DoA Class of 2004 - where are you?^^

I was a lurker when DOA was a Yahoo Group and can still consider me as a lurker here with the amount of posts I have

What are the major changes and developments in this scene that you have experienced over the years you have spent with your dolls?
More choices on selections of dolls. Body mechanism improved over the years.

Did you reconstruct/reinvent your resin crew multiple times, did your tastes concerning BJDs change? Did you discover new aspects of the hobby?
Yes, in the beginning I started with all sizes, majority is cute. Today is either mature looking or really too cute like the tinies, kind of extreme.

Do you have that *seen it all before* feeling, or how do you keep things fresh?
I think I am a newbie everyday because new dolls, new companies and new artists enter the scene quite fast XD

Give the newcomers some outlook on what might lie before them!
Always do your research before buying too quickly, enjoy them and have fun.

 

I've been around on DoA since its inception, but in the early years it was mainly as a lurker.

I'm thankful for the huge variety we have with stuff now, and I love that it's so easy to buy things. But I miss the sense of community that used to exist, which I guess is the price of popularity.

 

I was in the Yahoo Group and Domuya was quite big too then.. until the Yahoo Group messages flooded inboxes and msgs got confused with people replying to this and that .. DoA became a forum and I joined the same day or the next day since we're on different timezones.. ^_^;

What are the major changes and developments in this scene that you have experienced over the years you have spent with your dolls?
Things have gotten much easier than before. More accessible in terms of English websites, payments form. Back then, I had to borrow a friend's friend's Singapore paypal and my Dad's credit card as payment forms. Now, Paypal has Brunei listed! We also have shopping agents for Y!J stuffs, so things aren't so impossible to get anymore.

Dolls are now becoming more posable, more realistic and everyday there's some new company, or existing ones come up with new molds/faces or new inventions (eg: double joints). Therefore it is easier to find the perfect face for your dream doll, its just a matter of looking, and its also possible to get a really unique doll combo no one else has!

Did you reconstruct/reinvent your resin crew multiple times, did your tastes concerning BJDs change? Did you discover new aspects of the hobby?
I did replace my first girl (AR Dana) who came from Y!J (old resin) with the new pinky resin. I replaced my initial Alitos (KD Bomi) with a Soulmate Ren (who's now sold as well) and Alitos will come back later with an updated AR OFY Milky White Ren (as this tone is whiter than Soulmate Ren's). Just the minor updating to better suit my characters. Right now, I also have my Ryu (RML M20F), Ash (LatiGreen Lea boy), Nine (Korean Artists MSD-sized head), Galad (SDC Miko still in the mail) & Kali (Ani MNF hybrid about to be shipped from eluts). The rest of the gang is waiting their dollforms.

Tastes? One trend I noticed, I tend to look at the posability now. And also I don't mind if the resin won't match if the result (eg: AR Dana with SK girl body) is exactly what I wanted - mature Dana.

I already enjoy most aspects of the hobby: photography, sewing, faceups. If I haven't discovered new aspects its cos I'm tooo busy! I would like to learn how to make eyes tho!

Do you have that *seen it all before* feeling, or how do you keep things fresh?
I enjoy the services of doll-a-day to keep me feeling fresh and happy XD But aside from that I see new things, learn new things all the time, I thank the community for sharing their advice, knowledge, photos, comparisons all this while with me.

Give the newcomers some outlook on what might lie before them!
Like everyone said, do your research and also don't settle for 2nd best! Go the last mile and get exactly the doll you want, even if it means camping at Y!J all ungodly hours, or waiting at your WTB thread for months!

 

Im still in the hobby. I just dont post here so much. Ive been into BJDs since August 2001. Back in the days when there were only a few Volks dolls (the 4 sisters, Rio, Mimi and Nono) and there wasnt even a fourm for BJD's. Just the Lunar Ark. I feel so old ^^;;;;

 

I was a member of the first bjd group, Super Dollfie Dreams back in 2001. Eventually, DoA yahoo group sprung from that.

The hobby has changed so much since 2002 (the birth of DoA) and so has the type of members. We were such a small community back then where the emphasis was more on customization of the dolls, rather than doll character history and photostories.

I still have the same dolls and have never sold any. I very rarely sell the stuff I buy for them as I don't feel the need to show them all of as soon as I get them. I like to save them for when I'm in the mood to take pics.

I do feel like I've "seen it all before" a lot of the times but the only thing that does keep this hobby fresh are the new bjd companies and dolls that come out all the time.

 

well... I got my first doll in early 2002 after saving and obsessing for several months. hehe. XD . It was my SD Nana, Alita.
When I first got her, I got her because she was so versatile! I'd seen so many four-sisters heads with so many totally different looks, so I figured, she could have any look I wanted. For the first couple years, that's how she was... I'd put her in almost any color wig, I changed her eyes all the time, she wore almost any kind of outfit from super sexy teen-look to gothic/romantic. Now I have a much more specific look for her, so even she has changed.

What are the major changes and developments in this scene that you have experienced over the years you have spent with your dolls?

the community was a lot more tight-knit and supportive (since there were few of us) when we first started. But I know that people are still making great friends now, even in such a large fandom. So I hope that people continue to treat each other with kindness and respect. I really feel that forum members have power over the atmosphere, and that if enough people try really hard, they can make it better.

there were no boy dolls when I started. the only other company was rasendo, if I remember right,.... so one of the biggest changes is the sheer number of available dolls and companies.
about a year ago, to me, it felt really overwhelming. Everyday almost there is a new doll coming out, and you cant just get everydoll you think is pretty! You have to be much more careful and thoughtful about which one you get.

Like some others have said, there are a lot more realistic dolls now and more interesting joints. (I'm glad that we are still seeing anime-styled simpler faces coming out too, even in Volks new FCS).

this past year it seems like the trend is colored resin (including darker skin tones and bambicronies new colors, etc....) and wings and elves, as someone said.

Also, when we first started out, because the dolls were much harder to get (you couldnt get any online, the only way was through a shopping service) they held their value really well, now the dolls only go up in value if they are a particularly popular one. Otherwise, you may actually loose money, simply because there are so many choices. Even from Volks alone, there's a dolpa almost every two months!

Also, like nikita said, it seems like the focus is less on customization than it used to be, and that saddens me somewhat, even though many people are still very much about customization.

one of the really positive things is the increase in the types of wigs and clothes you can get. You can more easily create for your doll a specific persona without spending thousands of dollars or making it yourself. I mean originally, not only did Volks not make many clothes (and they were almost all antique doll type dresses, etc... didn't even have any jeans...) but you couldnt even get any clothes from Volks without a shopping service, and even then, since no photos in the Volks store... you'd have to guess if you'd like the item without even seeing it! Doesn't that sound crazy compared to how now, we can choose to buy almost any style of outfit (most often for reasonable prices) from multiple sources!
Like the new volks dolpa outfits, you can buy from Volksusa, volks.jp,... or many different authorized dealers, etc... or yja! and that's just one clothing company. Thankfully we also have eluts, dollheart and many other really great companies that are making a variety of styles at affordable prices.

just as one example, for a long time, just plain jeans, where hard to find. A few doll clothing makers on yja would make them by hand and in small quantities... and so they'd be very expensive. Eventually places like CustomHouse and Volks started making really great jeans too, and now of course, it's not a problem, but look how far we've come!

Did you reconstruct/reinvent your resin crew multiple times, did your tastes concerning BJDs change?
I'd have to say that somewhat my taste has changed, but mostly it's that it's gotten more refined. I have more choices now so I can be more specific about what I want my dolls to be.
I still have my first doll, Alita (SD Nana). I think at this point, I will probably never get rid of her. I have a sentimental attachment for her now, even though she doesn't pose as well as some of my newer dolls.

that being said, my first boy SD Licht (now the F05 head)... he was the first boy put out by Volks. He was very cute, but he wasn't the style I wanted for a boy. I didn't even realize that until more boys came out later, and I better knew what I wanted. It took me years to figure out and to get what I really wanted, that is a snow skin Chris with a dark brooding look (my Edmond). ... and that doll is definitely a far cry from my first boy, SD Licht.
SD Nana Alita and my Unoa Lusis are the only two dolls that I've had before 2004. The rest of mine (who have stayed) I got after that. So my family did change a lot.

I think one of the biggest changes in the way I enjoy my dolls now, is that they have much more defined personalities in how they dress, etc. I try to have them all be distinct from each other, ... I don't like them to overlap. This is actually one of the biggest ways I'm able to prevent myself from buying new dolls even though there are so many gorgeous ones out there, because I think about how they would fit into the puzzle of my doll family, and if they overlap with one I currently have, then I either need to get rid of the current one, or not buy the new one, if that makes sense.

I tried several CP boys and girls but they never ended up quite fitting my style.
I tried several MSD girls before finally getting my snow mika FCS, Violet.
I tried a couple different tinies before finding that I like the Yo best.
Sometimes it takes a while to figure out exactly what is right for you or to find the right doll (because you can't always tell from photos).
so my doll family has gone through a decent amount of changes. But now I feel like it's pretty close to being complete. I'm sure eventually there will be some other doll to steal my heart, but I'm very happy right now.
Also since I feel that my doll family is nearly complete, I focus more on getting really neat outfits for them that suit their personality.

Did you discover new aspects of the hobby?
I actually was into more aspects when I first started. I tried sanding and blushing and repainting often on Alita when I first got her. I tried sewing more often, etc... and of course I've always enjoyed taking photos.

Now... it's not due to more dolls but simply due to me being busy... I just don't feel like I have time to repaint or sand my dolls, etc... it's so much work. :\ Also, I don't have the time to spend getting better at repainting,... and even then, I'm so critical of my artwork, I would rather my dolls be painted by someone else. So I've actually finally gotten rid of my paints.
So pretty much my entire focus with dolls now is on photography and having fun dressing them.
I do hope to learn more sewing though.

 

I've always been a lurker. Sort of. But I remember the Domuya's forums, and all those other Y! groups... (are they still alive?)

What are the major changes and developments in this scene that you have experienced over the years you have spent with your dolls?
I think the fandom turned into a less elitist one, having all these new companies producing dolls nowadays.

Did you reconstruct/reinvent your resin crew multiple times, did your tastes concerning BJDs change? Did you discover new aspects of the hobby?
Not really, but the family grew. As for dolls, Volks isn't my refernece company anymore.

Give the newcomers some outlook on what might lie before them!
What everyone already said: enjoy the hobby, don't be too obsessed about it and never buy things on impulse, or you'll regret it later... :')

 

I was active back on the Domuya forums and Etheral Angels and I lurked for a while over at yahoo DoA.

My activity changes over time.
but wow there have been so many changes. Loads more on ebay and a ton of new companies and jointing systems.

Things seem to be easier than ever except for getting the must have limited (cp elfs) which now have major scrums over the 30060 dolls released.


As for my own dolls. I still hvae them all as they where but my family is larger than ever and shows no sign of stoping

 

I've noticed one negative thing about it getting more popular...It's that now that so many people know about the dolls there's alot of people mocking and stuff...I even found an 'anti-dollfie' facebook group.

 

Ooof. Somehow I am still here, since 2001. Its a little surprising, really. I rarely keep an interest in something this long.

What are the major changes and developments in this scene that you have experienced over the years you have spent with your dolls?

Obviously, there are a LOT more doll owners now than there were way back then. I remember Val, Aimee and Nikita specifically, but not many others. And with more doll owners, there are more scammers, scalpers and ne're-do-wells.

The general quality of the dolls and their clothing has improved, as well.

Did you reconstruct/reinvent your resin crew multiple times, did your tastes concerning BJDs change? Did you discover new aspects of the hobby?

Actually, no. I still prefer the more stylized heads to the newer, more realistic ones. Since 2001, I've bought very few dolls and most of them are old Volks heads that pop up in the marketplace. I don't care for the Volks bodies, though, so I do have to search around for suitable replacements. I have bought and sold two or three floating heads, but that's about it.

I do still have my very first BJD, though I traded her body out a year or so ago.

The main reinvention they've undergone is faceup and wig changes.

Do you have that *seen it all before* feeling, or how do you keep things fresh?

Kind of. I do enjoy seeing the newer dolls that are released and modifications and improvements made to the bodies. To "keep it fresh" I focus more on attempting to educate newer members on how to prevent damage to their dolls and how to repair damage that's already done.

Give the newcomers some outlook on what might lie before them!

Don't get too upset about missing that ONE doll, because there will be many more coming.

And, really, don't think too much about the opinions of people here or on the "other-forum-who's-name-shall-not-be-mentioned" because we are all just people on the internet who have no real impact on your life unless you let us.

No matter what you do, some people will love it and some people will hate it.

 

hmm.... I'm still here. I was here when we were on the yahoo group. At the time I didn't like converting to the forum because I liked seeing every post. But DoA is so huge now my email box would have choked years ago!

 

2004

Biggest change for me ....More Tinys ...jokeing apart my first dolls were SD size LovelyHouse Elves , Megu and Customhouse Chowan .I loved them but didnt do much with them other than look at them ....which is fine ..but when I saw the PocketFairy and ELfdoll for the first time

I lost my heart ...the possibilities made my head spin
I started making outfits for them the year ...how things have changed .Tinys are even more popular and a wider selection now available
growing weekly and I love it

 

Dead, selling a doll, possibly buying a new one, whatever.

 

I'm around off and on. Not obsessed like I was in the beginning, though.
Everything's expanded and changed form. The hobby spread like wildfire. So many more molds, so many more people, ideas, and opinions.

I think stuff changes as you change. I don't think anything stays the same, actually. It was good back in the day, though. Ahh nostalgia...

 

What are the major changes and developments in this scene that you have experienced over the years you have spent with your dolls?
Lots more people! Tons more companies! So much more variety in everything!

Did you reconstruct/reinvent your resin crew multiple times, did your tastes concerning BJDs change? Did you discover new aspects of the hobby?
Yes, I've had a few different dolls. I know now, though that I love minis!

Do you have that *seen it all before* feeling, or how do you keep things fresh?^^
I wasn't active for most of 2005 because of this, but now if I get bored I surf the picture request for HOURS. It's very interesting. I love this hobby because it encompasses so many others into one, there's next to unlimited things to do around these dolls!

Give the newcomers some outlook on what might lie before them!
More people,
More dolls,
U.S. corporate takeover.
Excitement, drama, wank!
Beautiful dolls, talented painters, photographers, seamstresses, and creative visionaries will emerge from the depths of the dolls! Seriously, I think we hijacked all the talent from the other hobbies.

 

**I was a member of the first bjd group, Super Dollfie Dreams and eventually, DoA yahoo group ,as well as Isle_of_misfit_toys 1&2
in the beginning i had one cherished doll alone for a long time ..now i have a larger multi sized doll family.
**i think one of the things that has changed greatly is the photography from members,very detailed photo/doll sets,photo stories all evolved from Japan thru DoA and into members sites
love of dolls has brought along with it the secondary hobby of doll photography in such a big way...who cannot go into a store and see little props and not think...awww that would be such a good photo opportunity?
**it is also amazing the vast number of doll companies now..so kool {newer members are getting the rewards of more purchase power,and the companies compete with each other very well

**one of the only things i miss from the DoA yahoo group is the members files ,where it felt like you were "visiting" that persons home to see their dolls..it was like a doll block party lol
DoA has been a great gathering place for such an international hobby!

the DoA moderators are "guardian angels" as they try to take care of this realm.... thank you to each of them

 

I used to go on DoA Yahoo group, wow so long ago lol.

There have been alot of changes, apart from the obvious lots of new dolls. but skin tones, sizes, better resin, loads more companies and also availability is so much easier than when I 1st started into this hobby, with alot more english websites. Plus here in the UK there are alot more owners now, at the beginning I felt like I was the only one lol.

I now paint, customise etc my own dolls and other peoples, which I didnt do in 2003 when started collecting.

I have changed a few of my gang, and also actually got into the MSD size (mnf) which never were to my liking , which is a def change.(I love my twins)

I dont feel like ive seen it at all, the hobbie is ever changing with new dolls, new people.

I think when you first come into this hobby, read read read read, learn as much as you can, dont pick a doll just, "because its one I can afford" save and get the one you love, fills your head, takes over, because they arnt cheap, and its better to spend more and get the one you really really want, than to get 2nd best. oh and lol prepare to spend alot, cos most of time 1, goes to 2 etc etc tec

 

I began lurking on DoA when it switched from Yahoo Groups, but didn't actually join until I ordered my first dolls.

What are the major changes and developments in this scene that you have experienced over the years you have spent with your dolls?

It is definitely easier to shop for anything doll related... stock-wise, payment-wise, wait-wise...

Did you reconstruct/reinvent your resin crew multiple times, did your tastes concerning BJDs change? Did you discover new aspects of the hobby?

My tastes haven't changed as much as the fact that there are a lot more to choose from. I like the new realistic sculpts, but I still love my anime-looking cuties, too. The only thing that is different is that I didn't think I'd like tinies, but I have acquired several in the last year.

Do you have that *seen it all before* feeling, or how do you keep things fresh?^^

I feel like I am always seeing new things...I especially like body innovations, can't wait to see how well Mecha Angel poses IRL.

Give the newcomers some outlook on what might lie before them!

The only thing I can offer to people new to the BJD hobby: expect to spend a lot of money .

At first spending $40.00 on a pair of doll shoes is like "OMG, I don't even spend $40.00 on MY shoes!" In one year, it will be "Oh, those are so perfect for (name of specific doll here)...must have them now!".