Rachel Elrod wrote:

Wow. I am surprised by your blog. I knew there was a lot of work involved in producing a reality T.V. show, but I don't think I ever just realized what that meant.

Many Kudos to you and the other producers of this show! I think you guys do a great job and I commend you for it!

After reading your blog, you've got me interested. Who knows? Maybe one day I might have the chance to see what it would be like to produce a show? I think it sounds like fun!

Thanks for your hard work!
Rachel

posted on July 20, 2006 at 2:55 PM

Mezaluna wrote:

Michael, I grew up in Minnesota and your reference to Pricess Kay of the Milky Way was a hoot. People will never believe the princess sits in a refrigerated room to have her sculpture done in real butter. A real Minnesota tradition.

posted on July 20, 2006 at 2:57 PM

Deb wrote:

LOVE your blog. Thanks for the interesting inside information. Whoever told you women love fanciful prose is right on!

posted on July 20, 2006 at 5:23 PM

Brenda wrote:

Hi, I wonder if it's possible to suggest to those that make this decision to bring Malan back for the next season? I thought he was THE most interesting person in that group, and he had so much to prove to himself. I was looking forward to seeing what he would design and how he would "evolve." I am amazed,too, that his mistakes in design were considered more of a failure than what's-her-name's sleazy behavior. (I truly have forgotten her name, so I think this says something about much more Malan was "good TV" than what's-her-name.) I remember Daniel was brought back from season one to season two -- I hope Malan will get another shot. I am willing to bet there are many viewers who feel the same way I do. Thanks! And your blog is a very interesting inside look at the how the show comes together. -- Brenda

posted on July 20, 2006 at 6:35 PM

Veendah wrote:

Dear Rucker,

I love this blog. Thanks for the teamwork analogs :-) Sorry about your mom's comment. The daily time schedules you provided was an eye opener. Thank you so much for working so hard to give us fans the TV show we so dearly love.

After reading this, I actually would be okay to wait for a year before the new season, to give you guys enough time to rummage thru those long..long tapes & really pick great scenes. Not that PR3 isn't good, it's been wonderful, & such a treat to see it sooner. But, if you think it'll be too much to crank up all those episodes, season after season. I'm sure the fans can wait. I love this show sooo much, I just don't want to see people get burned out, the producers or the fans.

Thanks again for letting us in. Cheers to you.

posted on July 20, 2006 at 6:47 PM

Joanna S. wrote:

I am in love with this blog post. So hilarious. And is it odd that I still would want to work on Project Runway? I must be a masochist. Oo
I love you all and this show, and seeing what goes on behind the scenes. And Tim is always dashing... how does he do that?

posted on July 20, 2006 at 8:33 PM

Gregg wrote:

Woo Hoo!!! First post on your blog!!! Does that entitle me to two front row tickets to the Bryant Park show? No? Damn!

Thanks for the behind the scenes info and kudos for the very witty writing style. Does flattery get me two tickets to the Bryant Park Runway show? No? Damn!

While I watch the show faithfully and think it's great I do have one criticism about the first episode. Not redoing the apartments after the challenge was a bit of a turn off and a bit theatrical. Seemed a bit cheesy. Please don't turn the show into that Tommy Hilfiger rip off show from last season. That show failed for a reason (ok, several reasons...Tommy Hilfigers lack of personality the main one).
Keep project Runway just the way it is. A class act.

Will end this tirade by saying that last nights elimination of Malan was handled great by the producers. Malan at first glance is someone that I thought I was going to hate. By the end of the show I had grown to like him, seeing him not as some goofy guy with a uppercrust British accent but as a simple guy with a dream...to make his Mother love him. I was stunned and saddened to see him go. Kudos to you guys for being a class act and giving us a glimpse of the real person. And kudos to Malan for showing us the real person.

Thanks and once again love the blog and the writing style. Two Tickets? Bryant Park? No? Damn!

posted on July 20, 2006 at 8:49 PM

Veronica Smith wrote:

Do the right thing!

My boyfriend, Scott, and I were really sad to see Malan go. Please bring him back. It's been done before. (Andrea came back on Top Chef after being eliminated on an earlier episode.)

And it's not because Malan is so painfully fragile. He really does have talent. His design was unique and he tried his best, unlike Angela, who is better suited for "Survivor."

Malan really turned me around. I was so moved by his exit interview, he seems like a very kind and sincere person with a vision. It doesn't seem like he's had many breaks and the "snob" is only a defense mechanism. Don't let Bravo become another bully in the playground. I've never posted anything online about a show, but this situation calls for extreme measures - I'm serious, someone's self worth is at stake. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way. Back me up people! Ma-lan...Ma-lan...Ma-lan...

posted on July 21, 2006 at 3:43 AM

Lolita wrote:

On which episode will we see Tim Gunn telling one of the designers, they must leave?? They kept showing this in the promo's for the first episode and we're still waiting!!
On another note, while Malan's outfit was ugly, at least he was original. Vincent's dress was not only Ugly but NOT original! What happened to innovation and taking-chances, being something the judges look for on the runway, ala Santino!!

posted on July 21, 2006 at 11:46 AM

Bill Rapoza wrote:

No, Michael, toes can't be quaffed (as that requires a bit of drinking), but I guess it's possible that they could be coifed, if they were suitably hirsute. However, kudos for using "coif" in a sentence, especially since you'd obviously heard it more than read it. I've had the opposite problem; its taken me years to learn how to pronounce that little gem.

And, by the way, I'm enjoying your blog a lot; I keep it on my list right under Tim's :) ...

posted on July 21, 2006 at 12:51 PM

Victoria wrote:

I've loved this show from day one and never questioned the process. The second show though where Malan is sent home shocked me for a couple of reasons. First point: though his dress was not great, he did create and make an effort to perform the task. I could not see where Angela was allowed to stay, when she did nothing, no effort! Also Malan had interesting character, loved the laugh, knew he would bring drama. Last, letting MIss USA pick something was just wrong. Her fashion sense is lacking and only for pagents

posted on July 21, 2006 at 1:03 PM

Sharon wrote:

You're writing is amazing! Thank you, thank you so much for sharing with us. You are hot! And made me laugh out loud. I can't stop showering the praise. I'm so glad you're doing this blog.

posted on July 21, 2006 at 1:15 PM

Ceres wrote:

It's really interesting reading these blogs--gives the audience a fun insight into the behind-the-scenes world of PR. After the 2nd episode, I know everyone who's writing wants to kvetch about who should(n't) have been eliminated, but I'm not upset about that--aesthetics is subjective, after all, and, moreover, it's all about the drama. What I want to complain about is that the editing in both episodes completely spoils the ending--both times it's been absolutely clear who the top and bottom will be, before we even get to the runway! I've nailed it perfectly each time and I don't know squat about fashion. I understand that editing means you have to select pieces and weave them together into a coherent narrative, but does it have to be such a simplisitic story formula? It sure would be nice if you included more scenes of the "middle" group in each challenge--allows us to get a sense of characters and doesn't give away the outcome.

posted on July 21, 2006 at 1:53 PM

Nina wrote:

This blog is aesthetically not pleasing.

posted on July 21, 2006 at 2:39 PM

truthiness wrote:

This is very cool to get a feel for the logistics of the show. Just reading about it is sort of tiring so I can only imagine what it's like for you and the rest of 'em. This is really funny too. Can't wait to keep reading!

posted on July 21, 2006 at 5:30 PM

Naf wrote:

I'm an avid fan of the show and website. However, I would like to see better lighting on the "Rate the Runway" snapshots. The pictures on are so dim you can hardly see the clothes, let alone color or detail! Thanks!

posted on July 21, 2006 at 6:32 PM

Laura K wrote:

Your blog is WAY better than Andy's. I'll bet you can even spell "definitely." How old are you?

posted on July 22, 2006 at 12:06 AM

Jessica wrote:

I looked up the pageant butter sculpture thing on wikipedia... how hilarious is that?!
Just reading about your production schedule makes me tired. Keep rockin' on.

posted on July 22, 2006 at 10:08 AM

PJ Cho wrote:

In Episode 2 the designers make their choices for models. Some change and choose different models, others keep the one that they had from the first episode. Here is my question: Why weren't Michael and Robert shown making their choices for a model?

posted on July 23, 2006 at 4:18 AM

Mary B wrote:

Thanks for the background...and your dry humor! I was not surprised to see Stacy go so early and was very surprised to see Malan go so early. It's going to be an interesting season!

posted on July 23, 2006 at 10:06 AM

Evelyn wrote:

I still cannot believe Malan was voted off. The last time I checked, earth-tones are browns and greens but that's neither here nor there. Now that the most interesting and talented person on the Runway is gone, I think I'll return to WOW.

posted on July 23, 2006 at 11:38 AM

GoP wrote:

I wanted to say well-written blog, but that seems a bit like a backhanded compliment...like I wasn't exactly expecting it to be well-written. But, in truth, I hadn't thought far ahead enough before clicking through from Andy's blog to form any thoughts at all. So I was a tabla rosa and you've started an excellent blog!

posted on July 23, 2006 at 8:27 PM

Robin wrote:

Quick question: I missed the Miss Universe showing this weekend, but when I went to the sight this morning to see the gown that Kayne made I was very disappointed to see a red dress that looked nothing like it. Did I miss something? Thank you.

posted on July 24, 2006 at 9:32 AM

wendy woodward wrote:

yeah! I was saddend by the end of Malan...when the last two on stage are a class act and gunboots and black lined tights negative and I do mean negative all those stupid cutting remarks to her team leader..no team spirit and no integrity..when you asked Malan and his teamate who should be voted out she said Malan and he said himself, he took responsibility and he was creative , and sensitive he is truly going to be missed I don't know if I'll watch with the same enthusiasum,hopefully I not going to watch just to see the negitve one lose,this world you represent is about dreams ,immagination,creation,but you really show like the bully tactics of t.v.even your top chef show after the elemination of the chef who tasted with his finger ,and all were up in arms making judgements about him....that was the last show I watched till one day you marathoned the whole thing and at least you didn't give it to that without a soul chef who cried cause she couldnt go to europe and see where the real food comes from...oh and pay all her I'm sure credit card debit....kindness where has it gone.???????....please if you can, bring Malan back , you have powers,bring the gentelman back.........you did humiliate him ,in the end if you have to choose between the two he should have gone on ....not out......w.w.

posted on July 24, 2006 at 2:27 PM

Janey wrote:

Hooray! You paint a very accurate and witty picture of what shooting for TV is actually like. I definitely don't envy the assistants that get stuck logging all that footage. Oh, and after those goofy pictures on page 2, I can safely say that I am in love.

posted on July 24, 2006 at 9:35 PM

Justin Couture wrote:

Mr. Rucker, your post is fabulous. Funny, well-writen and filled with behind the scenes information that us Project Runway junkies crave.

Easily the best of the confusing gaggle of Bravo blogs. Excluding Tim, of course.

posted on July 25, 2006 at 10:56 AM

Melissa Ivery wrote:

I agree with some of the other posters that Malan should be brought back. At first I didn't think I would like him either.. he seemed incredibly stuck up (considering he declined his spot in Season 2) & arrogant, but his exit interview proved me wrong. It was refreshing to see someone let their emotions go & give a glimpse to their true feelings. He's had to grow up quickly & be guarded with his feelings because of his unconscionable mother (she's the "Bad Mommy", Keith.. eh hem). I can't wait to see next week's episode... it's actually the night of my 27th birthday.. what to do, what to do? Party it up in NY where I happen to live or watch Project Runway.. the decisions of the fabulous. hehe

Anyway... irrespective of that, I just wanted to compliment you on your blog, Mr. Rucker. Bravo. I enjoy your wittiness & an inside look into the behind-the-scenes of P.R. I never knew that the next challenge was revealed after runway/judging. Well I'll be...
The pictures are great too. You & Mr. Ben Mack are...wow... you should find a way to get more on-air face time ;-) Just a suggestion. Maybe it'd be more well-recieved than a miming session with Tim Gunn at the helm.

You deserve that Emmy & the proverbial pat on the back. You all work hard & commit yourselves to long, arduous days. However, your efforts are well worth it. Bravo produces such beautiful shows. Every one seems to be a hit. Love it, love it. Keep up the good work & stay extra sexy. hehe
(Melissa)

posted on July 27, 2006 at 12:26 PM

krista boscoe wrote:

I laughed. I cried. This is the insider dish we really want. Plus, you are a funny man. I like you.

posted on July 27, 2006 at 11:44 PM

Tatsy wrote:

Thanks for the dishy blog, it really fills in the numbers---I luv'd reading about the hour-by-hour taping of the show. As a viewer, it's hard to keep that in mind when you're watching a show that's aired 1x a week. I agree w/fellow commentors---I was fascinated by Malan's character and would've loved to have seen more of him. I thot he would turn out to be schmucky but he wasn't, I found myself tearing up mightily after his elimination---he seemed really upset about it, as were his fellow contestants & that was sad to see. Bring back Malan!! (ah, but i know this season has already been filmed in its entirety so too late to do anythng...?) Keep up the great job, ths is my new fave PR blog!

posted on July 28, 2006 at 3:59 PM

Big Mo in the Midwest wrote:

I was sent here by Daniel V. I'm really enjoying your blog so far, but please learn the difference between it's and its. That really spoils an otherwise well-written blog.

Regards,

posted on July 29, 2006 at 12:07 PM

PR Love wrote:

Great blog. I agree with the other posters about Malan...I actually teared up...and that NEVER happens.

Bring him back!! If you're reading out there, Malan, we're pulling for you!

posted on July 30, 2006 at 11:55 PM

Portland wrote:

I too want Malan back. He could have been a quiet Santini... so what if his design was out there... maybe he was compensating as his partner got the boot this latest episode for being sooo boring. Oh well.

posted on July 31, 2006 at 5:37 PM

Godiva wrote:

You should always listen to your mother.

One of the things that bothered me about Monster House and still does about Extreme Home Makeover is the absolute waste. Doors, windows, flooring, bricks, a lot can be salvaged during demolition when a house is renovated. I know firsthand. To just break windows because it's good TV is wasteful.

There was something very disturbing about the trashing of the apartments. Even if they were furnished in second hand or even free junk from the street on trash day.

America is a wasteful society. We consume more than our fair share. And what we consider junk someone else in this world would love to have. American needs to get over it's throw-away behavior in a big way. It may seem like a small thing (and it's only a TV show) but that's how we got where we are today.

Global Warming.

The U.S. consumes 25%, yet we don't have 25% of the land or the population of the world.

More than our fair share.

I know project runway has done recycling challenges. And it's not your place to change the world.

But there was something disturbing about the destruction of the apartments.

And I hope restitution was made to the person who lost their personal pillow they brought from home. I travel with my pillow too and would have been very upset at it's destruction.

5:30-6:30 wake up designers with cattle prod?

Yeah, you'd need a cattle prod with me. And a suit of armor for when I rip that cattle prod out of your cold, dead hands........

I hope you feed them well.

posted on August 1, 2006 at 3:40 AM

MelanieAnneMc wrote:

Just loved Malan. Wish he could pull a Daniel Franco and come back for Season 4. Yes, Laura was the bad Mommy as Keith said, as in the original Mommy in the city underwater in the movie In Dreams and not the replacement Mommy forced to wear the bad Mommy clothes. Poor Malan. His Mom sounds like a horror. Loved his maniacal laugh too. Miss him on the show.

posted on August 8, 2006 at 12:30 AM

rucker wrote:

rucker..i just love your blog because my name is rucker too :)

posted on March 6, 2008 at 10:08 PM