BJD and other hobbies

Do you have another hobby aside from doll collection and customisation?
In a certain way, yes.

If yes, what is it?
Photography and writing. I said in a 'certain' way above because not photography nor writing are my hobbys in all the extention of the word. I enjoy them, but I'm not as fan of that as I am to the BJD Hobby. But recently, since all my dolls histories are created, my wishlist is full (and I'm rejecting the possibility of another doll to add, since I don't have even one...), and all the dolls I want already have assigned wigs and eyes, there is nothing more to do with the BJD hobby in that way. I see news, PHs, galleries and things like that everyday, but the doll adiction levels are kind of static right now.

How do comments such as the above affect your experience in the hobby of your choice, and in the doll collection hobby
My two hobbys (above) are mostly hand in hand with the doll collection hobby since, almost every doll has its own history and photographing the dolls is a central part of the doll hobby... And if somebody ever say something bad about my other hobbys, I wouldn't care; and if you look at it, it is more probable being criticized because you collect BJD's than being criticized because you photograph or write.

Heh, I couldn't answer to the other questions because they are too difficult for me (err, my English is poor when it comes to very detailed descriptions or a lot of large and confusing words )

 

If you have a spouse/SO, or someone close to you who has another hobby, have you used that hobby to defend your own? No spouse but listen to this. Okay, this is going to sound A BIT kooky, but part of the way that I explained ball joint dolls and the cost involved to my mum was by saying "It's kind of like how (my stepdad) is into gun dealing". Yes, the buying, selling, collecting and shooting of firearms.

Do you think that attitude is justifiable? HEY! They are similar! Seriously! They inhabit the same price range, which makes for less finger pointing when money is involved, especially since he has like, 30 guns. He buys them online, spends ages on obsessive cleaning and maintenance, takes special ones out to shoot with and show fellow gun enthusiasts, buys special grips and gun accessories, goes out to the gun club every weekend to shoot and talk guns, subscribes to gun themed magazines, buys gun books, the list goes on! AND when he no longer wants a gun he sells it on and they maintain the same value, and can appreciate if they're rare or in good condition.
Think about it!

 

Do you have another hobby aside from doll collection and customisation?
Yes I do have a number of other hobbies asside from doll collecting.

If yes, what is it?
- I play the violin.
- I do children volunteer work at medieval and folk fairs.
- I love to read fantasy and history books.
- I collect anything Elfquest, Doctor Who & Tim Burton related
- I love going to see movies (I have a cinema unlimited card)

How do comments such as the above affect your experience in the hobby of your choice, and in the doll collection hobby?
It does not affect me in the least, It's great that people can be interested in more than one hobby.

If you have a spouse/SO, or someone close to you who has another hobby, have you used that hobby to defend your own?
Hmmmm no not in that way. I have had to use the whole "I make my own money so i can spend it on whatever I want" excuse on my parents (but not only because of my doll collection)

Do you think that attitude is justifiable? Why/Why not?
Yes, everyone is entitled to their own oppinion. as long as noone attacks me on account of my non-doll hobbies they can say whatever they want.

 

Do you have another hobby aside from doll collection and customisation?
I guess so

If yes, what is it?
When I have the cash I also like putting together and painting garage kits (also resin)
I practice Kung fu
I paint on canvas
I collect anime vinal figures and action figures
I collect manga, comics books and graphic novels
I play computer games
I play Magic the Gathering


How do comments such as the above affect your experience in the hobby of your choice, and in the doll collection hobby?
I have alot of guy friends and i dont realy mention my doll hobby to them, if they do mention it (due to me posting pics on facebook) its useualy to say WTF? and HOW MUCH!? I explain the hobby say they are investments and then change the subject, but it doesnt bother me.

If you have a spouse/SO, or someone close to you who has another hobby, have you used that hobby to defend your own? (Either to others or to yourself.)
my boyfriend loves fashion design and can make patterns, and well.. you can see how we get along ^_^
he does restrict me on the cost sometimes (when ive earnt enough he doesn't mind as long as i can pay bills and such) we did have a small argument on a UNOA doll.. (which i still very much want one) because of the absurd price. i cant use his hobbys against him because he doesnt spend alot all at once..just in small bits, but im sure his amounts up over a year to the price of doll things...or even more. >_<

Do you think that attitude is justifiable? Why/Why not?
as a one time payment it IS alot of money, we do want to move house and have a nice environment to live in, so the attitude is fine, and im glad i have someone to stop me taking out a loan for a doll rather than for a mortgage.

 

Do you have another hobby aside from doll collection and customisation?
Yes.
If yes, what is it?
Reading I have a ton of books.
How do comments such as the above affect your experience in the hobby of your choice, and in the doll collection hobby? (By which I mean, do the comments make you second-guess your other hobby, or do they not affect you in any way? Do they make your experiences in the BJD hobby less enjoyable by creating a hostile atmosphere, or do you see them just as a commentary on the different ways people spend their money? Or anything else, as well.)
I now have two vices. Other people go out every night or every weekend and spend a lot of money. I don't second guess my reading, because it's just one of the thinks I do and I enjoy it. Both of my hobbies are fairy time and money intensive, but I enjoy them what others say is just what they think. Does not really apply to me.
If you don't have another hobby, what is your opinion on how those comments affect the BJD community? (See explanation above)
N/A
If you have a spouse/SO, or someone close to you who has another hobby, have you used that hobby to defend your own? (Either to others or to yourself.)
Never had to do that.
Do you think that attitude is justifiable? Why/Why not?
Not really, because it's more of a to each their own kinda thing. If people want to buy and collect dolls, sure! If they want to collect corks from champaign bottles, sure! As I said, to each their own.

 

Do you have another hobby aside from doll collection and customisation?

If yes, what is it? I'm an avid reader, love to scrapbook & have a whole room devoted to it - it's also where I do alot of my artistic dolly things.

How do comments such as the above affect your experience in the hobby of your choice, and in the doll collection hobby? No, I just do what makes me happy and could care less what others think. I don't advertise my hobbies to others, but if they come to my house, they see. I'm in my 30's, married w/ 3 kids and a stay at home mom.

If you don't have another hobby, what is your opinion on how those comments affect the BJD community? Not sure my comments matter too much, as I'm new to the BJD community in regards to posting. I don't have any cred yet! LOL I'm a lurker!

If you have a spouse/SO, or someone close to you who has another hobby, have you used that hobby to defend your own? My husband golfs. Talk about an expensive hobby!!! He also has Poker nights w/ the guys. He completely supports my hobby (financially too since I stay at home w/ the kids!). He even bought me 3 dolls when he went to China on business - I can't complain at all. He's the best! We also have our own hobbies together.

Do you think that attitude is justifiable? Why/Why not? I don't have any attitude, because it's not necessary. I just do what makes me happy, as does my spouse & we are supportive of each other.

 

Do you have another hobby aside from doll collection and customization?

Yes~

If yes, what is it?

- Fashion
- Baking/Cooking
- Karaoke
- Language Study
- Photography
- Reading manga + watching anime
- Lolita + Fairy Kei fashion
- etc etc

How do comments such as the above affect your experience in the hobby of your choice, and in the doll collection hobby?

It honestly doesn't bother me at all, people can have their own opinions, so long as they aren't trying to be mean-spirited or antagonistic, I don't really care too much.

If you don't have another hobby, what is your opinion on how those comments affect the BJD community?

N/A

If you have a spouse/SO, or someone close to you who has another hobby, have you used that hobby to defend your own?

..Hmm, my boyfriend doesn't have many hobbies. And regarding hobbies, I would say my boyfriends most expensive hobby would be... Me? LOL! Just kidding..! He likes gaming but that's about it. And I've never used his interests to defend my own~

Do you think that attitude is justifiable? Why/Why not?

I'm pretty neutral about most things - and I suppose that's what makes it justifiable? Can't really justify an attitude that doesn't exist, haha~

 

Do you have another hobby aside from doll collection and customisation? If yes, what is it?

My sewing and doll making is what led me to BJDs, so they kinda slot in with my general artistic ventures. I see them more as a tool for my creativity and imagination than a stand-alone hobby. Apart from that, yes, I'm into getting fit and healthy right now, and also just started horse riding again. As well as the general sci-fi/Star Trek/geekery that is part of my life! And along with large tattoo projects, my list of expensive hobbies grows...

How do comments such as the above affect your experience in the hobby of your choice, and in the doll collection hobby? I don't really see how it could at all? If someone said 'My friend has her horse riding, I have my dolls', I don't really see how that could offend me if I do both? I'm just happy I have the time and money for it?! I don't really get how this could upset me or am I missing the point? Unless they said it in a way like 'My friend has her stupid horses that she wastes all her money on, I have my amazing dolls that are worth SOOOO much more and SOOOO much better', and then I would just laugh cos that person is obviously bitter and insecure and not worth my time!

If you have a spouse/SO, or someone close to you who has another hobby, have you used that hobby to defend your own? Sure, if a friend mutters how expensive they are, I may point out that they spend just as much on X,Y,Z hobby/pursuit, which they get enjoyment out of as I get enjoyment from my dolls. I don't say my dolls are 'better' than their hobbies, I'm just putting it into a perspective they can relate to?

Do you think that attitude is justifiable? Why/Why not? If its said in a spiteful way, then no, but if you're just trying to make a point of how the dolls fit into your live vs how X hobby fits into another person's life, its fine.

 

Do you have another hobby aside from doll collection and customisation?
Yup.

If yes, what is it?

The ones that take a lot of money are collecting kimono and collecting kanzashi. I also have a pile of Coach bags, but I don't really consider that a hobby of mine (though I do believe it can be a hobby). The ones that don't take so much money are role-playing, my online games, reading, writing, and music. At the moment I also run a blog about my kimono and kanzashi, and I'm trying to get an RP started as well.

How do comments such as the above affect your experience in the hobby of your choice, and in the doll collection hobby?

I don't think comments like those are necessarily negative. Some of it is just a real-life "some people juggle geese" sort of thing -- that is, it's just an acknowledgement that different people are interested in different things. You can usually tell from the context of the comment whether or not it's just a innocent comment or something meant to be judgmental. If it's just an innocent comment, it doesn't really affect me at all, mostly because it's true. Different people like different things. If it's a judgmental comment, though, it just makes me think less of the person making the comment. It doesn't make me second-guess my other hobbies or make me thing the BJD community is hostile or anything.

If you have a spouse/SO, or someone close to you who has another hobby, have you used that hobby to defend your own? I haven't, but I have been known to point out to my parents that there are much worse things I could be doing with my time and resources. I could see myself doing it if someone was giving me a really hard time over ANY of my hobbies, though.

Do you think that attitude is justifiable? Why/Why not?
Justified? I don't know about that, but i think it's a perfectly reasonable reaction.

 

Do you have another hobby aside from doll collection and customisation?
Hell yeag

If yes, what is it?
Well watching anime, drawing anime, uhh cosplaying anime, pretty much anything anime... Oh i love to skateboard and also sit on my computer and play MMOs for hours at a time... and i do mean hours.

How do comments such as the above affect your experience in the hobby of your choice, and in the doll collection hobby?
Well they don't really have an affect on my experience... But it does hurt when i get made fun of for liking dolls.

If you don't have another hobby, what is your opinion on how those comments affect the BJD community?
Not applicable~

If you have a spouse/SO, or someone close to you who has another hobby, have you used that hobby to defend your own? (Either to others or to yourself.)
Yes actually my girl friend is really into bondage (I have never taken part, nor will i ever, she tells me what she thinks is hot)... weird i know... so one day she was like how can you like something so creepy. And i was like, Da talking about. You drip hot candle wax on people tied up and they somehow get sexually aroused that way... so dont you say anything!

Do you think that attitude is justifiable? Why/Why not?
Yeah of course. Just let people do what they want to do.

 

Do you have another hobby aside from doll collection and customisation?
I sure do, yes.

If yes, what is it?
Russian Pointe (ballet), other dance forms, drawing, graphic art, photography, shopping + fashion, literature, and collecting assorted photography prints. This is just to name a few.

How do comments such as the above affect your experience in the hobby of your choice, and in the doll collection hobby? I am simply unfazed by what others say. If I take others' words to heart, I probably wouldn't own my resin kin or be posting on this site.

If you have a spouse/SO, or someone close to you who has another hobby, have you used that hobby to defend your own? I have many times, yes. I think it is unfair that my father gets to spend thousands of dollars on hunting eqquipment without shooting a single deer in the season, or that my friends get into other highly expesive hobbies but look down on the girl who fancies resin ball jointed dolls. I'm using these boys as outlets to creativity and so on, benefitting me in my own way.

Do you think that attitude is justifiable? Why/Why not
I do think you can make very valid points with such a way of adressing the issue, but like many say. Anything is good in moderation, too much and it becomes unhealthy.

 

Do you have another hobby aside from doll collection and customisation?
Yes!

If yes, what is it?
I'm a costumer in the furry community. AKA: Fursuiter

How do comments such as the above affect your experience in the hobby of your choice, and in the doll collection hobby?
More oft than not, I expect a negative response. People don't quite understand why somebody would want to dress up in a fuzzy animal costume and parade around. It's a form of escapism, and I get to play. I don't wear it every day, just to furry meet and greets, etc. I try to tell people to think of it as cosplaying, but as my own character. And more times I receive positive feedback and people wanting hugs. I think when connecting it to BJDs, it's expected I'll be making replicas of my characters. :3

If you have a spouse/SO, or someone close to you who has another hobby, have you used that hobby to defend your own?
Yes, and I just said it. Cosplaying is nearly 100% the same as what I do with my costume.

Do you think that attitude is justifiable? Why/Why not?
Yes! Again, why should somebody make fun of me, make rude remarks about my hobby when it's something a lot of people do anyway - just with other characters? It's all harmless fun.

 

Do you have another hobby aside from doll collection and customisation?
Yes.

If yes, what is it?
I would say photography, but for me it's somewhere between an overgrown hobby and a career that isn't paying the bills yet. It's certainly a pursuit that meshes well with the doll hobby, though.

I've got a lot of things that I do that are hobby-type stuff, but that I don't do heavily enough to call a full-blown hobby. I play the occasional video game, watch the occasional anime, etc. I used to be really into modifying and racing (not street racing) cars, but that was years ago.

I collect anime/game/scifi figures, which is actually what lead me to the doll hobby in the firsit place.

How do comments such as the above affect your experience in the hobby of your choice, and in the doll collection hobby?

As I say, photography and dolls go together pretty well. There's also a lot of anime involvement in the scene, with convention meets and all that.

If you have a spouse/SO, or someone close to you who has another hobby, have you used that hobby to defend your own?

My GF actually got into the doll hobby at the same time as me, and already has four (I only just got my first!), so it's a total non-issue.

Do you think that attitude is justifiable? Why/Why not?

Can't really respond there.

 

Do you have another hobby aside from doll collection and customisation?
Yeap, sure do~
- Reading manga as well as novels
- Collecting some childhood books
- Playing some online games
- I love decorating things (eg. masquerade mask, lolita accessories)
- Drawing/Sketching out some clothes

How do comments such as the above affect your experience in the hobby of your choice, and in the doll collection hobby?
I think both BJD and my other hobbies goes fine together for they are quite the same as in they are well related to arts and designs Actually, I think hobbies should not be measured by monetary means some time for what matters is whether it suits my choice for hobby or not

If you have a spouse/SO, or someone close to you who has another hobby, have you used that hobby to defend your own? (Either to others or to yourself.)
So far, my spouse, family and friends have never said anything about my hobby for everyone have different hobbies like my husband would prefer computer games and building his computer to be updated while myself, the things that I love is totally different from his but instead of defending, we respect each other's hobbies and get to know them and I find that some of my husband's hobbies are quite interesting and I join in as well and he loves my doll as well and in fact, he's the one who encourages me to buy it While for my family, I would say they think that it's a healthy hobby though and friends, most of them love this doll hobby

Do you think that attitude is justifiable? Why/Why not?
Well, I think I'll stay neutral for I think everyone has a different hobby so rather than defending your own hobby against others, why not just share them and you might gain a new hobby shared by your friends

 

Do you have another hobby aside from doll collection and customisation?
If yes, what is it?

Mainly playing JRPGs or other types of video games. I have 7 different systems and hundreds of games. I also read a lot of fiction, most of which has lately been in the fantasy genre. I read manga and watch anime as well, plus I like watching several shows/documentaries on Netflix. I also play piano, but this is a hobby that comes and goes often. Finally, I like putting together jigsaw puzzles.

How do comments such as the above affect your experience in the hobby of your choice, and in the doll collection hobby?
At one time, certain comments annoyed me greatly. For instance, I've read comments implying that video games are an expensive hobby, which to me seemed ridiculous since I consider it such an extremely cheap hobby, especially relative to BJDs. But then I thought about how different approaches to both hobbies can be. For me personally, it's very easy to spend over $1000 a month on BJD stuff. With my video games, I wait until a game has been around at least a few months and rarely pay over $20 a game. Typically, a game lasts me two weeks. It's extremely rare for me to spend over $100 on video games a month. However, some people may spend an average of less than $100 on BJDs stuff a month. People who buy dolls rarely and do their own face-ups/make their own clothes can get by with spending much less than I do. With video games, some people may buy a game as soon as it's released for $60 and finish it in a few days and then buy all the expansions. They also may buy new systems before waiting for a price drop or pay a lot of monthly fees for online games. I can see how this could add up to be greater than the cost of BJDs.

If you have a spouse/SO, or someone close to you who has another hobby, have you used that hobby to defend your own? (Either to others or to yourself.)
No, I've never felt the need to defend it.

 

Do you have another hobby aside from doll collection and customization?
yep. :3

If yes, what is it?
i play video games(mostly JRPGs and Pokemon),watch anime/read manga, care for betta fish, draw, and write short stories.

How do comments such as the above affect your experience in the hobby of your choice, and in the doll collection hobby?
well... in all my hobbies, people can say they're expensive, except the bettas. people often say fish are cheap, throw-away pets that die easy. they'd HATE to know how much i've spent total on my babies! xD in one trip alone, i spent $50 on stuff for one fish. :d the bettas, and the dolls, may be my most expensive hobbies! xD but, they're all relaxing hobbies to me. and, my anime hobby happened to help me start developing a character for dear Sven!

If you have a spouse/SO, or someone close to you who has another hobby, have you used that hobby to defend your own?
oh, yes. xD many times. people call my fish stupid, i call their hobby(whatever it may be) stupid. x: people call my dolls creepy, i call their creepiest hobby creepy.

Do you think that attitude is justifiable? Why/Why not?
probably not. >.>; it's a touch childish, honestly. what i SHOULD say is "you like what you like, i like what i like. i don't diss your hobby, don't diss mine."

 

Do you have another hobby aside from doll collection and customisation?

Several.

If yes, what is it?

I breed pedigree cats on a very small scale. I love stitching (cross stitch/embroidery) and knitting. I build/decorate dolls' houses and dress/wig the dolls for it. I play computer games - especially The Sims 3. I like cooking, gardening and photography.

How do comments such as the above affect your experience in the hobby of your choice, and in the doll collection hobby?

Not at all. Because I have so many hobbies, I know that people in each of those fields have their own special dos/don'ts and sets of rules that will seem petty or incomprehensible to those who are not immersed in that particular hobby. I am not 'immersed' in any of my hobbies. I'm more like 'wading' in them.
I think that changes my outlook - as well as limiting the funds I have to indulge in any one of them.

If you have a spouse/SO, or someone close to you who has another hobby, have you used that hobby to defend your own? (Either to others or to yourself.)

No. I don't feel the need to defend any of my hobbies. I do feel that I have the responsibility to my family to be reasonable about the amount of money I spend - so I decided a long time ago to give myself a 'hobby allowance'. As long as I only spend that money and not the household budget, I don't feel the need to justify exactly how I spend it. Not to my family, and certainly not to friends or relatives.

Do you think that attitude is justifiable? Why/Why not?

Yes. Basically I'm a 'live and let live' person - I will discuss my hobbies on a mature level, but I don't see the need to waste my time debating with people who are not making any effort to understand.

 

Do you have another hobby aside from doll collection and customisation?

Yes, of course, I have many hobbies.

If yes, what is it?

I like to read (mainly non-fiction, but some genre fiction as well), write a bit (fiction and poetry), some anime, a lot of manga, I've been studying Japanese for some time now, touring historical houses and churches, sewing and embroidery.

How do comments such as the above affect your experience in the hobby of your choice, and in the doll collection hobby?

I've run into this kind of attitude in regards to some of my other hobbies, especially my long-time interest in Japanese language and culture. But look at the money that some people spend on attending football games (especially the ones who travel to see their favorite teams in the play-offs)! My Dad was a big golf fan and would spend $$$ every year for country club fees so he could play on a local course. Everyone has their own poison!

If you have a spouse/SO, or someone close to you who has another hobby, have you used that hobby to defend your own? (Either to others or to yourself.)

My husband and I have had this discussion. He has some expensive hobbies and I did bring up that point when I first decided I wanted to get a BJD. I think that is what got him to agree.

Do you think that attitude is justifiable? Why/Why not?

Certainly it's justifiable! When he comes to me and wants to buy something expensive (we always consult one another with purchases), he explains why he wants something. I usually agree, unless he just purchased something expensive just recently. Gotta fit things in the budget!

 

I have several hobbies other than dolls. My favorite is coin collecting. Many people would find it boring but I love to hold a 150 year old coin and think about all the differant type of people who have held that coin before me. I have worried about what others thought about my hobbies or if they down played then in the past . I am now over 40 and with age has also comes a differant view point. As long as my hobbies make me happy,I can afford them and they don't harm anyone I don't care what others think. I have gotten to old to live my life based on what others think.

 

Do you have another hobby aside from doll collection and customisation?

I have multiple hobbies. Dolls are one of many things I like.

If yes, what is it?

I model (as in, photography), I blog and write, I knit, and I like fashion. I have potential hobbies I've stared at and haven't had the time for (fire spinning/dance, martial arts, beading, sculpture, sewing, skateboarding, singing, learning other instruments), and hobbies I've had to set aside so that I can work and go to school (belly dance, playing piano). I read when I can, but I don't know if I count reading as a hobby. I make websites, also. i'm sure I've forgotten something.

How do comments such as the above affect your experience in the hobby of your choice, and in the doll collection hobby? (By which I mean, do the comments make you second-guess your other hobby, or do they not affect you in any way? Do they make your experiences in the BJD hobby less enjoyable by creating a hostile atmosphere, or do you see them just as a commentary on the different ways people spend their money? Or anything else, as well.)

How is it hostile? This is someone's opinion--they like dolls, and dolls are their specific hobby. I have multiple hobbies, and I get around to them when I'm in the mood or when I have the time. They cost money, so I have to be smart about my credit card and my spending, so I don't get in over my head.

If you don't have another hobby, what is your opinion on how those comments affect the BJD community? (See explanation above)

N/A

If you have a spouse/SO, or someone close to you who has another hobby, have you used that hobby to defend your own? (Either to others or to yourself.)

Why would I do that? My boyfriend has his hobbies, and I have mine. He's more frugal with his money and he questions when I spend to make sure I don't get in trouble--past that he doesn't care. And, he shouldn't. I support his interests and he supports mine.

Do you think that attitude is justifiable? Why/Why not?

Which attitude? I think I answered this question already.