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

I would be offended if someone didn't like my Chidori, even when I know its wrong - Cant help what you feel. Thats why I often dont say the truth when it comes to my friends doll choices, if I hated the doll, I would just tell that I wasn't crazy about it. Its not that I cant say what I want, I choose not to, because I dont want to make people sad, but its not usually a problem, since I love most of the dolls thats made x]

 

I think it's completely acceptable to express dislike for a doll model or company, if it's done in a suitable way. There's really no point in having discussions about doll models/ companies if everyone says that they love them, even if it's not true for all. Of course opinions should be presented so, that it's not too offensive, one doesn't have say that 'this mod sucks' - the same opinion can be expressed e.g 'I don't like this mod that much because of the too big nose' etc.
But if a person is not exactly requesting critique of their doll, I don't think it's very polite to go and say you dislike his or her doll because of the face up done by the owner etc. But that's another matter I guess.
I haven't been around long enough to tell whether people are overly sensitive to this subject, but I hope not. If someone dislikes a certain mod, it doesn't mean they automatically dislike your doll. There are some dolls of a model/ company I don't like that much, but I still might love a doll of that mod, because of the styling the owner has done.

I would also be ready to tell my opinion about a doll model on the DOA board, whether it's positive or negative. But as I already said, this of course excludes personally mentioning a certain doll of a certain owner, only some models in general.
I also do not feel actually offended if someone dislikes a mod I happen to own. This has happened more than once. First time I heard someone saying that they dislike the mod of my SD-boy, which happens to be my overall favourite doll model, I just felt generally a bit sad about the fact that she didn't share my opinion about this doll. However I soon just thought that ' oh well, I might not like all the dolls she does ' and haven't thought about it since

 

There are a LOT of Fairyland dolls around on this board, and, in all honesty, there are a couple of their sculpts that I literally can't stand. But, I have seen some around that are beautifully painted/styled, and I would still complement the owner on those points. I don't see the point in hiding my dislike for the sculpt though, everyone's taste is different, or we would all own the same doll and there would be no reason for more than one company!! At the same time, I'm not at all insulted if someone isn't fond of my doll's sculpt. In fact, I know that very few people must like her because as far as I know, I'm the only one on here who owns one

 

-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. It's the internet it's as anonymous as it's going to get. You might get hated on but why should a total stranger who you would never see in real life's opinion matter to you. You need to be polite but you should be able to say your opinions. It's not like so and so company sucks because you say so anyways, it you 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.
I haven't seen anyone who is overly sensitive myself, but some probably exist. If it's not constructive criticism and it isn't asked for then you should just not say anything. Small things like your eyes are crooked and your photos are too blury, etc are okay but there is no need for "that wig is ugly on her". It's not a person's job to go around and make sure everything is up to their standards.

-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'm more frank online than I am in real life. For example here I will say I don't like the look of Shiwoos. I've seen a couple of cute ones but in general I don't like him, he's not to my taste.

-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 really. People like different things (that's so wishy washy but true). They probably like something different and I might not like their kind of doll right back (I wouldn't tell them though, it reeks of flame fight).

-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's a little off topic but relevant. It's hard to understand someone over the internet, since you're reading what should be said and there are a million ways to read something (I'm an English major, I would know). Most of the time when I read comments that could be a little harsh I generally figure I'm reading it wrong. Take what I wrote about Shiwoo, it could sound snarky but I only meant it in the most honest way. I know my tastes are a little off the mainstream.

-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 don't think I have.

-If you are someone who does get defensive do you feel totally justified when you are mad? If so why?
I'm not really defensive person. I'm more of a take it and cry myself to sleep at night person

-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. If they can see the beauty of the doll then I don't want them to appreciate him/her.

 

-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?

Everyone is entitled to an opinion if they do not like a specific mold or company. its okay to say so but we must also keep in mind that if you're going to say you dislike a doll mold or companty in general, you'd better be able to back it up with reasons. However, I DO NOT BELIEVE that anyone should in any way, single out dolls belonging to specific owners. Thats just outright mean.

-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.

Well thats a loaded question ^_^' Well first of all I think Den of Angels should be a positive and helpful place for all members of the doll community. In the same respect we are expected to be adult enough to handle when someone elses opinions are not the same as ours. It's okay to not like a general company or mold, but in the same regard you shouldn't be singling out doll owners. There's a certain amount of tact and manners you need to use if you are going to criticize anything, and be prepared to be critisized right back. I don't think its so much being oversensitive as it is being unwilling to accept a different opinion.


-Are you willing to admit that you don’t like a doll on the DOA board?

I'm definately willing to admit I don't like a certain mold/company if it came up in conversations. Its not that i don't like them, they're just not my type of thing, but I do love seeing what people do with them. Being honest and saying "I don't like this company/mold because_____" is not a crime thoughI agree with the original poster of this thread that dropping into a thread to tell someone you dont like their doll is just in bad taste.


-Would you mind if someone said they were not into a doll you happened to own?

Nah, I don't mind. In fact I'm used to it :P Most of the dolls I own aren't popular molds and thats okay. More for me :P Not everyone loves the same thing and thats what makes this hobby so freaking awesome! Everyone has their own spin on things and it keeps things fresh!


-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?


Its doesn't really bother me, but if someone doesn't like a specific mold I own, I really like to ask them why. I like knowing what turns people on and off to a particular sculpt.

-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?

never had that happen yet and I hope it never does o_o


-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 tell people why I like the specific doll just like people will say why they don't like a certain doll. its human nature to try and persuade people to see our side but I won't try too hard ^_^


I'm a firm believer that all dolls are beautiful to their owners, and we all choose things for various reasons. Thre aren't many sculpts out there i don't like for some reason or another and even If I do not like the sculpt it doesn't mean I don't like what the person has done with it. I don't believe in false praise. I'm not going to pretend I love a doll or gush over it if I don't, but by the same token, I'm not about to say anything nasty or mean either. I try to look past the mold and see what it is the person is trying to achieve and comment on that instead. Besides, like I said in the beginning of my post, beauty is an individual thing. And the amount of hard work a person puts into the hobby and the character their doll is trying to project shouldn't be overshadowed by the resin shell that holds them.


yeah I'm rambling sorry about that. ^_^'

 

-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?

Certainly. Just be respectful about it, back it up, don't talk smack about someones doll just cause its from whatever company. If you can't even say why you don't like companies/dolls in a nice polite manner, don't.

-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.

We are all entitled to our own opinion here. This is a board where everyone is respected and should be respected. We all want to have a fun time when chatting on the board. If you're going to be negative on DoA and simply pick at every doll you don't like, get off and come back on when you're ready to give some positive replies even if you don't like a doll. It's terrible when someone leaves the hobby due to the fact no one liked their dolls.

-Are you willing to admit that you don’t like a doll on the DOA board?

Aesthetically I'm not attracted to some dolls but I enjoy seeing them on here anyways. I think I don't mind seeing dolls I don't like because if they make the owner happy, I should be positive towards them when they post in the galleries. No way am I ever going to go tell someone I dislike their doll because I don't like the company. That's rude and I wouldn't want someone to say that to me.

-Would you mind if someone said they were not into a doll you happened to own?

Each to their own. One thing I love about this hobby is we can all have an opinion. Perhaps I wouldn't like it if they attacked my doll specifically, instead of them saying they don't like the mold in general.

-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 only feel that way if they talk all this negativity about the doll, and they can't back it up. Why attack something if you don't have any defence? It's silly. But other than that, I don't feel any need to be offended. It's MY doll, it's MY decision to own it.

-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 keep my anger to myself when talking on forums, I've never over reacted, hope I never will.

-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, it's their opinion, I don't feel like I should change it. If they later change their opinion, great. If not, fine.

 

In answer to most of those questions.. No. Because on DOA you are not required to answer.

In person it can be another matter. I was once told by someone who wanted to keep my company that I wasn't allowed to mention my favorite personal doll of mine because she disliked her. I still managed to keep my mouth shut about what I thought of her newest doll.

The problem begins when a 'blunt' opinion is taken by the recipient as an attack. If they are receptive to brutal honesty than good for them, if they aren't... then there will be wangsting.

 

lols at "wangsting"

Edit: you know i'm always going on about what a thick hide i have, but my husband just reminded me of something. This one time someone posted (in someone else's gallery thread) "oh, i always thought that doll was ugly but i really love yours!" and i suppose they thought that was a complement ... but of course *I* had that same doll and i know that person had seen my doll and the first thought i had was "oh, so you think my doll is ugly??" and i actually did get WANGSTUNG (lol), but then i thought about how silly i was being and got over it. but still.

 

OK, I'm not saying anything thats not already been mentioned, but here's my answers...

-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?
Not really. I think it's discouraged, understandably. Not because feelings might get hurt but because it's just not cool to bash a company and maybe damage their reputation.

-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 wish everyone could take negative reactions an it was freer to discuss our personal reactions to certain molds. People's dolls are an expression of their personality and I can see how some might take any criticism of their doll personally (or even just the mold they own, not their particular doll) but I also think its possible to voice a negative opinion with out being personally critical. Critique and opinions both have their place.
TBH if you can't take less than gushing responses, why are you on the internet?

-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'd like to but I'm not sure I've got the nerve in case someone takes it badly. Oh ok, I'll say it here :deep breath: I really dont like the look of Volks dolls at all. There, I've admitted it. D:

-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, I know my taste won't match up with everyone elses and that's cool. It's why there's a market for so many doll companies and I love that diversity.

-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 have a problem with it. It's good to hear their opinions.

-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?
Can't say I have. I've never had any unreasonable responses to my doll.

-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 point, if they dont like it they dont like it.

 

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?
My answer is simple..NO.

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.
About that,I think they have to be more patient and ignore what people say about their dolls..Every dolls have their pros and cons.Everyone's dolls are special to them..

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.
Why should I?Every dolls in DoA are special and they have their own strength and weakness.Besides,I think their owners made a great job on expressing their dolls personality.

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, so far I didn't experience that situation coz I didn't have any dolls to begin with..hehehe..But,if I experience this in future,I will say "Fine,it's not my loss if you didn't like it."

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 think I don't have a time to deal with that situation..I just let them be..

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 haven't.

If someone dislikes a doll you happen to own do you try to convince that person that the doll is beautiful! If so why?
It's up to them whether they like it or not..If they like it,I'm delighted.If not,well,"It's your business,dude."

 

For me, I think it depends on the situation I'm in. If it's a friend's doll, I tend to say I like them even though I don't: One, because I don't want them upset with me, and two, because I don't really want them saying they don't like my dolls when they finally get here

When it comes to the boards I find it's a bit trickery. I want to be able to express my honest opinion and debate about dolls and doll companies, but it needs to be done in a way that isn't offensive. If you're rude about it, then I don't think it's okay. But if you can list the reasons why you don't like a particular doll or company and the listen to other people's reason for liking them, then I don't see a problem expressing a dislike for either a doll or a company.

 

If someone has asked for a specific opinion on a company or mold and I have experience with it I'd be willing to give it, like in the critique section. Those people are geninely looking for feedback and have to accept that there may be negative ones. There are some dolls out there that I just don't like, I will rarely express this to the owner. I won't, however, say that they're so beautiful and I just love them, etc. In cases like this I usually just hold my opinions to myself and don't say anything. If a friend asks me in person what I think of their doll I try to find something nice to say even if I don't like the doll because I value my friends over lying about a doll.

As for defending dolls I like/own I understand that some companies have their flaws and I can accept that my doll may not be perfect. Knowing the flaws will help me cope with them. What bothers me, however, is when people never have anything good to say about my doll. It doesn't even have to be horrible, even just things like constantly laughing at and making fun of features of my doll that I like and saying they're silly. This bothers me. I feel that as an individual we should all respect eachother's choices unless our honest opinion is specifically asked for.

 

While I do see some of this going on, there is only one thing that has kind of dissapointed me that I had seen said.
I belive it was in a Box opening thread, where a new owner had recived a doll mold that i was fond of with the default faceup which I adored. I just remember the owner saying "Now to remove this hideous factory faceup!" and it kind of upset me. maybe its not your taste but there maybe be people out there like me who really like this faceup, and you have basically just called their dolls hideous. IMHO it was in slightly bad taste, not that you need to pretend to love it, but being overly negative can put other owners down, even if you do not realize it. I personally dont think Bobobie or Resinsoul fit my crews Asthetic, but that does not mean there are not Lovely dolls out there from these companies!

 

I pretty much agree with Keijira. I think that if you dont have anyting nice, or informational to say then dont say it. I mean, there is nothing wrong with expressing why you dont care for a particular line or sculpt, but i personally draw the line at talking bad about someone elses doll just for the sake of bad mouthing that company. If you dont like the persons customization of the doll, then it is okay to express that, but if you cant be respectful, then imo you shouldnt say anything.

 

I pretty much agree with everything said here. I understand what some people are saying and there is nothing wrong with being honest. But does it have to be brutally and attacking a person? Sure, I don't want anyone sugarcoating anything if I ASK for an honest opinion. But there is a person beyond the screen and that person has feelings XD

Well, that sounded incredibly corny, but hey it's true. "I don't like that sculpt" that's fine just don't say "Your doll sucks 'cause it's ____ sculpt." A little bit of politeness and manners never hurt anyone.

 

Thumbs up! Politeness is always a winner in my book!

 

I understand those who get "too sensitive" when their doll is being... not loved Of course, it feels bad.
Yet I don't think tht anybody should pretend that they love a certain doll. No need to pretend. Either don't reply to those threads then, or do it nicely. You don't have to say "Oh how beautiful!!" since thats not what you really think. Yet don't say "Pff, ugly" as well. Of course noone would say that, its just a raw example. Lets just say something like "Grats on him/her" or anything.

 

-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?

This forum is absolutely huge. We have people who are trolling certain imageboards elsewindow, and we have more sensitive types. Because there are simply too many of us to know even a fraction of active posters beyond their name and avatar, I think it's good form to keep ones' opinions to smaller venues/livejournal/onesself.

-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.

It's more an etiquette thing than a sensitivity thing. For example, I don't like Crocs and think they're hideous, but I won't go to a large dinner party and rant about how much I hate them. In a smaller group of friends I know well, I'll be more inclined to talk about how much I despise Crocs because I can more accurately gauge my audience's reaction.

-Are you willing to admit that you don’t like a doll on the DOA board?

I'd be more willing to admit I don't like a certain overall aesthetic or a certain body's construction or a certain company due to quality issues.

-Would you mind if someone said they were not into a doll you happened to own?

Not at all. I have a Dollshe and I know for a fact the very same features that drew me to him are the same features that drive others away!

-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 strive to perfect my dolls so *I* like the way they look. I don't expect my friends to like what I like... it's what keeps our dolls so diverse!

 

There is a big difference in saying, I don't care for puki's, they are to small for me and to cutesy. OR: I really think those tiny dolls are so stupid. Why would anyone every buy one. What a dumb company for making them. (Now I own a puki, so this is an example.) I'm great with anyone saying that's not for me. But you really shouldn't go to like someone's gallery post and tell them that. And if you do like puki's, but are in a thread where you see a face up/ mod that someone has done and you don't like it, say something nice or nothing at all. (Unless they are asking opinions. But then, still be polite.) That's how I handle things on the boards.

 

I've found that in real life, dolls I don't like the look of often have charm or personality enough to overcome that. And so I am often saying to owners that I've never seen the appeal of a scuplt, but through their doll I can understand it. I probably still don't like the scuplt, would never own it. But when I see other owners with theirs, their affection and work changes my opinions!.

So I feel very happy to tell people my opinions, in real life and online. I have never seen a doll that I would say I hate. Frankly, hate is a hell of a strong emotion to have about a doll.

To be honest, a person's character work is more likely to offend me then a doll's look. Sometimes poorly handled 'controversial' subjects like a background of mental illness or trauma are very upsetting to me. But character work is even more personal then sculpt choice and unless I was directly asked by a person, I wouldn't comment on it.