One of the hottest tabloid subjects right now is the seemingly crumbling-before-our-eyes marriage of Jon and Kate from TLC’s “Jon and Kate Plus 8” reality show.

For those unaware of the timeline, Jon was spotted at a nightclub with people who weren’t Kate, one of them being a woman whose car he (gasp) got into, presumably to go home. Then there were accusations of infidelity on Kate’s part with her bodyguard (why she needs a bodyguard is beyond me), all of this suspiciously timed to coincide with the season premiere of their show. Sorry, I’m just cynical like that.

I’ve mentioned before that I don’t watch television “reality” shows with kids. There is something vaguely exploitative about them, and no matter how cute the kids are, it isn’t enough to get me to tune in. Besides, I don’t need the television to witness the antics of someone else’s children, I’ve got my own adorable built-in tantrum/entertainment center right here.

And although I’ll admit I’ve never seen the show, I understand that this season Jon and Kate aren’t speaking to each other, and there are separate sessions on the therapy couch, as opposed to ones where they are usually together.

I do sympathize with marital problems, we’ve all had them in one form or another. It must be even worse to have them be so publicly discussed.

But, and there is a major but here.

If you wish not to have your faces splashed across gossip rags amid conjecture as to whether one of you is sleeping on the couch, then DON’T HAVE YOUR OWN TELEVISION SHOW. In my mind, as soon as you sign on that dotted line to receive money for cameras following your every move, you lose your right to complete privacy. You become a public figure, and for better or worse in our society right now, your every move is scrutinzed.

I keep reading comments on various blogs that admonish “the haters” and the “people who are just trying to be divisive” to LEAVE THEM ALONE. I believe even Octomom has gotten in on the Kate-bashing bandwagon.

I’m guessing that people will leave them alone when they decide to give up the rumored $70,000 an episode and focus on healing their family. Until then, they are fair game.

Yes, my friends, never let it be said that the big, bad recession has put a crimp in the parenting blog industry. Cast your eyes on this job posting (but don’t cast them too slowly; the deadline is the third!) for a Director of Sales at our good friend YoyoMama’s blog. If you are or could be in the vicinity of Vancouver, British Columbia, why not put your interests and contacts to work for you?

We’re sad to say that Jewel, who’s been with us from the very beginning, has had to scale back her role with yoyomama to focus on her family. And this means we’re looking for a new Director of Sales so if you’ve got sales moxie and sass we want to hear from you asap. Check out all the details below:

Job Description:

• Cultivate relationships with new and existing advertisers and agencies through phone, email and in person meetings.
• Create whiz bang advertising proposals, partnership programs, deliver to clients, and negotiate terms of program.
• Work with the yoyo team on big ideas and creative solutions for clients.
• Achieve monthly sales quotas.
• Lead generation through internet search/outbound calling
• Be responsible for the entire sales process from prospecting to close to follow up.
• Participate in regular sales meetings and work closely with the team.
• Participate in tradeshows and events.
• Minimum one blog post a week on topics relevant to advertisers or parenting.
• 25 – 30 hours a week minimum.

Nice to Have:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Some interactive advertising sales experience.
• Some knowledge and participation in interactive marketplace.
• Strong understanding of Google, Highrise and Social Media.

Perks:

• Flexible hours and schedule.
• Family-friendly – hey, we’ve all got kids.
• Work from home (most of the time).
• Products to sample.

This job is paid on a commission and volume-based incentives basis.

Is this the job for you? To apply please send us a cover letter and your resume via email to info [at] yoyomama [dot] ca by June 3rd, 2009.

Note to self: when you want to generate some intense competition in the Caption Contest, just combine needlessly dramatic future actors and a topical background that makes reference to a potentially deadly epidemic.

Nothing like it to zip up a parenting site, eh?

Jennie Says:
May 29th, 2009 at 11:02 pm

Purple pigs perched here and there.
Pox and pestilence everywhere.
Is it Hamthrax or is it the Swine
Should I worry or is it fine?
Masks and antibiotics are all the rage
Should I decide to live in a cage?
Who gives a flying what the F**k
I’ll breathe the air and trust my Luck!

Congrats to Jennie! Congrats and, of course, imaginary swag. What shall we present our princess of pork? How about something nice and piggy, something like the Tumbling Pig from Giggle. I’m not sure if it’s a piece of furniture or a toy, but it WILL roll with the porcine punches.