Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I`d be interested in learning people`s opinions about the new American Inventor reality show on ABC (Thursday nights).  I`d have to say that the inventors I typically work with, both in my pratice and at our local inventor`s group, seem to have much better ideas than most of those that were shown.  Apparantly they are under the impression that they have to pick a bunch of looser products just to make the show entertaining.

Thoughts?

I love the show and tape it weekly - but some of the inventions are wacky
some are funny and a few are wonderful - I myself keep thinking of ways to make
things better and I am working on a few things now along with my upstart business. I love the judges - the toughest one, I think is Doug? - 2nd from the left (next to the english judge) - the easiest are Maryann and the judge to the right of her. But I love the show. I also loved Made in the USA by Hsn that was on
about 6 months ago.
jo



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Jo
NJ

It`s a clever idea for a show.  Kicking myself for not thinking of it first.

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Peter Nguyen Founder 2Keene Ventures, LLC. www.premiersaver.com "Even heaven has a rainy day"

The show is entertaining.  Where else can you see a guy zip himself into a garment bag to do his business or some guy trying to sell roaches as pets?  So many of these people are unhinged but the creative types usually are.

The drama between the judges is.... interesting.  I think that by the end of it they are all going to hate Doug.  Personally I like him.  I don`t always agree with him, but I like him.

I don`t know that the show is delivering the ratings though.  I hope they don`t cut it before the finish.  I think this show was tried once before and it was cut midseason.

Just a great show and it has my son thinking about inventing something. 

I like the show, however, I, like Kevin, don`t find it very representational of inventors. I think they allow so many of the "zany" ideas in to add drama.

I think they`re, obviously, more about ratings than actual inventions.

Matt

The show is sure a comedy. I have seen some good ideas come out of the show. It seems to me they are looking for the next best gadget. Some of the inventors on there have the craziest ideas and actually believe they have the next best thing. If anything, its a good reality check for some.

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Allan Thorne President Rock Solid Innovations LLC RockSolidInnov@sbcglobal.net www.RockSolidInnovations.com 408-786-6958

I actually live in Cincinnati, where Doug Hall lives. I regularly tune into to his "Brain Brew" radio show - which helps out entrepreneurs and small businesses. Although he seems to be taking on the role of "the guy that everyone hates", I actually think that he is the most qualified judge on the show.

Hall and David Wecker (also of Brain Brew) operate the Eureka Ranch think tank - a place where huge companies come to get input regarding their inventions and product ideas. Although you may hate him, he is probably the only judge on the show with a true background in inventions and new product development.

Aaron


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Advice for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners: http://www.cinventure.com

Don`t care for it!!

When think of invention, I think of something that can be USED in some way....some of the inventions are really toy-ish....just something to keep around the house, not for the market!!!!

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www.EllayWestConcepts.net Ellay West Concepts (Freelance Commercial Writer)

Glad to see your post. I was picked to go to L A to tape for the show after the auditions here in S F and was really excited. I was verry disapointed that the producers were in charge and were more interested in the inventor than the invention. Even saw Simon show up but he never saw any of us. We were encouraged to get emotional and that we had just 2 minutes to do our pitch and then they would ask a few questions and then they would vote. I taped the same "nite" that the winner did and did not make the cut, not even any air time. The producers were into the emotional story more than the invention. All in all a very disapointing experience. 

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WESTNOVA