed because he is the least likely to make a big stand. If Leah had hit Colin in the face, Colin would have knocked her on the floor. But Joel takes everything, and because of this, none of us should have surprised looking faces when he becomes a serial killer 30 years from now.[my emphasis]

As Kate would say "Stand with me or stand against me," LOL! We'd love to have you as a poster but I understand if this bothers you too much. No hard feelings if you don't post here, just don't ask us to stop talking about what we passionately feel is WRONG.

Anonymous said...

I don't get why they focus so much on Joel, as being ignored or mistreated or a future serial killer. Really, I don't see that he's treated any differently, or loved any less, than the rest of the Gosselin kids.

The amount of hatred that is spewed against these people is mind boggling. Who would get so worked up over a TV show of people one doesn't even know?

The one thing I know for sure is that it has nothing to do with J&K. If it wasn't them, it would be someone else. It's about the people who feel the hatred; the object (in this case, J&K) is just a stand-in for the person to vent their anger and emotional issues on.

Which, by the way, the poster of that nonsense had to eat crow. A regular on the site posted a correction stating that there was no evidence that Jon walked out on his job.

Wait, since when have they needed evidence to believe something to be true? I thought it just had to be repeated by three posters, then it became incontrovertible fact...

EveryoneLovesErin said...

LOL!!! Yeah, normally that is how is how the rumors.eh...facts are found.

You know the whole "Gosselins get 25k per speaking engagement thing." Well, they were brilliant enough to repost the post made back in June by Manda about the Gosselins cancelling all because of the churches supposedly not giving this large sum. What do you know, I read where this number originated from. It originated from someone who was supposedly canceled on who had supposedly had a conversation with ANOTHER person who had spoken to someone else.... Sounds like a game of whisper down the lane. Yet this is quoted OVER and OVER again as FACT.

Oh, but that's ok....because "information on this site may or may not be true and GWoP makes no warranty as to the validity of the claims"

Anonymous said...

"But Joel takes everything, and because of this, none of us should have surprised looking faces when he becomes a serial killer 30 years from now."[my emphasis]


There are really no words that can adequately describe how inappropriate, disturbing and all around offensive I find this comment.

Maybe the poster is mentally unbalanced. I don't know anyone who is mentally healthy who would make such a comment. (And puleez, I don't need to hear again how this comment or that comment were made "in jest between friends."). The point is the moderators thought it was just fine to post this. Disgusting.

And to those who say that the children are never called names, there is a poster today who referred to Mady as "Moody" and Cara as "Care-not." Again, I don't have words to describe what I think of posters who insult 7-year-olds....

Anonymous said...

Now I am going to go back and see if I see that Moody and Care-not because I sure didn't see it anywhere in the site. The kids are off limits except to say good things here and "there". I know that because I've seen it discussed here and "there".

Everyone loves Joel. And boy did he have a big bunch of crab in his mouth during the prayer? Notice he still kept talking and praying, though. They really are all just precious.

I'm wondering if the little kids will be off to school in Sept or not? I have a few friends who did some homeschooling (although, to tell the truth they weren't very academic themselves) and it didn't go so well. I mean the kids got through the material all right, but they are all socially awkward and very, very judgmental and prejudiced about anyone who is not exactly like them. And why not? They have never had occasion to get used to the world as it really exists and each probably think they are the end all and be all. That makes it hard.

Anonymous said...

Barbara in VA said...
Now I am going to go back and see if I see that Moody and Care-not because I sure didn't see it anywhere in the site. The kids are off limits except to say good things here and "there". I know that because I've seen it discussed here and "there".


Hi Barbara. I went back too and it appears the comment has been removed. I believe it was originally in the last page of comments on the 4th of July episode. It appears it made it through, but was then caught by a moderator or reader quickly. So I'll give credit where it's due and thank them for removing it promptly. (Not sure if the serial killer reference is still there, however).

I agree with you about homeschooling. For the Gosselins, I think it would be a big mistake. The sextuplets need to get out and meet other kids besides their siblings and learn how to develop relationships. Also, honestly, I don't think either J&K have the patience for it. I know I wouldn't. To those who do home school, I may not agree with their choice, but they certainly have my respect for their dedication and the sacrifices they make for their children.

Anonymous said...

Okay, they get credit for removing the comment, but again, comments are already moderated there, so some moderator thought it was okay. Just like it was okay to call Hannah "oafish" and to tell Cara to "shut up". Plus, I feel like I've heard the Joel/serial killer comment a couple of times now. The judgment over there still leaves a lot to be desired.

Anonymous said...

You guys should just say " Yeah, we do like bitchign about GWOP? And?"

The only replies left are "That's not your boards mission" too which you add to your mission, 'which also includes dicussing commentary of other fan perceptions.'

The second reply left to the person is "Well, I don't like it" To which you reply, "Tough cookies."

Problem solved.

Anonymous said...

"You know the whole "Gosselins get 25k per speaking engagement thing." Well, they were brilliant enough to repost the post made back in June by Manda about the Gosselins cancelling all because of the churches supposedly not giving this large sum. What do you know, I read where this number originated from. It originated from someone who was supposedly canceled on who had supposedly had a conversation with ANOTHER person who had spoken to someone else.... Sounds like a game of whisper down the lane. Yet this is quoted OVER and OVER again as FACT."

This statement is funny to me. I went to their speaking engagement last weekend and the pastor said they asked for "gas for traveling" (it was close enough to drive from their home). Ironic how "facts" are stated.

EveryoneLovesErin said...

anon 6:19....
yeah, exactly, gas and traveling is a far cry from 25k. I think any church would scratch their head at that one.

I wonder, did they say that they were dirt poor while you were there?

I'm going to one soon so I guess I'll get to see when I'm there.

Anonymous said...

nomoredrama--Are you sure you are going? There have been a LOT of cancelations...I'm just sayin'

EveryoneLovesErin said...

funny...people complain that they have too many speaking engagements. Now they cancel speaking engagements and its a big scandal. Show me the proof that they are replacing every cancellation with a "25k" gig and I'll give you that one.

EveryoneLovesErin said...

GOSSELIN SPEAKING SCHEDULE

September 14, 2008 - Cornerstone Christian Fellowship (Abington, PA)

October 2, 2008 - Birmingham Women's Show (Birmingham, AL)

October 11, 2008 - Southern Orlando Women's Show (Orlando, FL)

October 19, 2008 - First Assembly of God (Waynesburg, PA)

November 2, 2008 - Central Assembly of God (Bossier City, LA)

November 14 & 15, 2008 - Women of Purpose Conference (Hershey, PA)

January 10 & 11, 2009 - First Assembly of God (Marcy, NY)

March 8, 2009 - First Christian Church (Elizabethtown, KY)

March 20, 2009 - Roswell United Methodist Church (Roswell, GA)

Now...this is their schedule as it stands...so they've lightened the load a bit...and please, inform me which of these venues is putting out 25k.

Anonymous said...

"I went to their speaking engagement last weekend and the pastor said they asked for "gas for traveling" (it was close enough to drive from their home). Ironic how "facts" are stated."

That's really interesting. I can't see why the pastor would fib about something like that.

The whole 25k gig (or whatever ridiculous figure was quoted) always sounded so patently false to me. It seems these events were often free or had a nominal fee - correct? Usually, when a speaker is paid that much it's because whomever is hosting the event can recoup their costs or even make a profit through ticket sales. So, I just never *got* it.

I hope that NoMoreDrama's event is not cancelled because I really would like to hear an unbiased account, but I think cutting back on these speaking engagements makes sense. The twins are probably back in school and it seems these events probably take them away from the home for 2 to 3 days when traveling is factored in. I just don't think it's worth it - either in time or finances - to do too many of these.

Anonymous said...

nomoredrama--I didn't say that they were replacing canceled engagements with new ones, I just really though you should check the schedule :-)

EveryoneLovesErin said...

watchoverthem,
No sarcasm at all, I appreciate your coming here respond to postings. Without knowing who you were when you posted anonymously, I assumed (and maybe wrongfully so) that you wanted to talk about the current issue that is being discussed about the speaking engagements being canceled.

On your site, I'd like to respectfully point out that it was reported initially that the church events were being canceled because of them wanting this 25k per speaking gig. Someone even claimed outright that, as if fact, this was not about spending time with the kids. To me, I would buy that if I saw new speaking engagements to replace the old ones at venues that could possibly pay such a hefty fee. The ones listed on that speaking schedule, even the conferences, don't think they'd be paying 25k a speaker.

I guess my concern is that there is nothing that this family does that seems to be "right" in the eyes of your readers. I can remember reading many sites about how J&K don't care about their kids, are gone 2 weekends a month to do these speaking things and ride the cash cow. Now that they pull back, they are not honoring their commitments.

I'm not trying to pick a fight, just trying to explain my concern.

Anonymous said...

Awww, sweet little Joel has too soft of a heart to ever become any kind of "killer"; I can hardly even type that.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous at on Aug. 8 @ 6:05p.m.

Great idea! Succinct and to the point. It leaves little room to argue, doesn't it? (Although that won't stop the truly persistent ones!)

Anonymous said...

dotsicle said...
"Awww, sweet little Joel has too soft of a heart to ever become any kind of "killer"; I can hardly even type that."


Joel ("Daddy's Son")is very sweet. I think all three brothers are very kind and nurturing. I have no direct experience raising boys, but Joel, Aaden and Collin seem to have very little of that overly aggressive boy energy we sometimes see in boys their age. (Or maybe I have just been watching too much "Supernanny!")

I credit the parents, but I am also sure being raised with five sisters (3 their own age) plays into the equation.

Anonymous said...

Anya, I agree; the boys are sweethearts (although Collin can be VERY stubborn) and are as well-behaved as most 4-year-old boys can be. I appreciate that Jon has taught them "ladies before gentlemen".

Anonymous said...

Isn't Joel the one who said "I have a wiener" and "Daddies have wieners"? I thought that was hysterical! He is so cute! "I don't have to go potty!"