Austinist: Pimp Your Crib

anon

Thu, 31 Aug 2006 12:27:06 -0600

If they didn't get those types of people then the show would lose its value and its viewers and in turn its sponsors; and then guess what...no one gets a free remodel or rebuild that is deperately needed because they can not afford to do it anymore. I thought the reason they were doing it was pretty obvious, but apparently not.

Jooley Ann

Thu, 31 Aug 2006 11:40:33 -0600

Also, why does it always have to be rare illnesses and deaths (or near deaths) of children that qualify? What about being laid off for the umpteenth time? Not sexy enough, is it? What about being gentrified out of your neighborhood? *Really* not sexy, eh? Those are some very Austin stories. Bet they don't go with that kind of angle, though.

eliz. s.

Thu, 31 Aug 2006 11:29:25 -0600

Plus, I always wonder about the energy-efficiency of the huge houses they build. Can a low-income family afford to pay the energy bills for their new ginormous house? Just a thought.

eliz. s.

Thu, 31 Aug 2006 11:25:40 -0600

anon - Helping people out is not the issue. I'm sure they will have no problem finding a family in need in Austin. I just don't like the whole exploitation angle that they use to do so. More power to them for helping out, but I don't like the way they go about it.

anon

Thu, 31 Aug 2006 11:07:13 -0600

I think eliz is right on this one. They shouldn't be seeking out families with hardship and tragedy. What they should be doing is finding one of the really rich people that live on Lake Austin and find out if they need their 8000 sq. ft. lake mansion remodled completely for free. Its a tragedy that those people can only tear down and rebuild their homes every few years. Screw the families with killed children or life ending diseases. Why does it always have to be about that? Why can't some normal rich white folks get a free ride for once?

eliz. s.

Thu, 31 Aug 2006 10:56:03 -0600

But they still won an Emmy this year. . . for what that's worth.

eliz. s.

Thu, 31 Aug 2006 10:53:44 -0600

umm, that show is really hokey. And don't forget this: "ABC's "Extreme" Exploitation" http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/0327062extreme1.html