OK, let me get this out of the way right off the bat... I'm not a reality TV junkie. When I turn on the TV, I watch shows like "House," "24" and "Lost." You know, shows that are well-written with great actors... TV the way it used to be before network executives got stupid and filled their timeslots with people who do nothing but fight, argue and throw tantrums.

50 years ago, we had Bob Hope and Lucille Ball. Today, we have Jon and Kate. Not exactly what I'd call progress...

My point is, our televisions have been overtaken by these reality "stars," but are they really worthy of being treated like stars? Would you stand in a line for five hours hoping to catch a glimpse of that guy from "Survivor" who got voted off in the second episode? Would you brave the freezing cold for a chance to score a signature from one of the "Real Housewives of Atlanta?" If you would, I only have one question for you... Why?

What is it, exactly, that these people are contributing to the world of entertainment? What can they do to amuse us viewers that a thousand (or a hundred thousand) other people can't? They like to act cocky and pick fights with others? You should meet my neighbors. They engage in conflicts that lead to teary confessions and promises of rehabilitation? Sounds like another holiday get-together with my in-laws.

Just because these people are on camera, does that make them celebrities? Seriously, if you saw "that guy" who was on "that show" who did "that thing," would you care enough to get his autograph? And if you did, what are the chances you'll even remember his name five years from now?

Call me old-fashioned, but I prefer the days when the public was enamored with those talented individuals who worked hard to entertain us, not act like jackasses in the hopes of getting their names in the tabloids.

As the old saying goes, everyone will get their fifteen minutes of fame, but in this day and age, we seem to be making people famous for doing nothing other than fighting, lying and getting divorced. I know plenty of people who do those things, and nobody's beating down their doors for autographs.

Just because it happens in front of a camera doesn't mean it's worthy of being celebrated.