Jon and Kate: Behind the Philadelphia Magazine Story
A Q&A with Jessica Remo about the reporting for her March 2009 article “Jon + Kate + 8 = $$$”
What did you think of the show before you began reporting?
Before I began my research I was a huge fan. There is no denying how adorable the Gosselin children are, and I thought Jon and Kate’s banter was natural, normal.
When I began my research, I was astounded by some of the things written about the family on some of the blogs written about the show. Actually, heartbroken is the word. As much as I loved the show, I have to admit that being able to watch these kids all the time, in some of their most vulnerable moments (Collin being constipated, the kids coming out of the bath — to name just a few), did feel a little indulgent. I am of no relation to the family, yet I can gawk at their children for hours almost daily. It’s unsettling.
Did you ever meet the family in person?
I did attend two events where I met Kate in person. The first was a book signing at the Barnes & Noble in the Promenade Shops in Center Valley, Pa., right before Christmas. The place was mobbed — you had to get a ticket and stand in line, then they called your number. The turnout at these events is more amazing because they aren’t advertised on the show or Jon and Kate’s website. You have to scour the blogs or be from the area to learn of them.
The other event was the speaking engagement I detail in the story at First Assembly of God church in Marcy, New York, on January 11th. The scene there was giddier — there was even a woman who had cut her hair like Kate. I asked someone working the event if there would be a chance for me to interview Kate, but was told no. I later heard that at other events organizers have asked that no journalists be present.
Kate explained that Jon had just come home from a shoot and she couldn’t make him leave without spending time with the kids. The people at First Assembly were quite disappointed, to say the least, and in my reporting I learned that either Jon or Kate has backed out at the last minute at other events. Rarely do they appear together now, and they’ve admitted as much in recent interviews.
After Kate spoke, she signed copies of Multiple Blessings. I asked her bodyguard if maybe after the signing she would have a few minutes for me. He said he would see what he could do. I waited, and at the very end he asked for me, but the answer was still a “no.” He gave me the phone number for Laurie Goldberg, the senior vice president of communications for TLC, and said we could set something up over the phone. I had already been in touch with Laurie, however, at this point. No interview came of it.
Who else did you speak to during your reporting?
I talked to or corresponded with more than 100 people for this piece, many of whom asked to remain anonymous. I began, naturally, with Kate’s manager, Julie Carson May. I left at least four messages for her over the course of a month, with no response. Then I tried Kate’s book publisher, Zondervan, where I spoke to Karen Campbell, who does PR for the book, and she directed me to Laurie Goldberg at TLC. I tried to set something up with Laurie over e-mail for several weeks, but to no avail. Finally, she said I could e-mail her a list of questions and she’d see what she could do. I told her I would not because it’s not good journalism — we wanted direct access to Jon and Kate because we didn’t want a publicist answering for them through e-mail. In an e-mailed response, Laurie accused me of having “an agenda” and said “we prefer to work with ethical journalists.”
Some of the outside sources I talked to were many people who had appeared on the show; many of the churches that the Gosselins had appeared at or canceled on; many of the local places the family visited on the show; locals in Wyomissing, Elizabethtown, and the greater Reading area; people involved in the makeover of the Gosselins’ Wyomissing home; and other reporters who interviewed the Gosselins, like Shauna Lake from KUTV in Utah. I tried to speak with Kate’s parents, but they did not return my phone calls. I spoke for quite some time with Paul Petersen, whom I mention in the story, as well as the labor departments of California and Pennsylvania to compare and contrast the legislation. I spoke to David Rothermel, Jon’s former employer, as you can also see in the story. And I did see the state’s documentation surrounding Jon’s termination; our research editor also confirmed this with the Pennsylvania unemployment office, which had denied Jon’s claim for unemployment. I also spoke with Julie, Aunt Jodi’s sister, who wrote the blog Truth Breeds Hatred.
How much of the information on the blogs about the Gosselins is true?
Not all of it. There’s a lot of wild speculation out there. I can only personally endorse the facts detailed in my story, which were confirmed by the magazine’s fact-checking department. However, if it’s on the internet and about the Gosselins, I’ve read it. I’ve also watched each episode — there are 80-plus now — at least twice.
The reason I turned to Gosselins Without Pity as one avenue for my reporting is simply because it is the most trafficked blog on all things Gosselin. To not mention or contact them would have been neglectful on my part. But I did not take their word for fact, and I of course read other blogs, with both positive and negative angles. The battle that’s being waged between the different fans of different blogs in the magazine’s web comment section right now has a lot of history. I expected the heat from some of these diehard fans.
Why hasn’t this information been published in the mainstream media before?
Probably because no one has had the time or patience to confirm it all. The reporting on this took me more than two months and included persuading a lot of people to talk to me.
Illustration by Gluekit, from the March 2009 issue of Philadelphia magazine.
February 27th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
I just want to thank Jessica for the work she put into this article. There is a great deal of information out there and I’m very pleased with the result. I would personally love to see a follow-up to this article or a series.
Thank you very much, Jessica!
February 27th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Thankyou for your articule, but I was wondering something,
Why, if you interviewed more than 100 people, including Julie, and others who worked/volunteered/lived around them, WHY are there not any quotes about what they ‘think’, and what they ‘went through’…that’s what I’m wondering, can you get back to me with that information?
Thankyou again, I was also wondering what these people said, about the children, and K/J…is there any way y ou can share some of these ’stories’ you heard?? If yes, please share, if no, why?
Take care and thankyou for your work!
February 27th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Things like the quote from the Ohio woman whose speaking engagement got cancelled were eye-opening. Because her comments were attributed, I found them valuable as a reader interested in the Gosselins and the controversy surrounding them. Same with Jon’s ex-boss, who you seemed to speak with and whose indirect comments you also attributed.
My question, though, is the same as Ann above me: Why no attributed quotes (direct or indirect) from the 98 other folks you interviewed, like Julie, Beth, and “people who had appeared on the show”? Also, why not speak to Jodi instead of Julie, and get Jodi’s thoughts directly instead of second-hand from someone who did not have a lot of contact with the family?
True, I did see some direct quotes from people who were not identified; I will assume that you have a system in place such that an editor is assured of an anonymous source’s veracity. Without information attributed to someone with actual dealings with the family, however, the claims reiterated in Jessica’s story do sound like repeats of things stated in highly-emotional blogs and message boards.
That’s probably why you have people who absolutely love or absolutely hate your story: Commenters appear to be either from one of these angry blogs, or from one of sites that snark on the angry blogs. Let me stress: The latter is not the same as a “die-hard fan site”–at least, none of the sites I’ve read appear to be 100 percent positive about the show and its stars.
You make a statement in this Q&A that “no one had the time or the patience to confirm it all.” Will respect, I don’t think your feature story seemed to “confirm it all” either.
February 27th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Jessica, could you please explain how your comments regarding Beth and her supposed unpleasant departure from the series passed the magazines fact checkers? That was rumor from your hate blog, it isn’t fact. You see, I know the story behind why Beth isn’t on the show. I know Beth in real life. There are real people behind your suppositions and you apparently do not care about that. The truth didn’t fit in with your agenda and you purposely misled the magazines readers. You are unethical and hopefully soon unemployed.
February 27th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Christine,
Perhaps you might explain to viewers why we don’t see Beth anymore and why she doesn’t seem to get any credit for writing the book. No wonder people speculate on blogs. Actions on this show and off speak louder than words.
People disappear left and right on this show, there is even speculation already about the puppies. People without the internet wonder too, it doesn’t have to do what is written on blogs.
Someone seems to have lied (fired from jobs, nurse, college funds) and since J/K are the ones profiting….
February 27th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Christine, you give no facts to back up your assertion that you know Beth in real life and that you know the story behind why Beth isn’t on the show anymore. Anyone can write a comment saying they know the true story. Where is your proof? What, pray tell, is the real story?
For my part I will believe an ethical, employed journalist who writes for a respected magazine over a poster with no facts given to back up her claim that the writer of the article was purposely misleading her readers. What proof do you actually have that Ms. Remo is unethical, and that she has an agenda to mislead us? Do you know for a fact that Ms. Remo had an agenda? Do you know for a fact that she is unethical? I am anxiously awaiting your reply.
I am sure if you tell Ms. Remo the ‘real’ story behind all this she will surely accept it for print. Isn’t that right, Ms. Remo?
February 27th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Jessica, great job on the article!!! Thank you so much!
February 27th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
The article was fine, but the real attention should be focused on regulating children WORKING on reality shows. The Gosselin children are working and these children do not have the same protection that professional actors have. Their home is the TV set, their life is the TV show, and no one objective is there to set boundaries. If the children are the family business the parents may not be looking out for the best interest of the children alone, but looking out more for the business, in the misguided thinking that making money and having a bigger house is all that the children deserve, and not looking at things like children’s privacy rights, that’s not out of the realm of possibility. It would be great if you could do a follow-up article on this looking into any laws that may be enacted to protect all children in this situation. Keep up the good work. Hopefully this is a first step in protecting children’s rights. My boyfriend posted that we should all write our Assemblymen, Congressmen, Senators, and Child Advocacy groups to bring this situation to the attention of everyone. I’m going to enclose this article with all my letters. Let’s raise heck everyone. This is not just about the show, this can be a much needed first step to enact legislation for all children! Let’s get the Gosselin Law enacted! And if the PR people at TLC/Discovery Channel were smart they’d get the ball rolling themselves! They have a lot of children working on those shows. They have the perfect opportunity to turn a shameful situation into a champion cause!
February 27th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Thank you, Jess, for taking the time to do a Q&A on why and how you wrote the article. I don’t know that journalists are usually subjected to that, but you are a good sport to respond.
Most of us just want this show taken off the air because we don’t think it is good for the children. Most of us could care less about Jon or Kate except as it relates to the kids. He can be as childish as he wants to be and she as shrewish as she feels, as long as the kids are taken out of the spotlight and are treated well, that’s all anyone wants.
February 27th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
I love the “I talked to or corresponded with” over 100 people line, which makes it sounds like such in-depth research. Somehow I think that saying “thanks for the email” in response to her request for people to send dirt to an anonymous email account counts as “correspondence.”
The fact that the author was “heartbroken” when she read the Gosselin gossip pretty much tells me all I need to know.
February 27th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Thank you for exposing the truth behind the exploitation of these poor, innocent children.
February 27th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Jessica, ignore any negative comments on here. They are probably Jon an Kates PR people. Anyone involved with the show are probably just into it for the money and dont care about the kids. They just dont want their gravey train to stop.
Again, thanks for the article Jessica, its a good thing to get the truth out.
February 27th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Jess-Fine article and enjoyed the follow up as well, although I am hard pressed to remember the last time a journalist did an ‘explanatory’ piece.
It is just one of those, damned if you do, damned if you don’t situations.
For some, it’ll never be the truth unless they are standing in front of and listening to Kate.
And even then, if they heard something that didn’t jibe with their preconceived notions/hopes they’d find someway to make an excuse for that as well.
Thanks for taking the time.
February 27th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Linda,
There are tons of people that like Jon and Kate, not just “Jon and Kate’s PR people.” Do you think the hundreds of people at the events are just “Jon and Kate’s PR people”? I think not. Just bought my ticket to the Raleigh Southern Home Show and can’t wait.
February 27th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Leslie, exactly what proof do you have that Jessica did not talk to or correspond with over 100 people as she stated? What proof do you have for making that statement? Is there something about Jessica that you know that is hidden from the rest of us? Are you privy to some underhanded journalism that went on in obtaining information for this article? Please be specific in your accusations and refrain from speculation.
February 27th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Let it go G-Haters! Let it go! Who cares about all of the supposed “facts” in the article. When a defamation of character lawsuit goes out against the magazine and that GWOP site you will have to let it go and stop insulting Kate and their kids. I have read the site so don’t even try to tell me that some of the posts are insulting, degrading and a complete defamation of her character!
February 27th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Oh my goodness…The defamation of character lawsuit card has been thrown onto the table.
Is there a reason Jennifer that you think NOW is the time to play this card? GWOP has been around quite awhile, and is STILL around. Al Walentis is STILL blogging. There was the now famouns NE article claiming the G’s had a private chef amongst other paid staff while still crying, WOE IS US!!
If there had been actual defamation of character, don’t you think there would have been a lawsuit by now?
February 27th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Jay, I prefaced my comment with the phrase “I think,” meaning it’s opinion, not fact. An opinion doesn’t require proof and I in no way implied that I was privy to inside information. It is fact that the author solicited information from GWOP posters. Based on that, it is perfectly reasonable to think that those emails received from random people on the Internet counted as “correspondence.”
“Please refrain from speculation” is one of the funniest things I’ve ever heard in a Gosselin discussion. The almighty GWOP thrives on rampant speculation that often crosses the line into pure insanity.
February 27th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Jennifer -
First, I think a great many people care about the article as is evidenced in the comment section. How many now, Jessica?
Second, I have also read slanderous things levied at Jessica Remo for writing this article, all posters have a right to say what is on their minds. We have a right not to like it.
Third, when exactly is this ‘defamation of character lawsuit going out against the magazine and that GWOP site’ that you speak of?
February 27th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Well I think if things keep going they way they are the G’s may have grounds too. I am just annoyed that people can invest so much time in commenting such awful things about people they have never met. The word hate is thrown around quite often and once again they don’t know that family. Where is the line between commenting because GWOP doesn’t like the show and complete hatred with splash of degradation?
February 27th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Jessica didn’t go to a single other site other than GWOP. When most everyone knows what a pack of jealous haters everyone is there, why would she even bother? Why would she even try to get accurate information from there? Ironic that two calls to her supervisor go un-returned. It would have been nice to at least contact my fan site and see if any of the fans would like to have their own say. She claimed over and over again on both those hate sites that she was from a NATIONAL newspaper looking for smack about this family. It was biased, unethical, and done purely to solicit readers. Thank goodness the fans know this trash will go to the bottom of the bin like the rest of it http://theanti-gosselinswithoutpity.blogspot.com
February 27th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Jessica didn’t go to a single other site other than GWOP. When most everyone knows what a pack of jealous haters everyone is there, why would she even bother? Why would she even try to get accurate information from there? Ironic that two calls to her supervisor go un-returned. It would have been nice to at least contact my fan site and see if any of the fans would like to have their own say. She claimed over and over again on both those hate sites that she was from a NATIONAL newspaper looking for smack about this family. It was biased, unethical, and done purely to solicit readers. Thank goodness the fans know this trash will go to the bottom of the bin like the rest of it!
February 27th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Jennifer -
I choose not to visit hateful sites. I can see by the comments posted under Jessica’s article that there is a hotbed of hate on both sides.
I read that Gosselin fans even posted personal information about a non-fan, that doesn’t sound very loving to me.
Pot meet Kettle.
February 27th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Super Stalker Baby Mama shows her foolish head.
Hey Baby Mama-how about all the calls to the PR (that’s Public Relations) person, the TLC lady AND the Gosselins that ALSO WENT UNANSWERED? What about those, huh? What a double standard isn’t it?
PS-You’re a nutjob.
February 27th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Christine Says:
February 27th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Jessica, could you please explain how your comments regarding Beth and her supposed unpleasant departure from the series passed the magazines fact checkers? That was rumor from your hate blog, it isn’t fact. You see, I know the story behind why Beth isn’t on the show. I know Beth in real life. There are real people behind your suppositions and you apparently do not care about that. The truth didn’t fit in with your agenda and you purposely misled the magazines readers. You are unethical and hopefully soon unemployed.
_______
Christine, why don’t you go fix that big wedgie you have that is irritating your butt so much. “You are unethical and hopefully soon unemployed.” My, that’s nasty. So nasty, in fact, it leads me to believe that you are one of the Gosselin’s many PR (that’s public relations, folks) Nazis who try to discredit information that comes out about the Gosselins. Hopefully, Christine, YOU will soon be unemployed as the G’s are going down and won’t need PR people any more. Bye, bye, KON!!!
February 27th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Why are you GWOP people trying to start crap in this comment section too? Do you not see it makes you look even more ridiculous and nuts?
February 27th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Well I obviously do not condone that sort of lsandering and used the GWOP site simply as an example of the hate comments. You say they are doing that and just like hate comments it is wrong and is not an adult thing to do. This topic is a hot button and my point was that the negative comments about the parents and the kids needs to stop, so does posting personal info about other people so that they may be attacked through email and phone calls. Let’s not do that people and see your point Tom on that one it is no better.
February 27th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Leslie, I read that Jessica said she was heartbroken about what was written about the family, nowhere did she say she believed every word of it, maybe she was just heartbroken at the hateful, hurtful things being said. How does that statement belie her affiliation? In what way does that statement tell you all you need to know? Did you read something that I missed? And what exactly is it you know about Jessica and her intentions in writing this article?
I am in no way affiliated with any hate blog nor any fan blog. I am just a viewer and a reader of Jessica Remo’s article.
Baby Mama, Jessica says she read other blogs, both for and against the show, and I believe she stated that she knows how the fans feel. It seems to me she mentioned that one blog by name because of how popular it is. Is your blog as popular? If not, I would think that was the reason you were overlooked.
Is it a fact that Jessica said she was ‘looking for smack’ on the Gosselin family? From where do you get this information?
You are entitled to your opinion and I am entitled to mine, I do not think this article is trash nor do I think it will sink into obscurity.
Good job, Jessica.
February 27th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Does anybody know when Kate and Jon will be giving back the money from the love bucket donations they got?
February 27th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Jay-this is the original piece Jess sent our requesting information. I read thru it and didn’t see where she was “looking for smack” but maybe you’ll see something I missed.
Babymama worships Kate Gosselin and has that same tnedency to over exaggerate.
see below:
Hi all- It’s been a pleasure reading your thoughts on the show, and I hope you’ll be pleased to know that yes, the media listens.
I’m a writer on assignment to investigate many of your concerns for publication in a major magazine. This will be a longer article than others on the subject and far more in depth than those published before. I’m also in contact with Paul Petersen with A Minor Consideration and others who are also investigating this show. Serena has spoken to my editor and can confirm that I am a legitimate journalist on assignment.
Here’s where you come in: I need to substantiate many claims made about the show and the Gosselins in order to publish them. I’m looking for legitimate leads who can help me do that. Please contact me at magreporter@gmail.com if any of these apply to you:
1. you know the Gosselins personally or have met them in some circumstance
2. you’ve attended any of their book signings or speaking engagements
3. you live/lived in Elizabethtown, Mt. Joy, Wernersville, the greater Reading area, etc.
4. you booked or attempted to book the Gosselins for a speaking engagement
5. you have been on the show or know someone who has been on the show
I’m looking for real human beings who can help with my reporting. You WILL NOT be quoted from (unless you choose to be).
Thank you!
Jess
February 27th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Idol-worshing fans are often more dangerous than people who are not fans.
February 27th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Thank you, Leslie.
Baby Mama, where do you get your information from? I’m not trying to put you down, it just would be nice to deal with facts here. Is it a fact that Jessica Remo was looking for ’smack’ on the Gosselin family or was she looking into concerns that were brought to her attention?
This is more than a matter of opinion, let’s deal in facts here.
Some of you are doing to Jessica what you claim is being done to the Gosselin family. I don’t think you need to bad-mouth Jessica in order to support Jon & Kate.
February 27th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Jay, I am not interested in getting into an ongoing dialogue with you, so asking me more questions is pointless. Your interpretation of the reporter’s comments and mine differ, plain and simple. Again, I offered a simple opinion. I’ve already stated flat out that I am not privy to any inside information and was stating an OPINION so please stop asking me what I “know.” You are entitled to your opinion and I am entitled to one that differs. There’s nothing more to say on the subject.
February 27th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Intelligent, articulate, practical. I like it. Well done Jessica Remo.
Ummm, the Gosselin worshipers — just a bit creepy.
February 27th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
Raise your hand if you think Baby Mama needs to revisit her shrink and have her meds changed.
( I’m raising my hand high )
You seriously need to get a life. Your kids must be completely embarrassed to have a psycho stalker for a mom ( ps….were you the one in the above article at the church who cut her hair just like Kate ?)
February 27th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Oh forgot the most important thing………..
Great job, Jessica! You are an excellent journalist and I look forward to reading more of your work.
Don’t let the stalker fans get ya down. If you take a look at their own blogs, it’s no wonder they are jealous of your great writing. They can’t string three words together in a coherent fashion. Their own blogs are simply GWoP hate blogs and they say very little about their love for the show….just mostly rag on GWoP.
February 27th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Baby Mama -
Why don’t you go over to the Gosselin’s and ask Kate if you can personally kiss her ass? Then, maybe you can do her laundry, wipe the kids butts, scrub the floors, clean out the refigerator, mow the lawn, and perform a wide variety of other tasks. ALL FOR FREE for your wonderful Kate. I’d like to see how long you’d last in that House of Horrors!
Also, you DO need to see your shrink and maybe some group therapy would be beneficial, too for deprogramming you and others of your ilk suffering from Stockholm Syndrome. Go to Google in case you are unfamiliar with this term
February 27th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Jay,
BabyMama gets her facts from her imaginary friend named Kate and/or she pulls them out of her behind. She’s a twisted one that’s for sure.
February 27th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Anybody know when Jon and Kate are going to give back the money they took from people with their love bucket ?
February 27th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
I heard that people are going to start protesting at her book signings. Is that true?
February 27th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Pam…,
*raising hand* I think the BM is very worried about this isn’t she? IMO, BM and the rest of the ‘fans’ can’t admit they were wrong, especially after they have called so many people ‘just jealous’ for speaking the truth, and just simply for giving their opinion. Sometimes the truth is hard to hear BM and it is not always pretty. The truth is J&K have taken SOME people for a ride and they fell for it, and that is really sad. GWOP is a very informative site and is visited by millions and that is why Jess went to them.
February 27th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
I have a question, if Jon and Kate sue people for defamation of character… can all the people who donated sue Jon and Kate for fraud and get their money back?
February 27th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
A far better article would have been on the fans and how their obssesive behavior and intense feelings are the real dangers of doing the show, Jessica. But you’ve alreadyaffiliated yourself with GWoP, so lost all rights to do that story. You’ve just become another player. You picked the wrong side.
Somewhere, other journalists are laughing their butts off.
February 27th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
It’s always the messanger that gets the s–t end of the stick.
February 27th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
I just don’t understand how the fans of the show feel it’s okay to attack the author of this article but go insane if someone attacks the show? They say it’s their opinion but if someone has a negative opinion about Jon, Kate, or kids, that’s a no-no.
I have been reading some of the hate sites and some posters do go overboard, and I have been going to some of the fan sites today too, and some fans are posting horrible comments about Jessica Remo. I guess that’s what Jessica meant about the backlash. I can understand them disagreeing with her piece or choosing not to believe it, but I don’t understand the pure hatred of her. Maybe they can understand the Kate-hate a little now that they have the Jessica-hate.
Why don’t they follow their own advice and just not read the ‘offending’ article? Isn’t that what they say over and over again that haters just shouldn’t watch the show? Just close the magazine, turn the page if you don’t like what you are reading.
And who or what is a Baby Mama? Does it mean she’s a very young mother, so young she’s practically a baby, like a teen mom? Or is sort of slang like ‘that’s my baby daddy’? Is she a baby mama meaning she’s a woman with a baby? And why do I care??!!
February 27th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Kaitlin..,
You are 100% correct when you say ” why don’t they just follow their own advice”. That is what I can’t understand. If it bothers them so much JUST DON”T READ IT. Baby Mama is some obsessed fan with a blog that is obsessed with J&K and with GWOP. All they talk about is GWOP and how they hate them. I think they are ‘JEALOUS’ of GWOP.
February 27th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
Lisa, thank you for posting all that information on how Jessica went about trying to solicit information. It’s my opinion that she was NOT trying to dig up dirt. It seems like maybe she might have been trying to verify some of the rumors but that is a far cry from digging up dirt in my opinion.
And isn’t that what investigative reporters do? Do you think all those investigative reporters were sent to Alaska to find feel-good stories about Sarah Palin when she was McCain’s choice for a running mate? No, I think they were there to see if there was any truth to the rumors that were swirling around about her. You and I may think that sucks, but that’s life.
Given that the Gosselin’s would not speak to Jessica to either validate or refute the rumors, I think Jessica did an outstanding job. And I’m sure she’d still welcome Jon and Kate setting the record straight if they feel they were unfairly treated. Am I wrong, Jessica?
February 27th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
I was interviewed for this article. I believe Jess when she states how many she interviewed. The Gosselins pulled some pretty diva crapola on an organization that I hold near and dear. But if you think that I would EVER put my name out there for you freaky, over-the-top, weirdo fans and haters, you’re sadly mistaken. So that is why we remain anonymous.
February 27th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
I always wondered why Jon and Kate felt they needed body guards, but now I understand. They have fans that are obsessed and border on scary. Posters on GWOP never post such obscene outlandish stuff. If they do it doesn’t get through.
February 27th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
I totally agree with Megan. How can the fans say this article was in any way unfair when Jessica tried to interview the source? Jessica was willing to show both sides of the story, I’m sure she was ready to put the rumors to rest if Jon & Kate were willing to speak out about them. The fact that Jon and Kate refused to refute the rumors is no reason to hate on Jessica. We all should be asking where Jon and Kate were throughout this? Jessica said she was researching for months. Pure speculation here but maybe the fact that they (TLC/Jon & Kate) couldn’t set the parameters here and call the shots scared them off. This is out of the control of the control freaks.
Fans, why don’t you ask Jon and Kate the reason for refusing to be interviewed. All rumors could be put to bed by them speaking out. It’s their perfect right to refuse to be interviewed, but then the speculation is going to continue to fly.
And, fans, you must understand how twisted the haters get because you yourselves are becoming twisted in your minds about Jessica. Next thing you know they’ll be stalking her, finding pictures of her, making fun of her hair, etc. We’re all alike. Fans and haters, no one is any better than the other.
Baby Mama sounds biased against Jessica. And from what other posters here have said about reading comments on fan sites others are biased against Jessica too. How can anyone ever take their arguments seriously again? It’s only Jon and Kate who should be given the benefit of the doubt? I don’t get it.
February 27th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Right on Kaitlin!!!!
They bash Jessica and turn around and spew hatred about people who critique Kon. What a bunch of miserable hypocrits! My guess is they all belong to the same narcissist club Kate belongs to, and BabyMama must be president. You know those narcissists…… they just can never admit when they are wrong and can’t stand to not be the center of attention. That’s why they all start their own blog, so they can control opinions. When they can’t control it, they wig out and go all Christian Bale on everybody.
February 27th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Jay-as with everything Gosselin, the pro-side finds a way to spin everything to their advantage.
I figured, post the original document for all to see. They can decide for themselves without relying on people like babymama ( you should check out her site if you question her alliances ) for answers.
There isn’t a justifiable argument for some of the things that the parents have allowed to be shown on television but yet, the pro-side always attacks the poster and ignores the behavior at the root of the problem.
February 27th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
I liked the article. I don’t think it was ground breaking or anything too new but I think it did it’s job and I for one believe everything in it. I find it absolutely hysterical that the pro-Gosselin fans say, “how can you be so hateful towards people you don’t know,” yet they are so fanatical about people they don’t know. If Kate were to say the sky was bright pink would you believe it pro-Gosselins? I think you would!
I was a fan of the show and things just weren’t sitting right. While I believe people are a little rough on GWOP I think people on the pro sites are a little jaded and rebuke ANYTHING negative they hear. I don’t watch the show because I think it’s a horrid example of exploitation. I don’t want to watch a child I know screaming for half an hour let alone 8 children I don’t know. I think this article brings up valid information that should be looked at closer and to automatically doubt it is a joke.
It’s a reputable magazine and the author did her research. She gave both sides ample opportunities to respond and Team Gosselin did nothing. I feel the author went into this assignment ready and willing to show both sides but one side didn’t pull through. Take the shades off Gosselin lovers…you are being punk’d!
Well done Ms. Remo.
February 27th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Actually Lisa, the original way reporter “Jess” began contacting blogs was through posting the following in the comment sections:
Are you a neighbor of Jon and Kate? Do you know the Gosselins in any way? Have you attended any of Jon and Kate’s speaking engagements? Did you work for TLC or Figure 8? We want to hear from you.
We are a major magazine publishing an article on Jon and Kate, and we’re looking for RELIABLE sources to discuss what they know about this family, anonymously. Please e-mail us at MAGREPORTER@GMAIL.COM. We will respond promptly to any e-mails. Thank you!
It was only after a moderator at GWOP contacted “magreporter@gmail.com” that the longer version you posted showed up.
All anyone has to do is google “magreporter@gmail.com” to see Jessica’s posts to the various blogs and websites. You can find the longer version Lisa posted at the GWOP site.
Jessica, did you make any attempts at contacting any of Jon and Kate’s family, Aunt Jodi or Beth Carson? It would be interesting to know. Thank you.
February 27th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Casey-thanks. The only place I had seen it was at the ABC Health blog and it was a cut and paste job there!
February 27th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Yea BM I’m sure the Philly Mag is busting their butt to help you find out about the “slanderous” (ooh such a big, shiny word) statements made about you especially after you called their article a lie, unethical and the reporter a clown. Tsk, tsk, so much hate for such a small mind – you must have a headache.
February 27th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Jessica,
Thank you for a well researched, well written, and very fair article. You could have written a very biased piece, but instead decided to remain fair. I applaud you for your willingness to take on the subject of the Gosselin moneymaking machine knowing the backlash that would follow.
You know and we know that your article can and will stand up to any and all scrutiny and that you and your publication are first class! You’ve given readers and show watchers a taste of the truth and they want more. I hope your article is the first of many to tell the truth, with more sources willing to come forward without fear. Congrats! You deserve it for a job well done!
February 27th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
Ok, here’s my one issue with the hard-core gosselin fans
Defend Kates actions. I know it’s easy to blame all of the Jon and Kate fall-out on the Anti-gosselins sites, however there are obviously some issues that, if Jon and kate are innosent, they would make some sort of statement.
I grew up learning that “people only hide things that they are ashamed of”. So why didn’t Jon and Kate grant Jessica an interview? What do they have to hide? If they have nothing, then i think they need to address some of these issues.
Again, i’m not even trying to bash the Gosselins here, as much as I’m wondering why all Gosselin fans ever do is attack everyone else. I would love to hear (and I’m not being a smarta** when i say this) what the Gosselin fans have to say about the issues such as
The kids nude in front of the camera in shower scenes.
The Kids being filmed using the bathroom
Collins “constipated in the van” episode
Kate acting mean towards the children
The parents calling the children names
The lies the Gosselins have told to churches about Jon’s job issue (which has now been confirmed)
Again, I’m not bashing. These just happen to be the things that i have an issue with, that I feel like have never been addressed-by the Gosselins, or the fans of them. I would love another view on all of it.
February 27th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Thank you for all the time and work you put forth to publish this article. It confirms my belief in my fellow man. Your article is well done and my hope is that it will be instrumental in getting laws in place to protect all children. These children have been exploited and I hope it is stopped soon. It is a shame that it takes strangers to stand up for children. So sad that parents who should love and protect their kids care more about things than their own beautiful children. Parents please take the time to love your kids. If you truly love them you will stop exploiting them.
February 27th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
I have a question for the fanatics.
What drives you to so passionately defend a family you don’t even know and they have no desire to know you in the least? It’s one thing to give positive comments of the show here and there. I can totally understand and respect that. But what is it that makes you so enraged and become unglued when people criticize a program you happen to like, that drives you to stalk blogs and articles as if you are the antibiotic seeking to stomp out a bacteria? ( I’m not saying critics are bacteria, just trying to give an analogy of something searching to kill and destroy at all costs
Do you realize that who you defend so viciously could care less about you, wouldn’t give you the time of day, and would most likely roll their eyes at you if you said hello to them in a store because you invaded their privacy ( unless cameras are there of course )? Listen close…..they don’t care about you and your blogs and never will.
February 27th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Every negative comment about anti-Gosselin sites only drives more people there to find out what the fuss is. That’s why one site in particular (guess which one?) just surpassed the 3 million hit mark.
The smartest thing Gosselin fans could do is spread positive information about the Gosselins, but instead they push more and more people to find out the truth and try to find out what all the hub bub is about. The more someone tries to hide, attack or obfuscate things the stronger the desire on the part of the public to seek out that information.
Just a tip…
February 27th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Well I really do know Beth in real life and the person above clearly does not know what she is talking about. There was a falling out and that is why Beth is no longer on the show. They are NOT friends any longer! Anything said to the contrary is a lie!
February 27th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
With everything going on in this world today I am amazed that grown adults have enough time and resources to waste on this type of thing. The economy, war, poverty etc… could really use your rabid dedication. The fact that someone else’s life can create such hatred and time consuming arguing is a sad sign. Focus this negative energy on your own family and turn it into something productive. I’d stop doing the show alone for fear of the crazy people who obsess over me. Everyone is always entitled to their opinion, and being a reporter puts your name out there. Give the girl a break and if you disagree come up with some proof. Hopefully this piece will allow the girl to write about something of true substance.
February 27th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
I commented on the original article and complimented the writer for doing a good job. It was detailed, gave specific examples, and I hope it goes a long way towards ending the exploitation of innocent children by parents who might have started out with good intentions, but somewhere along the way got blinded by greed and avarice.
To all of those who are involved in producing this show, from the camera people, actual producers (not the fake ones, Jon & Kate, who get the title credit now), their publicist, and TLC — be ashamed of yourselves! You know that Kate is not a good mother, and you know that this constant filming and invasion of privacy to these young children is harmful to them, yet you participate and turn a blind eye so you can collect a paycheck. You think that won’t come back to haunt you? Those who exploit the most vulnerable among us are reprehensible, no matter how white they bleach their teeth, how flat their tummy is tucked, how nicely plugged their balding head is, nor however much they pretend they are good Christians — it’s pretty low down and dirty to use children for profit.
As to those who write wild and unsubstantiated remarks about the author of the article – as others have said, what hypocrites you are! You are the same people who scream ‘you hater!’ if anyone writes something critical about the Gosselins’ parenting skills, call people jealous, or get morally offended because “you don’t know them!” As stated above, there are at least 80 episodes of J&K plus 8 for us to watch and get to know them. I’ve gotten to know them and it’s crystal clear they are not good parents and that TLC is enabling their poor parenthood in the name of the almighty dollar.
February 28th, 2009 at 12:41 am
SCIENTIFICALLY INDUCED MULTIPLES = $$ and FREEBIES?? WHY?
~~~ IF THEY HAD EACH OF THESE CHILDREN ONE AT A TIME – would they even have received all the “Love Donations” – Monies – Freebies and Have a T.V. Show??? I THINK NOT! I could understand all the help if someone had multiples “Naturally” BUT SCIENTIFICALLY INDUCED MULTIPLES should be the SOLE RESPONSIBILITY of the PARENTS WHO “ELECTED/CHOSE” to KNOWINGLY have this procedure FULLY INFORMED and AWARE that MULTIPLE BIRTHS were a STRONG (if Not) ALMOST ABSOLUTE POSSIBILITY. The parents are even told that this type of procedure has a high likelihood of resulting in multiple births PRIOR to undergoing the procedure. It baffles the mind that these parents were NOT only NOT PREPARED to AFFORD multiples but then CONTINUE TO TAKE HANDOUTS WHEN THEY ARE ALREADY BETTER OFF THAN SO MANY OTHERS! IS THERE NO END TO THE ” SCIENTIFICALLY INDUCED MULTIPLES” HANDOUTS/BEGGING??? — VERY SAD TO IMPLY THAT CHILDREN WHO ARE BORN ” ONE AT A TIME ” ARE SOME HOW LESS WORTHY OF RECEIVING ALL THE HANDOUTS .
~~ When you Scientifically Induce Multiples this IS NOT a Miracle.That the innocent babies survived their high risk multiple births created by their own parents who knowingly put them in the high risk category in the first place NOW THAT IS A MIRACLE !!
February 28th, 2009 at 1:11 am
This article needed to be written. Let it be discussed right and left, disputed or endorsed. I truly think the Number One thing people are most concerned about are those precious Gosselin children and not Kate’s unique hair or Jon’s condo in Utah. The question is, are indeed the children being used for profit (exploitative?) and are the parents making the right ongoing choices for them, since nobody asked the babies/kids if they wanted their faces blown up all over the place in books and on TV, year after year. I was at one time a diehard fan of Jon & Kate Plus 8; loved the show. But things changed. I feel like the show became a vehicle for getting a lot of free stuff, even though it’s not too hard to work out that Jon & Kate have earned millions of dollars from this reality series by now. Add on speaking fees, appearances, book deals, etc. and it’s impressive math even if you venture a guess. To still mention then, that they use coupons and give an impression that they live a frugal life, although they have now moved into what looks like a mansion to most of us, makes the product placement seem like a big joke. Not credible. To me, they are not the same family in the same circumstances from when this series first aired on television. I wish they’d just acknowledge that they’re not hurting financially so much anymore; I’d maybe then be able to feel happier for them. Don’t try to “pull the wool over my eyes” as a viewer. Thing is, I no longer watch the show because I felt myself squirming in my chair, looking in on a couple who appear to not get along, and seeing children I’d come to so enjoy, now mostly bewildered on camera, with the saddest little faces. I can only comment on what I see and perceive, and TLC’s show with the Gosselins no longer leaves a good feeling with me.
February 28th, 2009 at 2:21 am
Linda Says:
February 27th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
I have a question, if Jon and Kate sue people for defamation of character… can all the people who donated sue Jon and Kate for fraud and get their money back?
Great Question Linda! Also, a good article Jessica, thank you for a balanced take on what is going on.
I think the fact that Jon and Kate had no response speaks volumes. I also think they let their fans down by avoiding answering the questions Jessica had for them and I don’t think they care one iota about their fans. Get a clue, people! What are they hiding? Why do they state at appearances what questions can be asked?
That isn’t being honest from the start, IMO. If you are speaking the truth, you have no reason to fear the questions put to you.
February 28th, 2009 at 3:21 am
~~ When you Scientifically Induce Multiples this IS NOT a Miracle.That the innocent babies survived their high risk multiple births created by their own parents who knowingly put them in the high risk category in the first place NOW THAT IS A MIRACLE !!
Well Said! Your entire post lays it out there and not one word of hate, just the truth. Thank You!
February 28th, 2009 at 6:03 am
MJ Says:
February 27th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Well I really do know Beth in real life and the person above clearly does not know what she is talking about. There was a falling out and that is why Beth is no longer on the show. They are NOT friends any longer! Anything said to the contrary is a lie!
_____________
Anybody with half a brain knows that all is not well in BFF-land between Kate & Beth. The most concrete proof, I feel, is the way Kate totally disregards Beth as being the author of the book. There’s an interview from a tv station in Michigan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vSSoZHDWgY
(the same one where she calls all the people waiting for her ’silly’) where Kate stammers through ?’s about the book (cuz SHE didn’t write it). Jon can lie & spin it all he wants (‘I don’t lie normally…or at all kutv.com interview) but again, anybody with half a brain would realize things did NOT go down well without even knowing any of the reasons why.
February 28th, 2009 at 6:54 am
DUUUUHHHH people… she said that most of the people wished to remain ANONYMOUS. Hence the lack of quotes.
February 28th, 2009 at 7:40 am
Ok, Jess, and everyone else who wants to pretend that gwop is innocent, and that only “fans” would attack a journalist…..
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/29/AR2008072901856.html?hpid=features1&hpv=national
Why not contact the journalist here and see how many hateful emails she got, hmm?
February 28th, 2009 at 8:35 am
I just can’t get all fired up cause Kate and Beth are not pals any longer. A long time ago Beth said “they are here every weekend”. What a drag – clearly the friendship was not going to last long. I think the pal deal fell apart at the “bobing for apples scene. What I don’t get is why anyone would care. Or Jody? Life goes on, frends come and go and circumstances change. Its called life.
This article was hash and rehash. Like TLC or Jon and Kate are going to respond to any hack requesting an interview. Does not happen in the real world.
Best of luck to the family and I for one am not supporting any bad karma thoughts.
w wh
February 28th, 2009 at 8:44 am
I’m going to give Jessica Remo the same benefit of the doubt that I give to Jon & Kate Gosselin and I don’t see why everyone else can’t do that too.
There could be some truth to this story, there could be no truth to it, or every word could be true, but for now I’m going to take Jessica at her word, and if/when Jon & Kate Gosselin speak out on anything that was mentioned in the article I will listen to them with an open mind too.
I don’t know why everyone is criticizing Jessica on this when she did try numerous times to interview Jon & Kate. For that reason alone I can’t turn on her.
February 28th, 2009 at 9:14 am
Thank you Jessica for writing an informative and honest article on the Gosselin family. I plan to read more of your articles in the future, and I hope you do more investigative articles on the Gosselins.
Excellent article, Awesome writing! Bravo!!!!
February 28th, 2009 at 9:30 am
Jessica,
The house of cards is falling. PLEASE continue to pursue the information on children being protected on reality shows. I personally believe that they never moved to another state so they would not lose the TAP college funds for the kids.
But EVERY state in the USA needs to have protections for children in any entertainment venture- hours working (and YES the kids are working!), safety and privacy maintained, a counselor on set to monitor them and be available to them and something like the Coogan Law where their assets will be protected.
The 8 Gosselin children have been working for nearly 3 years – providing their family with free trips, homes, free gifts and now a huge plantation and mansion.
Plus their parents don’t even have to work away from the home anymore – unless you count all their appearances – which begs the next question: who is home with them when Jon and Kate are off gallivanting around???
This show went from cute and a slice of life to nothing more than marketing and shilling products including their own children’s private moments on DVD and internet forever.
FREE THE GOSSELIN EIGHT!!!! Provide true employment protections for children in ANY entertainment venture.
February 28th, 2009 at 11:55 am
For those that think this is not child exploitation (cough, cough…looking at you Baby Mama), how about you do the same things J&K have done. Why don’t you put videos of your child on you-tube for all of the world to see. Especially for “those people” that have to place signs in their yards that announce why certain kids can’t hang around their house or why they can’t live within several hundred yards from a school. Besides they are just watching these videos because these kids are so darn cute, they would not use it for sick purposes. These videos will probably draw a lot of hits because it’s almost like watching that live feed from that puppy cam video a couple of months ago. Now from watching Jon & Kate, here are some helpful suggestions or tips you can use to make your videos popular. Especially post videos that show is/her problems with constipation. And let’s not forget bath-time. Take them to the dentist so everyone is aware of his/her dental problems. Most importantly, don’t forget to make fun of the older child, so her friends can have something to make fun of her with because you remember how harsh kids, especially 8 year olds can be to one another. Better yet, go ahead and publicly announce to the world how she “has issues” so when one of her friends doesn’t want to hang out with her, they can say “we don’t like you, plus even your mom said you ‘have issues’ so go away”. Also make sure that you post videos of your obvious favoritism to other children, so the non-favorites can look back at these videos when they get older and have proof of your favoritism. Plus, these “memories” that you are capturing for your family will especially be useful for the shrink that will no doubt have to analyze your kids later on in life when they can’t handle the public eye on them anymore or lack thereof when your you-tube hits become less popular. For added entertainment, don’t forget to post videos where you belittle your husband so all of his friends and family can see. Plus constant comments about how lazy, fat, and useless he is around the house will definitely be useful for any potential employers he wishes to gain employment with later on in the future. Because everyone knows that employers really want their employees to display those traits at work too. Also, everybody knows that employers don’t like employees that are frugal and try to save the company money, so make sure to post a video about what a spendthrift he is for not using a coupon. Besides, who cares if your husband’s ego gets butchered in the process because this is all about ratings, err…um I mean “memories” that your family can cherish later on in life. I can just see when your boys finally grow up and get married to a shrew, they can yell at them “your lazy and useless just like your father was”. Ouch. One more thing, let’s not forget about the extended family. Don’t forget to make fun of your sister-in-law by making fun of her parenting/babysitting skills. It is vital that you do this because, gasp, “lordy be” you don’t want to be the one labeled as a bad parent when others compare your parenting skills to hers. Especially when viewers notice that this sister-in-law who is probably just as exhausted as you are from taking care of her small children, but unlike you, does not often pronounce this statement for all the world to hear and always has the same sunny disposition on camera, but more importantly to her kids and yours. It is critical that you do this right after this sister-in-law who has so kindly baby-sitted your brood over and over again while you or your husband are off doing something for yourself or needing one on one time with each child. She even puts her own health and her children’s health at risk, by babysitting your children that have the flu while you and your husband have a very serious medical condition that must be taken care of right away. Too bad male pattern baldness is not as major of an issue as, oh let’s say cancer or AIDs. I don’t understand why there are no fundraising events out there for men who suffer from this debilitating disease, weird huh? Because kids just LOVE constant change in their lives (duh, every parenting book knows that), make sure to change out the camera crew every 6 months, have friends named Beth, Carla, Nana Jean, etc. play a major part in your kids’ lives and then cut them out of your and your children’s lives as quickly as you cut those coupons. Honestly, who needs stability?? Definitely not kids. Confusing things just makes them quicker on their feet, I say. The most coolest thing about doing this is that “fans” of the show will do other you-tube videos of your children and the thought of that is not creepy at all. Of course, you will get the “h8rs”. But they are just “jealous’ right? Plus all your over-zealous fans will quickly defend your actions by pointing out irrelevant points about the mysteriously missing people that are named Beth or Aunt Jodie and will steer clear of the child exploitation issue. Moreover, its like added security because since your videos will show the city, state, and street you live on, your fans can protect you from these “loonies” or from random people that drive by to get a glimpse of you and your family. Because it’s the h8rs you gotta watch out for, not the fans…even though most of the celebrities that get stalked or threatened are from their fans, not their “h8rs”. Your situation is entirely different so you shouldn’t be worried. So get on that Baby Momma because I am like you and don’t think they are exploiting their children at all.
February 28th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
This is the shrew you worship
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IATr2I2VgSY
Something is seriously wrong with people who think she deserves to be praised.
February 28th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Damn, girl! That deserves a standing ovation and thunderous applause!!! Well done!!
February 28th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Thanks Jessica for the insightful and articulate article.
I will definitely read more of your articles in the future.
February 28th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
The reason Jon & Kate are not responding to this article is because they are guilty and have no way to cover any of this up, because the proof is out there and they know it.
Christy…Great comment!!!!
February 28th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
Sorry I meant Crystal!!!
February 28th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
“Thanks Jessica for the insightful and articulate article.
I will definitely read more of your articles in the future.”
Translation: ” Thanks Jessica for taking my side and I will definitely read any other articles that are full of wild speculation with very little(if any) fact clouding everything up. I’m not going to send YOU any hateful emails because unethical journalism is cool with me as long as you say what I’ve been saying. I mean it Jessica. As long as you never write and objective peice about the Gosselins, you’ve got a reader for life!”
February 28th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Jessica wrote about the TRUTH! She did a great job!
February 28th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
Judy, why are you ascribing your own feelings, thoughts, and opinions onto Julie? If you feel that Jessica is practicing unethical journalism that is your opinion. Do you really have the power to get inside of Julie’s head? You can read minds? Do you know for a fact that Julie feels that way?
And what proof do you have that Jessica actually did practice unethical journalism? What has Jessica hid from us that you have knowledge of? If you have some facts to back up your opinion it would be nice of you to share it with the rest of us. Otherwise you are just doing what you accuse Jessica of, you are making wild speculations about Jessica and this article.
February 28th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
Jessica – Thank you very much for the article about the Gosselins. The article was very well done: thoughtful, factual, and well written that clearly involved lots of research that might not have been very pleasant to gather.
I was a huge fan of the show for about the first season, but then began to see how Kate was really quite cruel to her children at times (putting sick Joel on the laundry room floor, threatening to throw a precious “snuggly” item for having gum on it, etc). About the time of the whole “gum” fiasco and Kate’s horrible treatment of her sweet sister-in-law, Jodie, when Kate went beserk over Jodie letting the kids have gum, I lost all respect for Kate. I couldn’t believe anyone would say such things as Kate was saying while being filmed for a nationally televised show.
As the show now continues, I have to agree that Jon and Kate (especially Kate) have time for very little hands-on parenting. They only get one shot at this and those children are so precious! They deserve nothing but the best, but the best is not material wealth but loving and nurturing parents and a secure, stable family life. I don’t think they are getting it.
Anyway, thanks again for the article. I admire the comfortable, easy-to-follow writing style you demonstrated!
February 28th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
Is Judy your real name, BabyMama?
March 1st, 2009 at 9:59 am
Jessica,
You aren’t finished yet. You have a lot more ground to cover.
Mady Gosselin is a very sad and depressed little girl. Cara Gosselin is intoverted and passive.
Colin rarely speaks, and when he does it is in a whisper, he will not look at you.
Aiden is socially behind.
Joel is a resilant little boy but needs a great deal of attention.
Leah and Alexis seem to be the least affected of all.
Hannah is her mother.
These kids already need professional support. And neither Jon or Kate can or will provide it.
For all the people who you spoke to who were afraid to give their name, shame on you Beth and Jodi and Carla.
I KNOW you were contacted, and only one of you have signed a confidentiality agreement.
Beth and Jodi, you are no better than Jon or Kate.
March 1st, 2009 at 10:21 am
I think Crystal is on to something here! Ok parents who have no problem with kids being half naked on television: come back here after you have uploaded your videos to YouTube and be sure to leave the exact link so we can all watch.
What? You don’t have those videos? You mean as a parent you don’t even find it interesting to record your child in the shower or on the toilet? Ok, grab the camera and make your video, then come back here and post the link. Don’t worry…we’ll wait.
What? You don’t want to do that? Why? Are you worried someone who has less than pure intentions might watch the video or pass it onto friends?
Crystal made a tremendous point: There are fans who will swear up and down that Jon and Kate are doing absolutely nothing wrong, yet won’t do the same things themselves. If there is nothing wrong with what they are doing, then why, if some of you are the uber-fans you claim to be, aren’t you copying what they do? Get out the webcam! Show us your kids!
Exactly: they know it’s wrong and potentially dangerous and that’s why they won’t. Most good parents, heck, most so-so parents know that.
March 1st, 2009 at 12:11 pm
It is interesting that this ‘journalist’ doesn’t have to name her ‘reliable sources’. You have taken everything he/she/it says as fact. Yet we are to believe everything that is said about Jon & Kate anywhere but on their fan sites are lies.
YOu all need to just grow up and get on with your lives. WE differ in our opinions, really, in 10 years will it all matter?
March 1st, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Cindy you sound just like Kate
March 1st, 2009 at 2:59 pm
I agree with you Teacher. I even lay blame on Julie at this point. She has said several times on GWOP that the kids are in real danger behind the scenes. Why didn’t she bring up her evidence of abuse to Jessica? I’m disappointed that they make claims but do not do anything proactive.
March 1st, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Cindy, you expect to be taken seriously with your argument of how nasty Jon & Kate are treated (which, by the way I agree with you on that point), but you argue that point by calling Jessica Remo an “it”.
Right there you lost all credibility.
I have no idea if this article is the gospel truth or full of complete falsehood (and neither do you) but I will give Jessica the same benefit I give to the Gosselin’s, and the same benefit of the doubt that I would want others to give to me.
You bellyache about the slander thrown at Jon & Kate by turning around and slandering Jessica? What’s next ~
“I know you are but what am I?”
March 1st, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Yes to Teacher…I’ve followed Julie’s blog and her comments on Gwop and I think you are taking what she has said out of context. She has never given me the feeling that she thought the children were being physically abused. What she stated is that she feels the situation is dangerous for the children because J&K have cut out all family and friends from their day to day lives. There is no one left to give them advice except people who stand to make money off of them. She stated that Jodi was an advocate for the kids and she was the only family member involved. Once Jodi and Kevin were cut from their lives, only crew and hired help are left.
March 1st, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Yes To Teacher Says:
March 1st, 2009 at 2:59 pm
I agree with you Teacher. I even lay blame on Julie at this point. She has said several times on GWOP that the kids are in real danger behind the scenes. Why didn’t she bring up her evidence of abuse to Jessica? I’m disappointed that they make claims but do not do anything proactive.
#########
Yes to teacher-
Maybe what Julie was referring to was ‘real danger’ in the sense of working when they didn’t want to or being subjected to Kate’s emotional abuse. “Real Dange’ in the sense that later in life they could suffer consequences? I am sure I haven’t seen everyone of Julie’s comments but I don’t believe she was speaking in the sense of physical abuse. If she were, more people than just Julie would have seen it, crew, other family, miscellaneous people.
I can’t imagine anyone who cares as much as she says she does for her sister ( and Jodi DID back her up in the video ) would be able to stand by with knowledge of physical abuse and not say something to authorities.
It has been said several times and by several others that the minute anything is said to Kate in regards to concerns about the kids, she cuts them out of their lives.Then who watches out for those little ones?
March 1st, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Baby Mama,
You’re a very bad liar. If you look at GWOP here:
http://gosselinswithoutpity.blogspot.com/2009/01/something-weve-been-wanting.html
You’ll see that the author of this article stated “I’m a writer on assignment to investigate many of your concerns for publication in a major magazine. ”
No where does it say at that post that she is from a newspaper.
Get your constant lies straight and go back to formatting your pathetic blog
March 1st, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Uh, Lori, technically it isn’t slander– slander is spoken words. It might be libel, but I don’t really think so.
March 1st, 2009 at 5:29 pm
I am really hoping that there are more articles done to expose Jon an Kates scam. Maybe some of their fans will FINALLY WAKE UP and see what is REALLY going on.
March 1st, 2009 at 7:26 pm
JacksonB – okay, not slander, and probably not libel. I should have just stuck to ‘name-calling’ or something generic, thank you. I am not being sarcastic (even if you were).
March 1st, 2009 at 7:37 pm
JacksonB – who else are you posting as? I’ve been doing this long enough to know that very rarely does someone hit and run on another’s post (about a post) without having first left their opinion. Hmm, you don’t say where you stand on Jessica or Jon & Kate, I’m intrigued, I’ll have to surf other sites, I know I’ve seen JacksonB somewhere.
Are you ‘karma has bad breath…’?
March 1st, 2009 at 9:45 pm
jessica you did the a good thing and a brave one. Baby Mama is a sick individual with a weird fixation on the Gosselin family. A fan is one thing but if you ever check our her blog it is full of lies that she attacks GWOP. She one again rallied her readers to come on here and attack. Well the truth is the truth and as much as she wants to hide it she can not.
If I were the Gosselins I would be afraid of BABy Mama she seems like a weird stalker type. I mean she stalks the Gosselins Speaking engagements.
Again, thank you for your article you did a great job.
March 1st, 2009 at 9:46 pm
According to Jessica Remo, she was accused by Laurie Goldberg (TLC) of having “an agenda.” BINGO! Nothing could be clearer. Is it not painfully obvious that Remo set out to gather as much negative information on the Gosselins as she possibly could? She was not the least bit interested in digging for anything positive about them. She set out from day one to do a hit piece which makes her, not a journalist, but just someone with an axe to grind. And one more thing Jessica Remo: PHILLYMAG.COM IS NOT A “MAJOR MAGAZINE.” That’s just stupid.
March 2nd, 2009 at 5:52 am
‘She was not the least bit interested in digging for anything positive about them.’
———————————
WHAT PART OF THIS…
“Who else did you speak to during your reporting?
I talked to or corresponded with more than 100 people for this piece, many of whom asked to remain anonymous. I began, naturally, with Kate’s manager, Julie Carson May. I left at least four messages for her over the course of a month, with no response. Then I tried Kate’s book publisher, Zondervan, where I spoke to Karen Campbell, who does PR for the book, and she directed me to Laurie Goldberg at TLC. I tried to set something up with Laurie over e-mail for several weeks, but to no avail. Finally, she said I could e-mail her a list of questions and she’d see what she could do. I told her I would not because it’s not good journalism — we wanted direct access to Jon and Kate because we didn’t want a publicist answering for them through e-mail. In an e-mailed response, Laurie accused me of having “an agenda” and said “we prefer to work with ethical journalists.”
DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND? The Gosselins had AMPLE opportunity to speak. They didn’t. Their silence speaks quite loudly and quite clearly.
March 2nd, 2009 at 5:53 am
And by the way, The Philly Mag story on the Greedy Gosselins was one of the top ‘hits’ on newser.com this weekend.
March 2nd, 2009 at 5:54 am
Great Post Crystal! I hope you copy that and submit it to the other discussion sites about this show.
March 2nd, 2009 at 6:29 am
And one more thing Jessica Remo: PHILLYMAG.COM IS NOT A “MAJOR MAGAZINE.” That’s just stupid.
——————–
Miss Caroline, for your edificattion:
http://www.phillymag.com/images/uploads/photos/shell/223_shellfile.pdf
(Should the link not work go to bottom of webpage, ‘About Philadelphia Magazine’ ‘Media Kit’ ‘Advertise with us pdf’)
Circulation-Print Run 160,000
PhillyMag.com-Pageviews 590,000 per month
Whatever your criteria for a MAJOR MAGAZINE is, I don’t know. What I do know is that there is a potential of 750,000 sets of eyes (between print &web) that may read this story (and the web hits must be outrageous if the comment section of the original story is any indication) and get those eyes opened as to the life of Greedy Gosselins.
May this be the beginning of the end for Jon & Kate.
Well done, Ms Remo. Well done!
March 2nd, 2009 at 6:52 am
In trying to ‘dig up’ anything on Jon & Kate, Jessica did invite them to be interviewed, she could have asked them about any of the many, many rumors that GWOP and others throw out there, and Jon & Kate could have shot them down. They elected not to do that.
And I know of quite a few mainstream media newspapers, magazines, and TV news shows that sent many, many reporters to Alaska to ‘dig up’ anything on Sarah Palin, does that mean every news outlet that did that is not a major news outlet? Give us a break here with the outrage. It’s laughable. This sort of thing happens to celebrities and anyone who puts themselves in the limelight for any reason (re: Sarah Palin, remember the ’she’s really Trig’s grandmother’ rumor?). It happens. If you can’t stand the heat get out of the kitchen.
March 2nd, 2009 at 7:21 am
Caroline-forgot to mention that those circulation numbers can be found on pages 4 & 11 of the .pdf file.
March 2nd, 2009 at 7:48 am
EDWIN said-
Do you realize that who you defend so viciously could care less about you, wouldn’t give you the time of day, and would most likely roll their eyes at you if you said hello to them in a store because you invaded their privacy ( unless cameras are there of course )? Listen close…..they don’t care about you and your blogs and never will.
##############
I have to agree with Edwin on this one. The ‘fans’ of the show don’t have a good excuse for Kate’s (or Jon’s) behavior and so they fight to the last man defending her hairsyle, her cooking ability, her authorship skills, her organizational skills,etc. I think they secretly hope to be invited by for coffee and cruellers at some point.
March 2nd, 2009 at 8:28 am
Lisa, LOVED the ’secretly hoping to be invited by for coffee and cruellers at some point’!! I think you hit the nail on the head.
This debate will rage on and on. It’s going on right inside my own home this very minute!
March 2nd, 2009 at 8:46 am
I’d still like to know what ‘organizational skills’ Kate posseses, wouldn’t you? If barking out orders to Jane (as Larry King called him) constitutes ‘organization’ then I guess she is pretty skilled at it, right?
March 2nd, 2009 at 9:26 am
To Lisa-
Maybe it’ll be in the NEXT book?
We should be so lucky!!!
March 2nd, 2009 at 9:28 am
LOL, just because you’re an idiot doesn’t give you the green light to spew hate about Jessica. How do know exactly what she did or did not do to obtain her information? Did you get those facts right from the horses’ mouth? That is YOUR OPINION, they may not be facts, so why don’t you follow your own advice and stop spouting off like you have some inside knowledge of what Jessica Remo’s investigative style is.
Go to a “I LOVE JON & KATE” site, they will be more than happy to swallow your nonsense.
By the way everyone, Glamour.com did an article about this article. The story is getting out there.
March 2nd, 2009 at 9:49 am
The media will stick together. If there is any hint of a scandal they will be on top it.
On another site a poster talked about all the journalists that were sent to Alaska to find dirt on Sarah Palin. It does not matter if there are facts to back up rumors. I think Jon & Kate should have allowed the interview. This just gives the haters more ammunition.
Rumors can be the downfall of anyone because most people think where there is smoke there is fire. People that I know are turning against this show and are refusing to watch it now.
I still tape every episode and I enjoy the kids a lot. I do not like Jon & Kate at all.
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:02 am
I still LOVE how she interviews and ask questions of NEITHER J&K, anyone in their immediate faimily, not Beth, not Bob, not even Aunt Jodi or Uncle Kevin. Instead she chose to go around all of those people and get misinformation, speculation and rumors from people who don’t even know the family personally. That’s BS reporting right there.
Just because they don’t return your calls does not give you the green light to use blog information about them. Incorrect information is what it is. And she spoke to Paul Peterson for hours. Oooohhhhhh! Yeah. He really knows the family personally. NOT! He lives over 3000 miles away from them and has never met them and yet she thinks anything he has to say will be of value in creating a story about the G’s. Truly sad.
I say next time you can’t get word directly from the horses mouth just say that and leave the story as is. Don’t go and add a bunch of BS rumors to your story just to make it sound more interesting. Just say they family didn’t return your calls and that’s it. Maybe toss in your OWN opinion about the show but certainly NOT junk posting off of some rumor blog on the Internet. That is NOT good reporting.
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:15 am
Yeah, GWOP is so inncocent that’s why they emailed, called and harrassed a poor minister at a church Kate was to speak at. They DEMANDED he not allow her to speak there. And when he said he wouldn’t do that, that they had some sort of silly agenda, they went over his head to his superiors and told them that the minister attacked them in email. THAT is sad!!!!!
None of the people from GWOP knew or know that poor minister and yet they set out to ruin his life. They passed his email and name around and asked that everyone contact him and his superiors to complain. Unreal.
And that is exactly what they do with articles like this. They rally all the blog members and they swarm an article with their hateful responses in order to make it appear as tho SOOOOOOO many people hate the G’s when in fact the haters make up only a VERY small amount. Not even 1000 total if I had to guess. LOL And, 1000 people out of MILLIONS of fans doesn’t matter much.
It just proves that you all have too much time on your hands with nothing better to do.
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:23 am
After reading the “without pity” site for many, many, many months now, I can guarentee you that almost 98% of the original article this woman wrote came from rumors that originated from that blog. Things she mentioned in her piece came directly from viewer/hater created assumptions and information. That’s not good reporting in my book.
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:27 am
This reporter girl came to GWOP months ago asking for people to send her dirt on the Gosselins. I see she got what she asked for. Wow. That’s unfortunate. This lady shouldn’t be allowed to write for this magazine. But I guess as with many reporters, they take anything. Whether it true or not. They don’t care. Whatever gets people talking.
And some of us know the info she got is not true. We were on the blog when she was asking for dirt.
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:38 am
I see some real intelligent comments above. (insert eye roll)
Why do people feel the need to call other posters here stalkers, say they need meds, or need to pull things from their backside? Those are the sort of comments children make. After reading said comments, I believe what the others have said about this gwop site and how hateful the people are there. Those comments above just prove their point.
I’ve read under the first article how some people said members of that gwop site called Kate all sorts of names, make fun or her hair, her looks, her tan, etc. I can believe it now because those people are doing it here to other posters who they don’t even know.
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:40 am
Only 1000 people dislike Jon and Kate?? ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? There are more people who don’t like Kate that don’t talk about it on the internet.
Yeah, only 1000.
For those of you that LOVE WATCHING THE KIDS I just hope your kids are also available for others to fawn over. I want to see videos of YOUR kids having tantrums and think those videos should be shown to all their schoolmates.
SHAME ON YOU — you exploit these kids as much as their parents and you should be ashamed of yourselves.
March 2nd, 2009 at 11:52 am
http://www.glamour.com/sex-love-life/blogs/storked/2009/03/jon-kate-8-under-attack.html
Good reading if you aren’t waiting for the coffee and cruellers invite!
#########################
Oh no she didn’t! Says:
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:27 am
This reporter girl came to GWOP months ago asking for people to send her dirt on the Gosselins. I see she got what she asked for. Wow. That’s unfortunate. This lady shouldn’t be allowed to write for this magazine. But I guess as with many reporters, they take anything. Whether it true or not. They don’t care. Whatever gets people talking.
“scuse me? Did you see the original post the writer sent around asking for people to contact her? Did the word “dirt” appear anywhere in that post? Or is ‘dirt’ your lame attempt to appear haughty and indignant? Did you send in your GOOD ‘dirt’? No? Is that because there isn’t any? Or maybe you did but the GOOD ‘dirt’ wasn’t something all the fact checkers in the world could clear for publication? Are you a Gosselin insider? How do YOU know ’some’ of the information the reporter got isn’t true?
You really should be able to write intelligently AND be able to back up your statements, otherwise you are doing your ’side’ a disservice.
March 2nd, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Judy Says:
March 2nd, 2009 at 12:27 pm
You really should be able to write intelligently AND be able to back up your statements, otherwise you are doing your ’side’ a disservice.>>>
That’s a very ironic thing for a GWOP poster to say.
####################
Really? And you came to the conclusion I post at GWOP because why?
Because I happen to NOT condone what is happening to the Hosselin children? Because my arguments make some sense? Seeing as how I haven’t posted there, which makes you wrong on that point, does that mean the rest of your summation is false as well?
Hester Sue-it’s possible that Judy is emulating her heroine in that we all know Kate is prone to exaggeration at the drop of a hat. Are there even 1000 rumors out there? I love the way ‘fans’ throw out absurdities but yet never have the back up when asked for it.
March 2nd, 2009 at 12:27 pm
You really should be able to write intelligently AND be able to back up your statements, otherwise you are doing your ’side’ a disservice.>>>
That’s a very ironic thing for a GWOP poster to say. Most of the posters there appear to never have met a grammar teacher. Have the claims that Kate stole fertility drugs been backed up? Have the claims that Kate raped Jon been backed up? How about the claims that Kate hit and ran last year? Or the claims that Kate blackmailed the doctor she bought the house from? How about the claims that Jon and Kate beat their kids? I could easily point out another thousand GWOP rumors that have strangely never been backed up. I wonder if the editors of this magazine have checked out GWOP yet, they should be standing tall behind their source. I wonder why they aren’t doing that.
March 2nd, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Judy said March 2nd, 2009 at 12:27 pm : “I could easily point out another thousand GWOP rumors that have strangely never been backed up.”
Enlighten us all. Start listing them. I’d like to know.
March 2nd, 2009 at 12:42 pm
SingSong: How much is the sleaze site Gosselins Do Not Need Our Pity paying you? Are they giving you author rights? Cool avatars? Or just cold, hard cash?
March 2nd, 2009 at 12:55 pm
That was sort of bizarre.
My comment made regarding Judy’s 12:27PM comment jumped ahead of hers.
Really-I cannot foretell the future. The internet has it’s own agenda today I guess!
And that should of course read Gosselin NOT Hosselin!!
March 2nd, 2009 at 12:55 pm
–How about the claims that Jon and Kate beat their kids? —
Ok, they only tap them lightly with the red wooden spoon.
March 2nd, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Lisa said:
Because my arguments make some sense? Seeing as how I haven’t posted there, which makes you wrong on that point, does that mean the rest of your summation is false as well?
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Are you saying you have NEVER posted at GWOP?
March 2nd, 2009 at 1:42 pm
The more and more I read on all sides of this topic, the more and more I realize that it’s the children of the GWOP site and other hate groups that need “advocacy” just as much or more than the Gosselin kids. Just think about what character traits these people are teaching their children. What legacy are they leaving by constantly criticizing every single thing? Whether you like the Gosselins or not, could we not do things to uplift others or truly be advocates for children, rather than just spewing hate and being so judgmental? Everyone has an opinion but why can’t we leave out the hateful comments? And please don’t start calling me a hypocrite because I struggle every day to be an example for my child and it’s tough. Life’s too hard to just purposely add “fuel to the fire” if ya know what I mean. yikes. it can’t be healthy.
March 2nd, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Lisa the exact same thing happened to me when I posted about LOL!!
How could I read and post about the comment before it was supposedly posted?? Maybe we are mind readers!
March 2nd, 2009 at 1:50 pm
No, AB1, unlike Kate we hide our sinister side from our kids. They believe us to be very loving people, it’s only when they are not around our evil side shows. I guess that makes Kate a wonderful Mom that she’s willing to show her children her ‘true’ self with her nasty comments to them. “You’re not welcome”.
The response was the best, all the children chanting “Mommy’s mean!”
I’d much rather be called mean and nasty by strangers on a blog than have my children say or even think that about me. And I bet most parents feel that way, unless they are taking parenting tips from Kate.
March 2nd, 2009 at 2:01 pm
If you have children who have never called you mean, you either have very, very young children or you are lying about having children.
March 2nd, 2009 at 2:41 pm
KarenWalker-
I missed those claims. Where was it said that the Gosselin’s ‘beat their children’?
Are you throwing that one into the ring to help Judy? I suppose it’s okay to team up. You only havev 999 more rumors to list……………………………………
March 2nd, 2009 at 2:46 pm
To Lisa-(this is becoming confusing and tedious!)
(TO LISA is asking LISA the following question)
Are you saying you have NEVER posted at GWOP?
##########################
That would be a bingo!!!
March 2nd, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Jessica what a great article. I plan on subscribing to your mag so I can hopefully read more of your brilliant work! Thank you for shining more light onto the Gosselin’s.
March 2nd, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Lisa is it really your claim that nobody on GWOP has claimed that the kids are physically abused?
March 2nd, 2009 at 4:28 pm
KarenWalker-I am confused. Are you upset that Jon & Kate lie or are you upset that they spank (with a spoon or not) their kids? I am not getting involved with how a parent disciplines their child unless they are getting into the realm of physical abuse. I haven’t had small children in years so I am not aware that spanking w or w/o a spoon is physical abuse. Obviously spanking to the point of welts, bruises, blood, etc IS abuse. If I misread your previous comment I do apologize.
March 2nd, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Lisa? Says:
March 2nd, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Lisa is it really your claim that nobody on GWOP has claimed that the kids are physically abused?
####################
I suppose I wouldn’t be able to comment truthfully about that as I don’t read GWOP except occasionally. That is a claim I can say I have not seen on GWOP. I have seen comments regarding the EMOTIONAL abuse the children are subject to but I have not seen any about physical abuse. Shall we discuss the EMOTIONAL abuse, since that is something we can see happening weekly during the show?
March 2nd, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Mommy’s Mean!!
March 2nd, 2009 at 5:05 pm
There is a clip on youtube where kate yells at one of the kids “DO I NEED TO GET THE RED SPOON?”
They have also admitted to spanking at church engagements.
March 2nd, 2009 at 5:25 pm
And the spooks of the internet strike again.
I responded to both KarenWalker and Lisa?
but they seem to have jumped up the thread slightly.
Just don’t want you ladies to think I have ignored you.
March 2nd, 2009 at 7:32 pm
I know I’m such a shameless whore advertising my blog. I apologize and will try to do better next time in disguising my self-promotion. I’m such an idiot.
March 2nd, 2009 at 7:40 pm
More actually under-the-microscope articles being written. Good!
http://www.glamour.com/sex-love-life/blogs/storked/2009/03/jon-kate-8-under-attack.html
I like how the Gosselins “sheeple” consider ANY article that’s critical as ‘trash’. ANY article that weighs the pros and the cons of doing this show ‘trash’, but ANY article that does nothing but praise them (essentially a P.R./commercial/gushfest) is just fine. lol Speaks volumes for your insanity!
March 3rd, 2009 at 7:12 am
The comments on the Glamour site do not constitute an article. Its a blog. A blog by someone with a connection to Philadelphia Magazine and most likely a connection to Jessica Remo. I can’t get excited about biased stuff like that.
I’m still hoping someone writes a real article on the family, not just repeated gossip from a hate blog. An article with real people quoted, written by a journalist without an obvious agenda.
March 3rd, 2009 at 7:36 am
Okay “Contrary” you do not post on GWOP, you just use their tag lines such as Katie Irene and name call ridiculously.
If you re-read my comment and then re-read your comment and still come to the conclusion that its ME who is the lunatic, I can only pity you. Are you people at all capable of debate? Why do you turn to personal attacks when someone dares to think for themselves? I made no comment on anything other than the fact that blog is not an article and that I hope a fair and balanced article comes out. Your aggression towards me for those comments shows that you are quite unstable. You are the exact reason Ms Remo does not get taken seriously, she used people like you as a source. Its quite scary what “journalism” has turned into.
That said, please share specifically what are you doing to help children (any children) Ms Contrary? Other than attack people on comment sections of websites of course. I’m sure you have a long list of child advocacy to share.
March 3rd, 2009 at 8:14 am
Oh, yes Lisa, and please tell me what good it would do? No matter how many times the fanatical fans see Katie Irene go insane on the show they disregard it, no matter what or where they read something the least bit derogatory they disregard it. Do you lunatics EVER think of the children. Who cares about Kate the Insane or Jon the Chicken?????? It is the CHILDREN that should be thought of. You fans should obsess over someone else, someone other that fools who put their children on display for everyone to scrutinize and every pervert to lust after. You are as bad as Jon and Kate by condoning this greedy ridiculous behavior. No I do not post at GWOP so do not bother to use that as an excuse.
March 3rd, 2009 at 8:29 am
Lisa Says:
March 3rd, 2009 at 7:12 am
The comments on the Glamour site do not constitute an article. Its a blog. A blog by someone with a connection to Philadelphia Magazine and most likely a connection to Jessica Remo. I can’t get excited about biased stuff like that.
I’m still hoping someone writes a real article on the family, not just repeated gossip from a hate blog. An article with real people quoted, written by a journalist without an obvious agenda.
#############################
Contrary,etal-
Please note the above Lisa is a Gosselin fan, unlike myself, Lisa, the original poster who definitely has problems with much of what this family does. I don’t agree with a single word she has typed!!
March 3rd, 2009 at 8:40 am
Actually Lisa, you don’t know my views of the Gosselins or the show. I realize that rational opinions are not popular with GWOPers and that’s fine. I am entitled to my view of the article and its author.
So Lisa perhaps you can list your child advocacy resume, since Im sure most of you who hate the Gosselins so passionately are working in ways other than spamming blogs and comment sections with hate for the Gosselins.
March 3rd, 2009 at 9:01 am
It seems LISA is wants to play games. Fine, I’ll CHANGE my screen name to accomodate her.
Did I make a mistake in assuming that since you mentioned wanting to see an article written without an ‘obvious agenda’ that you are okay with all things Gosselin? You aren’t a fan?
I think it is YOU who are jumping to conclusions, which seems to be fairly typical for fans of the show. Most certainly though, you are entitled to your opinion, I wasn’t challenging you on that. You gave your opinion of the article NOT the Gosselins.
#1-I do not hate the Gosselins. You have jumped to the wrong conclusion there. I do not agree with many things they have done and continue to do. Lying is something I am not okay with. Derogatory comments about your own children, also not okay with. Treating your spouse like a ninth child. Also not okay with.
#2-I am sorry but I can’t offer up my child avocacy resume as such. And if I were to I wouldn’t do it as an answer to someone baiting me.
I am all ears waiting to hear your rational opinion of the Gosselins, should you opt to share it.
March 3rd, 2009 at 9:29 am
Actually Lisa I have no idea what games you are accusing me of playing. Do you think you own the name Lisa? In the comment section it says leaving a name is required, Lisa is my name. It’s that simple.
Im not sure why you are so up in arms about me stating that a blog is not an article and the article in Philly Magazine was biased. I realize that on GWOP, only comments that hate on the family are generally put through so it might be shock for some people to realize that not everyone sees through hate colored glasses. Its also rather odd that you talk about how “fans” are the ones who jump to conclusions when in the sentence before you admit that its what YOU did about me. Quite interesting how when you point at someone else, you have 3 fingers pointing back at you.
Ive actually never seen one of these uber fans that everyone who doesn’t hate the Gosselins is accused of being. Its possible to dislike certain things about the show without needing to stoop to lies about the family. If you dislike the lies that you believe Jon and Kate tell, why no outrage about the lies that are told about them? Also, I do know that it was GWOP who posted the addresses of both houses, its GWOP members who drive by the houses, its GWOP members who attack Hannah every week. How again are these things done to protect the children? Is anyone who dislikes the family willing to address those issues?
March 3rd, 2009 at 9:37 am
D.O.N.E. with you Lisa
This isn’t a forum for this discussion. Great name by the way. Lots of people though will, when joining a discussion already underway, will add an initial or some such thing, to distinguish between themselves and someone already posting with their name.
I get upset when anyone lies. Many of the things the Gosselin’s have said have been proven to be lies. SOME of the things said about them have also ended up being lies (rumors). Some of the things going around currently are still up in the air.
For you to say it is GWOP members who drive by the house and to intimate that it is ONLY GWOP members is naive to say the least. If you want uber fan, go up thread and check out BabyMama.
Have a great day!
March 3rd, 2009 at 9:37 am
To the “original” Lisa Says:
March 3rd, 2009 at 10:00 am
Lisa…you are claiming you have never posted on GWOP, yet I can find several of your posts. In fact, you post on several sites and you pick arguments with everyone. Probably because you don’t want to look like the little s_ _ _ disturber you are on the blog where you actually post as Lisa. Of course, you post under many aliases. Shall we name them?
###########################
Okay TO-there are at least TWO people named Lisa in the blog world, both of them have admitted to that here. Must be the ONLY two that post? Anywhere? Ever?
I already said I post on one other blog. If I have aliases that’s news to me!!
March 3rd, 2009 at 9:49 am
Thanks Lisa I will have a great day.
Somehow I’m not shocked you wouldn’t address the issues but I understand why that might be uncomfortable for you. Is there a forum where GWOPs defend the lies they tell or even the attacks on Hannah? Has Serena ever said how posting the addresses was done to help the kids? Lisa is D.O.N.E so Im hoping someone else will step in and answer.
March 3rd, 2009 at 10:00 am
Lisa…you are claiming you have never posted on GWOP, yet I can find several of your posts. In fact, you post on several sites and you pick arguments with everyone. Probably because you don’t want to look like the little s_ _ _ disturber you are on the blog where you actually post as Lisa. Of course, you post under many aliases. Shall we name them?
March 3rd, 2009 at 10:01 am
You supposed “fans” who have not said one thing about the show or Jon and Kate but have only attacked these people from another site are acting like lunactics.
Seriously, do you have no defense for the family? Or are you that blinded by rage for these other posters who you don’t even know that you can’t come up with one logical defense of the family’s actions?
As someone who is rather new to this debate (or whatever it is), your lunatic rantings and ravings have made me see that whoever these people are at this other site, they must have the dirt and some proof otherwise you wouldn’t be so pissed at them for talking about it.
Chill out people….geez!!!
March 3rd, 2009 at 10:28 am
To the “original” Lisa Says:
March 3rd, 2009 at 10:00 am
Lisa…you are claiming you have never posted on GWOP, yet I can find several of your posts. In fact, you post on several sites and you pick arguments with everyone. Probably because you don’t want to look like the little s_ _ _ disturber you are on the blog where you actually post as Lisa. Of course, you post under many aliases. Shall we name them?
###########################
Okay TO-there are at least TWO people named Lisa in the blog world, both of them have admitted to that here. Must be the ONLY two that post? Anywhere? Ever?
I already said I post on one other blog. If I have aliases that’s news to me!!
March 3rd, 2009 at 10:47 am
I post over at the Topix Wernersville board. It is very interesting.
March 3rd, 2009 at 11:03 am
Also, I do know that it was GWOP who posted the addresses of both houses.
———————
FYI, real estate property records ARE a public record which can be searched by name and/or address. ANYBODY has access to this information. No big super-sleuthing going on. Sorry to burst your bubble sweetheart!
http://www.icris.lancasterdeeds.com
http://www.co.berks.pa.us/recorder/
March 3rd, 2009 at 11:04 am
To see that comments are now being MODERATED. That’s what you get when you can’t behave, I reckon!
March 3rd, 2009 at 11:14 am
“Also, I do know that it was GWOP who posted the addresses of both houses.”
_______________
FYI property records ARE public information. Anybody can do a search by name OR address for the respective county of the property (in this case Berks and Lancaster Pennsylvania).
No super-sleuthing going on. Sorry to burst your bubble sweetheart.
March 3rd, 2009 at 11:28 am
You didn’t answer the question, honey. How did posting the addresses of the two houses help protect the kids?
March 3rd, 2009 at 11:42 am
How did exploiting THEIR 8 children, by filming intimate, embarrassing details and day-to-day mundane activities (add to it now author Kate’s 8 Little Faces PICTURE book of HER KIDS) HELP PROTECT THE KIDS? You might wish to pose that question to Jon & Kate Gosselin. Not me, darlin’!
March 3rd, 2009 at 11:46 am
Jon and Kate aren’t posting here, however you GWOPs are. Can you answer for your own actions even just this once? Why do you scream about the kids privacy while at the same time violating their privacy?
March 3rd, 2009 at 12:15 pm
What part of ‘real estate information is PUBLIC RECORD’ do you not understand?
March 3rd, 2009 at 12:19 pm
And furthermore, Lisa, Jon & Kate Gosselin do not give a crap about their children’s privacy. If they did, we-the general public-wouldn’t even know who they are. They’ve been pimping them out and exploiting them since they were in-utero (and that information CAN be substantiated). If they don’t care about privacy, why then, should anybody else?
March 3rd, 2009 at 12:27 pm
You (GWOPs) are the ones saying you just care about the kids. You are just trying to save the kids, right? You claim to be better than Kate and Jon. If that is true, protecting their privacy would be utmost of importance. The “they did it first excuse” is a cop out. Public information is a easy excuse but it doesn’t go hand in hand with your claims of advocating for the Gosselin children.
March 3rd, 2009 at 12:34 pm
I like your style 1 of the Lisas.
March 3rd, 2009 at 12:50 pm
I never said I was a part of GWOP, have I Lisa?
If you insist on playing the ‘what came first’ game you will ALWAYS lose. If the Gosselins didn’t put themselves in the public’s eye first, the general public wouldn’t even know who they were. End of story. You lose, Lisa. Sorry.
March 3rd, 2009 at 1:02 pm
I post on the abc health blog.
March 3rd, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Why do you people keep denying you are a part of GWOP? Is it something to be ashamed of? Why is personal responsibility such a hard concept for some people? No matter what Jon and Kate have done or when, it doesn’t negate GWOPs own culpability in this matter. Ever hear of 2 wrongs don’t make a right? You can’t claim to advocate for these children and then violate their privacy and stalk them.
Since this one is so hard for you, how about addressing the attacks on Hannah? Im interested in how you will justify that.
March 3rd, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Lisa, for Pete’s sake can you prove who I am and where-if anywhere I post? Can you? Didn’t think so. And how do you know what I do or do not advocate? All I’m doing is giving you FACTS.
Honestly, Lisa, give it a rest. You’re not getting anywhere with this.
March 3rd, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Hmmm, just had a thought Lisa. If YOU don’t read ‘GWOP’ how would you know any of its contents? If do you read it, wouldn’t that make YOU a ‘GWOPer’ one of the very people you are attempting to slam?
March 3rd, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Lisa? Lisa? LISA?!? Where’d ya go? Oh well. Told you that you weren’t going to get anywhere arguing with me, didn’t I?
March 3rd, 2009 at 3:16 pm
You are a strange one Lisa #2! I have something many of you GWOPs lack, its called a job! I had to tend to it for a bit. So where were we? Oh yeah, you never have posted at GWOP. Okay sure sure (wink wink) Oh and I challenge to you post where I said I don’t read GWOP. The crazy y’all produce over there is better than a soap opera. I don’t think reading it makes me a member there but if that’s how you want to spin it, Im not surprised. You can’t actually answer for your own conduct after all.
So what do you think of the nasty comments about Hannah? Haven’t you thought of anything to excuse it yet?
March 3rd, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Oh and Lisa # 2 its 4:00 where I live so now Im going to go home, make dinner for my family and take my boys to soccer. I will be sure to get right back to reading your excuses for GWOP ASAP. No worries, k?
I especially can’t wait to hear why Hannah deserves the things said about her.
March 3rd, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Guess you’d better head on over to that website and pose your questions to the posters of the statements as I really have no idea what’s being said over there. Seriously.
Now then, let me get back to the new issue of The Star Magazine…they’ve got this fascinating article about Pa Gosselin hanging with the coeds.
March 3rd, 2009 at 5:29 pm
To one of the Lisa’s:
I’m with you sister!
March 3rd, 2009 at 7:30 pm
I used to post on GWOP. Now I just lurk. I also used to post on the PennMommy site where I got into arguments with anyone who had a different opinion than mine. Oh, and I also used to post at Kate is a Shrew. There are SO many, I have a hard time keeping it all straight. I have found a new home, but I don’t post there using this name.
March 3rd, 2009 at 8:48 pm
I object to both physically disciplining the kids AND to lying to church goers about their financial status.
March 3rd, 2009 at 9:15 pm
Lisa, a baiter is playing with you. Ignore. Totally.
March 4th, 2009 at 5:33 am
I gotta agree with someone up thread who said that GWOP site only allows negative posts through. I went there to see what all the fuss was about and tried posting in defense of the family in a few threads and NONE of my posts made it through. Very telling on what kind of site that is.
March 4th, 2009 at 7:17 am
I post on a blog that was set up to take make fun of another blog. I love making up screen names and making fun of others who I know nothing about. It makes me feel really good about myself. I also think I’m really sneaky and that no one notices what I’m doing.
March 4th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Maybe this question was already asked, but was there an attempt to contact Aunt Jodi directly?
March 5th, 2009 at 7:20 am
Their marriage is on the rocks – http://www.lambgoat.com/blog/view.aspx?id=248
March 5th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
To Jon & Kate Fans who “Make Their Own Videos, Picture Tributes, etc…”** ~~~ WHY? There is plenty of Official videos and pictures out there.~~ 1.) Is that NOT enough for you? ~~ 2.)WHY DO you feel the need to create your own??? ~~~ 3.) How would you feel if strangers did that in regards to your own children/family??? ~~~ 4.) Do you seriously think this is normal behavior on your part?? ~~ 5.) Do you seriously think that Jon & Kate feel comfortable about this???~~~ I would really like to know the answers to these questions!! I think this is SICK and CREEPY!!!! ~~~
March 5th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
KATE = DRAMA QUEEN Of The T.V. SCREEN ………………….. NADYA = DRAMA QUEEN Of The COMPUTER SCREEN
March 5th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
I also post on the topix board as pansy.
March 6th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Great article and good to see someone collect the information in one site for easy reference. It’s not news that they lied about Jon being fired for stealing time. Before the show first came out the Philly paper that had Jon’s retraction was still available. It’s good to see it printed and public again so that his employer doesn’t have to continue to have that lie resurface with each of their church scam gigs.
Good to see that there is not once poster that can defend the behavior of the Gosselin parents. All they seem to be able to do is make groundless accusations. The one that really made me LOL was the claim that anyone would be able to sue the author and GWoP for printing FACTS. So what if the facts of the matter are ugly it doesn’t make them libel.
And as far as being worried about the children. I didn’t realize the blog in the article and on CNN was a “hate” site. I’ve not had enough time to read the whole site but it seems a little snarky but I’ve seen a lot worse on TWoP (why are the names similar)? What worries me is who ever are the freaky people making blogs and youtubes about the children. Creepy. Did Jon and Kate never hear about Jon Benet? Protect those children and stop putting them out there for who knows who to get a fixation on. They are worse then those freaky pageant moms by 100 times.
March 7th, 2009 at 12:13 am
Every one of you sorry crows needs to get a life.
LOL
March 7th, 2009 at 2:24 am
Oh Lisa Lonny Pansy~~
What will you do now that you’ve been outed?
You didn’t think it was a secret, did you?
March 7th, 2009 at 2:27 am
did the sheeple not the the memo that no one cares?
March 8th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
The group that shall not be mentioned was mentioned 77 times. Great advertising for that group.
March 8th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
How many socks can one person have? Their feet must always stay warm.
March 9th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Aunt Jodi’s sisters site or should I say supposed sister? We have no proof this person is even related to Jodi. What I can’t stand about that particular blog is you can’t leave comments.. it’s like it only exists to spew venom against J&K.
FWIW, the people have made J&K what they are today. Watch shows from the beginning to now you can see how much they’ve changed because they had to. Things like J&K pronouncing words to yes wanting 1st class flights or a bodyguard. With all of the venom out there, I’d be afraid to go to a speaking engagement without guards.
Some times you have to remove people from your life & if that includes Jodi then so be it. I am not watching the show for Jodi. Don’t get me wrong, I never said I don’t like her; I did not watch every week for her. I don’t know how long that blog has been “dishing” about J&K but I wonder if certain things that happened in private were told to the blogger (assuming it is Jodi’s sister); you wonder how safe J&K felt about them or their kids being with Jodi if her sister was being told everything.
If you don’t like the show don’t watch. Simple as that. There are shows I don’t like; I don’t run around looking for sites to bash it. If people stop watching, there will be no show.
J&K found a way to support their kids. Hopefully they are putting the money aside. I’m sure they know they won’t be eating from this show forever.
Last thing.. I’m sick of people saying poor Jon. He & Kate are together people, get over it.
March 9th, 2009 at 9:09 pm
C’mon people, why so worried about this family? We have Octomom that’s 100 times worse!
March 10th, 2009 at 7:44 am
Kate must be green with jealousy that Nadya will have several nurses 24/7 to help her care for her multiples!
Kate was ticked when she lost the one and only nurse that she had had in the beginning – even tried to get the nurse to be able to stay longer – but that did not happen! LOL
Nadya is turning out to be much clever than Kate – Nadya is getting a brand new home and $135,000. nursing care 24/7 and she didn’t need a show from TLC to get it!!!
March 13th, 2009 at 10:00 am
Julie’s Blog had a video of Jodi confirming that the blog is true. You can find the video at the Evil Beat.
April 9th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
http://evilbeetgossip.film.com/2008/08/23/jon-and-kate-plus-eight-gets-nasty-aunt-jodi-tells-her-side/
July 22nd, 2009 at 11:19 pm
Too bad with all of the work put into it that Jessica’s article completely SUCKED.