Until recently, famous people became famous for what they created - operas, movies, evil empires.

Reality TV participants, however, are famous for nothing - nothing more than being themselves, that is. Further fame usually comes from revealing more and more of themselves ... until? Is there such a thing as too much information?

Rob and Amber, no last names required - which, for the record, are Mariano and Brkich, respectively - are billed as "the royal couple of reality TV."

They are the star attraction at the Fall Edmonton Woman's Show at Northlands AgriCom this weekend. What will they be doing, exactly? Being themselves.

Through three seasons of Survivor, one of The Amazing Race and countless specials and appearances, "We've turned being ourselves into a job," as Amber says. "It's the best job in the world."

We saw them fall in love on TV. We saw them get married on TV. We will see their children grow up on TV. And if, God forbid, they break up, tabloid TV will have a feeding frenzy that will make Brad and Angelina look like chum. More reality shows starring Rob and Amber seem inevitable.

We, the public, have adopted these perfectly ordinary people as our favourite perfectly ordinary couple. There but for the grace of God. We want our Ed-TV - for real.

Amber is loading the dishwasher when reached at her Florida home this week - just like any perfectly ordinary person with a dishwasher. She says she doesn't think of herself as famous. It's not because she thinks she hasn't "earned" it, either.

"I've hung out with all these different celebrities, but I still don't consider myself as one of them," she says. "I still see myself as Amber who grew up near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with normal friends and normal family.

"I still feel like I have somewhat of a normal life. People become famous for many different reasons, no matter how you, as you say, earn it. I think that because I was brought up so well and I'm such a grounded person, I don't think it's affected me at all."

Even fame for being famous can help develop creative ideas. Reality show contestants need not end up like Zsa Zsa Gabor or her modern version, Paris Hilton. Amber is soon to be a published author with the release of Amber's Advice - directed at the young girls who have written to her throughout her reality show fame. She offers an off-the-cuff sample:

Dear Amber: I'm a 14-year-old girl who went on a date with a really cute boy a week ago. We had a really good time, but he hasn't called. What should I do?

Amber's advice: "You're not going to meet the man of your dreams yet. It'll hurt now, but don't let him see it. Why don't you give him a call? Back him up in the corner and ask him why he hasn't called you. If he says it's because he doesn't want to see you, then say fine, and move on."

Rob has likewise been trying to branch out. The former construction worker will star in a CBS Early Show segment called Rob to the Rescue, in which he will "fix" anything from windowsills to relationships, according to Amber.

How long can they remain famous on the talk show and women's show circuit? How long do they want to be famous for being themselves?

Amber says that while there is much they keep to themselves, they're "going back and forth" on a proposed Nick and Jessica-type reality show, the main issue being how much control they'll have.

Both are pretty much finished with the whole "I'm a prisoner on an island eating bugs" sort of thing. At least they'd want to get paid for it.

The bottom line is that as long as it's still fun, they'll keep doing whatever it is that they do.

"I'm sure down the road we'll be a thing of the past," Amber says. "It was pointed out in an interview that the fact I was on Survivor will probably be written on my gravestone. I guess it will be with me for the rest of my life.

"I think the press has been extremely supportive, and I think we've both learned that it's whatever your friends and family think that's important. They were there before and they'll still be there afterwards."

Rob and Amber are scheduled to be themselves for your entertainment at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. Call 490-0215 for details.