'Whisperer' concept breeds copycats

Many different variations have emerged

By JON WEISMAN

'Ghost Whisperer'
• 'Dog Whisperer' Photo Gallery

In 1995, the publication of Nicholas Evans' "The Horse Whisperer" introduced mainstream America to the concept of whispering as something other than telling your kids to use their indoor voice. Rather, a whisperer emerged as someone who communicates on an entirely different level than typical humans.

Cesar Millan further popularized the term when he met TV viewers as the Dog Whisperer in 2004. Undaunted, CBS presented Jennifer Love Hewitt in primetime as "The Ghost Whisperer" starting in 2005. Though those are the most famous cases, suffice it to say the "whisperer" concept has bred plenty more variations. Here are a few true examples:

BIRD WHISPERER: Avian expert Ken Globus adopted the moniker while treating nature's winged creatures.

ELK WHISPERER: With a twist, this whisperer's story begins with him killing an elk, before he sees the light.

CART WHISPERER: This parody -- an online hit with more than 4 million views on YouTube -- was actually the linchpin of a VeriSign campaign addressing why Internet consumers abandon their virtual shopping carts before purchasing.

BABY WHISPERER: A how-to book for parents desperate to reverse the shrieking.

POTTY WHISPERER: Same target audience, next stage of life.

PANTS WHISPERER: Durex appropriated the term in a marketing campaign for condoms.

WOOD WHISPERER: This intriguing name relates to a clearinghouse for woodworking websites.