Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 1/23/2010

Question
Dear Mr.Kenneth D. Plonkey;

Greetings!

I'm Kris Richard Geronimo, 3rd year Mass Communication Student, of Far Eastern University in Manila, Philippines, taking up the subject Journalism 103: Investigative Reporting.

In line with this, i would like to get some information from you regarding our topic entitled "Journey to Stardom" Ordinary Teenagers who ventures in the field of Performing Arts, Ways and Process how to get into fame.Here are the questions:

1.What are the qualities that one must have to be a celebrity and why?

2.Why do you think there are a lot of teenagers venturing in show business?

3.What do you think are the factors affecting these teenagers in pursuing their dream to being a celebrity?

4.Can you state some of the easiest ways in getting into fame?

5.What are the ways and process in getting into stardom?

6.Would you consider the reality shows and talent searches as one of the easiest ways in getting into fame, and why?

7.Is there any standard or criteria in being a star?

8.What are the benefits of being popular?

9.Is being a celebrity one of the easiest ways to be in luxury and to establish one’s social status, why?

10.What can you say in the statement “If you are famous, you are powerful.”?

11.What would be your advice to teenagers pursuing fame via show business?


Thank you and God bless.



Very Truly Yours,

Kris Richard Geronimo
Student, Philippines


Answer
Kris, Although we do not generally answer homework questions. I will accept this as an interviews and reply.  
1,There  is no set criteria. Publicity about their exploits creates a popular following.
2. Because of the big teen age market creating more teen age shows.
3. First is parental support, without that they can do nothing. But why do they try to do it? Well, because they know nothing about what it really requires or is really like and they want to be noticed and be somebody.
4. There are no easy ways to fame. Fame is a by product,not a goal.  It is easy,however, to be infamous.
5. There is no set way other than to pursue something that you are very gifted at and to have the luck to succeed. It generally consists of becoming known and luck.
6. No. Reality shows create more notoriety than fame, and talent shows such as American Idol have the same small percentage of success of those who try as any other path to a show biz career.
7. No one has ever tried to define it.
8. Ego inflation. Money. But the negative side is bigger. No private life, Hounded by paparazzi, lies printed about you in the tabloids, substance abuse,etc.
9. No, if you are celebrity trash,you are still trash.
10. Misconception. The reverse is true. If you are powerful, you are a celeb.
11. Forget it.  Seek excellence, not fame. Remember? Fame is a by product.

God bless, Doc