tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775208920171527729.post7314204519932601032..comments2024-01-13T18:35:19.562-08:00Comments on Backpacking Dad: Why Not?Backpacking Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02498905428420679901noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775208920171527729.post-1715140736290107532008-07-24T20:58:00.000-07:002008-07-24T20:58:00.000-07:00Except that Ali gets a direct response, because sh...Except that Ali gets a direct response, because she's awesome and I know that she let her daughter model for years.<BR/><BR/>I totally get it. This is all about me. In fact, so much about me that I went ahead and unilaterally decided for Erin and <I>that</I> sure as hell didn't go over well at home :} <BR/><BR/>Other deciding factors were the location of the jobs, the commision (seriously, 20%?), the pay ($50/hour, for 1 hour jobs), and the short notice on calls. All of these things could have been swallowed, tolerated, if I had had the enthusiasm for the idea. As it is, they contributed to me being unenthusiastic when I was already doubting.<BR/><BR/>It wasn't simple, or easy, but my choice was clear at the end of the day. It's easy for me to see how other parents will have circumstances that are different enough for that pendulum to swing the other way.Backpacking Dadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02498905428420679901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775208920171527729.post-57239131022995824242008-07-24T20:53:00.000-07:002008-07-24T20:53:00.000-07:00I think I'll just write a nice big THANK YOU to ev...I think I'll just write a nice big THANK YOU to everyone who chimed in here. I started writing individual responses and ended up saying "yeah" a lot.<BR/><BR/>So if it's appropriate to what you said, imagine that I'm saying "yeah".<BR/><BR/>also, I'm lazy and I've been writing a lot lately and responding individually today would probably kill me. :}Backpacking Dadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02498905428420679901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775208920171527729.post-28692733802721542812008-07-24T18:58:00.000-07:002008-07-24T18:58:00.000-07:00You convinced me to ignore the pleas of people beg...You convinced me to ignore the pleas of people begging to put my kid in their capable model-building hands. <BR/><BR/>20% is way too much.Debhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13850825844277186930noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775208920171527729.post-12751324477271786742008-07-24T17:45:00.000-07:002008-07-24T17:45:00.000-07:00Any man that says "Fuck that Noise" in reference t...Any man that says "Fuck that Noise" in reference to parenting is a'ight in my book. :)Mr Ladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09998773078408832376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775208920171527729.post-24980327582899206872008-07-24T17:20:00.000-07:002008-07-24T17:20:00.000-07:00I was raised in the South where child modeling is ...I was raised in the South where child modeling is the gateway drug to the pageant world.<BR/><BR/>Good call.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775208920171527729.post-80138366275288822142008-07-24T15:09:00.000-07:002008-07-24T15:09:00.000-07:00Smart daddy. I'm sure you made the right choice. ...Smart daddy. I'm sure you made the right choice. It is pretty high pressure for all involved. Let her go on being loved by the masses at large for free. <BR/><BR/>I got a lot of the "your kids should model" thing and have never done anything about it. not so much to protect them, but because I'm far too lazy. But I think we're all happy with the decision.followthatdoghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02073521142861511678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775208920171527729.post-66889479827051125022008-07-24T13:22:00.000-07:002008-07-24T13:22:00.000-07:00You know, I had somewhat the same experience with ...You know, I had somewhat the same experience with Pumpkinpie. People were always stopping me in the street to ask if I'd ever considered having her model and whatnot, so I checked it out, curious, and thinking that if she could do it a bit as a baby before the inherent creepiness and weird priorities of the industry could affect her and make her some college money, great. <BR/><BR/>The agents were nice and said she looked like an angel, but the studios tend to be out of downtown, and children work for only an hour. Typically, they hire two babies, and choose one when they are both there - the chosen gets $50 for her hour, the standby gets $25. Which means that if you don't get chosen, you could make what you spent on gas, and that's if you drive, which I don't. It's not enough money to be worth it for tuition savings, and I am not a stage mom type who wanted it for any other reason, so I didnt' pursue it, either.kittenpiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05215443551546036909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775208920171527729.post-7414722459157849842008-07-24T12:08:00.000-07:002008-07-24T12:08:00.000-07:00Gabriel's dad has always wanted him to do modeling...Gabriel's dad has always wanted him to do modeling, and I've always resisted, for just that reason.Jenny Gracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12943823729806115657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775208920171527729.post-69471822723374797602008-07-24T11:00:00.000-07:002008-07-24T11:00:00.000-07:00I think we've all pictured our little stars as a h...I think we've all pictured our little stars as a huge star for the world to ooh and ah over, but you're right - there is a creepy factor.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775208920171527729.post-90895967370365816982008-07-24T10:07:00.000-07:002008-07-24T10:07:00.000-07:00Found you through Amalah and wanted to say "hi" an...Found you through Amalah and wanted to say "hi" and you're a talented writer. I've had a good time reading through your archives.ameliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09479669563052857940noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775208920171527729.post-79149177557225485772008-07-24T09:28:00.000-07:002008-07-24T09:28:00.000-07:00We did the whole agent/head shot/sign up for work ...We did the whole agent/head shot/sign up for work thing with my oldest daughter, who is and always will be stunning. It creeped me out and I put my foot down.<BR/><BR/>I don't want it for my kid.Carmenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08649395098213623597noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775208920171527729.post-11123525690029001342008-07-24T09:18:00.000-07:002008-07-24T09:18:00.000-07:00Thanks for the story of the Japanese tourists play...Thanks for the story of the Japanese tourists playing with your daughter. I was recently at a park with my niece and two Japanese tourists indicated that they wanted to take a picture with the two of us. I was a little weirded out (why do these strangers want a picture of my niece?), but they seemed sincere. I drew the line when they asked to have her sit on the man's lap (she'll sit on MY lap, thank you), but we took the picture. I wasn't sure what to make of the whole thing, but after your story it makes more sense. Maybe they're just from a more friendly, trusting culture, and they like kids. Funny, living in a city I didn't think of that! <BR/><BR/>Thanks for the post.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775208920171527729.post-58934772590353079782008-07-24T08:49:00.000-07:002008-07-24T08:49:00.000-07:00I was an agent and have seen it all. To be honest,...I was an agent and have seen it all. To be honest, the worst aspect of it all were the other parents...the stereotypical stage parents. The ones that pushed, punished, gave the other kids dirty looks, etc. And then there were the great parents...like you...who kept things in check, and had a good time with it. And when that is the case, it can be really fun.<BR/><BR/>My feeling is this: if you have a super cute baby, who has no idea who is holding her, filming her, playing with her, and is OK with it...go for it! Make some college money and be done with it. Then, when your super cute baby is around 5 or 6, and is ASKING to go on go sees because THEY love it, and THEY want to be on TV, then try it again. (And FYI..super cute has very little to do with it...it is the personality, and fearlessness that they look for)<BR/><BR/>I will say, I took my daughter to my agency a couple of years ago, after she begged and begged...and while we were waiting to be seen, I noticed her, with her messy knotted hair and freckled nose, and school uniform...I noticed her for the FIRST time, notice ANOTHER girl...the girl with the perfect pony tales , matching ensemble, and t shirt that read "almost famous". And I hated what I saw. I hated that I put my daughter in a position where she learned to compare herself to another. <BR/><BR/>It is all about going with your gut. What is right for one kid/parent, may not be for another. <BR/><BR/>Oh, and people...DO NOT pay for head shots for your child! Two snap shots, 1 close up, and 1 full body, is all you need. Kids grow too fast, so save your money please!<BR/><BR/>You did right. And next time those Japanese tourists want pictures of her, tell them she will pose with them for $5!Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15985522830610197074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775208920171527729.post-29306318280847820042008-07-24T08:20:00.000-07:002008-07-24T08:20:00.000-07:00I went through a similar experience with my oldest...I went through a similar experience with my oldest daughter when she was a baby. People would often comment on her--"she should be a baby model" all that stuff. I knew nothing about the whole thing really, but I figured if nothing else it would add to her college fund. So we took her to two agencies in Boston & both wanted her so we had to choose. She was chosen for one job from her picture and that wasn't bad, but then we had to do our first "go-see."<BR/><BR/>It was ridiculous. All these moms talking shop and complaining about why their kid didn't get this or that, and all of their future plans for their kids' very serious careers. It literally made me sick to my stomach. All I wanted to do was get the hell out of there. That was our foray into the child modeling industry. YUCK!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775208920171527729.post-80243752375977757522008-07-24T07:35:00.000-07:002008-07-24T07:35:00.000-07:00We signed Nate (our first) up for modelling after ...We signed Nate (our first) up for modelling after everyone told us we should. And he got a lot of calls... and a lot of call backs. Unfortunately, he did not have the presence of mind, when ripped from mommy's arms and taken into a room full of strangers, to smile and be charming. <BR/><BR/>Eventually, I decided it was enough. I told them if I couldn't be in the room with him during the shoots, it wasn't going to work. <BR/><BR/>And there went his college fund (our yacht, second country home, sports car) up in a puff of smoke.Mandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14586323120994967027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775208920171527729.post-1845473799346634332008-07-24T06:57:00.000-07:002008-07-24T06:57:00.000-07:00Any time you feel a gut instinct to protect your k...Any time you feel a gut instinct to protect your kid, you have to run with that.<BR/><BR/>Loved the story about the Duck Boats. I haven't been back to SD in ten years and I miss it terrible. I'd visited every two years or so my whole life before that.<BR/><BR/>Isn't it the best feeling on the planet when people fawn over your kid? Like fuck yeah, that's my <I>kid</I>!Maria Meleehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11975394356496650716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775208920171527729.post-7282383248199755872008-07-24T06:34:00.000-07:002008-07-24T06:34:00.000-07:00I find so many children beautiful, and those who p...I find so many children beautiful, and those who play into my adoration break my heart, reminding me of the children I don't have. Her pure affection for being admired would only be spoiled by the process involved in the "factory" I think you made a wise choice.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775208920171527729.post-5161228319881398662008-07-24T06:21:00.000-07:002008-07-24T06:21:00.000-07:00Way not to pimp out the girl. You rock, BD.Way not to pimp out the girl. You rock, BD.Kevin McKeeverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10673014424525900380noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775208920171527729.post-84538266812204186962008-07-24T06:01:00.000-07:002008-07-24T06:01:00.000-07:00you have to go with your gut.emily modeled for yea...you have to go with your gut.<BR/><BR/>emily modeled for years. it was the best experience for her. she loved being in front of the camera. the agency she modeled for was fantastic. and i only took jobs for her that she didn't have to audition for (when they are young, it's purely based on whether they fit in the clothing etc) <BR/><BR/>she got paid very well and has a wonderful college fund set up for her.<BR/><BR/>we stopped when she started school full time because there were so many things she wanted to do. dance. be with her friends. the school play. i didn't want to be driving her all over the city for shoots etc.<BR/><BR/>for us, it worked. it was right for her. when the agent came to talk to me about josh and isabella, i politely declined. they are different kids. and i was at a different place. <BR/><BR/>but i just wanted to give you a different side. not all children who model turn out like jonbenet or lindsay lohan. for some kids it's a GREAT experience.<BR/><BR/>but as a parent, you just have to watch out for them. and always have their best interest at heart.<BR/><BR/>the end.<BR/>off my soapbox.<BR/>as you were.Alihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11127692699186571544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775208920171527729.post-70445934695996665302008-07-24T04:40:00.000-07:002008-07-24T04:40:00.000-07:00Two words: Jon Bonet.Two words: Jon Bonet.Carolyn...Onlinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17627167557544033888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775208920171527729.post-78787109086245632152008-07-23T23:37:00.000-07:002008-07-23T23:37:00.000-07:00Backpacking Dad, I think The Universe brought me ...Backpacking Dad, I think The Universe brought me to your blog. We too have heard the modeling comments about our son since he was little (not braggin', just sayin') and now that I'm a SAHM we wondered if now would be a good time to look into it more seriously. I think I'm going to wait. If it's meant to be, it will happen.Melanie Sheridanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04100313047776018999noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775208920171527729.post-26736735651946063422008-07-23T23:20:00.000-07:002008-07-23T23:20:00.000-07:00I should have read this before we spent $250 on ou...I should have read this before we spent $250 on our daughter's headshots. Totally get where your coming from. <BR/><BR/>New to your blog. Dig it..Robinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16144713142229970998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775208920171527729.post-38733491819191435762008-07-23T23:14:00.000-07:002008-07-23T23:14:00.000-07:00.327 is quite impressive. Can she come play for ou....327 is quite impressive. <BR/><BR/>Can she come play for our team?I can't find my bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02613321200230079978noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775208920171527729.post-7317192115080278022008-07-23T22:15:00.000-07:002008-07-23T22:15:00.000-07:00We've been approached a bunch of times with Maddie...We've been approached a bunch of times with Maddie, but we haven't gone as far as to take her to the agencies. We have the same feeling about it. As nice as it would be to have people smile at her in ads, we'll stick to strangers on the street.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775208920171527729.post-32831589273183167342008-07-23T20:23:00.000-07:002008-07-23T20:23:00.000-07:00A friend of mine has twins. Almost 2 years old and...A friend of mine has twins. Almost 2 years old and not gorgeous, but cutish. They got a major Sprint commercial and were regs on Y&R and their college education is now paid for. TWINS. <BR/><BR/>Can you tell I don't have kids?Suzyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00361775888847203043noreply@blogger.com