We all know how MastaCSG feels about the television shows Big Brother and Doug, but I've got a bone to pick about so-called 'tough consumer' shows, such as 20/20 and Dateline. You know, those programs that uncover con artists and heinous scams that screw the consumer.

I watched a story the other day, about an agency that set up hidden cameras to test the competence of washing machine repair technicians. Anyway, the editorial displayed footage of incompetent technicians, fumbling over washing machines, and ordering parts that did not need replacing. They even caught one guy taking a leak in the home owner's basement sink!

Pretty shocking stuff, no doubt. I certainly won't deny that us smart consumers should be wary of such things, but let's take another look. If anyone bothers to watch the entire segment of these shows (which I thankfully do), you'll come across a crucial 30 second blurb at the end. What could you possibly learn in 30 seconds that would change your mind after watching 10 minutes of good, honest citizens cheated out of their hard-earned money? The answer is, a whole damn lot.

The anchor persons on the show almost unnoticeably tell the viewers that an overwhelming majority of the technicians do their job properly. In other words, the hidden camera hijinks occurred in the rarest of circumstances. Like the fine print at the bottom of a contract, or those tiny disclaimers on television ads (stinkin' Weight Watchers... results may vary my a**), things are not as they appear. If most of the technicians did their job well, why show a bunch of morons messing up and pissing in sinks? Sadly, it's because people doing their jobs doesn't attract viewers; urination, on the other hand...

So what are we left with here? The viewers who don't know better are left paranoid about calling a freakin' repair technician! Even if there is very little evidence to support it. I find it strange that a show that exposes fraudulent claims can deceive its viewers into an unjustified mistrust. If you're truly a 'tough consumer', you'll take a critical look, not at the stories themselves, but at shows such as 20/20 and Dateline that air these stories. Hang on for the last 30 seconds, and you'll realize who's really trying to screw you.