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9 Ways to Get Famous for Doing (Almost) Nothing

Sometimes, talent is secondary to becoming a celebrity. See the creative methods that got these notable names (Balloon Boy! Paris Hilton!) in the news. By Ali Gray (10 Photos)

Ali Gray on Oct 19, 2009 at 3:14PM

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9 Ways to Get Famous for Doing (Almost) Nothing

Amanda Schwab /Startraks; Bryan Cary/Startraks; Matt Rourke/AP; Mark Mainz/Getty

Sell Out Your Family and Friends

If you really want to stay in the public eye, you can't be afraid to talk smack about your nearest and dearest. Take cues from attention lovers such as Kathy Griffin (who actually has talent), Michael Lohan, Jon Gosselin and Dustin "Screech" Diamond, who can't seem to keep their mouths shut. Whether you pen a tell-all book exposing the darkest secrests of your family (Kathy) and friends (Screech), or just accept every interview invitation that comes your way, you have to be generous with your dish. Writing open letters to your movie-star daughter and mudslinging your ex-wife on television are also highly encouraged.