Fans Who Send the Duggars Gifts or Make Personal Requests

[EmCatlyn]

1 hour ago, Cats B4 Quivers said:

I get the idea that some leghumpers are so enthralled by the Duggars that some would request counsel from DimBulb and J'Chelle. I'd rather ask for advice from a crumpled pop can than those two. But I don't get sending any of them presents because I'm quite sure they have plenty from their tv grifting. Send the kids advice pamphlets when they turn 18, yes, but stuff? Naw. 

I don't "get" it either, but apparently a lot of celebrities have this happen.  

But about sending "advice pamphlets" to the Duggar kids, my personal fantasy is sending them books. Not advice pamphlets necessarily, story books, history books, things that may help them think. . .

It is just a fantasy.

[Bad Wolf]

19 minutes ago, Rubyroo said:

The only gift the duggars need is the gift of birth control. Condoms for all!  

 

Literally. A box of hundreds of condoms. That's all they need at this point.

They do like to buy in bulk. Oh no, that's pregnancy tests.

[nelliebelle1197]

3 hours ago, Palimpsest said:

@RosyDaisy

One member.  One member who has publicly admitted that it was a mistake and has prostrated and flagellated herself multiple times. Why harp on that one mistake ad infinitum?

Full disclosure:  A l-o-n-g time ago a former member also sent a child mattress to Emily of <$1,000 to replace a really filthy urine soaked one - in her own name.  Emily thanked her, sold the mattress, and let the children play with the box it came in.

I am unaware of any other "creepy" gifts from FJ members so stop exaggerating.

Someone showed up at Carre's (Carre Me Away defunct blog) with presents during the horrible twin pregnancy fiasco on Yuku, so that makes 3 whole members out of 8,000-10,000 over 11 years.

[nastyhobbitses]

5 hours ago, FundieFarmer said:

I've always wondered that about all celebrities. They're not going to notice your comment among the 47253748 others- reality check please! Sheesh! I don't get why people think they will!

Sometimes they do. I once asked a composer I really liked a question on his official FB page about one of his songs (for those curious, the composer in question was Christopher Tin), and he answered my question and was super-nice. Though he's a composer and not quite as high-profile as some other celebrities. And I wasn't sending him stuff or asking him life advice.

ETA another example: I was part of a group of Star Trek fans who made and then sent a birthday scrapbook to Leonard Nimoy. It was just drawings and notes wishing him well and telling him about the positive impact he's had on the lives of Star Trek fans, and IIRC, he received it and was very happy. That kind of thing I think is OK, especially if it's sent to a publicist rather than the celebrity's personal mail, and it's not porn or deep dark secrets or stuff like that.

[colors_outside15]

5 hours ago, Cats B4 Quivers said:

I get the idea that some leghumpers are so enthralled by the Duggars that some would request counsel from DimBulb and J'Chelle. I'd rather ask for advice from a crumpled pop can than those two. But I don't get sending any of them presents because I'm quite sure they have plenty from their tv grifting. Send the kids advice pamphlets when they turn 18, yes, but stuff? Naw. 

I already confessed, so I'll do it again here ...

I wrote a super, super personal email to the Duggars after I got out. I had never seen a loving family before -- one with a mom who had a quiet voice, a dad who took his daughters on special outings, and the care that *seemed* to be on all levels (physical, mental, spiritual ... and no, I didn't know about psychological). They wrote back with an exceptionally kind email, a recommendation of churches, an offer to help with some finances, promises to pray, and one other thing that could make them recognize me on here so i won't say it, but i was given one of the older girl's emails. i almost left one cult and jumped headfirst into another. when you have no one and think you see someone ... it makes sense. that email literally kept me going. i despise boob and meechele in every single way possible (i don't hate the kidaults yet ... except for jessa ... just can't do it), but they did help for a time, and for that, i am grateful.

[roddma]

in resposne to Mela99

There was a 12-13 yr old girl named Gemma who had cancer and wanted to meet the DUggars, but she went to them. The Duggars got called out on not going to see her. I think the girl died. It's sad some parents don't explain reality tv is scripted and the people may not be who we think.

[Darwinesque]

9 hours ago, Bad Wolf said:

I'm in a group which does a lot of knitting for charity. We knit blankets and outfits for the babies of Medicaid moms. Blankets, slippers, etc. for seniors, hats and scarves for one of our low income schools. It wouldn't occur to me to send something to someone famous, especially the Duggars.

When my daughter was born ( emergency c-section) the nurses handed her to me with a little pink home-made knitted hat on, obviously donated by a knitting group. I've kept the hat in her memory box ever since, it's my most treasured baby posession of hers. I just love that someone that I don't know took the time and effort to make that without ever having met me. I'm certain your items are just as appreciated.

[Curious]

9 hours ago, RosyDaisy said:

Apparently people have forgotten that certain FJ members/ex-members sent a shower curtain from Erin Paine's registry to the happy couple as a wedding gift from "Free Jinger". Now, that was creepy. Moreso than fans sending harmless notes and gifts.

 

If we are going to remember stuff, how about we do it correctly.   It was a lovely lamp from their PUBLIC gift registry and it was sent directly from the website.  No one had their address or anything like that.

[Closed Womb]

Celebrities of all kinds get gifts from individuals and corporations.  They all get personal requests.  

Doing these things for weird reality celebs doesn't make it any more strange than sending gifts to other celebrities.  It all makes me go "huh?", but some folks feel like they know people they see on the screen. 

Personally, I'm more bothered by major corporations that give people in the public eye free stuff.  I remember Rosie O'Donnell quipping about it many years ago (on her talk show): now that she has the money to buy whatever she wants, she rarely has to buy anything.  She would just get cases of free stuff so she'd be photographed using it.  If there was something she mentioned specifically on the air, it would just show up in bulk.  

It all weirds me out, but I'd rather some Bates kid get a handmade baby blanket or something off a wedding registry than big name celebrities getting cases of the latest brand of vitamin enhanced water.  

[MoonFace]

13 hours ago, Khan said:

I think @HereticHickis right on some of these folks. Running on the assumption that people who watch the Duggar want to be like them, I'd assume leghumpers would buy similar items. "Look! My precious baby blanket just like Spurgeon's!" 

As for asking for used items: ick. 

Like @roddma said the Duggars are not our friends. It takes some serious chutzpah to ask a total stranger for something.

The Duggars are not asking people for things - they are asking God to fulfill their needs.   God then uses people to help.   

That is how they see it, I'm sure.   

You know - ask and ye shall receive.  

 

[quiverofdoubt]

3 hours ago, Darwinesque said:

When my daughter was born ( emergency c-section) the nurses handed her to me with a little pink home-made knitted hat on, obviously donated by a knitting group. I've kept the hat in her memory box ever since, it's my most treasured baby posession of hers. I just love that someone that I don't know took the time and effort to make that without ever having met me. I'm certain your items are just as appreciated.

There are a  lot of knitting groups that donate knit hits to hospitals. Premie size especially are popular to do.  Mostly because knitting baby hats is addictive- so simple, so rewarding because they come out so quick but are absolutely adorable. Lots and lots and lots of patterns and options to choose from.  My upcoming baby has like 5 hats already, and i haven't knit much at all this pregnancy.  Many knitters don't have baby's to knit for, but have discovered the joy of knitting baby hats- so they find ways to donate.  Which is actually very kind when you consider the cost of yarn.

 

5 hours ago, roddma said:

in resposne to Mela99

There was a 12-13 yr old girl named Gemma who had cancer and wanted to meet the DUggars, but she went to them. The Duggars got called out on not going to see her. I think the girl died. It's sad some parents don't explain reality tv is scripted and the people may not be who we think.

Perhaps the parents didn't want to kill this particular fantasy/dream of the child. After all they were aware she was losing her life, and she was most likely going through all kinds of crap already. A kid going through cancer, cancer treatment and hospice care is no joke and they become disillusioned by a lot of things.  A former student of mine died of cancer at age 6. Shortly before passing she asked her mother how to die.    So perhaps this family just wanted to let this particular fantasy live on for their child.  And perhaps didn't predict how selfish, crass and egotistical the duggars would be.

[MoonFace]

11 hours ago, Cats B4 Quivers said:

I get the idea that some leghumpers are so enthralled by the Duggars that some would request counsel from DimBulb and J'Chelle. I'd rather ask for advice from a crumpled pop can than those two. But I don't get sending any of them presents because I'm quite sure they have plenty from their tv grifting. Send the kids advice pamphlets when they turn 18, yes, but stuff? Naw. 

HA!

Can you imagine a leghumper asking Dimwit and MEchelle what to do if you have a kid interested in porn?   

Bwahahhahahha

11 hours ago, Cats B4 Quivers said:

 

11 hours ago, FundieFarmer said:

I've always wondered that about all celebrities. They're not going to notice your comment among the 47253748 others- reality check please! Sheesh! I don't get why people think they will!

Sadly, too many people think that because someone is famous that they are smarter than the average person on the street - or have some sort of magical insight into whatever is happening in the world. 

Case in point:   if your favorite movie star comes out in favor of a certain political candidate, why then you should also vote for that candidate as well.    

How many times has there been some sort of major news story and one of those entertainment news shows will ask for the stars reaction to whatever it was.    

I have wondered why this is so for so many years - 


Sorry for lumping these - I have issues beyond my control with posting at times.  

[ClaraOswin]

6 hours ago, nastyhobbitses said:

Sometimes they do. I once asked a composer I really liked a question on his official FB page about one of his songs (for those curious, the composer in question was Christopher Tin), and he answered my question and was super-nice. Though he's a composer and not quite as high-profile as some other celebrities. And I wasn't sending him stuff or asking him life advice.

ETA another example: I was part of a group of Star Trek fans who made and then sent a birthday scrapbook to Leonard Nimoy. It was just drawings and notes wishing him well and telling him about the positive impact he's had on the lives of Star Trek fans, and IIRC, he received it and was very happy. That kind of thing I think is OK, especially if it's sent to a publicist rather than the celebrity's personal mail, and it's not porn or deep dark secrets or stuff like that.

Some celebrities to notice/respond to some fans.

I've had a couple celebrities respond to or retweet things I've said on Twitter a couple times. I wasn't talking directly TO them or asking them anything. I just tweeted about them and they saw it. One was an actor from a t.v. show and I tweeted that I was "Team*hischaractername" and he ended up seeing it and retweeting it. I guess he must have been searching for that particular hash tag or something.

I have a friend who thinks celebs are her "friends" after they do that though. And that's so weird.

[Four is Enough]

I'll admit to looking up a famous calligrapher on Facebook and messaging him.. he responded, too.. it was a straight up fan letter. He was very gracious..

[FJismyheadship]

12 hours ago, FundieFarmer said:

I've always wondered that about all celebrities. They're not going to notice your comment among the 47253748 others- reality check please! Sheesh! I don't get why people think they will!

Back when MySpace was a big deal, I got a reply from Alyssa Milano. It was pretty incredible.

Also from MySpace days, I would occasionally talk to Catherine Bach. That made my year lol.

Another time, when Dolly Parton was on bed rest due to a back injury, I sent her a birthday present and got a personal reply.

I see Dolly and Reba frequently reply to people's stuff on Facebook. Or their people. Reba has been retweeting photos of people wearing her new makeup line. The other day I bought a bunch of clothes of hers on sale and instagrammed everything and tagged her in them just in case.

I figure there's always a chance. You never know. :-)

[Flossie]

2 hours ago, MoonFace said:

Sadly, too many people think that because someone is famous that they are smarter than the average person on the street - or have some sort of magical insight into whatever is happening in the world. 
Case in point:   if your favorite movie star comes out in favor of a certain political candidate, why then you should also vote for that candidate as well.
How many times has there been some sort of major news story and one of those entertainment news shows will ask for the stars reaction to whatever it was.    
I have wondered why this is so for so many years -   

Because for whatever reason people identify with the celebrity in question.  The problem is, that some people forge a completely fabricated connection and can't break it when it becomes obvious that their 'friend' isn't all that.

I liked Mel Gibson back in the day.  I didn't fantisize about marrying him or try to find ways to meet him, but I still had a soft spot in my heart for him.  Then I watched a televised interview with him where he was revealed to be an asshole.  Over the years, more and more stories have come out, some with audio or visual to back up the story.  Now I'm just mad that knowing more about the man behind the actor has detracted from my enjoyment of some of my favorite films.

On the other hand, I know several people who have decided that someone in the news is wonderful.  Any time any proof comes out that their pet celeb/politician/sports figure isn't what they think, those same fans will believe anything other than believe they were wrong about the person they admire.

[brokenminded]

I won't name names,but I have had online conversations with some celebrities. Two I have gone on to meet in person and had lovely conversations where they knew exactly who I was. Still don't consider them friends in any way shape or form though. I've never given anyone famous a gift and honestly think that's a waste of my limited money.

There are many people who do need things out there and it's more important to me to donate to food banks or the children's hospital than give millionaires more crap.

[nelliebelle1197]

8 hours ago, colors_outside15 said:

I already confessed, so I'll do it again here ...

I wrote a super, super personal email to the Duggars after I got out. I had never seen a loving family before -- one with a mom who had a quiet voice, a dad who took his daughters on special outings, and the care that *seemed* to be on all levels (physical, mental, spiritual ... and no, I didn't know about psychological). They wrote back with an exceptionally kind email, a recommendation of churches, an offer to help with some finances, promises to pray, and one other thing that could make them recognize me on here so i won't say it, but i was given one of the older girl's emails. i almost left one cult and jumped headfirst into another. when you have no one and think you see someone ... it makes sense. that email literally kept me going. i despise boob and meechele in every single way possible (i don't hate the kidaults yet ... except for jessa ... just can't do it), but they did help for a time, and for that, i am grateful.

So I may have missed it. What brand of fundie were you?

[ClaraOswin]

Nerd Alert - I chatted with Hanson (Isaac, specifically) on AOL IM around the time "Mmmbop" came out. We were about the same age. (And yes, it was really them on the AOL name they mention in the liner notes of their first album.) Ha! Still, never considered them my friends or anything. Or sent them any gifts.

I think the only fan letter I sent was to Elijah Wood when I was in 7th or  8th grade. Never got a response. My friend and I had a huge crush on him...especially since he's from the same state as us. I remember my friend was wanting her mom to drive us to his hometown to try to stalk him. We never did that though...haha. I don't even think he was still living there. We were dumb.

[Jana814]

8 hours ago, roddma said:

in resposne to Mela99

There was a 12-13 yr old girl named Gemma who had cancer and wanted to meet the DUggars, but she went to them. The Duggars got called out on not going to see her. I think the girl died. It's sad some parents don't explain reality tv is scripted and the people may not be who we think.

Yes the girl did die. The episode was dedicated to her. Their was some talk on another board about how it seemed the grandmother wanted her to talk to Michelle more then the girl did. 

[colors_outside15]

36 minutes ago, nelliebelle1197 said:

So I may have missed it. What brand of fundie were you?

@nelliebelle1197 - I was never associated with ATI/IBLP, but there are definitely a lot of overlaps between that, and how I was "raised"/trained up. I don't disclose too many of the intimate details about the particular cult because I was found once after getting away, and immediately had to move to stay safe. I am able to connect to this site through a friend's computer and email address to be completely anonymous, but it's all protection not a Razing Ruth situation. Also, I hate Razing Ruth. She exploited false stories of abuse, which is not only wrong, but also makes it harder for any of us to be believable. I wouldn't start a blog like that and ask for anything, but what she did still angers me.

[nelliebelle1197]

Yikes. Now I want to know even more.Cause I am nosy!

[colors_outside15]

2 minutes ago, nelliebelle1197 said:

Yikes. Now I want to know even more.Cause I am nosy!

That makes perfect sense.

Feel free to ask questions, and I'll answer the ones that I can honestly, and be kinda general or have to ignore others. 

[allthegoodnamesrgone]

12 minutes ago, colors_outside15 said:

@nelliebelle1197 - I was never associated with ABI/IBLP, but there are definitely a lot of overlaps between that, and how I was "raised"/trained up. I don't disclose too many of the intimate details about the particular cult because I was found once after getting away, and immediately had to move to stay safe. I am able to connect to this site through a friend's computer and email address to be completely anonymous, but it's all protection not a Razing Ruth situation. Also, I hate Razing Ruth. She exploited false stories of abuse, which is not only wrong, but also makes it harder for any of us to be believable. I wouldn't start a blog like that and ask for anything, but what she did still angers me.

It sucks so much that you have to live like this, I'm very sorry you do.  Is your family in this cult or was it one of those where you got into as a teenager? I can't imagine worrying about family coming after to me hurt me, and my family is pretty screwed up, they wouldn't hurt me but they wouldn't pee on me if I was on fire either. 

[colors_outside15]

They're in it. I was "raised" in it, and suicidal for many years before finally needing to make the break solely so that the buddy who started sleeping with me at 6 months would wake up and find me gone rather than dead.