Since the fabled Ghost Hunters Live! on Halloween the Internet has been abuzz with speculation about faked evidence as well as the generally poor production values on the show.
I won't comment one way or the other on the veracity of what they did, but I do find a few recent events to be enlightening for different reasons and serve as a cautionary tale for amateurs with stars in their eyes.
Days after the events and the widespread speculation the "voice" was faked and the "jacket tug" was a rig, Grant Wilson took to his MySpace blog to refute the rumors.
Since that statement the speculation has become even more heated. Today, Jason Hawes posted a blog firing angry words at their critics who dared question the show's veracity. He seems incredulous that anyone could ever dream they might stoop to fixing a little evidence to make a TV show more popular or exciting.
And there is the caution. If he is being genuine, then he remains among the most naive people on Earth. Of course, over time people are going to begin to speculate about such things. Without doubt, they "catch" more amazing stuff now than when they began. Regardless of the reason, it raises doubts in the minds of fans and foes. This does not even take into consideration the desire to stay #1 in the ratings and continue the revenue streams from the show and public appearances.
Yet, Jason continues to use the argument that "faking" would "destroy the show." Yes, it might among those who actually do this work seriously and watch for some reason. But among the fan base of rank amateurs and thrill seekers it would have no effect, provided you could pull it off. They are not equipped to detect such things from watching a TV episode and they will not believe the words of professionals whom they do not recognize as "legitimate" because they are not on television. In a sense, it would be the perfect time to do something like that.
So, is it any wonder that people will speculate when something extraordinary happens that could, easily, be faked?
It is only natural and it is the price one pays for deciding to become a TV entertainment personality. With the adoring fans fawning over every word will, eventually, come those who cast a more and more critical eye at what you do and who won't be shy about broadcasting their opinions.
So, for all the amateurs out there who think they'd just be perfect for the next TV show. This is what you'll have to deal with if you make it. Are you ready to be called a fake and fraud publicly whether its true or not? Will you be able to hold your temper and your tongue when the outcry becomes great?
Think about it.
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2 comments:
Undoubtedly there are those for whom the expression "sour grapes" was coined. I certainly couldn't tell you from watching a program on television whether an event was for-sure faked, but I can tell you this recent event isn't the first time such allegations have surfaced. A few years back, after an investigation at the Stone Lion Inn in Oklahoma, rumors trickled out via members of the local group that aided TAPS. I was told of black threads being used to manipulate objects and selective re-editing to present things in a fashion that wasn't altogether true. I have no proof that these rumors have merit, but I do believe the individual who told me about them (and was involved) to be a very forthright person and that the pressures of production can make good people make bad choices.
I've been called a fraud, charlatan, and nutjob... and that's without being a TV star. LOL
I've heard about the recent events but haven't watched the episode, so I don't feel comfortable commenting on it. Still, there is so much behind-the-scenes in television that most people would be very surprised to know what reality is, even in "reality television".
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