My issue with the show is that a lot of those jokers they feature seem a bit on the crazy side, and I worry that it gives us something of a bad reputation (or, I should say, a worse reputation). I have to admit that I do like the show though. I just wish they would showcase more folks like me. Only the fringe personalities make for good TV, I suppose.
True story. I'm moderately sure that they contacted me before they made the first season. They wouldn't give me any details without having me sign a non-disclosure agreement, but the lady I talked to was an associate producer for what she described as "a major cable TV network." I talked to her twice, but ultimately declined to participate. I could tell by the questions she asked that they were just looking for crazies to make fun of. Not sure if it was "Doomsday Preppers" for sure (there have been a few other shows that it could have been), but the timing for the production of this show's first season is right.
Assuming I'm right and it was this show, I sometimes wish that I had done it. They wanted me to be a participant and for me to get them in touch with some other Preppers as well, but, as I said, I got a bad vibe from her. I wonder if maybe it would be a more flattering show to those of us in the subculture, if I had agreed to be involved. Then again, I'm probably better off; they probably would have just made me seem crazy as Hell too, and then I'd regret it and be under a contractual gag-order not to speak-out.
What do you think?
The people were picked because they were extreme. "Reality TV" thrives on freaks. Realistically, how many people read your blog? That is the audience for Doomsday Preppers without borderline wackos. A typical audience is not going to watch Jim and Jane Normal buy a few extra bags of rice and put in a garden. America wants "The Doomsday Housewives of the Jersey Shore", not practical people showing the audience what they should do to take care of themselves in an emergency.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts exactly, sir.
DeleteSome of the ones on the show seem pretty far out there and probably are but I'm sure the shows editing doesn't help things much either
ReplyDeleteYou know, I think that's a big part of so-called "Reality TV" -- the whole manufactured reality achieved through editing, so I'd say you're correct.
DeleteAbout a year before Doomsday Preppers, there was a show called Apocalypse PA on WQED/ PBS. It was only 2 episodes and was not out there as kooky people but a normal family training themselves for what is imminent.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing I noticed about DoomsdY Preppers is they end every show stating that what they were preparing for is highly UNLIKELY, despite everyone knowing it is quite likely....e.g. Financial collapse.
I was on the show a while back. We tried to get vital survival data out there. They do rough edit the show for tv. I was saddened when they cut my main talking points. They refused to cover our larger project that focused on COMMUNITY survival options. I have compiled the data on my main site: www.thesandmanproject.org
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