This is my first post on any of these boards. I don't watch any of the reality shows, normally. This one caught my interest one night while clicking through the channels. I saw the second episode before the first one, and after watching Matt for ten minutes or so, I thought to myself "This guy seems like a typical Pittsburgher. I wonder where he's from? He seems like he could live down the street from me." Now, don't get me wrong,he seemed like a goober, but a decent goober. Not an an asshole goober. Someone who means well, and I can respect that.
Anyway, I wasn't all that surprised then when I found out that he actually is from Pittsburgh, my hometown as well.

I think the show is entertaining, but its also a cruel thing to do to a person, any person. I hope the show isn't being aired against Matt's will. I would hope that he has been well compensated, at least, for the embarrassment and the effect this will have on his psyche.

Now, I'm not saying he is blameless----I know he has to accept the responsibility of aggreeing to do the show in the first place, just as anyone must accept the responsibilities for, and the consequences of, the decisions they make...but...

I think people are being awfully negative of him. Some of the board even seem to be turning up their noses at him, as if he is sooooo much worse of a person than they are. Gimmie a break.

Maybe my view of this is odd, but I as I said, I am not an avid reality show viewer. This show is in its own category though, and maybe thats why I watch it.
I know he's made a complete ass of himself at times, and he does things quite differently then I would ever do them, but he has also shown himself to have some class and be the kind of guy who would help you in a time of need. I'll bet the actors learned more about life than anyone else from doing this show. Having watched all of it now, save for the final show, I really don't think Matt has anything to be ashamed of.

I kind of have the same outlook as Joe, I mean Matt. His lack of focus on winning the money may really just be his inner-self exhibiting his real nature, to value personal-interaction and other peoples well-being above the selfish pursuit of money.
I don't have a problem with that.

Take care,
malpaso

"When you have to shoot, shoot. Don't talk."
Eli 'Tuco' Wallach