Tuesday, January 24, 2012

The Kardashians - Love 'Em or Hate 'Em??

http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2010/09/01/kardashian-kraze-world-obsessed-family-famous-reason/

The Case of the Kardashians

Beauty, business-savy, and addicting. No matter where you look the Kardashian’s are all over the place. The family gained its fame the first time around from the late Robert Kardashian’s involvement in the OJ Simpson trial. The family then gained its fame due to middle daughter, Kim Kardashian rise to fame from being Paris Hilton’s best friend and then her infamous sex tape with Ray-J. Still something that should be so damaging to one’s career seemed to have sparked the flame that has ignited the flame of the Kardashian family’s rise in publicity and now their empire.
“We are the modern day Kennedy’s” claim matriarch and self-proclaimed “momager,” Kris Jenner. Jenner has created Kardashian Communications (or Kommunications, due to the Kardashian wit of turning every C into a K) that is the hub of all things Kardashian, including management of all her children, Kourtney, Kim, Khloe, Robert, Kendall, and Kylie and her second husband Bruce Jenner. Jenner a former Olympian is the only member with a real talent under his belt. The others have their claim to fame from the successful Kardashian Realty TV franchise spawning off Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Khloe and Lamar, Kourtney and Kim take New York, and Kourtney and Khloe take Miami. The girls are each part time models, actresses, authors, and businesswomen. They have successfully started three clothing stores called DASH, have clothing lines and fragrances, and are the endorsement queens from weight loss supplements to fruit smoothies. Their business ventures could go on for hours and yet one question still will go unanswered; why is America obsessed with this family?
The Kardashian’s are the epitome of the old saying “all press good or bad, is still press.” You either love them or hate them, have a favorite and a least favorite and yet we still talk about them as if they have done something so unique that they deserve to be put on a pedestal. In reality they are just an average upper-class family, they have not done anything out of the ordinary than be blessed with good genes and some good attributes (i.e. Kim’s equally famous behind). Still in anyone of the shows it’s the same thing. A little bit of family drama, some fighting to keep the audience engaged, and then they make up, even if that must carry into the following weeks episode. They show us that they can model and endorse products, tryout hobbies such as singing or acting, but still nothing that really sets them apart from their competitors such as Paris Hilton, Snooki, or the Situation. Yet still they were graced on the 873 tabloid covers in 2011 alone (most thanks in large part to Kim’s 72 day wedding and subsequent divorce) and made both People Magazine’s “Most Intriguing People List” and Barbara Walter’s “Most Fascinating People List.”
How can doing nothing out of the ordinary make someone fascinating? What many attribute to the Kardashian’s successful rise in fame is the idea of them being a new breed of reality stars. The common reality star in this day in age rises to fame particularly on their own such as the likes of the Jersey Shore cast. The Kardashian’s already had some claim to fame when they were brought onto our televisions. Kim looks at herself as more of an A-list celebrity rather than a reality TV star. Kim was also an early player in the Twitter revolution and that helped to gain more fans feel closely connected to the star. Additionally in the ways of traditional television, the family is relatable both as a unit and as individuals. Kim is the beautiful, hopeless romantic; Khloe is the loud, funny, outspoken one; Kourtney is the smart one starting her family with her on again off again boyfriend; and Kris is the mom who holds the glue together. Moreover the Kardashian’s represent another aspect of American society, blended families bringing the Kardashian’s and the Jenner’s together from two different backgrounds as one. Lastly, the attraction of this beautiful brunette family in a very blonde world being able to hold their own, the Kardashian’s standout among their other celebrity equivalents such as Lauren Conrad, Kristin Cavallari, Paris Hilton, and Nicole Richie. The Kardashian’s especially Kim has certain uniqueness to their beauty that draws people in.
Still the Kardashian’s have the ability to monopolize on their strong branding skills. Deals are in the works to create a Kardashian Barbie after each of the girls and their own magazine is in the works. They do what they can to make a name for themselves in every aspect. Kris Jenner is even prepping for the new generation, Kendall and Kylie to take control of the spotlight as Kim, Khloe, and Kourtney start their decline in fame. For the Kardashian’s publicity good or bad is still to them publicity in the purest form. Such as the case with Kim’s shotgun wedding, the Kardashian’s were able to market it off with the new season of Kourtney and Kim Take New York and show the marriage implode, thus giving Kim the sympathy needed as she faced backlash from her divorce. The Kardashian’s come under a lot of scrutiny for their fame, but is it their fault that people are fascinated with them? If you could get paid to host a party, endorse a product, or star in a television show where you don’t have to do much more than be yourself would you do it? Is it jealousy and envy that causes so much dislike from certain critics? I’m not saying that anyone should love or hate the Kardashian’s, but the truth is we still talk about them either way and for that the Kardashian’s will continue to win.

Questions to consider

Is the Kardashian’s form of branding successful?

Why are stars such as the Kardashian’s becoming more famous than true celebrities?

Why have the Kardashian’s been able to withstand the normal “Fifteen minutes of fame” that similar stars fall victim to?

Are the Kardashian’s smart? Do you think that the Kardashian’s dumb themselves down for TV?

Do you like or dislike the Kardashian’s, why or why not?

17 comments:

  1. I love to hate them....more comments to come..

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  2. Ed, I do not think you could have summed this up any better! Great job.

    First off, I am going to start by taking the opposing, less loved argument and state: I do not care either for or against the Kardashian family. I think I have successfully lived my life without their perfume, DASH t-shirts, television shows, and quite frankly-their influence. ( I also preoccupy my TV time solely with the Bachelor or Dance Moms, so that is where I get my fix)I believe that this dynamic, jaw-dropping family is popular because they are the NOW. Anyone remember when Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton were self-proclaimed 'BFFS', and 'That's Hott!' began the trend of stupid and pointless catch phrases? Or, how about when every teenage girl in America would have transferred to Laguna Beach High School if they were invited to go shop for spring break bikinis with Lauren Conrad or grab a romantic dinner date with Stephen Colletti? Yes, I admit I was that girl too. (PS if you say you weren't, I know you are lying and that I could probably find something on your Myspace page about your secret obsession)

    Anyways, before I go off on a tangent-I will try to stay on topic with Ed's questions to consider:
    Is the Kardashian's form of branding successful? Yes. Clearly, why else are we discussing it?

    Why are these stars becoming more famous than the Jennifer Aniston's, Julia Roberts, and Sandra Bullocks of the world? Because they are more 'obtainable'. You get the joy of seeing them invade your home once a week at 10 pm, and it becomes a part of your daily lifestyle and routine. Chelsea Lately is my way to wind down from the day, because my girl from Friends only makes it into my life if she's debuting in a new movie or has a scandal out in People magazine. Simply, these stars are in your face every single day, and you learn a lot more about their personal lives than if Ross if going to finally admit he's in love with Rachel Green. (reality world vs. sitcoms)

    The Kardashians have been able to expand their Fifteen minutes of fame into a marathon of fame because they are an Army! I swear they are hiding more Kardashians to appear when Kim dies out and her cellulite begins to show through her clothes. Maybe there's a Kristina, a Kyle, a Kelly, or maybe even a Katelynn ;) Just kidding, but seriously they market themselves well as a family that does actually care about each other when the camera is not rolling. I also do not think they are bad people. They seem to have gained a tremendous amount of A-list friends, so maybe they really are super nice people and that their company is enjoyed by many.

    NO. NO. NO NO. The Kardashians are not smart. I am sorry Kris Jenner you will never be as great as Jackie O. I will be biased here because I am obsessed with JFK and the whole clan, but you can't even compare these two families. The Kardashians lack in the level of class, prestige, and true book smarts. Also, old money is very different than new money. New money is flashy, and shown off. The Kennedy family dressed like a million bucks, but were respected more than the Kardashians will ever be...and yes, they had their sex scandals (IE. Marilyn), tragedies (plenty of them), and rise to fame too. However, they are historical figures. If the Kardashians ever make it to the American History Museum in D.C. then I am moving out of this country.

    That's just my two cents. Consider me Switzerland in this argument!

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  3. I can't lie, I really do like the Kardashian family. I think that the world is completely infactuated with this family because they act like normal people. Through their television series you can see them going about their everyday routines whether it be goofing off in the living room with each other or doing a photoshoot for a calendar. I really do believe that this family acts normal. They allow the world to take a look into their lives and they don't try to make everything seem perfect. They have no shame in allowing the world to view their imperfections. We're all human and knowing that people, like the Kardashian's, who are extremely well known throughout the country, make mistakes too becomes a comforting and fascinating piece of knowledge and entertainment. I also really commend this family because they are not afraid to nip any bad publicity in the bud. They actually address any negative publicity and don't act like their ashamed of it. I think that because the "normal" human race accepts that we make mistakes the fact that the Kardashian family admits that they do too allows both their family and the "normal" population to be on the same level. Yes, Kim made a sex tape with Ray-J and, without doubt, she was put under a microscope for that, but when the world observes these types of actions they feel like they can better relate to people that they often put, up high, on a pedestal. I think that all people find that they made mistakes somewhere down the line and to find that they are not alone in this harsh part of life can help them to achieve a psychological sense of peace. Essentially, these girls have become women that younger girls look up to and for them to be so honest about their past mistakes, the ways they've handled them and the ability to move on adds to their strength of being respectable and honest role models.

    I think that the Kardashian's are extremely successful and I think that their form of branding is intelligent. I don't think that these girls dumb themselves down for television at all. I think that they way they are depicted on the show is the way that they are in real life. Let's face it, you have to have a lot of courage, strength as a person, and self confidence to allow the events leading up to your divorce to be aired on T.V. for the world to criticize. They are respectable people. They don't try to lie about the things that bring them negative press; they actually address these things, which essentially is the smartest thing to do. I feel like when you lie about something that you've been caught doing the press is going to try their hardest to get you to admit to what you did wrong. The press cannot do this when you own up to your own mistakes and wrong-doing. I mean, in all honesty, the Kardashian's have made it to where they are today because they allow the world in and mostly because they are real people who aren't afraid to show their imperfections to the world.

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  4. I guess you could say that I am among the few people who can say I didn’t clear my schedule to watch the ever so popular Kardashian wedding that was on every commercial for the days leading up to the event, but can’t lie I have found myself viewing the lives of each of these reality TV stars a time or two. Mostly when there is nothing else on TV. As for this article I am impressed, there is no side being taken here to either love or hate them and for me I could really care less about this family or what they offer to the media. However, are they successful? Absolutely, for myself who can count the amount of times I’ve actually seen the show I know a lot about them. Whether its small talk or magazine press they are legit everywhere! I don’t buy their clothing, or their perfume but I have seen their names pop up as I’m walking through Macy’s. Clothing, Modeling, TV, Magazines everywhere you turn it’s something else about the Kardashian family.
    I do however disagree with the wording of your second question. I personally don’t think they are more famous than true celebrities, more recognized yes! However, I as well as many other people question what they are truly famous for. They aren’t incredible actors or have record label sales in the millions. They are reality TV stars that are filled with drama!!! Who doesn’t love other people’s drama? I think their mom is over barring and pushes the younger girls to follow in the same footsteps as their older sisters, when in reality looks are only skin deep. I think they are extremely stuck up individuals with limited talents. Don’t get me wrong they are a very attractive family and to have their own clothing line that is definitely an accomplishment. The episode that plays in my mind every time that I hear them is the family vacation they all took before Kim got engaged. Kim couldn’t get wet cause of her make-up, when she lost her earring she cried like someone had passed away over an EARRING! I just feel like they are so immune to their lifestyle and all of their financial accomplishments that the word reality TV is nowhere in sight.
    As for “dumbing” themselves down for TV, no I don’t think they do such a thing. What you get from their show is a lot of arguments and a lot of make-ups real, or not I have no clue. I think they are extremely judgmental when it comes to one another but they do have a close family bond seeing as they are not only a family, but they are also business partners. Whatever they are doing whether it’s an act or reality it works because they have indeed succeed the fifteen minutes of fame that many reality TV stars fall victim to. Although they aren’t my favorite family to watch to pass my time I can’t lie, they are absolutely successful and smart business people, having three shows running on the same network is impressive especially with the amount of times they appeared in the media during 2011. I feel as if they will continue to be successful as long as they continue to have the world’s shortest engagements, followed by the world’s shortest marriages!!!

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  5. First off I am not really a big fan of them. I always see them on TV and its just all drama and pointless things going on. I feel like ya you can say they look like a normal family on TV with just all girls and all drama. You don’t really here much about their brother he does his own thing, which if I was in his shoes I wouldn’t be able to handle living with all the women either. The kardashian’s form of branding is definitely working for them or we wouldn’t be talking about them and they wouldn’t be in every magazine when you’re waiting in line to check out of the grocery store. I feel like they became more famous because they have a TV show about there home life. Its like Rev Runs show all his kids have become famous because they are being watched on MTV. In my eyes they never even had a 15 min in fame. Kim is a babe and no matter what any of the other sisters look like people will watch the show just to see her. And they name is known for many of reasons that its hard for them not to be in the spot light because there are so many of them and they are all doing different things with their life’s. I feel like if they didn’t want to be in the spot light and didn’t let everyone no there business that we wouldn’t be talking about them today. My honest feels about If there smart or not, is that I feel like as people they aren’t so intelligent but as a business aspect they are some of the smartest people out there. They have been on and off TV for years now they are doing something right, even if it’s just because people cant believe how dumb they are on the show they keep watching it. Lastly Its not that I dislike the I like to hate them I guess they are making all the money in the world for just living there life’s. Sign me up and I will get paid millions to and let camera follow me around.

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  6. Without a doubt, I love to hate the Kardashians. I probably wouldn't go out of my way to watch an episode of their show, but I also can't say that I don't enjoy watching them when its on. Ironically, Kim is the reason that I began to like them, as well as the reason why I started to hate them. Its like watching a badly scripted trainwreck, but yet we all (myself included) continue to discuss them.

    There is no doubt as to whether the Kardashian's form of branding is successful or not. They have gone above and beyond their beginning. To be honest, I had no idea that Rob Kardashian represented OJ Simpson. In my opinion, their fame began with Kim and her escapades. They have multiple avenues of making money, between the TV show, their clothing stores, the many lines of clothing they have and all the endorsements. As much as Kris Jenner irritates me, she's got her business head in the right place, as well as having friendships with all the right people. Its true about how you hardly ever hear or see anything bad about the family, aside from Kim's recent divorce.

    Due to all of this, I firmly believe that the Kardashians are business smart, but I do think that they must "dumb" themselves down a bit for television. Or, perhaps some of the show is scripted to make them appear dumb! Does anyone else think that their show is scripted, at least to a degree? Or is that how the Kardashians really are?

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  7. Honestly I don't like the Kardashians. They are people who have done nothing to deserve a TV show and take the opportunity to benefit themselves financially with publicity from their show. That is definitely a good thing for them however their show has no value for my life. It does not benefit me in any way to watch them or even read stories on them. I believe that they are very business savvy and that they are strengthening their brand through the show because they can influence anyone who watches the show. Many people tune into the show every week, some for laughs and others to see how they can act to be more like them. No matter why you watch the show you are exposed to their products and they are using the show as ad space rather than breaking the bank for commercials and other promotional tools. Their branding is successful because so many people try to relate to them. Many new reality TV shows are becoming very successful because people like to watch things on normal everyday people rather than people who are scripted and fake. People love to people watch and compare lives and with the reality TV of today people watching is now brought right to you from the comfort of your couch. The Kardashians have surpassed their 15 minutes of fame because they are interesting people who go over the top and do things that many people cannot do in their day to day lives. The audience gets access to these people's personal lives and people eat that up that is how they have kept the lime light pointed in their direction. All their actions from the television show and the publicity they get from that and their stores they are very smart in terms of business and how to make money. Now are they smart in terms of common sense? that question is answered every week on their show.

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  8. After reading some of the comments and the blog itself I do not really understand why someone would hate them. Their father was a very successful lawyer, however it is not like the Kardashian’s are sitting on his money and not doing anything. They were smart enough to use their resources and fame and created a "brand", one that is very popular and successful. Now in my opinion they are a perfect example for "good" public relations.

    I have to admit though prior to coming to the USA I hadn't heard of them. And the 2 years I have been here, the only reason I have heard of them is because people talk about them for no reason, little things that do not really matter.

    I have to say I like the Kardashians and mostly due to the fact that they are good "advertising" for Armenia, the country I was born in. When I am asked where I am from: I naturally say Armenia and many people in the US have responded: "Like the Kardashians?" and I did not hear the negative tone in their voice but rather a positive one.

    Apart from all that I believe that Kim Kardashian, and that is just my opinion, married Kris Humphries, only to get more attention to herself and the family, get more exposure in the media, and involve more drama to their lives. I did not see her spending her life with him and I believe neither did she.

    I definitely do not think they dumb themselves down when they are on TV, but certainly believe that they play along certain situations to create more excitement and drama for the viewers. I believe that is perfectly normal and most of reality shows do the same thing.

    Most people that watch their shows wish to be like them and many that watch the shows and hate them are jealous. And the question to be asked is: Why do you watch it if you do not like it? It should be irrelevant for you. I have not heard that much about them and their name has never really come up, but that is just me. I also believe that Kim Kardashians exotic beauty or better said unique features are a big reason why the Kardashians were so successful in branding their name.

    I have watched a couple episodes and have to admit that a lot of stuff was going on; after all they are displaying the lives of four interesting siblings who live a far more exciting life than the average human being.

    I also have to agree with Alli and say that their way of branding is very intelligent. Their TV shows are not perfect and I believe that is what makes it so human and so interesting for people to watch. No one wants to see a show that is all planned out and perfect, people like mistakes, they like flaws and drama. And the Kardashians give people exactly what they want to see.
    In the general picture I am very neutral about this topic, but as I said I appreciate the advertising for Armenia. (Even if it is perceived as bad sometimes it can’t be as bad as the hundred thousand criminals in L.A.)
    Now to all the haters: All I can say is if you hate them don’t watch them and if someone mentions their name just ignore it.

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  9. I do not watch the show, and as a sport's critic/fan, I despise the One & Only Chris Humphry's. My first encounter with having to suffer through an episode of the Kardashian's came a few days ago with my sisters who adore the family. I can understand liking a materialistic world of glamor and fame, but to idolize a family who as katelynn said "been able to expand their Fifteen minutes of fame into a marathon of fame because they are an Army" is nothing but the absolute truth. When did women stop loving the classics? Is Sex in the City no longer fun to watch on re-run, women now need to torture there boyfriends/brothers/spouses with a painfully uneducated family. The Kardashians, like almost all tv shows only offer rash arguments which don't make any sense, new fashion, and a resolution to there plot of the show which makes little sense, forcing the viewer to get hooked by curiosity and watch the following week. We all should have stopped with MTV's reality tv show "The Real World". When it comes down to it, reality tv shows are successful and get a good viewing body, but the Kardashians get to much credit for only dating dumb bball players

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  10. I would say that I used to be a big fan of the kardashians when they first came out with their new show "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" I found their lives interesting and funny, even the blended family aspect kept me entertained because it even related to Brody Jenner who was on the hills. However after the first 2 season I started to realize this show gets borring. As for the aspect of Kris Jenner I feel as though even though her tendencys may annoy me she is a smart business women and is taken what she has been handed to her and running with it for all of her children. Can you really blame her? I no if I had the chance to make all of my children very successful even if it "dumbed them down" I most likely would. I feel as though the Kardashians stay as successful as they do because they constantly have something going on if Khloe isnt getting married, Kourtney is having baby, or Kim is getting married and divorced all in 72 days. There lives are constantly being watched and keeping people entertained. I am not sure if I like them or and just extremley entertained by the lifestyle that they live. Either way I dont think the Kardashians will be going away any time soon.

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  11. And Alison thank you for mentioning their introduction into fame with the Father being involved in the OJ Simpson case.. memorable moment in history; 'lets make money off it and become famous'.. watch something better people

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  12. Is the Kardashian’s form of branding successful?

    I do believe that the Karsahian’s form of branding is successful because they are able to marketing themselves in main different ways. As stated in the earlier blog that they have been all over magazines, television even the social media. Their names are extremely well known. You are not able to say one of their names and not the rest of them.

    Why are stars such as the Kardashian are’s becoming more famous than true celebrities?
    I believe that the Karsahian’s are becoming more famous than true celebrities because they make themselves out to be talked about. They poster themselves on their TV shows doing stupid, mindless things that cause the people watching to talk about it. The Kardashians have their name in so many different business ventures that you are not able to talk about a clothing line and not talk about DASH, or even talk about basketball since two of them are married to these athletes (well only one now).

    Why have the Kardashian’s been able to withstand the normal “Fifteen minutes of fame” that similar stars fall victim to?
    People just talk and talk about them. As I stated before Kris and her girls have allowed themselves to be publicize doing mindless things. The girls are extremely bright and talented girls but the way they come off on the show is that they are dumd and needed attention.


    Do you like or dislike the Kardashian’s, why or why not?
    I do like them. I believe that the brand and the way the run their business is terrific. As Prof. Proko started I love to hate them I literally watching 3 hours of their TV show because I was sucked in, wanting to watch what dumb thing they were going to next,

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  13. I would also add that the way Kim Kardashian uses Twitter and Facebook (whoever it is that writes the comments and posts)is a great example for good use of the social webin public relations.

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  14. Wait, who are the Kardashian’s? I couldn’t possible say that with a straight face, they are all over the place. They try and put their name and faces over everything now a days and it is nearly impossible to go around saying you have not heard of them, unless you live under a rock of course. I will say that I wouldn’t be able to pick them out of a lineup, besides all of their make-up and glitter and their own nail polish they do not stand out to me. I don’t tend to catch up on reality shows or watch them; I tend to shy away from drama issues on and off of television. I try not to get smothered by these actors and actresses that smother people with their money and pretend fame. The Kardashians have built their fame off of either hate or love, and as Ed has said good or bad press is still press.
    I think the Kardashian’s brand is successful to them, success can be defined in a number of ways but I believe that in this case they are successful in their own minds. If I were to have that much fame and be constantly under the spotlight I would not be happy and would not think I am successful. They attract a lot of attention and their personalities really thrive off of that energy.
    The reason why the Kardashians and other reality television stars are becoming more and more famous is because the meaning of fame is being turned around and taken a different way. With true celebrities that make a living off of true talent in the movie and TV business, famous celebrities such as the Kardashians and the Jersey Shore bunch are getting even more fame. Television ratings have increased on these reality shows because of scandals and drama that occur, they are situations that are a part of life and those life situations are situations that the audience can relate to.
    The Kardashians have been able to withstand the normal “fifteen minutes of fame” because they thrive off of attention, where others fall victim to it. They embrace the idea of cameras taking pictures and video cameras taking video clips, for good or bad, and they soak it all in and eat it up. If they got no attention and were ignored then they would fall because they would have no energy to thrive off of.
    I would not classify the Kardashians under the dumb category, they were able to realize how much attention they can gather through the ways they have put their faces out there. They are not also smart in other ways by attracting negative attention, but then again maybe they want it.
    I would say that I dislike the Kardashians, they are just out there for attention and “fame” as they see it. They don’t have any really true talent that makes them stick out from the rest of the celebrities other than standing out more because they smother the world with their names all over everything. Anytime I hear their name or hear someone on TV talking about them I change the station.

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  15. I'll start off with saying that for the most part I am guilty (after reading these posts at least) of liking the Kardashians. I don't particularly like them in the sense that I would be-friend them(not that they're bad people) but I like them in the sense that I watch their shows, follow their twitters, and try to keep up with the recent gossip on them.

    I do have to say that the Kardashian's form of branding is successful. I think that they pretty much took what they had and ran with it. They became famous and their name was out there, and they branded it. I think if anything it was smart(or greedy depending on how you view it) to use their fame to enter into business ventures such as their perfumes, t-shirts, whatever else they have. They created their brand and they did it good.

    The one reason I can think of that the Kardashian's are becoming more famous than true celebrities is because they are reality television stars. Since they are on T.V. showing their real "lives" people already know what is going on in their life causing them to want to know what is happening in between seasons and keeping them hooked. I have no idea what is going on in celebrities lives other than tabloid information and twitter, which isn't much. When people already know small details about reality TV stars, they want to know more all the time.

    I think that the Kardashian's have been able to withstand the normal "Fifteen Minutes of fame" because they keep coming out with something new. For instance, Khloe's dramatic quick decision to marry Lamar Odom in a short amount of time, or the birth of Kourtney's child out of marriage. Oh, and a big one is Kim's marriage. Obviously if you announce your divorce a month before the premiere of your series "kourtney and Kim take NYC", your viewings are going to be unreal because people want to know what happened. They're definitely addicting and keep people coming back for more in between seasons. Other than the whole Kim marriage thing because it was most likely fake, these type of things are interesting and could even seem "relate-able" to normal people. Normal people view the Kardashian's as "holy" people but we are interested to see their flaws and mistakes. I think that even though much of their show is scripted, they are also very real about stuff, for example, the things that Khloe will blurt out or reveal is very entertaining.

    I don't think the Kardashians are stupid people or very smart people. I think they are average, and are probably very business savvy and have learned a few things over the years. I don't think they even seem as "dumbed" down as other reality shows.

    I clearly watch the Kardashian's, "Keep up" with them, so I'd be lying if I said I didn't "like" them.

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  16. Ed you summed it up great. I personally think the Kardashians are a joke. Kim gets famous off of a x-rated film that launches her career and makes everyone want her and sees her as a sex symbol. The others just piggy-backed off of their success. Their stores are overrated their clothes are not unique at all. Watching the show, you just see a bunch of fake people who use their fame as an advantage. THEY HAVE NO REAL TALENT!!!!! NOW WHATSOEVER!!!! Name one talent that each of them have. Oh yea Khloe got married in like 27 days and Kim Kardashian kept a marriage for like 72 or so days. Yea thats real talent. I mean you either gotta love em or hate em. No reason to go at them. They are somewhat successful and they do get money off doing absolutely nothing so more power to them.

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  17. Is the Kardashian’s form of branding successful?

    The Kardashians are excellent at branding themselves, simply because their names are everywhere. They have been able to appeal to a wide array of people through various avenues such as their many clothing boutiques, their new collection for Sears, fragrances, books, weight loss products, and more. However, I strongly believe that their television shows are the primary reason for their success, as it has allowed them to become recognized both nationally and internationally.

    Why are stars such as the Kardashian’s becoming more famous than true celebrities?

    (see next question)

    Why have the Kardashian’s been able to withstand the normal “Fifteen minutes of fame” that similar stars fall victim to?

    The answer to this question as well as the previous question are quite similar. I believe that the Kardashians have become "more famous" than typecast A-list celebrities for the sole reason that they are not traditional. Although I hate to say it, shows such as "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" truly provide "reality" television. I can speak for everybody who has watched their many shows on the E! network when I say that they are not afraid to show their true colors. They expose themselves through bad language, inappropriate public behavior, and a tremendous amount of scandal and personal drama (typically in the forms of ridiculous and catty fights and relationships-gone-bad).

    Are the Kardashian’s smart? Do you think that the Kardashian’s dumb themselves down for TV?

    I enjoyed Katelynn's response to this question. NO -- Kourtney, Kim and Khloe are not intelligent women. This is quite obvious through their actions and poor word choice (and their frequent use of the word "like") as demonstrated on their television shows. As a side note, I believe their mother and manager Kris Jenner is solely responsible for their success. From the shows I have watched, it appears as though she is the one who is proactive in finding new "jobs" and endorsements for Kourtney, Kim and Khloe. Furthermore, I do not believe they dumb themselves down for television -- there is simply no need!

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