trying to make my own Fiddle Faddle/cracker jacks/kettle corn

[OhioGuy]

I've been experimenting with different recipes I've found online for
making some sort of sweet and slightly salty popcorn snack. I've
experimented with and without nuts, but not had very good success. For
example, two days ago I finally made something that I considered edible.

Too often, it just seems burnt or not very good tasting. I'm
wondering what the heck they do differently with the mass produced stuff
sold at retail?

Have any of you tried doing something like this? Is there some trick
to making a good batch? Thanks!

[albu...@mailinator.com]

Obvious.
You need to mix in some cheap plastic toys like a top and a few
stickers.