Update: CBB’s Danielle featured in Washington Times
Update from Danielle: Reader reaction to our latest media mention was strong, but I think it was because the writeup did not fully explain the context of my quote so some readers misunderstood what I was saying. I want to clear this up.
I spoke to the reporter for an hour and she ended up using just one thing I said. I’m not saying it was edited in a way that made me look bad, just that the context in which my quote was published on CBB was out of context. It probably makes a bit more sense if you read the entire article.
What I was quoted as saying was just in regard to a category of comments we’ve noticed increasing as of late — those that criticize the celebrity’s pregnancy or parenting choices- not ALL comments or ALL readers of the site. The reporter then asked me why I thought people liked to criticize the parents. I also stated that in general, we feel free to criticize celebrities, offline and online, because they are safe — we don’t know them in personal life, most likely will never meet them, and though many readers post under their real names, their comments are virtually untraceable to them. So, unlike people we know in our daily lives, it’s considered acceptable to speak your mind on any aspect of celebrity, as evidenced by the popularly of gossip blogs with unmoderated comments.
We have added some clarification to our summary below and I would like to add the following. I hope it clears up any confusion.
If you ask me why people love celebrity babies and pregnancies so much, I will tell you (as I told the reporter):
Pregnancyand parenthood humanizes celebrities and puts us all on the samelevel. We all love our children fiercely and that is something weall have in common. We can identify with them for once! Also, inpregnancy, celebrities finally have the excuse or reason to EAT so they gain weight and for the first time, theylook more like us.
Many Celebrity Baby Blog readers find the site when they becomepregnant themselves and often like to find a "celebrity pregnancybuddy" — someone who is due around the same time they are — that they cancompare notes with, at least by finding similarities in how thecelebrities look and what they are quoted as saying about theirpregnancy. Then, when the babies are born, they have "virtualcelebrity baby playmates" against whom they can gauge and comparemilestones, and find fashion ideas.
But the one draw that can’t go without mention — babies are so cute!
Did you discover the Celebrity Baby Blog when you became pregnant? Who is/was your celebrity pregnancy buddy?
In an article in the January 18th edition of the Washington Times, writer Jenny Mayo interviewed CBB Publisher Danielle in her efforts to answer the question of why we’re all so preoccupied with celebrity babies.
Although she spoke to the reporter at length, she is only quoted in regard as to why readers criticize celebrity parents.
Danielle is quoted as saying,
They like to criticize things like how Kate Hudson’s son’s hair is too long. … I think it makes them feel like better parents, and if they aren’t parents, it makes them feel better about themselves.
Source: Washington Times
- Posted on Jan 24, 08 at 9:46AM
- Permalink
- 63 Comments
January 23rd, 2008 at 5:39 pm
thats a bit harsh
January 23rd, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Wow…that makes me feel like a total loser! I think there are probably better reasons for people to visit this web site; why focus on something that makes us all sound so negative?
January 23rd, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Biting the hand that feeds?
From Danielle: Umm no. I hope by now you’ve seen the clarification I’ve added to the post. Taken out of context, I can understand how you might find it’s harsh but now that I’ve explained the context, I would hope you understand that I was not criticizing our readers.
I was asked what kinds of things readers posted in comments. I mentioned that certain celebrities like Kate Hudson draw a lot of criticism from readers. She asked why and I told her why I thought people criticized them.
January 23rd, 2008 at 6:35 pm
That’s great that she was published, but does she feel that her comment will offend readers of this site?
From Danielle: I hope by now you’ve seen the clarification I’ve added to the post. Taken out of context, I can understand how you might find it’s harsh but now that I’ve explained the context, I would hope you understand that I was not criticizing our readers.
I was asked what kinds of things readers posted in comments. I mentioned that certain celebrities like Kate Hudson draw a lot of criticism from readers. She asked why and I told her why I thought people criticized them.
January 23rd, 2008 at 8:47 pm
I don’t know about everyone else, but I don’t come to this site because it makes me feel like a better parent. I mean, my self-worth as a parent isn’t wrapped up in what kind of parent I think a celebrity is. I like this site because I have always been fascinated by celebrities and I love babies. It’s that simple.
January 24th, 2008 at 12:03 am
“They like to criticize things like how Kate Hudson’s son’s hair is too long. … I think it makes them feel like better parents, and if they aren’t parents, it makes them feel better about themselves.”
Whoa, I think that statement violates your own site rules, so I respectfully ask that you speak for yourself. If that’s your opinion of your readers, then that’s good to know how you feel about us. In my humble opinion, that remark was a tad judgmental and disrespectful for a site owner who prides herself in her site’s “respect” policy. Or is that just a one-way street? We all have opinions and we feel we can come here to respectfully express them, but not have them analyzed, lumped into one category and plastered on the pages of a newspaper. Will you even allow me to express this opinion and have it published on your site? I’m really disappointed if this is how you feel about us, Danielle.
From Danielle: I hope by now you’ve seen the clarification I’ve added to the post. Taken out of context, I can understand how you might find it’s harsh but now that I’ve explained the context, I would hope you understand that I was not criticizing our readers.
I was asked what kinds of things readers posted in comments. I mentioned that certain celebrities like Kate Hudson draw a lot of criticism from readers. She asked why and I told her why I thought people criticized them.
January 24th, 2008 at 10:20 am
“They like to criticize things like how Kate Hudson’s son’s hair is too long. … I think it makes them feel like better parents, and if they aren’t parents, it makes them feel better about themselves.”
That is harsh to be so critical of your readers like this. Not all of us bash celebs. Interesting statement…
From Danielle: I hope by now you’ve seen the clarification I’ve added to the post. Taken out of context, I can understand how you might find it’s harsh but I was asked what kinds of things readers posted in comments and I mentioned that certain celebrities like Kate Hudson draw a lot of criticism from readers. She asked why and I told her why I thought people criticized them.
January 24th, 2008 at 10:20 am
I found CBB when I was pregnant with my daughter, Rowan (born 5/28/06). My buddies were Angelina Jolie and Gwen Stefani.
January 24th, 2008 at 10:26 am
So the original post was deleted? I wanted to read the comments:(
Sarah’s note: No, this is the original post. Most comments were not published as Danielle felt she was misunderstood.
January 24th, 2008 at 10:32 am
I didn’t take the quote in a derogatory way at all…in fact in most cases I think its true.
January 24th, 2008 at 10:34 am
Mine was Gwyneth Paltrow- Apple was born in April of 2004, my son was born in July 2004.
January 24th, 2008 at 10:39 am
I found CBB when looking for fashion ideas for some of friends who were expecting. I have always loved celebrity watching. I enjoy seeing that they (celebrities) as parents are just people who are trying to raise good people in turn.
January 24th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Thanks for the clarification but I figured that is along the lines of what was asked of you.
I had my daughter on 6/15/06 and Gwen Stefani, Angelina Jolie and Matt Damon’s wife were all pregnant and due within a month of me!
January 24th, 2008 at 10:57 am
I found this blog when I first became pregnant but unfortunately I lost the baby. My buddies then were Christina Aguilera and Nicole Richie! I’m now 20wks pregnant due early June and my pregnancy buddies are Jessica Alba and Kate Thornton a UK TV presenter.
January 24th, 2008 at 11:02 am
There is no way to ‘misunderstand’ a quote belittling the readers such as hers. Nice holier than thou attitude. You should be ashamed.
Note from Danielle: I am not ashamed. Please read exactly what I wrote… “the writeup did not fully explain the context of my quote so some readers misunderstood what I was saying. “ If you take something out of context, the meaning can be interpreted incorrectly. I think it’s funny that you are continuing to misunderstand what I wrote. Try reading it again- all of the words.
January 24th, 2008 at 11:04 am
I was pregnant with my second son when I found CBB. I was due Jan 1 ‘06 and Jennifer Garner was due the month before me which I was so excited about!
January 24th, 2008 at 11:28 am
while i have to agree with danielle’s quote (honestly, people are crazy. they think they know everything. who are you to judge anyone’s life? you’re not. live for yourself. opinions are great, but don’t call someone a “bad mom” b/c of her kids haircut, or lack of, just because you wouldn’t do it), i didn’t know people came here to have pregnant celebrity “buddies.” it’s kind of weird, but neat at the same time. i can see why people would do it.
i never even thought of that when i was pregnant in 2004. but then again, i’d been coming here since 2003, long before i got pregnant.
January 24th, 2008 at 11:28 am
My pregnancy buddies were Anna Nicole Smith and Britney Spears – My daughter Sophie was born 9/15/06, so she’s just over a week younger than Dannielynn and just a few days younger than Jayden James – I’m always comparing her to them, to see if they are doing similar things!
January 24th, 2008 at 11:40 am
It would be easy to misunderstand that published quote, although there is obviously a lot of truth to it. I just ask any readers who were offended to remember how well this site is moderated to be POSITIVE, in contrast to a lot of other sites out there. Kate Hudson, Tom Cruise and Heidi Klum, among other celebrities, get a lot of grief on other sites concerning their kids, and that isn’t allowed here. Give Danielle some slack for crying out loud! She provides us with this great side full of information and does what she can to make sure there is positive unbiased info out there.
When I think about all the comments here as soon as a pic is published with a toddler still with a bottle, I think she is more correct than we all want to admit.
If you were offended by what she said, maybe it hit too close to home.
January 24th, 2008 at 11:46 am
I was due at the same time as Katie Holmes but my son arrived 7 weeks early, so he’s now a few weeks older than Suri, but I can’t help comparing Harry and Suri, and even now they seem to be at the same stage!
January 24th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
I found this site while looking for pictures of Britney’s pregnancy with Sean Preston. But my buddy turned out to be Jennifer Garner, our daughter’s had the same due date (although Violet arrived a few days earlier and my dd a few days late). She is still my fav celeb mom. I also followed Danielle’s, Britney’s and Michelle Williams’ pregnancies since we were all due a couple of months apart.
January 24th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
My daughter is one day older than Sean Preston, so I suppose my celebrity “pregnancy buddy” would have been Britney Spears or possibly Heidi Klum, but I was always interested in seeing Danielle’s pregnancy updates because she was due right around the same time I was, my daughter just came a bit early:) I was reading the site from time to time before I got pregnant though.
January 24th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
I would have to say my “Buddy” was Tori Spelling. We were due the exact same day, though she gave birth rather early and me only one day later, but it was cool to watch our pregnancies progress together.
I do have to admit my AJ is cuter than her Liam though…lol.
January 24th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
I don’t think the quote was all the bad, I just don’t agree that its personally the reason I visit CBB.
My favorite celeb parents are David & Victoria Beckham
January 24th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
I don’t remember how I found CBB. I think it was from maybe a post on babynames.com message boards. I can’t remember exactly. I have mommy brain! My celeb baby buddy is Melissa Joan Hart because I read an article about her while I was waiting in the OB/GYN office and she was wearing a t-shirt I had and she was due around the same time (I was due the 9th of Jan and I believe she was due the 8th). We ended up both giving birth on Jan 11, 2006, my daughter at 3:58pm and I believe I read Mason was born at 4:19, so very close! So even though she doesn’t know me, I feel a certain kinship to her, plus she seems so down-to-earth. But alas, I wasn’t quite ready for my number 2 yet!
January 24th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Amy Jo, How funny. My son Ronan was born 5/3/06! So you are my buddy too!
Along with Angelina and Gwen, I also saw Katie and Brooke as buddies.
To Isa Maria, I also lost a baby that was due when Christina and Nicole were. I am sorry for your loss and very happy you are on your way again. We are still waiting to try again.
As for celeb watching, I think Danielle is right. While we may not admit it, I think that most of us feel slightly happy if we see a celeb looking a little more like us. Not in a mean way, just more of a “Ok… so I am not the only one with swollen ankles!”
January 24th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
I was in with the Suri, Shiloh, Grier, Kingston gang as well! My baby was born 4.10.06! It was a big celebrity baby time which is how I found the site!
CBB does an outstanding job moderating comments and I think most of the people on here understand that what happened to Danielle is exactly what happens to celebrities – small quote taking out of context in a big way. Just like celebrities – we see snippets and make judgements. Maybe this will remind us to look at things with a grain of salt!
January 24th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
One more thing. I guess you could say that Danielle got “blobbed.” Just like Angie. The interviewer asks a simple question, you give a simple response but if parts are not included with the rest of your statement it comes out wrong.
January 24th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Danielle was clearly misquoted and taken out of context, which is what most journalists do. However, I must admit that there is a level of criticism on this site within the comments. I mean, a celeb can mention that they’re having a C-section or expressing the fact that pregnancy is not always beautiful or fun, and some posters go crazy! Just like the every day woman, a celebrity parent can make her own choices and say how she feels. Yet, some commenters don’t seem to recognize that freedom. There are some comments that I read on here that seem down right negative. Sometimes, and overwhelmingly so, the court of public opinion on CBB can be a bit much when it comes to certain issues. There’s nothing wrong with having opinions (after all, everything I’m saying here is my opinion), but these are based on PERSONAL choices that the celebrities make. To me, PERSONAL choices do not require a debate and unkind/harsh comments if they don’t affect you or me. Only my two cents.
January 24th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
It never ceases to amaze me how horribly quotes can get taken out of context. There is some truth to what Danielle said though. I mean most of us aren’t criticizing celebs, but there are controversial posts that come up that people disagree on (such as drinking beer while pregnant/to help nurse, or the outfits celebs dress their young daughers in).
January 24th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
I had my oldest daughter on 5/27/06 (same day Angelina had her baby). My “buddies” were Angelina, Gwen and Mariska Hargitay (I was actually due mid June).
I just had another girl on 12/15/07, so my “buddies” were Nicole and Christina. I think there were a couple other celebrity babies born in December too.
January 24th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Such a comment doesn’t really surprise me. I used to really like this site, but now it seems the posts have gotten fewer and farther between and it’s not worth weeding through the numerous advertisements and “tooting your own horn” posts that seem to grow every week. I wish the site could become what it once was, it’s disappointing. I’m sure this post, however will be deleted, because Danielle and her little attitude will not like such a blow to her ego.
Note from Danielle: It seems like people who have a beef with me in general are the ones who dislike what I said so there’s no way I’d ever be ever to set things straight. It is obvious to me that the majority of readers understood my intent and are supportive.
January 24th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
My son was born on 6/6/06 (his due date, can you believe it?!?) so the whole slew of them are his “buddies”… My People magazine with Shiloh on the cover is tucked into the back of Craig’s baby book. Kingston, because he is a boy, is closest to Craig, and so is Jack Black’s son Sammy. I do love this site, and wonder if there will be a second celebrity baby boom around when I am ready to have our second as well! That would be funny
January 24th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
I found this site when I was researching names for my daughter. She was born in summer 2002. I loved the name Ava, but wasnt sure how popular it was. I thought that it wasnt too popular at the time,as not too many celebrity parents had used it…just found Reese Witherspoon and Heather Locklear to have little girls with that name. I named my daughter Ava in 2002….soon everyone else caught on too!
I was addicted to this site! With my second pregnancy, my “buddies” were Reese Witherspoon and Kate Hudson. Reese was due just before me, and Kate just after. We all had sons! I didnt want to completely copy Reese with her baby naming, so we didnt use Deacon! We went with Tucker instead! Lol!
January 24th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
My goodness I find it really sad that some people were naive enough to believe that Danielle would ever say anything negative about those who visit this site.
I was under the impression that the majority of CBB readers are intelligent human beings and thus should be aware of the dangers of things being taken out of context.
Besides the quote used speaks the truth and I don’t think it is at all insulting to any of us readers.
P.S. Danielle way to go on being interviewed for the Post. I think that’s very cool.
January 24th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
I understand the misquote and all but then why even post it here??? The first time I read that I was really taken back. I don’t come here for that at all. I come here for a little pick me and some entertainment during my boring work day. I love that the content here is clean and factual. Never to judge others, I would have just left that post right out of here lol
Sarah’s note: We post our media mentions. What happened was, Danielle was passed the link before it went live, and asked the staff to write it up Weds when it went live. She didn’t realize they were going to use the one quote and have that be it. So when she saw what happened, she edited the post and added the top bit.
January 24th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
“If you were offended by what she said, maybe it hit too close to home.
When I think about all the comments here as soon as a pic is published with a toddler still with a bottle, I think she is more correct than we all want to admit.”
I agree with Nicole! I mean, out of context the comment sounded a lot harsher than we know Danielle to be, but I still think it’s pretty accurate.. probably moreso on other sites than this one, which regulates the comments posted and doesn’t allow many of the derogatory statements posters make toward celebrities, whether they’re parents or just walking down the street.
<3
January 24th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
I have been a long time reader of this site, even more so when I was pregnant with my son. It was great to gage myself along with them, and I think it’s human nature to do so. Nothing wrong with that. My son was born the same day as Naomi Watt’s son, they’ll both be 6 months old tomorrow.
January 24th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Thank you for taking the time to clarify your comments. It is a shame, however, that despite all you said in your interview with the journalist, the only thing she really attributed to you about your readers was something negative. If you read the actual WP article, which is out there for the entire world to access, it does seem quite snobbish (which I understand is not how you meant to portray yourself).
January 24th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
With my oldest, Amy Grant and Natalie Maines were due at the same time. I remember thinking that I wished I had “cooler” pregnancy partners. (Not that there is anything wrong with either of those ladies, I just don’t listen to their music, so didn’t know too much about them at the time.) With my youngest, I was due in between Reese Witherspoon and Kate Hudson.
January 24th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
I believe Danielle’s comments were taken out of context. And honestly what if Kate Hudson viewed this site. Then I dont think she would need to read an article to find out her parenting skills were being questioned. I have no problems with this site nor do I have problems with Danielle. I feel she has done something and achieved things that many people aren’t able to do. Danielle Congrats on the success of this site.
January 24th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Even if the quote was taken out of context, guess what? I agree! How many of us have complained as of late about other complainers?! Just this week the Christina Aguilera and Charlie Sheen posts were closed because people cannot stay on topic w/o judging. The Brooke Burke post the other day, where she was sharing her OWN personal feelings, has people nitpicking her. I completely understand if you don’t grasp something and need to ask a question, but to pick pick pick like we see very often just does not need to happen.
Sorry for the novel!
January 24th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Michelle Williams and I had the same due date, and my little guy and Matilde were born the same day. I think thats why I’m finding myself so affected by Heath’s death…as I’m also 28. My guy is battling and earache and all night last night while I was rocking him I couldn’t help but cry, trying to fathom that little girls pain and confusion as well as Michelle’s.
January 24th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
I agree maybe if her comment offended you then it’s probably because you find a little truth in it.
I read the post before they changed it and I found myself nodding in agreement.
January 24th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Poppy Montgomery and I were pregnant at the same time (mine was early though and came in November) and we have the same nursery too!
January 24th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Oh, how funny! Danielle gets a press mention where she mentions that readers do tend to be critical of celebrities. And readers leave comments that pounce on Danielle, being critical of Danielle, trying to defend the fact that they aren’t critical!!! Looks like Danielle was right, and I’d have to agree.
Then again, I do understand a misquote, or quotes being taken out of context. Reminds me of when Angelina Jolie called Shiloh “a blob”.
January 24th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Well I agree with Danielle’s first quote (”They like to criticize things like how Kate Hudson’s son’s hair is too long. … I think it makes them feel like better parents, and if they aren’t parents, it makes them feel better about themselves.”).
I DO think many, if not most, criticize other parents to feel better about themselves. Like I said on the Brooke Burke post the other day, it’s gotten really petty and silly around here lately.
January 24th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
From Danielle: I hope by now you’ve seen the clarification I’ve added to the post. Taken out of context, I can understand how you might find it’s harsh but now that I’ve explained the context, I would hope you understand that I was not criticizing our readers.
Yes, I’ve seen it and read it several times. And it STILL comes across the same to me. Nothing you posted adds to clearing up the quote that you originally chose to post on your website. You were the one who chose to post it. Did you read it with your viewers in mind; or did you just post it without thought, because it was important to let people know you were published? Sorry, but it just appears that you’re doing damage control and the damage has already been done. I don’t think I’m the only reader who feels this way.
January 24th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
I’m sorry but your “clarification” does not change the first quote. In fact, I don’t think they are exactly related to say that it was taken out of context.
All I say is that if you feel that way about the people that come here, then it is what you feel about yourself. All in all, you created this site.
January 24th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Danielle, I love this site! CBB is one of only two celebrity sites that I read daily. You guys always have the latest facts available and you alway use a supportive tone/attitude. I greatly appreciate this. Some other sites are downright vicious and hateful–that is so not necessary or needed. People need to remember that there’s almost always more to a story than the glimpse that gets posted on the Internet.
You have made CBB a great place to come to visit and I thank you and your great staff for all your hard work.
January 24th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
I can certainly understand why Danielle would want to clarify her comments, because they smack of biting the hand that feeds. But nothing in the clarification actually changes or mitigates what she said. And some of her comments in the comments have the same sort of tone as her initial remarks, especially the one starting with “Um, no.”
Her remarks sound a lot like the reality TV stars who claim that editing made them look like villains. No, they gave the editors the material to begin with. The editors just shaped it.
The characters who fare better in the public eye are the ones who own up to what they’ve said and done and apologize straight out, not insinuate that others can’t read or comprehend. As a media “professional,” Danielle really should know better.
January 24th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
I actually agree with Danielle’s first statement, taken out of context or not. Posting online means people can be free to judge celebrities parenting styles without having to own up to it in real life. There have been some seriously catty comments around here as of late (Christina’s C-Section, etc.) I for one come here to see cute pics of celebrity babies and a lot of times to see the baby fashion. So good job Danielle and Co., keep on doing what you’re doing. And if any readers want to post nasty comments, feel free to go to any of the other million blogs who allow it. I love that this site doesn’t allow things like that.
January 24th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Hello Irony,
Poor Danielle, she says that readers like to criticize and then tries to clarify it because they CRITICIZED her. Way to prove the point friends. People pick at others to make themselves feel better, maybe not intentionally but they do. Just admit it. It doesn’t make you a bad person it just makes you human. Maybe we could all stand to be a little nicer. Even on the internet!
January 24th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
My first celebrity pregnancy partner was Natalie Maines.
My second was Sarah Jessica Parker.
And my third was Brooke Burke. I was SO jealous to find out she was pregnant again!!
I was really hoping Reese Witherspoon was pregnant with me the last time…there were rumors swirling as she had a bit of a tummy that summer…but no…she and Ryan didn’t even make it
January 25th, 2008 at 8:23 am
My Pregnancy buddy was Michelle Williams actually. My son Dominic was born Oct 24th 05, and Ms Matilda was born Oct 28th 05, so they are only 4 days apart!!
Its funny because I was a DIE hard Dawsons Creek fan, so it made me smile when I found out that we were expecting babies around the same time!!!
January 25th, 2008 at 9:25 am
amers230 and Brooke, you took the words out of my mouth!
I have never commented on this site before, but I feel I must chime in on this issue.
People – you cannot tell me that there is not an ENORMOUS amount of criticism on this site (and sadly, I’m sure that’s the tip of the iceberg…think of all the comments that don’t make it through.)
Just off the top of my head, Suri’s bottle, Violet’s lack of gloves and Jordan Price’s refusal to breastfeed come to mind. And let’s not even get started on Brangelina and Charlie Sheen.
So the question is…why do those who criticize Ryder Robinson’s hair do so, if NOT to feel better about themselves? I mean, seriously…is it intended as helpful advice to Kate Hudson? Would those same commenters tell her to cut her son’s hair to her face?
I read this site every single day, and it astounds me that anyone could deny the truth of Danielle’s statements. I find it absolutely ludicrous that some people feel offended. If you don’t criticize, Danielle’s statement doesn’t apply to you. If you do criticize and nitpick, then give me one good reason why you do that does NOT involve making yourself feel better about your own parenting (or projected parenting). Hey, I know I criticize for that reason! That’s just human nature. Why is what she said (even taken out of context as it was) in ANY way wrong or offensive?
Danielle and staff, thank you for this site. Please keep up the good work and do not think that the majority of your readers feel the way some of the above posters do — I know I’m far from being alone!
January 25th, 2008 at 9:43 am
I think the point is not if there is criticism, it’s obvious that there is. But Danielle’s comment that people criticize celebs to feel better about themselves. I don’t believe that is true. Sometimes you just want to voice your opinion about something.
I hate the comments that nag about bottles and long hair on boys.
But I don’t understand why the comment about Christina’s bris were deleted. Most posted comments there were just people telling their view of the issue. It’s an interesting dicussion and it is very strange that these comments were all deleted. Why? It gives people a chance to become more informed about circumcision. I hope you can tell me why you deleted those comments.
Sarah’s note: They weren’t deleted, we just changed the comments to none. It was becoming a huge argument, and we cannot devote time to policing the comments when we have other work to do. With certain hot topics, there’s never one right answer and if readers want to discuss it, we’ll certainly support that. But that particular conversation was getting way out of hand.
January 25th, 2008 at 10:49 am
All I can say at this point is wow. In my previous comment, I noted that Danielle’s responses to the comments were in the same tone as her original quote. At that time, I had missed her “the haters” comment. I just really can’t see how calling readers who disagree with you “haters” is treating the readers with respect.
These are the same readers who are ultimately responsible for putting food on your table and a roof over your head.
I think maybe it’s time for some media coaching.
January 25th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Personally I am just glad I dont have the whole world privvy to and commenting on the choices I make for my kids.
January 25th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Like lily I come to this site everyday, never post, just read the comments and look at the babies. The regulars are in denial and Danielle’s original statement was correct
This is a lovely site, but the commentators are very critical. The Bris discussion was
extremely critical of Christina and that was a religious rite. ITA with lily, well said.
January 26th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
For the record, I’ve commented on here that I think Ryder Robinson’s hair is too long. Does it give my parental self esteem a boost? No… I’m a confident person, a great parent and don’t feel the need to put down celebrity parenting to do just that. I think Ryder looks like a girl and I feel badly for him. That’s all. Nothing philosophical about it.
January 26th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
I do find *many* of the posters on CBB to be judgmental and self righteous at times, but on the other hand, who doesn’t have those moments.
That said, I don’t believe this quote was taken “out of context”. It was said no matter how you slice it from what I’m reading but it doesn’t really bother me. I don’t think that there was any misquoting going on though. What was quoted was said, end of story (in my mind.) I don’t really think there is any justification that can change that but I’m surely not offended by it. Just own up to it. Adding the rest doesn’t really change the quote that brought the controversay if you ask me.
January 27th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Found CBB in 2005 while we were trying and have been a faithful reader since. It’s the only site I check on a regular basis. My celebrity baby buddy is Jennie Garth as our daughters share the same birthday – 30-Sep-06.