I have a feeling the people that lose, are the ones that try to cheat to win. Thats why I was initially turned off to the show. The previews made the cutthroats seem like the ones that were going to advance.

If I was playing, I would treat this like a job interview – you always want to put your best foot forward. Your not competing against other people, you are competing against yourself. I think thats what is going on here. Mark is giving away his own money, so he wants to make sure it goes to the right person.

Somehow I got the Willy Wonka story in my head…

And tell the producer he needs to spend a little more money on production – the film work looks like it was shot with a cell phone camera.

Personally I would have eliminated William for being an insufferable jerk, even though he won the Jenga game. It’s one thing to win something, but being totally disrespectful to your colleagues while doing it is unacceptable. There is something to be said for having some class and not alienating your colleagues just because you’re better at something than they are. I wonder how Mark would have dealt with this dynamic in his real businesses. I couldn’t imagine wanting someone who behaves like this–while trying to make an early impression on me!!–representing me in my business.

But I like the fact that the game isn’t all layed out ahead of time. The biggest failing of most reality shows is either that the audience doesn’t know what is going on, so the results seem random, or the audience knows exactly what is going on (these 5 allied against those 4) so that the results are predictable.

The Benefactor managed to avoid both of those problems. First, when Mark explains what he is going to do and (most important) why, and second by not letting the contestants pre-determine the results.

So I’ll be watching, but I hope Grayson gets another chance on season two.

Maybe those who think the show is lame don’t like it because it requires you to think
*gasp!* Oh horrors, you have to actually use your brain in this show? Come on people! If you want to see bimbos, greedy grubbers, and basic jerks then watch Temptation Island or Survivor. Heck, if you’re really a snob then watch “The Donald’s” stupid TV show however, if you want purely intellectual entertainment that will keep you glued to your seat then The Benefactor is the show for you.

Mark, I’m sure that the negative comments about your show just roll off you like water on a duck’s back, but just in case they don’t then I want you to re-read your previous blogs. I’m positive that there are more people out there (like me) who think your show rocks so don’t listen to the negative critics… Not even for one second!

Mark you’re a very successful guy so I’m sure that you know that good ideas always get negative press at the beginning. It’s kind of like an odd baptism by fire thing… God knows why it exists, but in the end once you’ve proven yourself the critics tend to shut up for a little bit. So, hang in there dude for your moment of glory will come and I cannot wait for the day when these critics have to sit down at a table and eat a million plates of crow. Heck, I’ll be there with a shovel to force feed it to them!

Anyway, take care of yourself Mark and may God bring forth many blessings on your family.

Peace!

I have followed you ever since you had Broadcast.com and have always been intrigued by your story and advice. The only interesting part of the first show was the segments where you handed out advice to the viewers at home. That is why I watched the first episode and that is why I will continue to watch. The contestents seem more like the ones from the original Joe Schmo than real contestents. The production on the show was a little shaky!! They cut in and out of certain shots with out lining it up with the voice over a couple of times. Hopefully this was just first episode jitters. Thanks for all the good insight.