Kid Nation

[Done-With-It!]

Anyone watch the premiere? What do you guys think about all the bad ratings?

[recoveringcutter]

i wacthed it and i think it won't last long... i mean the kids think they are able to run a town on their own but they don't know it takes team work to run it and i really didn't see it. i saw a lot of fighting and some kids acting like something their not..

and some kids have result to killing chickens for food.... even i'm not that despreat..


and bad ratings???? how bad where they?

[Chy]

I missed it and have been wanting to see it, I think an encore presentation is on tonight so am going to watch. I would think it would have good ratings but who knows.

[Done-With-It!]

I didn't watch it, but there's a huge uproar about it here that they've gone to far.
That it was a mean thing to do and basically inhumane thing for adults to do to kids.
They should be home playing house, nintendo, etc. not worrying about if they are going to die. It's been huge here, but the whole thing has already been shot, so if they pull it because they've 'gone to far' it's not like they wouldn't get the kids off the 'island'.

I think putting an 8 year old out there is ridiculous, maybe starting it at 15-21 would have been okay, but to watch an 8 year old be scared makes me want to cry, that's why I didn't watch it in the first place. I saw a clip a few weeks ago of some of the kids crying... Screw that, I don't like that at all.

And a few of the kids were burned w/grease during taping, and a few drank bleach on accident.

I would never purposely put my child somewhere at 8-14 like that to be scared.
By 15, they think they own the world, so it may be a good thing for them to realize they don't.

The ratings so far have been pretty decent...

[Formaldehyde]

I really really wanted to see it.
But I work Wednesday nights.
It looks good. And there are adults there to make sure the kids are safe.

[Chy]

This reminds me of one of the Star Trek episodes I used to watch and it just gave me the total creeps, sounds like the entire show was based on that ST episode. Kids need guidance, pure and simple that's why they get to be kids, to put them in a role to fend for themselves is cruel at best. Kids don't have the capacity nor experience to raise themselves.. we got enough kids now days doing that without glamorizing it on a show... ridiculous, maybe I won't watch afteral....and the parents that let them do this... have lost it.

[Done-With-It!]

Originally Posted by Formaldehyde

I really really wanted to see it.
But I work Wednesday nights.
It looks good. And there are adults there to make sure the kids are safe.

Well not too safe if they are drinking bleach on accident and
getting burned by grease.
Some of the parents are having a fit now aparantly that the
kids weren't looked after like they said they were going to be.

And I wonder who watched them at night while they were
sleeping? eww too creepy.

[Done-With-It!]

Originally Posted by Chy

This reminds me of one of the Star Trek episodes I used to watch and it just gave me the total creeps, sounds like the entire show was based on that ST episode. Kids need guidance, pure and simple that's why they get to be kids, to put them in a role to fend for themselves is cruel at best. Kids don't have the capacity nor experience to raise themselves.. we got enough kids now days doing that without glamorizing it on a show... ridiculous, maybe I won't watch afteral....and the parents that let them do this... have lost it.

They are 'stage parents' from what they've said, these are all kids who want to be 'actors'. The majority of people that I've heard talk about it won't watch it just because of principal and they don't want to help the ratings.

Oh yea, and I think NM is looking into that they may have broke child labor laws.

[Done-With-It!]

'Kid Nation' stirring up controversy
Column by Susan Young
Article Launched: 08/30/2007 02:37:31 AM PDT

Click photo to enlarge


This 2007 photo, supplied by CBS, show children identified by CBS, left to right, as Divad,...

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Video

• Chick Chat on "Kid Nation"

THE SCREAMS ricocheted around the restaurant like high-pitched gun fire. Nerves frayed and conversations stopped. No court of law would punish anyone who might act out a possibly criminal plan for silencing the little heathens. Two moms apparently thought it was a good idea to take about eight young children into the restaurant for lunch. As the youngsters wiggled, squealed and fell off chairs, a diner got up in disgust mumbling something about it's never a good idea to have only two people trying to corral that many kids.
Yet, the producers of CBS' "Kid Nation" and the parents of 40 children thought that setting children ages 8 to 15 loose in a secluded area near Santa Fe, N.M., for 40 days to rebuild a "ghost town" was an excellent notion.
And by "ghost town" we mean the Bonanza Creek Movie Ranch, which has been used for
such flicks as "Silverado" and "The Legend of the Lone Ranger" and offers electricity and running water.
Even before the Sept. 19 air date, "Kid Nation" is stirring up a considerable amount of controversy. Late last week, the New Mexico Attorney General's office announced plans to renew their investigation into whether the production company violated child labor and safety laws.
New Mexico was chosen because of a work permit loophole that allowed producers to set up this little so-called "summer camp experience," which could go all "Lord of the Flies" at any given moment.
At least one mom complained about her




daughter getting burned by splattered grease during the filming, but before the New Mexico inspectors finished their report, the production company had packed up and left town. Other parents have stepped forward since filming ended to complain that four other children accidentally drank bleach. Parents might have known more about what was going on if they hadn't signed a contract that includes the clause that their children could have no contact with them during the filming.
Now, I'll admit to being overly cautious with my own kids. Admittedly, on more than one occasion I leaned over them while they were sleeping to check their breathing when they suddenly opened their eyes and their little hearts stopped for a second.
Still, you can't be too cautious when it comes to kids. Unless you want them to be on television. Then all bets are off.
"Kid Nation," which airs on Sept. 19 for 13 episodes, boasts "no adult supervision."
"A large adult safety net was there to make sure if anything happened we had a contingency plan in place, but (the kids) woke up whenever they felt like and they set their own bedtime," says producer Tom Forman when asked about reports that the kids were on their own, being taped at 7 a.m. and often didn't go to bed before midnight. "(We) made a commitment amongst ourselves that we were going to let them do everything they could on their own until we had to step in."
The no-contact clause was the least of what parents signed away in a contract that is standard for adults appearing on reality shows, but seems out of line when you are talking about a group of kids.
Parents signed away their rights to sue CBS and the producers if their child died, was severely injured or if they contracted a sexually transmitted disease.

The entire contract was posted on http://www.thesmokinggun.com, and that portion reads in part, "...if the Minor chooses to enter into an intimate relationship of any nature with another participant or any other person... the Minor and I hereby assume any and all risks that may be associated with any relationship including, without limitations, emotional distress, illness, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV and pregnancy..."
Of course, there are always the cameras following them around "Big Brother" style. Parents also signed a contract stating that their kids could be filmed when they are in the bathroom except when they are "showering, bathing, defecating or urinating."
For this chance of a lifetime, the kids were given $5,000 each as well as the chance to earn a Gold Star at the end of each of the 13 episodes. The Gold Star is worth $20,000.
I've only seen the promotional trailer, so maybe this really is a great social experiment that shows kids to their best advantage. But the thought of signing that agreement should make any parent pause and wonder why they would place their child in this situation.
CBS thinks it has a hit on its hands and that once people see the series they will see it as a strong, life-affirming show. Besides, they've already sent out a casting call for the second cycle at http://www.cbs.com

[Done-With-It!]

At least one mom complained about her daughter getting burned by splattered grease during the filming, but before the New Mexico inspectors finished their report, the production company had packed up and left town. Other parents have stepped forward since filming ended to complain that four other children accidentally drank bleach.


Parents might have known more about what was going on if they hadn't signed a contract that includes the clause that their children could have no contact with them during the filming.



The no-contact clause was the least of what parents signed away in a contract that is standard for adults appearing on reality shows, but seems out of line when you are talking about a group of kids.
Parents signed away their rights to sue CBS and the producers if their child died, was severely injured or if they contracted a sexually transmitted disease.





The entire contract was posted on http://www.thesmokinggun.com, and that portion reads in part, "...if the Minor chooses to enter into an intimate relationship of any nature with another participant or any other person... the Minor and I hereby assume any and all risks that may be associated with any relationship including, without limitations, emotional distress, illness, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV and pregnancy..."




An 8 year old and you are signing away "their" rights.
And if they get raped, or molested by someone?

A 15 year old boy having sex with an 8 year old girl?

Hmmm, they just said that was okay to do...


I'll edit out what I think...

[Chy]

I was thinking about that age gap to.... there is a vast difference in ages and this whole thing leaves a bad taste.

[annihilate_me]

I've heard about the show, and the concept and I refuse to watch it. I couldn't even imagine. What happened to child safety? I'm not a parent, but I still wouldn't let any child do something like that? Did these parents read the contract they were signing? This is utter stupidity at best. Pure ignorance.

[SuicidalMe]

Well I kind of liked it but damn I didnt knowbout all that...

[Done-With-It!]

Originally Posted by SuicidalMe

Well I kind of liked it but damn I didnt knowbout all that...

Well you don't have to not like it just because of what we said sweetie, make up your own mind as to what you think. I could be wrong maybe this will be
a great experience for them. Let us know what you think if you keep watching it.

[pedagogue]

I love the concept, though the age range is a bit of a sticking point for me. I saw the 2nd half of the first episode, and it intrigues me. I love social experiments, but I'd rather them have a smaller age range 12-15 maybe. I'm sure there are some legal things that are on the fringe, but they didn't mention that they DID have adults there, psychologists, medical people, etc.....so they weren't left 'alone'.

-p

[SuicidalMe]

Originally Posted by Done-With-It!

Well you don't have to not like it just because of what we said sweetie, make up your own mind as to what you think. I could be wrong maybe this will be
a great experience for them. Let us know what you think if you keep watching it.

nah, I saw an article about it in our paper it's pretty bad, we talked about it in our social science class too, everyone agreed its for the money and they dont care about the kids. The paper said some of the parents are talking to lawyers anyways even tho they signed papers cuz the kids were left alone more than in the bathrooms. I asked my mom about it and she said anyone who watched it was an idiot, lol, i told her well I watched it Mom! She said oh well maybe I'll send you there next time. lol
I also agree with anilate me what happened to child safety kids drinking bleach that can kill you. Stupid show. I'll watch Heroes instead.

[Done-With-It!]

Originally Posted by SuicidalMe

nah, I saw an article about it in our paper it's pretty bad, we talked about it in our social science class too, everyone agreed its for the money and they dont care about the kids. The paper said some of the parents are talking to lawyers anyways even tho they signed papers cuz the kids were left alone more than in the bathrooms. I asked my mom about it and she said anyone who watched it was an idiot, lol, i told her well I watched it Mom! She said oh well maybe I'll send you there next time. lol
I also agree with anilate me what happened to child safety kids drinking bleach that can kill you. Stupid show. I'll watch Heroes instead.

They talked a lot about it in school here, they interviewed a lot of the kids, so far the only one I've heard who liked it is one girl who worked
on it. I didn't hear about the parents wanting to sue them yet though,
but I know they are in an uproar about the bleach and grease and something else but I forgot, there was an article in the Sunday paper but
my roommates still have it so i havne't read it yet.

[Chy]

I'm in such a mood today over how people treat kids I hope they yank it and loose their a$$ on it..

[Done-With-It!]

Originally Posted by Chy

I'm in such a mood today over how people treat kids I hope they yank it and loose their a$$ on it..

I'm right there with you...

[Done-With-It!]

"SAG SPEAKS OUT"

“SCREEN ACTORS GUILD WAS SHOCKED AND DISAPPOINTED BY THE RECENT NEWS REPORTS AND THE DOCUMENTED CLAIMS OF KID NATION"

As the reality show Kid Nation —claiming to show children building a better world—here is the true reality: Kid Nation has taken a step backwards in terms of children’s rights.

The Screen Actors Guild National Young Performers Committee is extremely concerned by the alleged exploitation of children on the set of Kid Nation. The Young Performers Committee, which consists of former child actors and other concerned SAG members, exists solely to ensure the welfare of child actors. We find it inexcusable that the producers on this show "Did not take" all measures possible to ensure protections on the set of Kid Nation
According to press reports, the show’s producers are already planning a second season in the Czech Republic, and we are concerned about the safety of the next group of children recruited for this program.

Screen Actors Guild National Young Performers Committee will continue to advocate protections for children on any set, including Kid Nation, and remains committed to ensuring the welfare of all children in the entertainment industry.”

"NUFF SAID"

THANK YOU VERY MUCH