Friday, December 19, 2008

Rock Star Like Reception


Kate was at another book signing last night and there is an article in the On Morning Call.Com called Kate visits Valley minus Jon and the 8. This book signing took place in her home state of Pennsylvanian and the article states she received a " rock star like reception."
Please also visit Jon and Kate Plus 8 Gosselin Fan Site to read about another person's experience at a book signing.

64 comments:

Nina Bell said...

I posted this article because I feel that one thing these book signings have proven is that this show remains popular and still has a very large fan base.

BEE said...

Thanks Nina Bell! Everyday it becomes more and more clear just how much people appreciate and support this family! They are everywhere!

Anonymous said...

Gotta love how the haters flock to every website. I don't understand the continued comments regarding the kids and down syndrome. Not one of the Gosselin kids have the physical characteristics of DS. I also think its strange how many say Jon and Kate are unChristian and then go on to attack their kids or their hair or how they dress or where they live etc.... WWJD?

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the article and also the link for the other sighting in Michigan. It's always good to see the positive things said about Kate.

Lizzy said...

I loved the article that was posted on the antiGWOP site!! Wendy, the poster, is 9 months pregnant and has a really great account of how everything went. Its a bit long, but I was so excited that she got to meet Kate, and that Kate kindly returned her email and set it up so Wendy got great treatment at B & N. Thats just wonderful :).

I also agree how the few who hate J & K and their 8 are so loud on each site, while there are thousands more who are fans and oblivious to the drama. As Jersey Girl said, WWJD? Methinks Jesus would not write really mean comments about someones hair style or a childs temperament...

Guinevere said...

Re the Downs Syndrome thing, I've always just assumed that it's because slanting eyes are a DS feature; maybe that combined with the idea that multiples tend to have disabilities puts the idea in peoples' heads?

Or maybe it's just another way for trashy, mean people to insult little children.

Guinevere said...

The thing with the core group of haters is, I think, you have a certain number of women who will spew their hatred on ANY site that says a peep about J&K+8. I mean, some of these women must have a lot of time on their hands. I think some or many of them will also post under multiple names in order to make it look like there are more haters than there are.

I'm not saying there's not a hardy band of very vocal haters. I just think it looks like more than it is, because of their tendency to post everywhere and to pretend to be multiple people.

happymama said...

Looks like another big event. Thanks for the article.

I can tell you that none of the Gosselin children have Down syndrome, also known as trisomy 21.

I have to also say, that I have noticed a growing number of women, with Kate's hairstyle while doing my Christmas shopping. It does look good on some women, but not on all of them. :D

Anonymous said...

Lizabeth,
What is the antiGWOP site? I don't really search the 'net at all and any help finding my way is appreciated.

It does sound like the book signing perspective was good.

Thx,
Shelly

happymama said...

Down syndrome is diagnosed at birth. Low set ears and almond shaped eyes are noticed right away. Then blood tests are done, if a doctor suspects Down syndrome. Also, Down syndrome can be detected during pregnancy with an amniocentesis. The presence, of an extra 21st chromosome, indicates Down syndrome.

Ann said...

Two friends went...one got in (with 2 happy girls) and another and her daughter had to cry outside the window. It was a huge deal. I just heard from the unlucky friend, the others' daughters got 2 books signed, but are going to share one and give the other to the unlucky friend who almost got in. Isn't that nice? They said Kate was nice, very, very busy, but nice. Smiles and signing all night.

Nina Bell said...

Cincy Mom

Click on the link on this post to the Jon and Kate fan site. The URL on that site contains the words antigwop and therefore it is referred to as the antigwop blog. Babymama is the owner of that blog.

Ann said...

Oh, my friend (who didn't get in) also said that she went to the bookstore early in the morning to buy her book, and the staff told her people were calling from Delaware, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland. These people had a drive of one and a half to two hours or more (except from Jersey, they're within 30 minutes, but could be further.) 1500 people got in. They mobbed the van she was in as she drove up (there's not that much parking at this store, and I have no idea where everyone parked.) She said there were thousands outside (I told her to go earlier...shaking my head!) Not a single protester, snarky Gwopper in sight!

Ann said...

One more comment...these two friends and their girls were missing from our carolling last night because they were at the book signing. "Where's XXX?" I was asked. "She and XXX took the girls to Hackman's because Kate is signing her book tonight." No last name. Everyone knew who I meant. They love the show; they all watch with their kids.

Dina said...

Another great read today. Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

I sure am glad no GWOPPER's were there!

I think that to say the G kids look like they have DS is a horrible, horrible thing to say!

It is nice to hear that Kate was friendly!

Samantha@IW said...

I'm not suprised- to deny the popularity of the show and Kate herself is to be DELUSIONAL!

Darlene Williams said...

Web sites and blogs track their every move and eagerly boast of a family sighting.
That sounds familar from another site..cough cough lol..
The article felt like an up your nose to all the haters out there and a different spin then the usually articles lately.

Anonymous said...

I'm thinking that GWOP has officially "jumped the shark." Seriously, they can say nothing substantial except to snark on her hair.

Darlene Williams said...

Even ThreeFarmers is getting a big head....She got all snarky because Moon didn't give credit to her for the Gosselin Christmas poem Moon linked from gwop. I thought it was funny....haters turning on each other :)

Lizzy said...

Linda, I have to agree with you! I noticed that today as well--figured if the worst thing Kate has going for her new is an avant garde hair cut then she is pretty much in the clear!! LOL!

Quiltart said...

You're right about GWOP and the hair, because that is all they've written about today.... Who cares about her hair? She looks great in the photo!

merryway said...

What a nice story about the lady who was so pregnant. I bet she never expected anything like that! I love happy stories.

Mimi to 3 said...

You're right indianprincess. The haters are indeed turning on each other. These two were best buds for a long time (I mean best!) They all have such big heads and think so highly of themselves. The only thing they can do over at GWOP now is repeat, repeat, repeat like a broken record: "they are exploiters", "they are working off the backs of their kids", "they are liars", "damage control", "train wreck", to name a few. They cannot come up with anything new to say and so they just repeat each other. And they call us sheeple?

Also, they have posters claiming they don't watch any more and counting down the weeks they have not watched as though they were in a 12 step program. But they still find the time to get on a blog and gossip about them and put them down based on other people's viewpoint.

There are so many more fans than haters. They can say what they want, but they are jealous. They want what J&K have and can't figure out how to get it so they do what they think is the next best thing -- attack them!

So go on back to making moon pies out at the farm and find someone else to bash.

Darlene Williams said...

Sorry off topic:

So go on back to making moon pies out at the farm and find someone else to bash. Lol

Anonymous said...

Barbara you wrote:

counting down the weeks they have not watched as though they were in a 12 step program.

I'm beginning to think that there really is a cult of Gosselin Victimhood.

You know . . .

People who believe that there is a real of imagined betrayal that the Gosselins have perpetrated against them.

There is such a victim mentality in a lot of their posts.

Anya@IW said...

FIONA said..."I think that to say the G kids look like they have DS is a horrible, horrible thing to say!"

I agree. And that's the thing - the haters always take it just one distasteful step too far. I am sure if I were more in the middle of this debate, I would be just as completely turned off. The sane people with legitimate concerns about the effect of the show on the children are just lost in the craziness and hate....


indianprincess said..."Even ThreeFarmers is getting a big head....She got all snarky because Moon didn't give credit to her for the Gosselin Christmas poem Moon linked from gwop. I thought it was funny....haters turning on each other :)"

I know that was QUITE entertaining, wasn't it? Pass the popcorn!

Guinevere said...

I'm beginning to think that there really is a cult of Gosselin Victimhood.

You know . . .

People who believe that there is a real of imagined betrayal that the Gosselins have perpetrated against them.

There is such a victim mentality in a lot of their posts.


I think you're right. It seems to go hand in hand with the belief that there is some essential TRUTH about the Gosselins that the rest of us just can't see. It's not like, "you think what you think and I think what I think", it's more like, "well, you are blind, but I can see" - cue the strings for "Amazing Grace".

It's very weird to me.

Darlene Williams said...

Did you know we are all blinded by the Gosselin Greed if we don't think like them? lol

Guinevere: It's creepy to me too!

Anonymous said...

barbara- you hit on exactly what used to bother me when i read "over there". i hated it when people would "Brag" about how long it's been since they watched. i always thought the same thing! i'm going to start a new support group called "gosselins anonymous". you get a chip for each week you don't watch. then you can stand up and say "hi, my name is so-and-so and i haven't watched the gosselins for three weeks now" (cue applause) the funny thing is, i always suspect those people are secretly watching becuase they sure do seem to know alot more than the recap told!

Kikibee said...

I love reading about the big crowds at the book signings. It's easy to forget how many people there are who just enjoy the show and don't read all the stuff going on on the blogs.

I do feel the GWoPs are slacking.
Sure, they'll sit there and write emails to all the sponsors, and Dr.Phil, Paul P. etc., but they can't be bothered to actually go out to the book signings and tell those poor sheeple what's really going on.

I remember Down Syndrome comments on the original TWoP thread,directed at Hannah. Unfortunately, I think that is one of the reasons she is picked on so much, because they think she looks
"different". So wrong, on so many levels.

Ann said...

indianprincess said..."Even ThreeFarmers is getting a big head...

Indianprincess, what thread at GWoP was that on (or at Moon's site?) I have a hard time reading Gwop b/c I get a little embarrassed for them, they are so unaware. Three Farmers is fascinating to me, though. She seems bright enough (except her horrid take on the Christmas poem...so unfunny and stupid, it doesn't even make any sense...and the reference to women's sagging breasts makes me suspect she is an 11 year old boy...embarrassingly revealing.) Yet she continuously trades any credibility she has for the quick jab at a child. And she reads the adulation all day long, popping in to take bows. Even her nutty excuse for watching...she "has to" do the recap, is silly. Is Sharla paying her for these recaps? Supposedly it's a real burden to her to watch, but she has this "gift" for recapping a TV show at the children's expense, and she must share her gift with her simpering fans. 3F may not be paid $$$ for the recaps, but she is paid in praise from a devoted, if small, fan base, and she won't give it up, no matter how painful it is to contribute to the Gosselins' ratings. In other words, she exploits the Gosselin children for her own personal gratification. That's how I see it. Anyway, I don't want to miss this tussle between Moon and 3F. If someoone knows the thread, could you point me to it, please? I don't think the snarky princesses have quoted it yet.

Anonymous said...

My friend went to this signing and could not get in at 6:30 when it started. The place was mobbed! This really does show that the GWoP people are in the minority. Most people don't have a clue about the behind the scenes drama that they talk about.

Anonymous said...

What a heartfelt story about Kate and her being so thoughtful towards the pregnant woman. I love their show and I really enjoyed reading the book! Thanks for posting this!

Mimi to 3 said...

Saint, It's at Moon's Site.

Unknown said...

Saint,

Did you get a chance to read it?

All I can say is WOW! 3F's is throwing a tantrum worthy of any of the G's kids she so thoughtfully writes about!

I was really surprised by the back and forth with Moon Pie.

There is something disturbing about writing such twisted things about the G family and making sure everyone knows who wrote it.

And I agree, GWOP has no direction left at all.

Darlene Williams said...

Saint, it was on Moon's site with the lovely christmas goose(bird) all in the comments section!

Anonymous said...

The Gwoppers are nothing but immature idiots who are nothing but blog bullies.

Anyone who has to pick on kids to make them feel good seriously lacks a soul.

I think it's funny too that they brag how they don't watch the show, yet they break down every movement of Jon and Kate and criticize.

GWOP is like a flesh-eating wound. Eventually, they'll kill themselves off.

Unknown said...

Theresa,
I agree...and it seems as tho most of the original posters are gone...or they have created multiple names and are to embarrassed to use there "original" name.

There were some good posters over there, and I wonder where they went sometimes.

It gets meaner and more ignorant everyday and I really don't get the point.

When I posted there it was much more censored...I don't know if that was Serena's influence or not.

There was a much greater sense of decorum and a "mission" so to speak.

Now it is just one assinine comment after another.

No real discussions back and forth which I really enjoy over here-although everynow and again I get ticked off. I guess all of us have our moments, but at the end of the day I hold no grudges.

I have really learned some tolerance here, sometimes I bite my tongue, sometimes I just laugh-but the bottom line is actual discussions occur.

Anonymous said...

Barbara,

Can I ask why you became so upset with Moon's site and with "3"? I know you had a bit of a scuffle when you commented on a political thread there-was that the end for you?

To everyone else...if GWoP is such a terrible place to post and the comments so horrendous-why do you all go there to read and then comment here about them? Why give them any more publicity or readership?

Anonymous said...

you're right Fiona. We have actual discussions and a respect for each other and of Jon and Kate,whether we disagree or agree.

you nailed it..Now it is just one assinine comment after another..

LOL!

Thanks to our mods, too! They're the best.

Anonymous said...

Tanner Wonders,

When I do go I have to say it fascintates me. You absolutely could not write what is said over there.

I guess we go for some of the same reasons you read here.

Samantha@IW said...

You guys had me curious so I went to Moon's site to read 3f's conversation: HYSTERICAL! At some point I think she was demanding that Moon delete her comments as well, at least thats how it read to me. And someone pointed out that 3f's poem was A night Before Christmas Satire and she didnt credit the original writer.... Priceless! I don't know why anyone would demand credit for that anyway.

Ann said...

To everyone else...if GWoP is such a terrible place to post and the comments so horrendous-why do you all go there to read and then comment here about them? Why give them any more publicity or readership?

It's a hobby, to me. But I don't comment nearly as much as I am tempted to. If I did, I'd join the Snarky Princess site. Those ladies really nail GWoP comments, don't they? They are very witty and insightful. I know I can't top 'em.

Hey, how do you know so much about Barbara's comments at Moon's site? Are you a regular there?

Nancy said...

I read at GWoP often, but I don't feel the need to post any more.I have nothing to add....LOL! Can't say I have entirely quit watching J&K, but I have missed a couple of shows on purpose and have quit DVRing them.
I still don't like Kate and that's not likely to change, but I don't want to post on any site where people are allowed to make fun of the kids.

Ann said...

Thanks for the link everyone. It's a farce over there. Moon seems to think her blog is her house. She has no idea of netiquette, but we knew that in October, didn't we? You can't just copy, paste and post, and if you make a mistake, then you take the correction like an adult and apologize nicely. And I have to agree with our SamanthaNC:
"I don't know why anyone would demand credit for that anyway.

Now, does anyone here really believe that Moon had no idea that 3F takes potshots at the Gosselin kids? She happily sends the poster "Fan of Farmers" on her way, telling her not to come back b/c she supports someone (3F) who picks on children.

Well, Moon, if you're reading, you might want to go over to GWOP and research the comments of your devoted friend "fxfanatic." Not only does she routinely applaud 3F, she has mocked Joel "individually" though she admitted she prefers to mock the kids as a group, not individually (see the "Tups Turn Fifty" thread.) You can find this poster at other sites as well, and you won't be all that proud of her, if you're serious about not wanting the children to be mocked.

Anonymous said...

LOL! Samantha, you hit it right on the head! The people who hate this show would be horrified to hear the stats.

Every new episode that airs is the highest rated cable/reality/non-fiction show in it's time slot. That means they beat History Channel, HGTV, Food Channel, anything that is not a movie channel or subscriber channel (like HBO, ShowTime, etc.). They would be sick to know that it translates to making it the highest rated show on TLC and a huge profit maker for the parent company.

And for all the folks who think they are making a dent by boycotting sponsors of the show? Cable doesn't get nearly as many viewers as people think. Especially those owned by National Geographic, HGTV, Discovery, etc. Their numbers are based on their own demographic. What does this mean for J & K Plus 8? 2 million viewers is a huge number for them or for any such program on cable. This means that Proctor and Gamble doesn't give a flying pig about gwoppers not buying their products. These people just don't get it. What lengths they go through and trouble they put themselves through just for disliking the Gosselins and it absolutely makes no difference. Seems like a waste of time to me. And then there is the age old question: if you don't like the show, don't watch it. Seems elementary to me. Then again if you are a "child advocate" I guess you NEED to watch the show to make sure you document that one of them is fat, one of them is favored, one might be gay, one is going to be mentally ill, some are Down's children...on and on ad nauseum. Yes sir, this is just the kind of thing child advocates are supposed to document! They crossed the line into disgusting and pathetic long ago for me.

I have not been to gwop in a long time. Christmas preparations and daily life keep me off of the computer more and more. If I do have time, I tune in here for Gosselin news. Truly, the worst thing they are saying is about her hair? My, my. They are running out of steam. It must kill them to know that their book is such a hit.

Anonymous said...

One more thing before I finish wrapping gifts (I would LOVE to have a business that does this. People drop off packages, I wrap and then deliver. Maybe next year...) due to putting off the major wrapping mess I make, I went to this moon site and found the tiff between the blog owner and the writer of that stupid thing. All I can say is : Wow. The writer of that ugly idiocy is very invested in her perceived talent. How much "talent" does it use to take a traditional
Christmas piece and change the words to something ugly, never mind that it goes completely against the goodwill of this season no matter which way any of us celebrates it? I searched around a little. Seems this moon person gets much more traffic now that she has entered the Gosselin gravy train. I know I'm not the only one who can see the contradiction in all of this. If you hate something or someone or oppose something or someone, the constant mention of this something or someone either points to a serious obsession or, in the case of many who have jumped on this train, indicates cashing in on the very thing this person/group of people holds in such low esteem.

People are certainly interesting in the things they choose to do.

Lizzy said...

Wow, Mary, you stated something I had not been able to pin point for some time! I agree that it seems many more negative blogs are sprouting up because they want attention and more 'exposure to the cause.' Unfortunately (for them!) the only thing that is coming from this is more publicity for the show (or more people claiming they never watch when they do!).

I am a glutton for punishment so I admit to going to Moon's blog every once in awhile as well as GWoP (esp. after the 3F debacle lol)... At the same time, I have been trying to figure out what the right response is to those sites. Since I enjoy Jon and Kate (mostly because of their 8), maybe the best way to support their show is by continuing to watch (check) and by not allowing that negativity to cloud what I think. I'm all for debate, and am thankful so many on this site can disagree while maintaining respect for each other. I just hate the thought that I could be giving a negative site any of my attention and increased traffic...

Just thoughts... I am sure I will still click over occasionally, but I really like how you said that many of those sites are guilty of the same things they accuse Jon and Kate of doing...

Anonymous said...

Mary said:

This means that Proctor and Gamble doesn't give a flying pig about gwoppers not buying their products.

When I lived in Cincinnati, home of P&G a controversy arose over their corporate logo. This moon and stars logo had been in use for almost 100 years. The comments made against P&G where that it had Satanic implications. Remember when people were on that kick, play a record backwards, kick.

This company spent alot of money in lawsuits to dispell those claims. They are more intouch with their image than you might think.

Is the mentality of the other blog correct. Absolutely not. But it is very possible that P&G might very well take a high road, and find another avenue. It isn't fair to Kate but it very well could happen.

Anya@IW said...

nc resident said..."When I lived in Cincinnati, home of P&G a controversy arose over their corporate logo. This moon and stars logo had been in use for almost 100 years. The comments made against P&G where that it had Satanic implications. Remember when people were on that kick, play a record backwards, kick.

This company spent alot of money in lawsuits to dispell those claims. They are more intouch with their image than you might think."


I remember that controversy. I guess I am officially old.

I see your point, but I think we are talking about two very different situations. The allegations made against P&G and their logo became very widespread and painted the company in a very sinister light. There were numerous stories in the mainstream media about the controversy. This was also the time before the internet was in widespread use. Consumers could not easily check out the validity of the stories that were being repeated.

As for P&G's sponsorship relationship with Kate and the Gosselins show, I don't see it as a negative for them. Overall, Kate is not well-known by the general public. As for those who do know her, it appears she has any many fans as people who don't like her. Obviously, if the blogging community took a vote, she would lose hands down, but I am including a larger segment of the population when I make this assertion.

Overall, unless perceptions take a dramatic change for some reason, I think P&G would be happy to continue their sponsorship of the show and even perhaps carve out a spokesperson role for Kate. I believe the show reaches a very core segment of the consumers P&G want to reach.

Anonymous said...

I remember that controversy. I guess I am officially old.

that makes at least 2 of us but remember I mentioned Joe Namath. lol

Anya@IW said...

nc resident said...
I remember that controversy. I guess I am officially old.

that makes at least 2 of us but remember I mentioned Joe Namath. lol


He played for Knute Rockne - right? :-)

Nah, I actually do remember seeing him on the "Brady Bunch" when I was a little kid!

Anonymous said...

Well we had radio not TV remember the Great Depression hehe.
Walked to school five miles, one way, uphill both ways.

Anonymous said...

wow, i just bought her book, multiple blessings, and I cannot put it down.

lots of haters say that she's a type a, controlling freak.. whatever, but Kate is fully aware and is unapologetic about it. as a mother of eight, you NEED to have her characteristics to make it all run smoothly. and the kids love her. Remember the Mr Mom episode video that Jon made for her?

and down syndrome features? please, thats what people have been saying about asian people for ages. if that was really true? about 3,634 million people in the world have down syndrome.

Nancy said...

'Methinks Jesus would not write really mean comments about someones hair style or a childs temperament...'
No, He wouldn't EVER be mean, but He might whisper in a mom's ear that a particular hairstyle is not flattering to her attractive self.... and might whisper in a child's ear to remember to always be kind and gentle to others.......

Nina Bell said...

I would like it if everyone from all the respective blogs concerning the Gosselins would send head shots in so we could get a good grasp of what Kate's hair should look like. Please email to ninabell53@gmail.com and I will post them and forward them on to Kate.

Anya@IW said...

I too eagerly await the submissions.

I am looking for a new hairstyle for the coming year. I can't wait to see what the beautiful and exceptionally well-coiffed ladies of these respective blogs can teach Kate and me.

Anonymous said...

"Re the Downs Syndrome thing, I've always just assumed that it's because slanting eyes are a DS feature; maybe that combined with the idea that multiples tend to have disabilities puts the idea in peoples' heads?

Or maybe it's just another way for trashy, mean people to insult little children."

Asians have slanted eyes--not all asians have DS.

There is a boy with DS living in my neighborhood. There are other facial characteristics aside from the eyes. There are also developmental delays regarding fine and gross motor skills and speech. Variable of course to the child.

Not one of these Gosselin kids have down's..and if they did, that would be a lawsuit waiting to happen..or a down right miracle at how normal whichever child it is at a young age.

I would have to place the comment by whomever said it into the inappropriate column and question their credentials to diagnose these kids through the television and how J&K and their physicians missed the diagnosis.

Anonymous said...

Not one of these Gosselin kids have down's..and if they did, that would be a lawsuit waiting to happen..or a down right miracle at how normal whichever child it is at a young age.
------------------------------------
Maybe I don't understand but who would we be suing?

Anonymous said...

When she signs a book, is it personalized?

Lizzy said...

Sharon, at the first two book signings in GR (the one I attended then the following day) Kate was personalizing books. After that point they decided it took so long to do so that she was just signing her name. This sped up the line and gave her more of a chance to talk to people in line from what I understand reading other accounts of people who went to the book signings.

Anonymous said...

Sorry nc, I meant to respond to you sooner but the house is full of people, happily, and I have had only tiny bits of time to myself.

The issue of P & G is completely different from what you are talking about. I don't recall that but it doesn't matter. I'm sure it happened and you know about it, I don't. However, I have posted the stats on this show before. Even if they get 2 million viewers that is a drop in the bucket when looking at the percentage of folks watching network and cable TV. That also translates in other ways. 1. Many of those viewers LIKE the show. Some of the viewers watch it because they hate it (this logic escapes me but so does the glee in hating this family so I'll just drop it at that), some people watch because they like the kids, whatever. In the scheme of things and the scope of P & G, it is highly unlikely that the little group of boycotters will bring down P & G or any other company who advertises on this show. It's ridiculous. And a waste of time.

If you then want to argue that P & G will leave as a sponsor because of controversy, I say think again. Like we have said before, controversy brings viewers and negative or positive, these viewers see the ads. There will always be another sponsor to take their place. And when there is not, the show will end.

I watched the Duggars this week, with one of my sons. He didn't believe that a family had 18 kids and was upset (we have a family member who has 9 and we have watched those kids go through hell so it is a sore subject with some of us and creates anxiety when he thinks about kids taking care of kids...)when he heard about it. When I started thinking about that show I realized how much product placement there is all over it. They also wrote a book. They were on a New York morning show talking about something but also holding up their book. There are lots of things swirling around this family. I went to the other site that the gwop crew created and was surprised at the small number of comments and bothered people. Why? This family is doing the same thing via their show.
Setting their kids up for ridicule because of their personal religious views, the way they dress, the way they style their hair, etc. But gwop is filled with folks who are commenting daily. Something smells funny here. Is it politically incorrect to attack the Duggars because their lives are run by their religious views? That makes it OK to promote a book, have product placement (some of the items-like toys) were the same ones on the Gosselin show) show them going to a creationist museum, advertise the wedding of the eldest son and place the new bride in the forefront, etc. Is it because Michelle Duggar is easier to like because she doesn't have the nicer hairdo, the manicures, the visits to the spa? Well, after watching the show I realized that most of what went into their new home was donated. Piano, furniture, they had a decorator. They didn't pay for it.

Why the difference in level of vitriol? Seems like we have a double standard here.

Quiltart said...

Why the difference in level of vitriol? Seems like we have a double standard here.

I've often wondered the same thing, because there is little difference in the product placement, general advertising and trips on the TLC's three major big family shows (J&K, LPBW & 17+). The fact of the matter is that a certain group of non-fans consider the Gosselins to be exploiting their children because they have no other employment except their show. Even when Kate is speaking on her own or doing book signings without the rest of the family, this group considers that they are still exploiting the children. I do not agree with this.
The fact of the matter is that there IS a show and that they DO have an unusual family situation with their two sets of multiples. This has afforded the Gosselins a chance to do the show and be home with their family. There is also a core group of people who will never approve of anything Kate does... (That's a whole different topic, of course..)
All three families have benefited financially from the shows... just look at their respective $1M+ homes... but the other two families are considerably older and had to time to make more substantial careers before their shows began. The Gosselin's family is their career... I personally see nothing wrong with that. Of course, despite what is denied, there has to be a certain amount of jealousy involved. SO... despite the fact that the other shows have many of the same dynamics, the Gosselins have a core group of haters who are not going to given them any approval of any kind, even though they are doing what is best for their family. It's sad to me that some of these people have to burden themselves with so much hatred ... of a television program! My opinion, of course!