Wednesday, September 17, 2008

When Things Go Horribly Wrong

Submitted for publication by Kelley, this is her take on the Aunt Jodi saga.

There was a time when I had no idea that there were discussion boards regarding Jon and Kate Gosselin. I started watching the show in the middle of season two. (I think) It wasn’t until recently that I saw the original show and the first season.

I did notice the “Gum Episode” and I wondered why Kate would be so snappish toward Jodi, who is obviously a sweet person and loves the kids, all 8 of them, the way any Aunite would. When I began watching season 3, I wondered where Jodi had gone. I also wondered why Alexis was sleeping in the basement. But when I found the blog that Jodi’s Sister Julie decided to put out in specific response to why Jodi was no longer on the show; I was floored. The video from Jodi on the blog is particularly offensive.

This is where things get sticky for me. I’m not a fan of the whole “She said this and then did this and Jodi felt terrible, so I decided to ACT!” thing. I have no problem with Julie being on Jodi’s side. Kate can take care of herself. But, if Jodi can’t take care of her problems with her sister-in-law herself, isn’t it Kevin’s place to stick up for his wife? And why do it on a public blog? I had no idea why Jodi was missing from the show. In fact I assumed that Jodi was probably busy with her own children; and now that the Gosselins were making money from their show they didn’t need her to interrupt her life to take care of 8 additional children. Why should she want to be paid for watching the children she loves so much? If I don’t charge my friends to watch their children, nor would I accept money from my brothers to watch their (theoretical) children. Even my assumption about her absence isn’t true; why make the truth public? Just because it’s the TRUTH? Why drag out the dirty laundry and show it to people who feed on negative garbage like this and perpetuate things like a disease? Is that helpful to your family? How is it less destructive than the cameras and crew and money and gifts and trips and all the other things you claim are hurting the children? Why would making a family rift public make anything better? The fact that you are disgruntled with people who are now famous and making money from a TV show and then post your problems with them publicly on any kind of discussion board or blog automatically puts your motives, credibility, and objectivity in question.

Have the Gosselins ever actually cried poverty? They have always mentioned the fact that they do have to multiply the cost of things by eight and that the numbers are often staggering. I think the numbers are staggering when it comes to children’s things when it’s for one child. I can’t even imagine what it would mean to multiply baby clothes and formula for eight children. Again, I always assumed that it was to give the viewers an idea of how a family with eight children of the sa me age worked. And even rich people would worry about the economics of putting eight children through college at the same time and paying for five weddings let alone a family trip to Disney World. Just because Jon and Kate do it on TV doesn’t make it wrong. And as far as their house goes, I never thought about how you could grow out of a house until she mentioned it, eight children would indeed get bigger and need more space. The only time I ever heard them even hint at any money issues was the bikes, and even then I chalked it up to dramatics on Kate’s part.

Kate Gosselin is an uncompromising person sometimes (maybe most of the time, I don’t know her personally), if she’s not in actuality than she comes off that way on TV all by herself. No need to contrast her with sweet Aunt Jodi to see that. Perhaps Kate did resent looking even more impatient and abrasive in comparison to Jodi; but once again I didn’t need that confirmed by a family member on a blog. I really don’t believe that anyone who watches the show believes for one second that she’s an easy woman to get along with, and I have a feeling she’s always been dramatic, particular about the way things should be, and eager to be the center of a ttention. And those same qualities endear her to some people as much as it puts other people off. She is a very fine example of a human being. We all have flaws in our character that make people like us or dislike us. Many people will not agree with the things I’ve written here. Do I lose sleep over it? No, because I, like Kate, tell it like I see it regardless of how people will feel about it.

Every family has their quarrels and disagreements and even relatives they don’t speak with. Not all of us have TV shows about our lives, but even though the Gosselins do, that doesn’t make it ok for people they trust to thrust their inside knowledge to the world. In the future, Aunt Jodi and Kate could repair their relationship, and it is my sincere hope that they do. My aunts and uncles have all been very influential on the person that I’ve become, and with so many children to guide to adulthood, they will need role models aside from their parents. But now, when that does happen, there is still this record of bitterness that could have been and is better left forgotten? What happens when forgiveness and love take over on both sides and a family is restored and yet here is this ugly thing standin g as an Ebenezer to the anger of the past? You can never go back.

74 comments:

scarfoot79 said...

I believe that many, many family rifts are created, or fueled by money issues. It's really unfortunate that this had to happen to the Gosselins, and in front of everyone, too. I certainly don't condone what has occurred with the other family members. I'm not sure how I would handle it if I were in their shoes, but I hope I wouldn't handle it in such a smear campaign fashion.

Interesting post.

EveryoneLovesErin said...

I think you are right about the way people perceived Jodi when she was on the show. Fans of J & K are treated as morons by the anti faction. As if we really needed help to understand that Kate's actions were questionable.

You have to have some faith in the fan base. And when people are coming up to you in supermarkets saying "sorry about the gum" then it's obvious where people's opinions lye.

It is only NOW that people have turned on her. Now that all of this is happening.

Anonymous said...

The fact that you are disgruntled with people who are now famous and making money from a TV show and then post your problems with them publicly on any kind of discussion board or blog automatically puts your motives, credibility, and objectivity in question.

I never thought Julie wrote the blog because Jodi was upset about being paid. From my take, Kate was the one that was upset that the production offered Jodi money. "Nobody makes money off the show except us."

NMD
It is only NOW that people have turned on her. Now that all of this is happening.

Are you talking about Jodi or Kate?

Anonymous said...

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?postID=8202803466275698931&blogID=7420096450779630260&isPopup=false&page=2

Jodi posted this on Penn Mommy's blog, and I think it explains why she started the blog better than she does on her blog. (This might not be news to some people but I just read it for the 1st time today.) I don't know why she doesn't put it on her own blog - I find it weird that instead of updating the blog she posts on other people's, but that is her choice.

She goes into detail explaining the efforts Jodi and Kevin made to talk to Kate and the producers about their concerns and problems, and the danger she thinks the kids are in.

One of her points is that nothing she said, other than the contract issue and the reason Jodi is no longer on the show, hasn't already been made public by Jon and Kate. People who are avid readers of blogs and watchers of the show would know better than I if this is true (I'm more of a skimmer.)

I also know a person who has the same personality has Kate does. How Jodi explains Kate rings true for me because of my experience, and the fact that she doesn't have any long term people in life, which is typical of people with this personality type as well.

As I mentioned before, where are her friends and why aren't they coming to her defense? I can understand that some people don't want to be on TV and prefer not to be mentioned, but Kate never even mentions going to the spa with my friend "blank". I just find that odd.

I have thought all along that Julie started this blog after Jodi knew there was no hope in salvaging her and Kevin's relationship with Jon and Kate, and Julie's post confirms this as well. I know a lot of people think Julie is wrong for making her blog, and why can't Jodi write for herself, but I believe Julie when she says she is concerned for the welfare of the children.

EveryoneLovesErin said...

A anon,
Jodi didn't post that, it was Julie.

Anonymous said...

Have the Gosselins ever actually cried poverty?

I think asking people to pray for their financial needs (twice) in his father's death notice on the Gosselin's old blog, is a not so subtle way of crying poverty.

Nina Bell said...

Well we would need to ask where Jon's friend are also. I truly do not believe that they have absolutely no friends. If I was a friend of Jon or Kate, there is absolutely no way I would go anywhere near any of this. There is no reason to be involved.

That doesn't mean that I think everything is rosy in Gosselinville. I just don't think not seeing friends is a big issue to me.

Anonymous said...

You are right, NMD. For some reason I keep mixing up Jodi and Julie tonight and thought I fixed all of the ones I messed up.

If you come across somthing that says Jodi but is really Julie who did it, I really meant Julie. Sorry for any confusion!

Anonymous said...

Nina -

I agree that we should be asking about Jon's friends too. I just seem to do more things with my friends than my husband does, which is why I think I focused on Kate.

Anonymous said...

But, if Jodi can’t take care of her problems with her sister-in-law herself, isn’t it Kevin’s place to stick up for his wife? And why do it on a public blog?

In the post I mentioned above, Julie states Kevin did try to dicuss things with Kate, and it did not go well, and at that point Kate accused Jodi and Kevin of just being in it for the money.

As for bringing attention to their problems on a public blog, this sums up her reason for doing it.

"It has been proven over time that parents of child actors can't be trusted to make sound decisions when it comes to finances or what's best for the child. That's why laws have been made. All children in reality TV deserve the same protection."

Whether you believe this is her true motive or not, you have to admit she has a valid point. Look at the the youngest son on Home Improvement, Gary Coleman, Danny Bonadouce as examples of what can happen.

Anonymous said...

Nina or NMD -

You can decide if this is approriate to put on the blog or not.

I came across that link I posted today after reading the recap of J&K on GWOP - I didn't read anything else, just what Julie wrote when I posted to this topic.

I honestly did not know it was part of a controversy on PennMommy and GDNNOP (I knew there were issues but I tend to skim and I really don't read all the posts all the time. In this case, I must have stopped reading long before Julie's post). I am now going through the other posts, and realize my error of not reading everything. I absolutely DID NOT post this to start more problems, and let me apologize in advance if anyone takes it that way.

While I still agree with what Julie says (and again, I know must people here don't and I don't expect you to agree with me), I wouldn't have posted the link and I would have just cut and pasted the parts that were relevent.

Nina Bell said...

A anon,

Did you want me to post that last comment?

Also, what is going on with the youngest son from Home Improvement. I didn't hear about that. Danny Bonaduce, I am well aware of.

Anonymous said...

He, I forget his name, sued his parents at 16 (or 15) for essentially stealing his money, he became emanicpated, and then married a much older woman at 18 (I think she was in her 30s, and they are now divorced). All of the is subject to memory so there could be some errors. Now ask me why I can remember that but can't remember to put permission slips in my son's book bag :-).

I would like you to post what I sent you. But I really don't want to start anything so if you think it's going to cause more problems it's going to solve than I'm fine if you don't want to.

As I read further on the other blog, I can see where Guinevere adn hbic8u might have got the anti-gosselin mindset. After reading some of the posts, I can see better where they were coming from. As I mentioned, I did know there were some issues but had no idea of the full extent until right now as I go through these posts.

Anya@IW said...

A anon post said...

"One of her (Julie's) points is that nothing she said, other than the contract issue and the reason Jodi is no longer on the show, hasn't already been made public by Jon and Kate."

Perhaps this is true of what she has written on HER blog, but she has delved further on GWoP. For example, she discussed an Easter dinner where she was an invited guest of the Gosselins. She then went on to snark with the GWoP gang about the potties in the garage. I don't remember ever seeing Julie on the show (thank god for small favors) so I am pretty sure what she shared was not known to viewers. When Guinevere called her on this contradiction on the Penn Mommy blog, Julie said she had the right to recount the incident because the kids are shown on the potty on t.v. Huh? That's not the point. The issue at hand is Julie likes to portray herself as just a loyal sister sticking up for her sibling, she also likes to depict herself as "above it all"; yet she has repeatedly gossiped about the Gosselins on blogs and participated on a site that seeks to harrass the Gosselin parents, thinks it "funny" to imagine Kate dying or Jon leaving Kate and sometimes even takes their venom out on the Gosselin children they perceive to be the favorites.

"As for bringing attention to their problems on a public blog, this sums up her reason for doing it.

"It has been proven over time that parents of child actors can't be trusted to make sound decisions when it comes to finances or what's best for the child. That's why laws have been made. All children in reality TV deserve the same protection.""


Ok, I have been waiting to say this for soooo long. Can you say "damage control?" And to answer your question "A Anon Post" - no I don't believe her. I pretty much think Julie's sole reason for doing everything she has done is she hates the Gosselins (particularly Kate). Who knows, maybe she has a half-way justified excuse to hate them. I just wish she would actually come out and tell "THE TRUTH" about her own motives and stop hiding behind the cloak of some higher purpose.

Anonymous said...

This is a quote taken from an entry Julie made on the GWoP blog in June of 08

"I started the blog about a month ago, after I received several threats, more as therapy for myself than anything else."

Anonymous said...

I can see where Guinevere adn hbic8u might have got the anti-gosselin mindset.

IMO - Guinevere and hbic8u (aka Fanny) anti-gosselin? They are Jon and Kate's staunchest supporters.

Anonymous said...

Anon -

Why couldn't she have started the blog for therapy and for the children's sake?

Anonymous said...

In a previous topic, I thought that Guinevere and hbic8u were labeling me anti-gosselin because of some of the comments I made. I had no idea why they would be so quick to jump to that conclusion and took offense to it. After reading some posts on another blog, I have better understand where they were coming from, and why they might have jumped to that conclusion.

Anya@IW said...

Anon said...
"Why couldn't she have started the blog for therapy and for the children's sake?"


I am not going to even touch how her blog does nothing for the children and actually has the potential for harm. Instead, I will just say Miss Julie changes her reasons for starting her blog as others change sweathers.

A little snippet of why some of us find it so disgusting that Julie participates on "that blog". Here's a charming comment from today (discussing Alexis sleeping in the basement):

"KON (esp Kate) has never been a fan of Alexis(her own daughter)so this was just one more thing to not like about her. Had it been Hannah or Cara, it never would have happened."

Anonymous said...

This is off topic here but I have a question. Penn Mommy has mentioned several times that people are e-mailing her things about this site and quotes. Where did they find her e-mail address? I can't seem to find it posted on her site. So how do they know how to reach her? Could it be possible that she reads this site, even though she states she doesn't?

EveryoneLovesErin said...

That is a good point. Her email is nowhere to be found. She also says that Fiona is emailing her. Maybe she actually means commenting on the site. Now that she is moderating, I guess it's kind of like an email. She may have gotten the wording confused.

And yeah, Julie, Kate despises Alexis...What a great thing to say. So loving and caring, that one.

Anonymous said...

anya -

I have to be honest, before I read GWOP, I never noticed that Kate favors some of the kids over others. I did notice that Mady was the dramatic child who none of the tups seemed to like or that Mady feels that none of the tups seem to like her while Cara was the saintly one who everyone liked. (I'm not trying to be mean, I believe John and Kate said something similar on the show and I am paraphrasing)

Do I think the comment you used from GWOP was nice? No, and I have no idea how they came to the conclusions that Kate wasn't a fan of Alexis. Do I think it is anymore mean than what Jon and Kate said about Mady, no.

Anonymous said...

NMD -

I don't think that Anya meant to imply that Julie wrote that post, just that she participates in a blog that would allow that post. Anya, please correct me if I am wrong.

Anonymous said...

This is off topic, but as I was reading some posts on another log, a few people have made mention of t-shirts Kate have been wearing supposely in response to Julie's and GWOP blogs. Is anyone aware of this? What do they say?

I've missed the Collin episode (to be honest, after reading people's description I am not even sure I want to) and only saw parts of Monday's episode so I am a little behind.

Anya@IW said...

a anon post said...
"This is off topic, but as I was reading some posts on another log, a few people have made mention of t-shirts Kate have been wearing supposely in response to Julie's and GWOP blogs."


Here was one:

http://www.onlinechristianshopper.com/wochjutduta.html

A little passive-aggressive? Sure. I'd agree. Of course, 99% of viewers wouldn't understand the context of this at all.

Anya@IW said...

a anon post said...
NMD -I don't think that Anya meant to imply that Julie wrote that post, just that she participates in a blog that would allow that post. Anya, please correct me if I am wrong.


Yes, AAP (hope you don't mind the shortened version of your handle), you are correct. I don't even know that Miss Julie has been on the last several days. (Not that I am obessively checking. I am actually trying to stay away!).

"Do I think the comment you used from GWOP was nice? No, and I have no idea how they came to the conclusions that Kate wasn't a fan of Alexis. Do I think it is anymore mean than what Jon and Kate said about Mady, no."

Point taken. I think we are dealing with apples and oranges, to a degree, but I understand where you are coming from. J&K have been honest (perhaps too honest) that Mady is a wonderful and smart child, but she is not necessarily an easy child (at this point anyway. Who knows, maybe everything will flip and Cara will be the difficult teenager. Ya never know). I agree that this is one of the built-in problems with the show they are doing - one that shows the good and the bad.

EveryoneLovesErin said...

AA,
Wow, I definitely missed the boat. Im exhausted...my bad.

Anonymous said...

Do you guys make up everything? PennMommy gave her address in comments. Pennommmy@gmail.com

I've posted before on this but now I feel like screaming because you guys seem to make assumptions about PM into fact. I'm starting to become a PM fan because it feels like y'all are saying things without checking but not ever updating to include the truth. This email thing is a good example of what I'm getting at.

Nina Bell said...

Did you even read normoredrama's response? One person wrote a comment in and we posted it just like I posted yours and you come and attack with "you guys". I went over to that site to check it out after receiving your comment and the e-mail address is not in her profile. There are hundreds of comments there. How would one know where to find it?

If I burried me e-mail in a comment when I started this blog in July, would I expect you to go through every post and all the comments to find it?

And could y'all please tell me what we are suppose to update that is the truth?

Anonymous said...

AAP -

My opinion of Julie was mixed until a few days ago. I've got 3 sisters and know how the love and loyalty that I feel to all of them. I'd never blog about their in-law problems nor my own previous challenges with mine but I can understand her desire to protect her sister. I'd never handle it that way, but I can understand those feelings.

However, opinion of Julie fell to the floor a few days ago when I read her response to the questions about the derogatory comments about the kids on GwoP.

I've personally read the posts and comments on GwoP that refer to the children as future drug dealers, serial killers, unwed mothers, displaying "shades of Sybil,"

To read Julie in any way shape or form DOWNPLAY those made my opinion of her hit the floor.

On the PM blog Julie wrote that those comments were meant to be funny or sarcastic or that they were taken too seriously, blah, blah, blah.

I used to wonder if Julie knew about those comments and gave her the benefit of the doubt regarding those comments. No longer.

EveryoneLovesErin said...

Karen,
I was giving Penn Mommy the benefit of the doubt. I didn't accuse her of anything. I actually tried to find a plausable explanation for what might be going on so as NOT to accuse her. Her email IS nowhere to be found unless you are digging.

And I don't think pointing out her email means she doesn't read this site. I'd probably bet money that both she and Julie lurk here. How would they know how "hateful" it is if they didn't?

Anonymous said...

Who the hell is Penn Mommy? I was thinking Beth at first, but does Beth have three boys (I remember she had three older children, but two were girls).

Anonymous said...

Beth has more class than that.

Daisy said...

Penn Mommy claims that she was at the church when Jon announced they were having tups. Beth was a volunteer and met the G's through that.

This is a rhetorical question, but why does she call herself Penn Mommy when her boys are in college?

MommyZinger said...

Kelly,
Great article. It IS sad that Julie's blog will be a record. Who knows, it may be impeding a reconciliation right now.
I'm sure she had great intentions but its just gone way beyond her original goal and the more she participates in "those" blogs the worse its getting. I believe in her blog she said that she didn't want to attach any controversy to Jodi. Well, big F in that department.

Anonymous said...

Linda -

I think that we all have our hot buttons about things that bother us about Jon and Kate, so some things that are really offensive to one person don't really bother another.

When I am on GWOP, I skim alot - it just takes me to long go through it so I stick with the comments of people who have a close connect to Jon and Kate, and I tend to skip over everything else. I've never seen the comments that were mentioned so I don't know what context they were in and I really don't know why they have Joel pegged as a serial killer. However, I do have friends who have a dark sense who would joke about something like that (not about J&K, but about personality traits of kids we know that lend themselves to discuss where they think they will end up.)

As for the drug dealer and unwed mother comments, well, I think it goes along with the line of thinking of the worst things that could (did, in some cases) happen to children in the entertainment industry, especially when the parents are relying on their children for the family's income. I do think anyone who has made those comments is not concerned with the children's well being. Even if they mean them in a joking manner, it still helps to perpetuates the stereotypes for the kids.

I know we are going to agree to disagree on this one, but I don't think comments like these negate everything else on that website. And I think with the volume of comments GWOP receive it is impossible to catch everything and that somethings that shouldn't get through do.

I think, though, if someone came on to GWOP and stated for a fact any personal information about the family the moderators would check the person out to make sure they are who they said they are. I believe Julie when she said that the Moderators on GWOP asked her a series of questions to verify that she was for real.

Anonymous said...

Thanks Anya for the link to the t-shirt. I actually think it's pretty funny.

delurkerloo said...

I hesitate to get into this again. Nina Bell feel free to delete or edit any of this if it's not appropriate.

A anon, I'm pasting in a couple of examples of those comments that you said you didn't get a chance to see. I do agree that it shouldn't negate GWOP as a whole and there are some perfectly reasonable comments and opinions there. They unfortunately tend to get buried within a lot of negativity that goes unchecked by the moderators. So here's a couple of examples:


Steph is one of those who made the the Joel/killer references below. She was with GWOP from the beginning when Serena published her now deleted Wikipedia article:

http://gosselinswithoutpity.blogspot.com/2008/06/unabridged-gosselin-wikipedia-article.html?showComment=1220992320000#c5185247676326457168

Here's a bit of what Steph has said: "Steph said...
Love your sons. Joel might need a little extra love, because he is more sensitive than his brothers.

I would also tell her that Joel will wear a "teasing target" on his back for his entire childhood if she and Jon don't stop berating him. You know what happens to some "teasing targets"? Hint: Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold. Or, if that doesn't shake you out of it, google Kip Kinkel. I am DEAD serious.

Steph said...
Horrendously Horrendous..heh.

Oh, and Jon? Get a job and quit mocking Joel! Dylan, Eric and Kip thank you for not making him a teasing target.

Many of you have, in jest (sort of) referenced Joel's furture tell all book. I can't help but think of the book "Running with Scissors." I think Joel's future book will have a similar tone."

She wasn't really joking, especially not in the first quote. Steph isn't a moderator, but she's a prominent part of the GWOP crowd.

iluveeyore, however,is a moderator. Here is an example of what she has said:

"iluveeyore said...
"I am just curious, what are the "danger signs" that the kids are being harmed?

I'm sure I will leave some out, but I will attempt to list a few of the neurotic behaviors of the children.

* Mady is always scowling and looks miserable. She tries to run away from the camera or put her hand in front of the lens. She has slammed a door in front of a camera. Both twins melt down and cry much more than 7-year-olds and try so hard to be heard. But Kate insists that they have to go along with the show... and buck up for the tups.

* How about 2 of the tup girls vomiting when they want attention? Somehow I don't think that's within the realm of "normal behavior."

* Joel will glaze over when he is reprimanded -- as will Collin and Aaden. Shades of Sybil. Where do you think they go off to?

* It's totally unnatural for a small child to be so deathly afraid of getting dirty. We have seen the kids freak out if they happen to get dirty. They fear the wrath of Kate.

* The tups are being infantilized. Four-year-olds do not need potties, sippy cups, bibs, and naps. Anyone who knows a four-year-old can see how developmentally behind they are. Preemies are slower than other kids -- but not at the age of 4. They have been kept in a bubble."

Again, no jokes. iluveeyore has gone through this list of Sybil/vomiting on demand/developmentally delayed and so on several times unchecked.

I have a pretty dark sense of humor myself. I just can't seem to find the humor in saying "shades of Sybil" when referring to a 4-year-old.

You can find some more quotes here: https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7420096450779630260&postID=8458616476229011748&pli=1

Scroll about 2/3 down the page.

Anonymous said...

"This is a rhetorical question, but why does she call herself Penn Mommy when her boys are in college?"

Good question and why in the beginning did she claim to be afraid of unseen threats to her family and being afraid to release her identity because she has children. Then a few weeks later she says she has 3 grown boys in college. So how is she afraid?

EveryoneLovesErin said...

I know we are going to agree to disagree on this one, but I don't think comments like these negate everything else on that website

If it was one or 2 comments in 1000 that said things like that (about serial killer, etc) then I'd say, sure...just a few crazies. When the majority of people on the site think that way...not so much.

There is absolutely no basis to say that these kids are doomed. Some people have no idea the hell that some serial killers endure as children. We're talking SEVERE abuse. Even when abuse is not present and the child is 'sick' it shows itself really early. Kid's who poke the eyes of animals out. Kids who, at 4 years old, are trying to strangle their baby brother. If you were say a kid like this may become a serial killer someday then I'd take no offense. In fact, you'd be right most likely. But to say something like that because a kid has a melt down in a store or forgets to say "thank-you" is not just absurd. It's cruel and sick.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
"This is a rhetorical question, but why does she call herself Penn Mommy when her boys are in college?"

I sent her an e-mail to ask. She's from Pennsylvania. She is a mom. She has had that address for a few years. Whats the problem.
Good question and why in the beginning did she claim to be afraid of unseen threats to her family and being afraid to release her identity because she has children.
Family may be more than just her children and husband. She has sisters with young children who all know this area and the Gosselin family. Jon and Kate know who she is and who her sisters are so I think she's not so concerned as she was when she started.

Then a few weeks later she says she has 3 grown boys in college. So how is she afraid?
Jon and Kate have put a lot of poeple thru hell and back.

Anonymous said...

But to say something like that because a kid has a melt down in a store or forgets to say "thank-you" is not just absurd. It's cruel and sick.

IMO, I don't think it's that. The meltdowns and behavior things - I think is caused by frustration due to the filming. The little ones may not fully understand that their actions are being viewed by "the world" but I think Mady and Cara do. I think the little ones are just reacting to the "audience" that they have at home - The camera man, the guy that holds the boom, and so on and so forth. I have seen footage of Aaden running up to one them excitedly, but imagine all those people - frequently (since how often they are there is in debate)when you are not having a great day and just want to be alone? They are only four and I assume cannot articulate what they are feeling exactly.

Getting back to the quote - I guess the speculation stems from how you perceive the treatment of Joel, Mady and the rest of the tups. Some people don't see the preference for Hannah or Cara. I happen to think that Kate does treat them differently and eventually without "support" from a parent could affect a child's morale. I am not saying it's right to say someone will be a serial killer, but I can see where the writer could deduce that.

I want to say that Kate and Jon say not so nice things about the children themselves. No one, on this board, it appears has an issue with that. I hate that they make fun of Joel's lisp and giggle and say that he will grow up to be a "model". I can't remember which boy they called "clueless".

My older girl went to a basketball camp this summer that was very motivating, not just with playing the game but with life itself. She would come home with handouts about inspiring people and notes written by the coaches, it was a very well run program. One day, she came home with a handout entitled "tips for parents" the paper was very dog eared and folded up - it had been in her pocket all day long. It listed about 50 things or tips for parents. When my daughter handed it to me, she said "I highlighted what I thought was important." I remember one being "praise your child at least once a day" and "keep your promises" and "don't start conversations with "why don't you".

I think now a days there is too much coddling of children in the sense that if your child makes the honor roll, the ribbon or prize will be given to him or her privately instead of at an assembly because the other kids who didn't make the honor roll might feel bad (yes this happened at my girls' school). I really don't believe in false praise - but after reading what was important to my daughter, I realized I should make an effort to say something about the positive things, that do deserve praise and not to assume she knows how my husband and I feel.

I am not saying that Jon and Kate don't love their kids, but I wish they would loosen the gender stereotypes, in a way stop labelling their kids ("the wild one, etc), and definitely start treating them equally. The tups may not be fully able to articulate their feelings, but they can tell that something is amiss.
IMO

EveryoneLovesErin said...

Sevenstrangers,
I think if I responded to your first two paragraphs we'd keep going back and forth for days. I can appreciate where you're coming from. It's not as if you are coming out of left field. You have valid reasons for thinking the way you do. I think we both watch the show and read the blogs and perceive things differently. I see Kate as a flawed individual who loves her kids and makes bad decisions at times but tries. I perceive her to anxious and insecure. I think a lot of that plays out in her day to day life and it's, IMO, at least 75% of the reason she ticks people off.

I think now a day there is too much coddling of children in the sense that if your child makes the honor roll, the ribbon or prize will be given to him or her privately instead of at an assembly because the other kids who didn't make the honor roll might feel bad (yes this happened at my girls' school).
Wow!!! Are you kidding me? I cannot believe that! I could probably post an entire blog post on how wrong I think that is.

Actually, I totally agree with the last 80% of your post, even the part about J &K. I agree that she needs to loosen up, period. I think Kate tries to "organize" her children and categorize them so she can keep them in their appropriate file (Alexis does this, Cara does this...this is what I can expect from Collin, etc). IMO, this is not something she does consciously. But it helps her in some way. She isn't caught off guard, ya know? Her anxiety decreases when she can order her life.

Anonymous said...

Karen,

Thank you for stopping by and offering your perspective.

I'm not asking this to be rude or difficult. But how do you know that J&K have put people through hell and back?

====================

Sevenstrangers -

Thanks also for stopping by and offering your perspective.

I think that what gets me about the GwoP site (and you will notice that to her credit it does not happen on the Pennmommy blog) is that for all of GwoPs chest beating about the maltreatement / abuse the kids experience, the GwoP blog does the same thing.

Many of us, found our posts to "conveniently" be censored out / elminated from publication while the ones that harped on the kids just happened to make it through.

Come on now? Don't you find that a little odd?

It is not true that the people who post on the blog don't have a problem with the things that J&K say about the kids. For instance, most everyone who regularly posts here was very upset about Jon calling Joel a girl. Additionally, I think that alot of people who post on this blog also have a problem with J&Ks rigid adherence to gender stereotyping.

This is not a J&K fansite. It is just suspicious to me that the very things the Gwoppers rail against are some of the very things that they do.

Can you imagine if a Family Violence Shelter welcomed kids and their caregivers there, but made excuses if the shelter staff occasionally beat the kids who misbehaved. Worse still would be people excusing it or downplaying it or ignoring it even after it was brought to their attention ....

"Hey, we're not going to ignore the good that the Family Violence shelter does just because a few of the kids were beaten while they were here"

"Well, I guess that you people don't have a problem that their parents beat them if you are bringing up an occasional swat they get here."

PP from a Minor Consideration urged the Gs to disavow any contracts that they were involved with (Presumably because of the damage they can cause the children).
I'd like to see Julie, Jodi and more posters disavow GwoP.
======================

Anonymous said...

I think if I responded to your first two paragraphs we'd keep going back and forth for days.

So, NMD brief answers are OK - so the meltdowns, etc. are just normal behavior for you - you don't think the cameras have any effect on the kids?

Your opinion is Kate doesn't show preference towards her kids and how she or Jon treats them will have no ill effect?

Just curious (really). I don't think this is a debate - just an exchange of opionions, I don't think I am "right" and I don't think you are "wrong".

Kel said...

Thanks Mommy Zinger and Scarfoot!
It's interesting that this topic sparks so much from so many. I have to say I wish people didn't post anonymously!

Anonymous said...

so the meltdowns, etc. are just normal behavior for you - you don't think the cameras have any effect on the kids?

I'm not the original poster, but...

What's 'normal'? Where are you getting your definition of normal? Does everyone everywhere agree with your definition? Who says we have to? Everybody's got their own picture of normal; to me, it seems like it's most often used against other people as an indictment. Millions of other American children without tv shows have meltdowns, what's their excuse?

I know I've made judgments about acquaintances and their kids and the mistakes I think the parents are making, and I'm often very pleased with my own judgments. But that doesn't make me the arbiter of what those other people do, and it doesn't mean that I should be embarking on any crusades to teach the parents a lesson.

My main problem with the storm of opinions that the Gosselins are 'ruining' their children and how much 'proof' has piled up on the web (yeah, I said piles) is, how can television viewers 'prove' cause and effect? Posters are mostly making the biggest error they can commit in terms of facts, evidence or proving anything: they're confusing correlation with cause and effect. Just because something is happening at the same time as something else doesn't mean one thing caused the other.

Also, how can any viewer claim to be an objective observer? Collecting 'data' through the tv screen, based on highly edited footage, collecting 'evidence' off of the internet (such a 'reliable' source!) and all of this while holding firmly established biases. There's no objective observation, there's no empiricism.

I do the same thing that most viewers do; when I watch JK8, I pass personal judgment on all of the choices the parents make: 'That works pretty well, I don't think she handled that very well, I would never do that other thing in a million years...'

I do not think that watching their tv show makes me qualified or justified in pronouncing a final verdict on the Gosselins, or in proposing actions to take against them.

Francis Farmer said...

Sorry, but I don't really understand this article.

First you say that Jodi's video was "particularly offensive", and then go on to imply that she has to have her sister stand up for her when she should be having her husband do it or do it herself. I would think that the video was her way of confirming the accusations and standing up for herself. She doesn't have the luxury of a television forum to do so and so was resorting to the internet, so how was the video confirmation "particularly offensive?"

[I]why make the truth public? Just because it’s the TRUTH? Why drag out the dirty laundry and show it to people who feed on negative garbage like this and perpetuate things like a disease? Is that helpful to your family? [/I]

I'll tell you that when I saw that episode with the gum I thought "what the hell is wrong with her?" and felt sorry for Jodi- (this was before the whole internet explosion). I knew right away that something was up. Personally I feel like that episode exposed alot of "negative garbage" and dragged out dirty laundry.

[I]Is that helpful to your family?[I/]

No, it isn't, but neither is Kate treating her child like a monster over a piece of gum simply to get at Jodi.

[I] Why should she want to be paid for watching the children she loves so much? If I don’t charge my friends to watch their children, nor would I accept money from my brothers to watch their (theoretical) children.[/I]

Really? You would be responsible for 8 kids for days at a time without any compensation? I might- a couple times, for a couple hours. Not for days, not on television. The amount Jodi had them without getting paid makes her a saint. Why (try to) make her look a fool on television over a *piece of gum*, after ALL she has done for them?? I really don't think the root of this was money. I think *if* the allegations of Kate's tirade about "one more person getting paid" are true, it was simply the straw that broke the camel's back.

[I]The fact that you are disgruntled with people who are now famous and making money from a TV show and then post your problems with them publicly on any kind of discussion board or blog automatically puts your motives, credibility, and objectivity in question.[/I]

Really? So disagreeing with celebrities with money is now taboo? I don't understand what fame, television or money has to do with it at all, except the fact that Kate humiliated her child and Jodi on TV over a piece of gum for God's sake. And how do you know that Jodi and Kevin didn't make every attempt at reconciliation before any of the blogging started? We simply don't know. I would hope they did before the DDRRRRAAAAMMMMAAA :)

[I]Have the Gosselins ever actually cried poverty?[/I]

Ohhhh yeah they have. Check the wayback machine and look at their archived webpages.

[I]Perhaps Kate did resent looking even more impatient and abrasive in comparison to Jodi[/I]

I think you hit the real root of the whole problem right there.

Yes, the whole thing on all sides is sordid and juvenile, and so, so ridiculous.

You are right when you say "you can never go back". It's just a shame all the way around.

Anonymous said...

I'll chime in here.

My kids temperaments are actually quite similar to the G kids. My older child is/was actually quite similar to Mady at 7 years old-- prone to stomping feet, slamming doors, scowling, controlling, etc.

3 years later -- consistency is paying off and some maturity is kicking in.

My younger child is also quite emotional and prone to meltdowns at the least provocation. Much less so than the other child but still quite a bit.

(BTW, I'm not a germaphobe or a neat nick and we don't have film crews at our house.)

Both of my kids were "hitters" during the pre-school years. It isn't acceptable behavior, but it is normal for kids in that age group to have those kinds of issues.

If a 10 year old is hitting, that isn't normal but it is pretty normal for a pre-school age child. That doesn't mean that my kids didn't have consequences, but I didn't see it as a sign of emotional disturbance.

(They are both doing very well in school, at home, and with their friends now. FYI)

My neighbor says that her youngest child was God's way of telling her she wasn't the perfect parent she thought she was.

When it was nap time, she'd announce it was nap time and 2 oldest would put down their toys and comply. She tells me that she would very harshly judge mothers whose kids would have meltdowns or hit other kids.

That is -- until she had her 3rd child (who by the way has turned into a wonderful young man).

But he was not a compliant pre-schooler or elementary age kid. He was everything her older children were not. Long story short is that his temperament was just different than the other kids.

My point with this is that sometimes we attribute more to parenting and environment than is accurate. It is part of the picture, no doubt, but temperament plays into it too.

Nina Bell said...

To the last anon poster, I rejected your comment. You made valid points but you need to be able to express them without insulting the writer.

EveryoneLovesErin said...

you don't think the cameras have any effect on the kids?
I don't know, I haven't met them nor have I psychologically evaluated them. I don't think you can assume that every behavior has to do with cameras being in the home. Sometimes a meltdown is just a meltdown. Sometimes it is connected to something but you can't just say you know what that something is. Until you've done some assessment, and/or have worked with a child, all theories are just that. You have the expertise on editing, I don't. I happen to be a Mental Health Professional.
Your opinion is Kate doesn't show preference towards her kids and how she or Jon treats them will have no ill effect?
I think she's able to relate better to some of her kids, I don't think they are favorites. Nor do I think the children proposed to be non-favorites are treated horrendously. I don't love how Kate and Jon talk to the kids at times but in comparison to the families of children with mental disorders that I work with...they're doing just fine.

There is no such thing as the perfect parent. We all do things to screw our kids up, even if it is to a mild degree. It's a fact of life.

MommyZinger said...

I hate that they make fun of Joel's lisp and giggle and say that he will grow up to be a "model". I can't remember which boy they called "clueless".

I can see how people can be upset about that, but sometimes things like that are meant to be endearing. I remember I would hear my parents telling people I was lazy in my piano practice. Or we call our youngest one "chubby" and our middle one "the loud one". I think when one has so many children it is easy to fall into categorizing and stereotyping. I'm not saying its right. But I think to really make the words endearing they have to be followed by lots of physical affection so its not just about the words.

Anonymous said...

Our older child is an articulate communicator. Truthfully, this kid could talk circles around both kids and adults.

Everyone (not just us) says, "That kid is going to be your lawyer."

So are degrading him? (Boy that is just ripe for a lawyer joke isn't it?)

Our younger child had the most low bass voice as a 1 year old. We called him "Henry Kissinger."

EveryoneLovesErin said...

If that last comment to Sevenstrangers sounded snippy or arrogant I apologize. I echo the sentiment of whoever said they were feeling the Gosselin burn- out.

Anonymous said...

What's 'normal'? Where are you getting your definition of normal? Does everyone everywhere agree with your definition? Who says we have to? Everybody's got their own picture of normal; to me, it seems like it's most often used against other people as an indictment. Millions of other American children without tv shows have meltdowns, what's their excuse?

Sorry, to clarify I meant "typical, expected" - behavior that doesn't raise flags.

I have to admit when I try to think back to how my girls behaved at that age, I can't recall exactly.

Of course, I can't compare because my girls were not HOMs and full term. At that age they were finishing Pre-K.

I agree that temperament has a lot to do with behavior as well.

NMD, I didn't take offense to your comment, I know your field of expertise is in mental health, specifically with children so I was just trying to get your take.

Anya@IW said...

Mommyzinger and Linda:

Thanks for sharing regarding your families.

I always feel better after reading about other parents who do not have "perfect" children.

I snark on my 17-year-old all the time. She is the most disorganized person I have ever met! It drives me nutso! I vent to the other adults in my life. Sometimes I even vent to her. She "gets" it - she knows it's an area she needs to work on.

The Gosselins are very honest about their kids and their unique personalities, but I almost always see it followed by loving actions and words toward all the children.

I don't think they see any negative connotation to mimicking Joel's voice. I think those who do may be reading too much into it and may need to look inside their own hearts.

That said, a few of the Gosselin comments regarding the kids have revealed more information than I really think we as viewers have a right to know or were just plain wrong (i.e., calling Joel a girl).

sajmom said...

I'm not even going to bother to read all the comments here, too many. RE: the gum episode, I'd just like to point out that although it's wrong, didn't anyone ever over-react to a situation with their kids? Particularly when you are already stressed out (as often happens when dealing with young children) And you make comments like Kate did as you are dealing with it. If you had time to reflect you probably wouldn't have said something like that. You certainly wouldn't repeat it in public because you know that it was an overreaction. But when the cameras are rolling the whole time, every single thing you say is captured and can be made into an issue. We all make plenty of mistakes, they just aren't blown up the way they are when viewed on tv. Just my 2 cents.

EveryoneLovesErin said...

Seven,
I think the thing we have to remember too is that the Gosselin kids are in a very unique situation. I should have said in my last comment that there SHOULD be someone evaluating the kids. Someone should be looking into the situation from an objective standpoint, independent of the network and the family.

I also think the parents should be asking themselves if all of this is affecting their kids. I have to hope (this is the optimist in me) that they are.

I've said this before on another board, but I wish for EVERY negative prediction about these kids to be untrue. I want them to have good lives, a happy childhood and grow up to be well-functioning adults. They deserve it (and so does every child).

Anonymous said...

delurkerloo -

I agree that Steph's comments are completely inappropriate, and if she really was concerned about Joel wearing a target on his back, she should keep those opinions ot herself.

However, I'm sad to say I've seen inapropriate comments made on other blogs (scrapbook related, not gosselin related) about children that are along the same vein. (If you read Creating Keepsakes mag, some bloggers question if Ali Edwards son really has autism (their arguements are along the sames lines as iloveeyores, as well as comments - though these are fewer - about the kids in the layouts. And if you want an earful, ask about Heidi Swapp's children in China.)

So to me, those comments are not that unusual and only 1 person's persceptive, not the collective opinion of the blog. I still go to the scrapbooking sites because of other people who post there, and we all just tend to ignore the people who get out of line. (You can challenge their beliefs but that just usually draws out the conversation, so ignoring it makes it go away quicker.)

At GWOP, I chose to focus on posts by Julie and a few others, that sound credible to me. I think that's why it doesn't phase me. I understand your point that iloveeyore is a moderator on GWOP, but I also think it is clear that this is her opinion and her opinion only. I don't read her posts, but I would be more concerned if iloveeyore said what she said and demanded that others agree with her.

Anonymous said...

NMD -

I should have said in my last comment that there SHOULD be someone evaluating the kids. Someone should be looking into the situation from an objective standpoint, independent of the network and the family.

I agree with you!!! However, I also think that if Jon and Kate or Figure 8 hired a moderator, they would catch alot of flack for picking one that agreed with their point of view.

Anonymous said...

Another comment about money...I think it was this year's Christmas episode where Kate implied there was financial hardship in providing a nice Christmas for so many kids.

And while I remember thinking that is true, I also remember thinking that it is weird that the family isn't overwhelmed by gifts from fans for the holidays. I thought at the time that Jon and Kate might not allow people to send stuff or give the presents to the kids because of fears that generous strangers will get the feeling that they are now closer to the family than Jon and Kate want them to be (does that make sense?)

However, based on some comments from Penn Mom's blog, I now believe that Kate misled the audience on her and Jon's ability to provide a nice Christmas for the kids, thanks in part to donations by strangers.

So for me, if you add the comment about not being about to afford more 1-on-1 days, and the comments about Christmas, and other things that have been said, it makes me question their motives in accepting donations from people.

Kel said...

so how was the video confirmation "particularly offensive?"

I was torn between being glad Jodi validated the authorship of the blog and the observation that the video itself seemed contrived and inauthentic to what I see as Jodi's character. I think Julie's blog is in bad taste and I was sorry to see Jodi involved with it at all. If you prefer me to say repugnant, than replace offensive with repugnant.

Is that helpful to your family?

No, it isn't, but neither is Kate treating her child like a monster over a piece of gum simply to get at Jodi.


I think you know that this was a rhetorical question.

Why should she want to be paid for watching the children she loves so much? If I don’t charge my friends to watch their children, nor would I accept money from my brothers to watch their (theoretical) children.

Really? You would be responsible for 8 kids for days at a time without any compensation? I might- a couple times, for a couple hours. Not for days, not on television. The amount Jodi had them without getting paid makes her a saint. Why (try to) make her look a fool on television over a *piece of gum*, after ALL she has done for them?? I really don't think the root of this was money. I think *if* the allegations of Kate's tirade about "one more person getting paid" are true, it was simply the straw that broke the camel's back.


I have no doubt that this was the straw that broke the camel's back in thier relationship. And I do think it was terrible to make such a scene about gum. And No, I wouldn't ask to be paid to watch my relative's children no matter the number no matter the durration. I wouldn't do it if I didn't want to do it though. (I think Jodi wanted to until she was shrieked at for gum)

[I]The fact that you are disgruntled with people who are now famous and making money from a TV show and then post your problems with them publicly on any kind of discussion board or blog automatically puts your motives, credibility, and objectivity in question.[/I]

Really? So disagreeing with celebrities with money is now taboo? I don't understand what fame, television or money has to do with it at all, except the fact that Kate humiliated her child and Jodi on TV over a piece of gum for God's sake. And how do you know that Jodi and Kevin didn't make every attempt at reconciliation before any of the blogging started? We simply don't know. I would hope they did before the DDRRRRAAAAMMMMAAA :)


Really. That. Is. Exactly. What. I. Meant. You can take it that way if you like.

The whole point I was attempting to get across is that I am not choosing a side. I think both sides are wrong and they are both losing something. I do appriciate your comment. I'm sorry if I was unclear in my article.

Kel said...

By the way, I really don't think child actor syndrome should be applied to these kids, they are not being typecast and then rejected by an industry that no longer has a use for them. They will most likely stop filming at some point and I think the kids will miss Scott and the producers more than they will miss being on TV. Then they will grow up and get jobs of somekind and become adults. Yes their names and faces will be recognizeable for some time to come, but so is the cute little girl from the Welches commercials and she's doing just fine. Don't forget that there are far more well adjusted former child stars than there are maladjusted ones.

Anonymous said...

And No, I wouldn't ask to be paid to watch my relative's children no matter the number no matter the durration. I wouldn't do it if I didn't want to do it though. (I think Jodi wanted to until she was shrieked at for gum)

Forgive me if I am interpreting the situation incorrectly, but the estrangement between Jodi and Kate was not over Jodi wanting to get paid.

From the way the story is told, the producers approached Jodi about being compensated for being on the show. It makes sense that as a "regular" she would be - maybe not for taking care of the kids, but for appearing on the show. When Kate heard this, she stated "no one makes money off my kids but us". She threatened to walk.

There are some of you that are going to say that Kate's "side" of the story has not been told - but there have been credible accounts (Penn Mommy's for one) of how Kate uses people until she has no need for them. So, Kate may have not have told her side of the story, but I believe Julie's version.

IMO I think Kate did not like that Jodi was getting "attention" and on her show - Kate is the star. This was just a convenient way to end it.

Anonymous said...

Kelley -

This is the reason Julie (and Jodi I am guessing) believes they were cut out of the kids lives.

"Things started to change as Season 3 progressed. There was a big difference in filming when comparing the previous 2 seasons. They became more popular and the schedule became more demanding. They started making big money and the fame and money changed them to some extent. They no longer had to work, they could make demands and were given whatever they wanted. Egos started to get bigger. Jodi was very involved (although not always on camera) and started doing some traveling with them. She saw first hand how all of this was affecting the kids.

- Jodi talked with the producer and J&K about her concerns. I believe this was the REAL issue. They saw Jodi as a threat to the show. -

This was also around the same time that Kate said Jodi made her look bad and Jon said he was deleting the fan mail. So I think in Kate's mind, it came to a point that Jodi needed to be replaced."

Jodi and Kevin made it clear to Kate that they did not want the money TLC was offering them for appearing on the show and tried talking to her.

"When Jodi and Kevin were approached and told that Kate refused to allow them to be compensated before Season 2, they didn't believe it. Jodi and Kevin didn't feel comfortable making a deal behind Kate's back, so Kevin asked her...Kate immediately accused Jodi and Kevin of being there for the money. This is what is so upsetting! Not the fact that she refused to allow them to be paid, but the things that she said to Kevin's face."

There's more to the story, but I thought that part addressed the fight over money question.

Anya@IW said...

Anon @ 6:00 p.m. "There are some of you that are going to say that Kate's "side" of the story has not been told - but there have been credible accounts (Penn Mommy's for one) of how Kate uses people until she has no need for them. So, Kate may have not have told her side of the story, but I believe Julie's version."

You are correct, I AM going to say that Kate's side of the story hasn't been told :-)

As for P.M., I mean no disrespect, but I don't think everyone agrees she's credible. She has revealed no personal information for us to be able to verify her identity. I understand why she might be hesitant to do so, but since we can't verify this initial critical bit of information, we are basically left to trust a stranger we have met on the internet is telling the truth. Some will find enough there to believe her, but I don't think it can be stated without challenge that PM's version of events is completely trustworthy.

Of course, Julie is who she says she is. Her "credibility" must be weighed taking into how she has conducted herself on the various Gosselin blogs she has contributed to. While I don't disavow everything she has said, I find her very lacking as a "credible" witness.

Anonymous said...

Anya -

I understand your issue with Julie's credibility, but Julie has stated that she has talked to Penn Mommy, and is confident that she is who Penn Mommy says she is. Is that enough to make Penn Mommy trustworthy?

And, since Penn Mommy's blog is not as, shall we say, agressive as GWOP, if Julie chose to post at Penn Mommy's blog instead, would her credibility factor increase?

Just curious.

Anonymous said...

Becky Haas said...
I read a post on PennMommy's blog from Becky who seems to know them and respect them...I think she mentioned this blog so I was hoping to find positive posts on this family (from people that have met them). I'm tired of reading all the snark (that is mostly just opinions) from those who have never even met them.

I am here. I think this blog appeals to me more than GWoP. There is less snark and pickiness. I do respect PennMommy because she is a doer not a observer. 14 years ago we lost our baby girl to meningitis. PennMommy came to my house every day in the aftermath for three months to clean & cook & watch my daughter who was three until I was ready to live again. I love the Gosselins! I love Penn Mommy to.


that was taken from the sound off thread.

I am not going to call Kate Gosselin names, but based on what I have seen on the show, to put it nicely, she is not my cup of tea. (Her children are the reason I watch the show) The accounts of her that do not portray her in the best light, just confirm my opinion of her.

A lot of people, I think "feel sorry for her" because they think her "treatment" is harsh, but Kate chose to put her life on display. With that comes the good and the bad. I am not saying that I condone her invasion of privacy, but that's what the trade off is. If she is ok with strangers bringing paper towels to her door step, she should be ok with people who want to just want to say hi. IIRC Kate states that the show is for the people who cannot look in her window - well what about the people that actually can? Once again, I am not condoning this type of behavior, I am just saying you can't only be thankful for the freebies, you have to accept the downside too.

What I consider "her" side is told every week on the show - by the way she handles herself.

Kel said...

Jodi and Kevin made it clear to Kate that they did not want the money TLC was offering them for appearing on the show and tried talking to her....and etc

That is very interesting...And things with that family have obviously gone even more wrong than I had originally thought.

Anya@IW said...

a anon post said...
Anya - "I understand your issue with Julie's credibility, but Julie has stated that she has talked to Penn Mommy, and is confident that she is who Penn Mommy says she is. Is that enough to make Penn Mommy trustworthy?


That was my initial impression. I do believe Julie is sincere in believing Penn Mommy's account.

And, since Penn Mommy's blog is not as, shall we say, agressive as GWOP, if Julie chose to post at Penn Mommy's blog instead, would her credibility factor increase?

I have found Penn Mommy's blog to be on the whole a more pleasant site than GWoP. It has helped a lot that she has started to moderate comments because there were a couple of anti-Gosselin posters that were very nasty to those of us trying to present a different view in the initial days of the blog.

Truthfully - and this is probably how some of you feel about Kate - I just completely disagree with how Julie has comported herself. And she can't do much right in my eyes. I am not a fair judge by a long shot! That does not mean, however, that I discount everything she says. Certain things ring more true than others, but I tend to believe the very general outline she presents. (And, I agree, it does not present Kate in a great light).

I think Julie should just stop blogging about the Gosselins. She's gotten her side of the story out there. If she feels the need to continue, I would suggest doing so on her own blog, where she won't be associated with the unproductive malice spewing from GWoP.

Anonymous said...

I love Jon and Kate Plus 8, but only watch the show for the children. I do have to say that Kate really disappoints me, but I am not surprised. I have known Kate's family from the time she was a little girl. Kate's father was a very controlling man. He now knows the Lord and serves Him. He is a totally different man. AT that time he tried to be in charge of everything. The grandparents Kate talked about in the camping issue, I knew. (her mother's parents) They were probably the most stable loving force that Kate's brother, sister's and Kate had in their younger years. Kate is very much like her father use to be in the fact that she to tries to control everyone. I did start to think that since Kate has moved everyone (friends and family) out of her life that she might be trying to begin another relationship with her parents. I noticed that she mentioned her mother a few times in Kate's Labor Day. I also wish that when they had the show that talked about different things that were embarssing for them or very precious that Kate would have been willing to accept when she did things wrong. Why was it necessary for Jon to accept all the blame for things he did wrong, but not for Kate. In this post this person could not understand why Jodi was using her sister's blog to state what her sister said was true. With Kate she does nothing wrong, so Jodi needed a place for her story to be heard. Kevin's family already know the true story, because they know Kate. Maybe Jodi just wanted other people that didn't personally know Kate to know the actual truth. The one thing that still confuses me to this day is how her brother and sisters could spend as much time with their maternal grandparents and turn out so nice and Kate just isn't. Who knows, maybe it is the money she is receiving.

Anonymous said...

anon 9:33,

You wrote that you've known K for a long time and that her dad was a lot like K when the kids were growing up.

My husband's family is filled with people who alternate between control and anxiousness. One of his family members was (IMO) the most damaged by all of it and goes through long periods of time where they do not or cannot interact with the family.

Anonymous said...

What I think really happened is that Jodi started demanding money and TLC, wanting to keep her around, offered it, but of course Kate said hell no my kids aren't to have money made off of them and Jodi got all up in arms, told her sister and her sister started spewing crap everywhere about the gosselins. I think Jodi saw the potential to make a buck off of the tups and when she was told no took offense and decided to run J&K's name through the mud and make herself look good. J&K are just taking the high road and not telling their side because it is the right thing to do.

Anonymous said...

Sara -

You are so right. After 4 years of watching 8 kids for free, letting TLC film in her house for free (when normally TLC pays for that sort of thing) - it's enough to turn anyone into a selfish greedy person who no longer cares about anyone but herself. I'm just waiting for Jodi's tell all story, she'll really be raking in the bucks then. Oh wait, oh yeah, that's not going to happen. So I guess there are some flaws in your thinking