Several weeks ago, 392 people showed up for an open audition to be QVC hosts.

The once-a-year open audition for the largest home shopping network offers us a window on how America shops - and how it is persuaded to buy.

The nominal stars of QVC are the budget clothing and jewelry designers, according to The New York Times, but it takes the host to move the merchandise.

It takes a special personality - a believable, likeable guy or gal - to persuade people to buy stuff from faded celebrities touting exercise programs and famous chefs with specialty cookware.

Who watches and buys this stuff?

I'll admit I do....