Once upon a time, Reality TV was seen as the best way for undiscovered people with talent to become famous. Now it's the surest way to destroy families and careers.
What happened? Actually, nothing. Reality TV was always a dumpster fire waiting to happen, and once the novelty wore off, the unstable, psychotic nature of its "contestants" were easily recognized by the naked eye.
While sensible, intelligent, rational people tend to either ignore or shut down the psycho-stalker girlfriend or boyfriend, Reality TV gives them new, high-profile forums to satisfy their endless appetite for attention. But we all know the stalker is consumed with the short-term, and that does little to help the long-term success of your brand.
Isn't it funny you never see a well-run company using Reality TV stars as pitch people? In theory, it would make perfect sense for a bulk retailer like Costco to feature Jon and Kate Gosselin (with 8 kids to feed) in their marketing. But to their credit, Costco knew better.
In fact, you don't have to be in business with a Reality TV star to feel the negative effects. Dating one is frought with danger as well. Just ask Shawne Merriman of the San Diego Chargers who almost had his entire career blown up when Tila Tequila leveled a fake assault charge over the summer.
First thing I uttered when I read about Merriman's arrest - "That's what happens when you get mixed up with a Reality Star".
So I don't think it really mattered whether the Balloon Family's incident was a proven hoax or not. I'll bet most of us already thought something was fishy the minute we heard about "Wife Swap".
Always remember - Reality Stars have limited shelf lives...and with each fiasco, their relevancy grows shorter and shorter.
No wonder perception is the "Reality" that counts most.
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