[LouieFisk]

To: LouieFisk I made the ‘we did it for a show’ crack when I first heard this story - but this is simply not the same.
You are correct inasmuch as the Balloon Boy family didn't actually risk their child's life in their own attempt to get a "reality show".
The NY POST this morning has a story where the father confesses he was broke and decided to go the reality show route to instant celebdom -
Abby Sunderland's dad had TV deal as girl risked life at sea ‎

[dgroundhog]

Well the article starts off by saying he signed the deal weeks AFTER she left on her sailing trip.

They also mention they started planning this sailing excursion when she was 13. I highly doubt they planned 3 years ago to do a reality TV show.

I think it’s great these parents are encouraging their children to be exceptional. The fact she hit stormy weather, got stranded and was rescued shows she was prepared for this possibility and she handled it well.

I’d rather my kid be out doing something noteworthy than sitting on the couch playing XBox.