There was a time when the Stars on Dancing with the Stars were C-list celebrities that had posed for Playboy.

But while Pamela Anderson is keeping the tradition of Holly Madison, Brooke Burke and Kim Kardashian alive on season 10, we've noticed a new, disturbing trend:

Reality TV is creating its own cycle of stars, as evidenced by Kate Gosselin and Jake Pavelka. Who are these individuals, if not supposedly real people that allegedly act like themselves on television?

For that, they've been dubbed actual celebrities and paired with professionals on the new season of Dancing with the Stars. The show used to be a destination for washed-up actors to remain in the spotlight for a few moments longer.

Now, it's just another step in the marketing of ABC-created stars.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.