American Pickers - History Channel
Please note that I am very familiar with the making of Reality TV shows. For the last five years I’ve worked with Discovery Chanel, Original Productions, Radical Media, BBC, Pilgrim Films, NBC and a few others. While the viewer sees mainly the end product I get to see everything including what the talent and execs think and says off camera. So if you know more than me about reality TV then feel free to correct me. If your just the person who watches the show – don’t bother telling me why I’m wrong ~ You don’t have a clue.
Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz. SCREW YOU! Your nothing more than two gold diggers making a popular scene in front of camera. If you really think taking advantage of people within a few hours for great, cool historic antiques from folks is how to make a name for yourselves.. well thats just lame.
It would be different if you were more interested in the history, and the linage in the items you were after instead of the stupid short story you put on film. Your show would be more interesting if you were interested in the items for a historical asptect instead of an interior design or whatever you claim aspect.
You are the reason bottom dwellers of television have become the prime time of a materialistic America. No one cares anymore about history per say, just the money it can bring.
Your show is interesting in such that the items you find are great and often amazing. The fact your a mobile televised pawn shop with no care or interest in the genuine story behind the people and the items found is saddening. Find something more worth while to do with your time.
I agree with much of what you’re saying here. The show would be alot more intresting if these guys actually tried to get to know the people they are ripping off and care a little more than the history of these articals instead of the profits. They brush these folks off when the owner’s try to speak about anything that does’nt pertain to ”giving” antiques. sincerlly yours, JEFFREY SELPH
Ive been around the filming and production of reality TV for the last five years. Its all based on Yield Management. Spend the least amount of money making the show, sell as much advertising as you can during the show. The difference is profit.
I may have been a little harsh on American Pickers, but my thoughts are still the same. Like almost all the other shows out there now, American Pickers misses the hook of grabbing an audience with a genuine good product. Creative editing makes the commercials for the show better than the actual program.
on one of your shows there was a 47 Indian Motorcycle for sale.
Is it possible to get the phone number or e-mail address for the
party that wanted to sell it for his friend that had passed away
YU2E
I think anyone who agrees with this is the definition of ignorant and just needs something to complain about. That junk they rescue would otherwise be hauled off to a dumpster after those people die. At least they find stuff that other people can enjoy. They spend more time searching and not making a profit then finding a few good picks.
I think you’re just a pesimistic person. That junk they rescue would otherwise go to a dumpster when those people die. At least someone else will get enjoyment out of those things then then letting them rust or collect dust.
Disgusting how these 2 putz try to swindle old people out of their stuff. Shame on them. History channel what happened?
Well a few things might be true, I could be pessimistic, and I probably am ignorant. I’m not going to argue those points.
We DON’t know what would happen to those items if the person dies, we don’t get enough of their story to know. AND THAT’S what I think would really make this show. Don’t focus on the haggling and the chewing down of the dollar amount. The show is so scripted that it’s cheesy. Get rid of the storyboard writer and just tell the story. Tell us a deeper history of the person and the item – then show a fair deal.
Shelley, your right, someone will get enjoyment out of those items, but not before these two guys get some money in the bank. That is not the history I believe good hardworking folks are really interested in. Just people with nothing more to do than sit around and watch TV all night.
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tarsh tarsh tarsh, two stupid con men taking advantage of others then bragging about it after wards, what if this was your dad, mom , grandma etc who were the sellers, then exploited on tv, can you see and feel thier embarrasment and shame and pain? repect is what its all about , blood sucking maggotts uneducated idiots!!! get them off the air hel tuen them into the irs fr an audit
American pickers , if you do buy old junk send me an email and let me know when you will be coming trhu N.W. Indiana .
Larry, get a f***ing life! Your vitriolic comments only betray that you probably have watched only one episode of the show; quite possibly only a partial one at that. I have watched all of them and I have never caught an exploitative attitude from these guys. In fact it is entirely the opposite – they always speak with the utmost respect regarding the people they want to buy from; many of whom are collectors themselves and KNOW what their stuff is worth! So watch a couple of episodes and make an informed comment instead of coming off as just an ignorant hater!
Oh, and my last comment applies to you as well, Dan. Ditto as well to all you other people with negative comments about this show. I’m not some “super-fan” of these guys nor am I their chief apologist; I just happen to like the show and I think your real problem may simply be an intense dislike of reality shows in general; which, if that is the case, I might agree with you regarding many shows out there – but not this one.
Please note that I am very familiar with the making of Reality TV shows. For the last five years I’ve worked with Discovery Chanel, Original Productions, Radical Media, BBC, Pilgrim Films, NBC and a few others. While the viewer sees mainly the end product I get to see everything including what the talent and execs think and says off camera. So if you know more than me about reality TV then feel free to correct me. If your just the person who watches the show – don’t bother telling me why I’m wrong ~ You don’t have a clue.
I know that so-called reality TV is nothing remotely close to “reality” as we know it. I know that there is much creative editing set-ups and the like. The point I really wanted to make, but fell short of is that nobody’s pulling these people’s legs to sell anything. Most of the people they approach seem to be either collectors, who want top dollar; or stone cold hoarders, who by their nature find it nearly impossible to turn loose of even a toothpick. The bottom line here I guess is I just don’t agree with your assessment (and the majority of the posters here, it seems) that these guys are ripping people off. Maybe the “Saving American History, One Item at a Time” (or whatever the exact slogan is) is a stretch, but it’s a show and every show needs a pitch. If you want detailed history of antiques, there’s always Antiques Roadshow…………
My dad, love him. He lives in Indiana w/ his goat! Has a double wilde that he made from 2 singles, lives next to a graveyard, has about 8 campers from 1970, a 1960 T bird- just rotting away, semi truck trailer full of parts, motorcycles up the waaaaaaazooooooo! No time to deal, 4 kids in Chicago. Seriously, missin a good one here. Cal me 708-263-7844.
i think your show is great. ya’ll do a very respectful job.some people do not understand the definition of “wheelin and dealin”!!! i was also wondering if ya’ll would be interested in an antique paper cutter. it was manufactured july 23, 1889 by challenge machinery company. its in great condition. if anyone would like a picture of it, just leave me an email adrress. thank you
Dan,
You are being arrogant. Your post would benefit greatly from the most important thing anyone can learn: That you don’t know shit, just like everyone else. I can not express enough how important it is to keep this thought in your mind at all times.
Your observations have less to do with your knowledge of documentary production than they do about your lack of knowledge about the antiques industry and the content of American Pickers.
The show constantly and consistently focuses on the story of the people Frank and Mike find. It shares quick, relevant details about the lives of their clients and the history of the items they posses. On more than one occasion, the show has spent handfuls of its 30 minutes sharing information about people Frank and Mike don’t even purchase items from.
On other occasions, the show has dedicated nearly its entire 30 minutes to telling the story of and history of a particular item, as in “Super Scooter,” which was about a Vespa Ape.
Frequently, the show features fact boxes that give quick, relevant details about the history of a particular item.
And now you see the problem with your argument. People don’t necessarily want an entire 30 minute show about an old oil can Frank finds in a barn, where it came from, where the oil went, etc.. If the audience wants to know more about a particular brand featured on a sign the pickers purchase, they will go to the Internet and learn about it. Will you be looking up what a Vespa Ape is? Then why would you be advocating for an entire documentary about it? If you wouldn’t watch it, who would?
And as for your contention that they are gold diggers swindling old people out of their junk, well, this is the most misguided thought of all. Do you own any antiques? Have you ever been in an antique shop? How do you think that stuff got into that shop?
It got there because someone bought it. Most dealers I know purchase their items from auctions. Usually, those auctions are of the estate variety, i.e. someone died.
Not every antiques dealer knows about ALL the stuff they buy in an auction. As such, many, many valuable items get discarded or thrown out. Others find their way into another junk pile.
When Mike and Frank pick an item, they sell it to someone who won’t be leaving it in a barn waiting for an estate auction. Those people cherish the item.
Back at the property where the item came from, some person is living a better life with more cash in their pocket. Was it the same amount of cash Mike and Frank sold the item for? No. But that is business.
How dare you tell the stories of people for money, Dan. How dare you. You swindled those people out of the money they could have made by telling their own story. What a horrible thing to do to that person. Did you even tell them they could tell the story on their own? Yeah, I’m being sarcastic, but perhaps you will now find that business is all about buying low and selling high. You bought the stories of the people you have documented, and you sold it for more than you bought it.
The people who Mike and Frank buy from are perfectly capable of making up their own minds on how they would like to part with their items. Don’t worry, they can defend themselves. They don’t need your help or your sympathy.
One final note: Your post is riddled with misspellings, suggestive of the little time you obviously took in preparing your appraisal of the show and its stars.
Hey Matt,
Thanks for your comment. It was really well written and thought out. I have nothing to say about it because it’s that good.
Thanks
Dan
WOULD LIKE TO SEND U A PICTURE OF THIS OLD WOODEN ELECTRICAL DEVICE HAVE NO CLUE WHAT IT IS HAS OLD COPPER TURN SWITCHES WITH SLIDING DRUM WITH COPPER WIRE WRAPPED AROUND 5 SWITCH TOTAL LOOKS LIKE SOMETHING FROM OLD FRANKINSTIN MOVIES
I love this show! Anybody that has a gripe about how these two guys travel around the country trying to buy items is upset only because its Mike and Frank that have the guts to go out and the stuff.
Then some complain that they are ripping folks off. Get real! Nobody has to sell them anything. Those that do kind of like their 15 minutes of fame. There isn’t too many among us that wouldn’t mind being on television once in a lifetime.
You pups that just have to complain about something wouldn’t say a thing if it was you getting this stuff! That’s for sure. Makes a difference who is getting the goods.
Hey Richard, Thanks for your comment.
Dan
Wow, I am amazed. this is actually a first time comment, however i am a long time reader of blogs. I was completely swayed form one end of the spectrum to the other after reading all of the posts so far. I am truely enlightened (No sarcasm intended). Mike and Dan your arguments and responses may have displayed the most civil act of internet courtesy i have ever wittnessed. bravo… see we all can just get along :-)
P.S. i like the show ive learned alot about what different items are worth, things that i may have discarded in my own travels. the show is definately good education on certian levels.
Matt* and Dan sorry ;-)
Dude, pickers is an awesome show. A lot of the stuff they buy is gonna rust into the ground anyway if they don’t buy it, whats the problem? As far as all your ” experience” . Maybe if you changed your bad attitude you would not have had ten different jobs in five years.
The first part of your post was great thanks participating. Your reference to me is simple ignorance and not worth replying to.
Again though, thanks for your thoughts on the things the Pickers are doing.
A lot of this stuff has laid in a barn or shed for 30 years untouched. Think about that- 30 years! That’s a long time (think back to what you were doing 30 years ago). And suddenly somebody is offering these folks money for this stuff. Personally I fail to see the problem. Nobody gets forced to sell anything, and in fact sometimes they don’t. But they get a few minutes of fame on TV, they get some money for stuff that’s been gathering dust for years and years, and we get to see some great salt-of-the-earth Americans. I don’t see where anybody loses here. Interesting discussion though.