Do you feel that you should pretend to love dolls that you don’t?

I would definitely never pretend to love something I did not. In any hobby, it's fun to discuss both what you like and what you do not like. Sure, I might not like some of the dolls my friends like, but I enjoy hearing why they like the doll, and they don't mind when I say what I do not like about the mold. That's part of the hobby. It's awfully hard to properly enjoy a hobby when you can only talk about the things you like, and have to bite your tongue whenever you're asked about something you do not.
If someone goes out of their way to ask me for my opinion on my doll, then I'm going to give them my honest opinion. That doesn't mean being a tactless brat and going on and on about, "Oh, the lips are sooo ugly. And I hate the way the wig looks on her! She's not pretty at all." Is it really so difficult to say, "I don't really like her lips." and explain why? It goes both ways, though. I don't go on about how much I absolutely love a mold without saying why. I like to be able to see things and understand them how other people see and understand them. If somebody likes or does not like my doll, I enjoy hearing their opinion when they elaborate.
However, I do not think it's very couth to tell an owner what you don't like about their doll if they haven't even asked for your opinion. For example, when someone is talking to me about a video game they have played recently, I'm not suddenly going to stop them with, "Ugh. I hate that game, it's so stupid." I don't like when people do that to me, so I'm not about to do it to someone else. But when there's an open discussion about games going on, I don't mind if others comment on a game they dislike that happens to be one I adore. It's the same with gallery posts; I'm not going to go out of my way to view posts of molds I do not like, and then leave a comment saying how much I don't like the doll. I simply don't view posts with dolls I don't like. Why would I? But if there's a thread on the discussion or debate forum about different molds, I'm going to say which molds I don't like, why, as well as which molds I do like and why.

There's always a tactful way to express your opinion, whether it's positive or negative. Just because someone doesn't love your doll, doesn't mean they absolutely hate it or think it's the ugliest thing they've ever seen. It also doesn't mean they're trying to attack you. Likewise, just because I think your doll is pretty, doesn't mean I want one for myself.

 

Removed some questions for repetetiveness on my part. xD

-On the DOA boards where discussion and debates are the norm, do you feel that it is acceptable and safe to express dislike for a doll or doll company?
Yes, as long as you state is as an opinion, and not as a fact.

-Do you find that DOA members are overly sensitive to someone not liking their doll? Or do you totally understand the offended party and think people should only say good things on DOA about all dolls.
I understand the offended party, because dolls are often close to us (many consider them like children). You might be able to compare it to someone saying that they don't like little girls with blue eyes, while your blue eyed daughter is sitting next to you. Dolls don't quite compare to real people IMO, but it's just an example.
People don't have to only say good things here. Everyone's entitled to having and stating an opinion, I would just say don't be rude about it.

-Are you willing to admit that you don’t like a doll on the DOA board? I don’t mean in a thread where someone is showing off their particular doll. More like in a thread where people are discussing companies or aesthetics. It would be awkward to drop into someone’s thread just to tell them their doll was not to your liking wow.
I agree, it'd be kind of lame to pop into someone's thread just to say that I don't like their doll. But yeah, in general discussion I'd be fine saying I don't like a doll.

-Would you mind if someone said they were not into a doll you happened to own?
Again, as long as they're not rude, no. I have seen people insist that their opinion was a fact. They told everyone else (who didn't agree) that their opinion was wrong. I didn't own that doll, but that was annoying.

-Have you ever thought that you over reacted in the forum to someone expressing dislike of a doll you happen to own? If so what was it that made you so mad?
No, I've only seen people talk about disliking two of my dolls (for their size). But I don't think I ever commented.
I suppose that if someone was talking to me about their opinion of a certain doll's features, I'd give my opinion back.

-If someone dislikes a doll you happen to own do you try to convince that person that the doll is beautiful? If so why?
No, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.


EDIT:
Here's a fun question for everyone (if you don't mind me asking): How would you react if someone directly asked you if you liked their doll? Please note that this doesn't apply to critique requests.
Personally, if I don't really like their doll... well, I don't know what I'd say. xD I'd probably find something, like the color of their eyes or their fashion sense, to comment on instead. And hope that they don't pick up the fact that I'm not particularly fond of it. xD That's a tricky road and I hope I don't ever accidentally put someone on the spot like that.

On the other hand, if I DO like their doll (sigh of relief xD), I'd definately say yes and point out what I like best.

 

-On the DOA boards where discussion and debates are the norm, do you feel that it is acceptable and safe to express dislike for a doll or doll company?
Yes, one that is part of discussion and two how boring it would be if we all said "I love that mold" "that's a great doll". In fact it can be helpfull to others to hear what others think. I know that I've changed my mind after hearing about a mold or company that others have had problems with. This tends to be more about posability or other mechanical situations and not just aesthetic opinion.

-Do you find that DOA members are overly sensitive to someone not liking their doll? Or do you totally understand the offended party and think people should only say good things on DOA about all dolls.
Oh god yes. I cannot believe how defense many people here are. What's worse is that many that get defensive then personally attact the person who's opinion is different than their's. I've read too many posts were people refuse to let something go and just harp on and on about it (the owner of the doll). This tends to make the person who only stated a differing opinion, defensive and when they try to explain themselves to the other person, the owner, attact them right back.

I find that people here do not want to hear anything "bad" about the dolls. I'm sorry, but a discussion needs to have differing viewpoints and if all people say is "gushingly sweetly good" things then its not a discussion. I want to hear why a mold or sculpt isn't refine, realistic, or if it is. I want to hear about the good and bad points about the jointing on a doll. If the thread is about discussing the quality of a mold/company, it should not just be an ego stroking session for the owners because what really is the point of having a discussion. Of course it depends on where you are on DOA; One should not bash a minifee in the minifee discussion room, but talking about a minifee in a msd thread is fine. I also think its okay to say this mold of minifee isn't my favorite but this other one is.


-Are you willing to admit that you don’t like a doll on the DOA board? I don’t mean in a thread where someone is showing off their particular doll. More like in a thread where people are discussing companies or aesthetics. It would be awkward to drop into someone’s thread just to tell them their doll was not to your liking wow.
Yes, but I tend to talk about dolls that I've own and I state that I've owned it. I refuse to talk about other's dolls. I don't want to be attacted. If I don't like the doll, sculpt, coloring, face-up, clothes, I just keep my mouth shut. Many people will see insult where none was intended and its better not to give them something to use as an excuse.

Would you mind if someone said they were not into a doll you happened to own? (please, I am not looking for examples of one weirdo telling you to your face that your doll was horrible, anyone would hate that!)
I really don't give a... I would just shrug. Who really cares who likes what.



They are just dolls and not worth getting worked up over. This is something for me to enjoy and that's it. I don't need added stress because someone can't behave like an adult. Insults and screaming should just wash over us like water over a duck's back.

 

That's a great way to look at it. I didn't think about answering in that way. I would appreciate experienced advice (like color theory) as well.

 

-On the DOA boards where discussion and debates are the norm, do you feel that it is acceptable and safe to express dislike for a doll or doll company?

Sure. Everyone has likes and dislikes. What really matters is how you express your dislike.

-Do you find that DOA members are overly sensitive to someone not liking their doll? Or do you totally understand the offended party and think people should only say good things on DOA about all dolls.

While I haven't been a part of this community long, it's just like in any other situation. Some people are just overly sensitive or defensive. But, no, members should not be prevented from expressing negative opinions, it's only when those opinions are expressed in an immature or deliberately hurtful manner that problems arise.

-Are you willing to admit that you don’t like a doll on the DOA board? I don’t mean in a thread where someone is showing off their particular doll. More like in a thread where people are discussing companies or aesthetics.

I'll admit that there are molds that I don't particularly like. But I wouldn't say, even in a debate thread, that a particular doll is "ugly" when others express a love for it.

-Would you mind if someone said they were not into a doll you happened to own? (please, I am not looking for examples of one weirdo telling you to your face that your doll was horrible, anyone would hate that!)

Not at all. If someone told me that my doll just wasn't their taste, that would be just fine. As I said, everyone has their likes and dislikes.

-Do you find that you can’t help but feel offended/attacked/defensive when someone does not approve of a doll you happen to own? If so why?

While I don't have my doll yet, if someone said that they did not like the doll, my reaction would be dictated by how the dislike was expressed. If someone said it wasn't their taste, I'd say that's fine. But if someone were to do to me what was done to Xi-feng I'd have the right to feel offended. Behavior like that is just uncalled for in any kind of situation.

-Have you ever thought that you over reacted in the forum to someone expressing dislike of a doll you happen to own? If so what was it that made you so mad?

N/A

-If you are someone who does get defensive do you feel totally justified when you are mad? If so why?

N/A

-If someone dislikes a doll you happen to own do you try to convince that person that the doll is beautiful! If so why?

No. I'd just leave it alone.

 

I just don't comment. There's PLENTY of dolls that I just do not find appealing in any way and often wonder to myself why anyone likes them... But I'm not about to say it to someone. Everyone is different and deserves to express those differences without worry of retribution, especially from someone in the same hobby. Plus, I'm sure there's plenty who think my own doll choices are ghastly.

-On the DOA boards where discussion and debates are the norm, do you feel that it is acceptable and safe to express dislike for a doll or doll company?
Only if someone has asked for critique. Like I said, it's not my place to belittle someone's doll choice. Plus, I do NOT want to start a flame war.

-Do you find that DOA members are overly sensitive to someone not liking their doll? Or do you totally understand the offended party and think people should only say good things on DOA about all dolls.
I don't think they should ONLY say good things, but I think being mean or snooty for no reason is wrong.

-Are you willing to admit that you don’t like a doll on the DOA board? I don’t mean in a thread where someone is showing off their particular doll. More like in a thread where people are discussing companies or aesthetics. It would be awkward to drop into someone’s thread just to tell them their doll was not to your liking wow.
No, I'm not, unless asked directly. Like, if a friend is browsing dolls and comes across a mold I don't like and asks my opinion, I will voice my thoughts, but I don't think this is the place to do that.

-Would you mind if someone said they were not into a doll you happened to own? (please, I am not looking for examples of one weirdo telling you to your face that your doll was horrible, anyone would hate that!)
I wouldn't be offended if someone just simply didn't like my doll, that's fine with me. If they were rude or mean spirited about it, then I would get mad. Very mad.

-Do you find that you can’t help but feel offended/attacked/defensive when someone does not approve of a doll you happen to own? If so why?
Nope.

-Have you ever thought that you over reacted in the forum to someone expressing dislike of a doll you happen to own? If so what was it that made you so mad?
I tend to avoid people and posts like that. The less drama the better. If I see a post where a specific doll is being attacked, I avoid it like the plague.

-If you are someone who does get defensive do you feel totally justified when you are mad? If so why?
I try to save my rage for other issues that are more important to me.

-If someone dislikes a doll you happen to own do you try to convince that person that the doll is beautiful! If so why?
No, everyone is different. I would ask that they take a look at my doll specifically to see if it was just the faceup they'd seen that didn't like (like this weekend at a doll meet I was asked several times about my Dark Elf Soo because she doesn't look like a typical DES, even though she has an old default faceup). If they still don't like the doll, it's easier to try and stop the tide from changing. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

 

"If you can't say anything nice (or at least helpful) don't say anything at all."

with the exception of things like when someone has requested a critique of their work... in which case things have to be stated carefully with hopefully some balance between strengths and weaknesses.

I might not "get" something that is particularly attractive about a doll, or what an owner has done to it... but ya' know, if it's their doll they can express whatever they need or want to with it. (for so many the doll represents a character who has a history, some of it leaves a mark, just like in real life. )
I don't have to approve or like it, to still appreciate that it's what that person likes, and it's all ok.

 

So the questions are:
On the DOA boards where discussion and debates are the norm, do you feel that it is acceptable and safe to express dislike for a doll or doll company? Sure, why not? As long as the discussion doesn't resort to ad hominens. Plus backing up why a person doesn't like a certain doll or company is required for the sake of a good debate.

Do you find that DOA members are overly sensitive to someone not liking their doll? Or do you totally understand the offended party and think people should only say good things on DOA about all dolls. I ignore discussions where people fire shots at other people's dolls.

Are you willing to admit that you don’t like a doll on the DOA board? I don’t mean in a thread where someone is showing off their particular doll. More like in a thread where people are discussing companies or aesthetics. It would be awkward to drop into someone’s thread just to tell them their doll was not to your liking wow. I don't think I've seen a doll I hate. Some I like more than others.

Would you mind if someone said they were not into a doll you happened to own? (please, I am not looking for examples of one weirdo telling you to your face that your doll was horrible, anyone would hate that!) I'm very thick skinned and don't bother about this kind of behaviour. Don't like my dolls? Tell someone who cares.

Do you find that you can’t help but feel offended/attacked/defensive when someone does not approve of a doll you happen to own? If so why? See above.

Have you ever thought that you over reacted in the forum to someone expressing dislike of a doll you happen to own? If so what was it that made you so mad? Call me apathetic...

If you are someone who does get defensive do you feel totally justified when you are mad? If so why? N/A

If someone dislikes a doll you happen to own do you try to convince that person that the doll is beautiful! If so why? Have better things to do with my time.

 

-On the DOA boards where discussion and debates are the norm, do you feel that it is acceptable and safe to express dislike for a doll or doll company?No, not always. There seem to be a number of people to whom 'I don't like Mold A" or "I really dislike Company B" means "I hate your doll and you're stupid for buying it" even when nothing of the sort was said or meant.

-Do you find that DOA members are overly sensitive to someone not liking their doll? Or do you totally understand the offended party and think people should only say good things on DOA about all dolls.
Ohh, yeah. Some people are definitely oversensitive. I try not to be, but I think I have had my own moments, though they quickly passed when I told myself to grow the hell up. I think we should be able to say "Hey, you know, Doll A's face is kind of odd" or "I think Doll B's body looks like she had really bad plastic surgery" if that's how we feel without worrying about hurting someone's poor ickle feelings about their dollies. As long as no-one's going "I think Owner X has a really ugly Doll Y and someone should smash it" or anything of that sort, no-one should take a simple statement of opinion personally or be offended by it.

-Are you willing to admit that you don’t like a doll on the DOA board? I don’t mean in a thread where someone is showing off their particular doll. More like in a thread where people are discussing companies or aesthetics. It would be awkward to drop into someone’s thread just to tell them their doll was not to your liking wow.
Yes. I am and I have, but only in discussion threads for those particular dolls. I wouldn't dream of going into someone's personal thread and going "OMG your doll looks like a two year old went at it with a sharpie!" even if it does. Unless I am asked my opinion of an individual doll, I will not give it. In discussions of molds and companies however, I am more than willing to voice my thoughts. If I think a mold looks like it's had its face smashed in with a frying pan I'm going to say so.

-Would you mind if someone said they were not into a doll you happened to own? (please, I am not looking for examples of one weirdo telling you to your face that your doll was horrible, anyone would hate that!)
Er...no. Sometimes I might even agree with them about some of their points,actually. (You will never hear an argument from me, for example, that Bobobie bodies are horribly annoying and have hideous hands, or that Dollzone makes really odd looking dolls.) everyone has different tastes and there are some molds whose appeal I absolutely cannot fathom in the least. I should hope that others could read that statement attached to a particular doll and not be personally offended. I can name a couple of my guys off the top of my head whose molds I *know* a lot of people would euw over. *cough*Ark*cough* It doesn't bother me one little bit. Different strokes, yeah?

-Do you find that you can’t help but feel offended/attacked/defensive when someone does not approve of a doll you happen to own? If so why?
Of course not. Unless someone is going "OMG, Hominivorax's Ark is the fugliest thing I have ever seen!" I don't particularly care. Not every person has to love every single mold they see, and it would be much more boring if they did.

-Have you ever thought that you over reacted in the forum to someone expressing dislike of a doll you happen to own? If so what was it that made you so mad?
N/A


-If you are someone who does get defensive do you feel totally justified when you are mad? If so why?
N/A

-If someone dislikes a doll you happen to own do you try to convince that person that the doll is beautiful! If so why?Absolutely not. that would be completely obnoxious of anyone to do, just as trying to do the opposite would be. If someone doesn't like the mold of a doll, they don't like it and no amount of badgering and whining and "But he's beeeeautiful to meeee! You just need to look at him again and you'll see it!" is going to change their mind and will probably do no more than make them even more set against it. Honestly, I have this same issue with anything: dolls, books, movies, etc. Different people have different tastes and they should be allowed to.

Here's a fun question for everyone (if you don't mind me asking): How would you react if someone directly asked you if you liked their doll? Please note that this doesn't apply to critique requests. Well, in that case...they'd better be damn sure they wanted my opinion. If I didn't like their doll, I'd tell them. Probably as politely as possible, depending on how much I liked them, but I would still tell them. If someone wants my opinion, I'm going to give it to them, even if it isn't gushing approval, and I would hope they'd do the same with me. If they or I were to get offended then, well, they/I would have to remember that they/I asked for my/their opinion.

 

-On the DOA boards where discussion and debates are the norm, do you feel that it is acceptable and safe to express dislike for a doll or doll company?

Acceptable, yes, safe, maybe or maybe not. If people are allowed to state why they love a doll or a company so much why shouldn't a person be allowed to express their dislikes? As long as they are blatantly saying disrespectful things and being downright hateful I don't see why they can't express their dislikes. If they are tasteful with it then let the opinion be shared.
​

-Do you find that DOA members are overly sensitive to someone not liking their doll? Or do you totally understand the offended party and think people should only say good things on DOA about all dolls.

I haven't exactly seen people stating their dislike with dolls, nor the response to it, so I'm not one to comment if members are over sensitive or not.
​

-Are you willing to admit that you don’t like a doll on the DOA board? I don’t mean in a thread where someone is showing off their particular doll. More like in a thread where people are discussing companies or aesthetics. It would be awkward to drop into someone’s thread just to tell them their doll was not to your liking wow.

Yes. If asked, or if the question required an honest answer, then yes. There are dolls that I don't favor at all. But I'm not going to tell a person, or comment, saying that the doll is ugly, hideous, or using any other harsh words. That would just be rude. If asked I would be polite as possible trying not to offend anyone.
​

-Would you mind if someone said they were not into a doll you happened to own? (please, I am not looking for examples of one weirdo telling you to your face that your doll was horrible, anyone would hate that!)

Nope. That's their opinion. If they don't like it all I need to do is accept it. Not everyone likes what I like after all.
​

-Do you find that you can’t help but feel offended/attacked/defensive when someone does not approve of a doll you happen to own? If so why?

No. I'm not quick to get defensive over things over that. As before stated, people are entitled to opinions. I want them to respect mine so I'm going to respect theirs.
​

-Have you ever thought that you over reacted in the forum to someone expressing dislike of a doll you happen to own? If so what was it that made you so mad?

Hasn't happened before.
​

-If you are someone who does get defensive do you feel totally justified when you are mad? If so why?

Hasn't happened before.
​

-If someone dislikes a doll you happen to own do you try to convince that person that the doll is beautiful! If so why?

I may or may not try. I mean, every one is entitled to their opinions are they not? Everyone thinks differently, everyone has different opinions on beauty. What I think is beautiful another person may completely and totally disagree with and I don't know how to convince them otherwise.
​

 

If I'm just looking at company pictures with a friend*, I'm not shy about saying how much a sculpt/mold does NOT appeal to me, but when broadcasting my thoughts to the interwebs at large, if I can't say something nice, I try to just not say anything at all. And I try to be more generous with owner pictures than company pictures in general. It's one thing to not like a sculpt looking at a company website, but I feel mean if I think 'oh, that's ugly' when I'm looking at the photos taken by a loving doll owner.

But I like a lot of different looks and company aesthetics, so there aren't that many times where I have something not-nice to say to begin with.

=^__^=
Anneko

*After ascertaining that she's not in love with the doll in question, of course!

 

-On the DOA boards where discussion and debates are the norm, do you feel that it is acceptable and safe to express dislike for a doll or doll company?

I think is should be, but I understand that someone might take offense to even the most carefully worded comment, which is why DOA has the rules that it has.

-Do you find that DOA members are overly sensitive to someone not liking their doll? Or do you totally understand the offended party and think people should only say good things on DOA about all dolls.

I haven't seen any, but I wouldn't doubt that there might be some out there. Personally, I don't think it'd be a true discussion board if all we could say was "OMG that sculpt is SOOO Pretty!" or "I love all BJD companies and think all of these dolls on DOA are the prettiest dolls ever!".

-Are you willing to admit that you don’t like a doll on the DOA board? I don’t mean in a thread where someone is showing off their particular doll. More like in a thread where people are discussing companies or aesthetics. It would be awkward to drop into someone’s thread just to tell them their doll was not to your liking wow.

I might, if I felt that it would add something to the discussion. I would also use the compliment sandwich (ex: I really like the faceup on that doll, even though I'm not a fan of the sculpt. I also really like the outfit!)

-Would you mind if someone said they were not into a doll you happened to own? (please, I am not looking for examples of one weirdo telling you to your face that your doll was horrible, anyone would hate that!)

Recently I had a girl mention that she didn't like the sculpts for AoD, and I have an AoD coming in.

-Do you find that you can’t help but feel offended/attacked/defensive when someone does not approve of a doll you happen to own? If so why?

Aside from that time, I haven't seen any AoD criticisms. I wasn't offended the first time, and I doubt I'll get offended in the future.

-Have you ever thought that you over reacted in the forum to someone expressing dislike of a doll you happen to own? If so what was it that made you so mad?

Hasn't happened to me yet.

-If someone dislikes a doll you happen to own do you try to convince that person that the doll is beautiful! If so why?

I wouldn't bother, because I wouldn't want someone doing the same to me! c:

 

I don't feel like it's my place to just post and say I don't like their doll... I'd rather not post at all. I have never pretended to like a doll that I didnt for my childish fear is that someone may decide to gift me a doll and forget all the ones i truly do like and jump straight to the one I lied about LOL

 

-On the DOA boards where discussion and debates are the norm, do you feel that it is acceptable and safe to express dislike for a doll or doll company?

>>> IMHO, i think its acceptable to express your feelings politely and constructively if an opinion is asked, or if an opinion is relevant to the topic being discussed/debated. other than that, as my mum would say, "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything."

-Do you find that DOA members are overly sensitive to someone not liking their doll? Or do you totally understand the offended party and think people should only say good things on DOA about all dolls.

>>> i haven't come across anyone who has been overly sensitive. so far anyway.

-Are you willing to admit that you don’t like a doll on the DOA board? I don’t mean in a thread where someone is showing off their particular doll. More like in a thread where people are discussing companies or aesthetics. It would be awkward to drop into someone’s thread just to tell them their doll was not to your liking wow.

>>> if my opinion is asked, i would be willing to say i don't like a particular doll or company, but i would also give a reason why.

-Would you mind if someone said they were not into a doll you happened to own? (please, I am not looking for examples of one weirdo telling you to your face that your doll was horrible, anyone would hate that!)

>>> i have no problems with people expressing their opinion.

-Do you find that you can’t help but feel offended/attacked/defensive when someone does not approve of a doll you happen to own? If so why?

>>> i don't need other people's approval so i wouldn't feel offended if someone's opnion differed from my own

-Have you ever thought that you over reacted in the forum to someone expressing dislike of a doll you happen to own? If so what was it that made you so mad?

>>> still waiting for my dolls (my limhwa half elf is now at the post office....yayy!), so I haven't had the experience. but it's highly unlikely i'd over-react over a difference of opinion.

-If you are someone who does get defensive do you feel totally justified when you are mad? If so why?

>>> i may get passionate over a human rights issue, but a doll? nah, no matter how much i like it.

-If someone dislikes a doll you happen to own do you try to convince that person that the doll is beautiful! If so why?

>>> beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so no.

 

-On the DOA boards where discussion and debates are the norm, do you feel that it is acceptable and safe to express dislike for a doll or doll company?
Yes, I think that if people are asking which do you like more or which poses better or whatever, then it is okay to say you dislike something. However, dropping randomly into a doll or company's discussion thread for the sake of saying you dislike the doll isn't a great idea.

-Do you find that DOA members are overly sensitive to someone not liking their doll? Or do you totally understand the offended party and think people should only say good things on DOA about all dolls. I think that some people are over sensitive about people not liking their dolls. In the gallery, there are some dolls and photos that I don't like for whatever reason. However, I don't tell the person that. I just move on without comment. People need to understand however, that if they are posting their doll on a public forum, there might be some people who dislike their doll.

-Are you willing to admit that you don’t like a doll on the DOA board? I don’t mean in a thread where someone is showing off their particular doll. More like in a thread where people are discussing companies or aesthetics. Yes.

-Would you mind if someone said they were not into a doll you happened to own? No, not at all, as long as they were polite.

-Do you find that you can’t help but feel offended/attacked/defensive when someone does not approve of a doll you happen to own? If so why?
Nope

-If someone dislikes a doll you happen to own do you try to convince that person that the doll is beautiful! If so why? Nope, they are entitled to their opinion. I might ask why my doll don't appeal to them, but more for curiosity's sake.

 

-On the DOA boards where discussion and debates are the norm, do you feel that it is acceptable and safe to express dislike for a doll or doll company?
Sure, I guess.. I haven't been here long. Apparently you didn't used to be able to say anything mean..? I wasn't here for that.

-Do you find that DOA members are overly sensitive to someone not liking their doll? Or do you totally understand the offended party and think people should only say good things on DOA about all dolls.
I haven't encountered this yet.

-Are you willing to admit that you don’t like a doll on the DOA board? I don’t mean in a thread where someone is showing off their particular doll. More like in a thread where people are discussing companies or aesthetics. It would be awkward to drop into someone’s thread just to tell them their doll was not to your liking wow.
XD; No, I don't think I would feel bad about admitting not liking a particular type of doll. I would explain my reasons so it wouldn't just be like saying "it's ugly".

-Would you mind if someone said they were not into a doll you happened to own? (please, I am not looking for examples of one weirdo telling you to your face that your doll was horrible, anyone would hate that!)
Well I made (or rather, am still making) my only doll, so if someone didn't like my doll, it would be more personal. If LOTS of people didn't like her, I would feel bad because I must have done something wrong, but if some people liked her and some didn't, that's the right amount, because it seems like the trend is: if your art is noticeable enough for some people to dislike it, then it is powerful enough for other people to REALLY like it. (instead of just being neutral and boring.) The same would go for a doll you bought and styled, I think. :3

-Do you find that you can’t help but feel offended/attacked/defensive when someone does not approve of a doll you happen to own? If so why?
It depends on their reason. If I agree with their reason, I will feel bad because I didn't notice my mistake in time and I'm now embarrassed about it. But if they dislike something I like about my doll, it won't bother me.

-Have you ever thought that you over reacted in the forum to someone expressing dislike of a doll you happen to own? If so what was it that made you so mad?
N/A

-If you are someone who does get defensive do you feel totally justified when you are mad? If so why?
N/A

-If someone dislikes a doll you happen to own do you try to convince that person that the doll is beautiful! If so why?
I will usually say what reasons I have for thinking a doll I like is beautiful, but I won't try and force the person to agree.

 

I feel that it's completely acceptable to express dislike for a doll or company. As long as you personally don't bash people for owning the dolls or doing business with the companies either. That's just disrespectful and people should be able to like whatever they want to like.

I've personally haven't seen anyone become overly sensitive. But people really need to take a chill-pill and not take a person's opinion to heart. I could understand if the person was personally targeting them or others for their dislike towards the doll or company, but a person's opinion is their own. People are going to make a decision no matter what, even if you aren't into that company.

I haven no problem admitting my dislike for a company or a doll, but that doesn't mean I'm going to make fun of or bash a person for my own dislike. I usually keep my dislikes to myself or express them when appropriate. I wouldn't mind at all if someone said they weren't into my doll or the company I get them from. Their opinion is their own and shouldn't have any affect on the dolls that I choose to buy or companies I do business with. And most importantly it shouldn't affect me as a owner.

I wouldn't feel offended. It's my life and I will choose whatever I like in a doll. To each his/her own. I'm not here to convince you to purchase a doll or purchase from a certain company. I'm only here to offer you suggestions not advice. (There is a difference). I don't think I'll ever overreact towards someone's decision in a doll. If they like it then they like it. Doesn't matter if I don't. As long as their happy with their decision.

 

There are a lot of dolls out there I don't like. A LOT. But they also happen to be very popular dolls that most BJD collectors love and own. In my opinion, one should not express their dislike of a particular mold/company on DoA unless their complaint is directly related to something other users should be wary of (i.e. Company A frequently ships broken dolls, or Doll B frequently has flaws, etc.).

We are all very protective of our dolls. We've spent a lot of time and money on them, and to hear someone else - even completely off-handedly and indirectly - say something bad about our dolls is going to make people upset. I think DoA as a community has a goal to keep people enthusiastic and happy about the hobby, not discouraged and frustrated by it. The old rule "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all" really applies here. If I made comments on all the dolls that don't appeal to me, I'd be causing a lot of trouble. Instead, I keep these opinions to myself and I find that not only are other doll owners going to be happier with me, I'm happier with me. I don't want to start trouble, and honestly, I feel that anyone who makes negative comments about dolls IS looking for trouble in whatever small way.