DoA Class of 2004 - where are you?^^

Whoo! I'm a bit of an oldbie, I guess! More of a lurker than anything though.

I've been a fan of Aimee's art and such since she had an artsite on wyvernweb (that was back in 1998 I recall) And my first introduction to ABJD were through her Alita.

I remember going "icky! A DOLL!" at first, and I rarely visited that spectrum of her site, but in the end they started growing on me as I surfed some other pages and saw just how customizable they were. :Ð

When I joined here I'd been stalking around on Domuya and such sites, and I'd really more or less decided that owning an ABJD was completely out of the question for me due to my remote location and meagre funds. But where there's a will, there's a way!

Since I got my first doll back in 2005 there have been many changes to my collection, almost all of the dolls I originally had have been rehomed, though my first boy is still with me (as a head). Currently the only whole doll I have is an ED catsy. XD

Just seeing how this hobby has grown in these few years is amazing, the introduction of all these new companies and styles, it's been a real candy for the senses for me.

 

Whee! I was on the yahoo group for almost a year before we moved to the forum. So I guess that makes me outlived only by very few I'm member number 165 here, and I joined on the first day.

Nice to see there are still people around who have been there from the beginning, including some of those who's dolls inspired me to get the ones I have. Anyhow, my answers:

What are the major changes and developments in this scene that you have experienced over the years you have spent with your dolls?
There are just so many choices in everything now. It was so hard to even buy anything at the beginning, when nice things became available they sold out so quickly... it was kind of exciting, actually. The number of dolls now available still astounds me. Whole size genres have been born under my nose (the only slim 43cm dolls were unoa, and the only tinies were petite ai). The fact that there are monthly meetups in my area is crazy to me - I was at the first otakon bjd panel, and the first new york area meet, at Mitsuwa, you know when they kicked us all out... I can't explain how excited we all were to see each other and each other's dolls live in the flesh (and resin of course)!

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 have definitely changed. I think the most recent change Ive undergone was the realization that a good head mold is nothing to me without a good face-up. Thankfully, now that the hobby has matured there are more people to commission who are seriously talented artists! I'm better sticking to sewing and taking photos An important realization was that boy dolls are not for me. After selling my Tohya, my 4th boy attempt and really my "dream boy", I came to accept it. Also, Volks only. I know a lot of people get angry when others say this, but it just works for me... other than my unoa, who is an honorary volks member in my eyes.

Do you have that *seen it all before* feeling, or how do you keep things fresh?^^
Hmn... I don't look at el or lishe postings? Hehe kidding, but seriously there are some dolls I just can't look at anymore. I don't think that should stop anyone from wanting or getting them, though, in the end you are the owner, and no one else. There are some people who endlessly inspire me around here, and I can never wait to see what they do next.

Give the newcomers some outlook on what might lie before them! I'm sure most of you know, but they're like potato chips... you really can't have just one. Also, word to the wise... if theres a limited you want that you think is over priced, realize that they may just never re-release it, and it could just get more expensive. Oh, bw swd nana, why did I not buy you when you could have been had for under $2000...

 

This thread is bringing back tons of memories for me. I've been around since the days of Lunar Ark and began with customizing too. I also was an original member of Super Dollfie Dreams. I mostly lurk now. I still have my first doll. She's an original MSD Maggie. I've never sold any of my dolls nor do I sell their possessions to obtain others. I enjoy changing wigs and eyes and seeing how they become so different. My tastes have pretty much stayed the same over the years.

I think everyone has already said about everything I can think of. I must admit I too miss the days of the small community. I miss talking to Frank at The Doll & Hobby Shoppe and the anticipation of wondering if I'd get any of the things I ordered. The one change I have seen that saddens me is even though Volks has made it easier for us to obtain their products here in the U.S., there are so many people buying them, they seem now even harder to get than ever, which also means they sell for premium prices on auction. On the flip side, there is a much larger variety to choose from.

Newcomers to this hobby need to pratice great patience, for patience is rewarded with many years of happiness. I know I have been.

 

In terms of join date, I dont remember being a part of the community until March ish.. of 05. I was never the type to get straight into something and join all possible things about it until i exhausted resources like a lot of people i knew.

I either lurked, didn't know the forums existed beforehand, or didn't really care to be influenced by any means other than that which i was currently already working on.

But i guess its how i usually always miss out.
In a way, i couldn't really ask for more; i'm already thankful.

Everyone discovers these things by their own means. It doesn'tmake anyone anymore or any less knowledge-able other than, how much youve read, remembered and kept up to date on. lol.

I hope everyone takes the time to read and respond to this thread to reminescence themselves, how simple DoA used to be; and be glad those days are no more.
How much harder it was and could have been; without all the support and incoming fans of the ABJD, we might not have been able to continue with ease; this very hobby.

I dont even know what im typing in this post. Maybe i just don't want newcomers to feel so new ;< or maybe its my way of inputting my 2 cents. Its midnight. I'm going crazy.

 

How many of you *pioneers* are still out there, as active members?

I remember being directed to SD Dreams from the Doll and Hobby website, while looking for a way to purchase the Super Dollfie I had seen in a Volks store on a trip to Japan in 2000. (I should have bought one on the trip, but I worried about getting her home - and I honestly couldn't make up my mind which one to get. I loved Megu and Kira and Seina U-Noss - I eventually ended up getting all three. ^^; )

I helped start Den of Angels as a Yahoo! Group, and have been semi-active as a moderator since we went to the Forum format.

While I don't post much, I still play with my dolls pretty much every day.


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

Have to agree with what many have said here - more companies to choose from, more variety in size, body-types and skintones, and lots more ease of buying. (Of course, it still takes time between placing your order and getting your doll - they're still hand-made by small companies.)

Better clothes and shoes! Lots more wigs! And lots more enthusiasts.

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

I honestly intended to get one doll, dress her in a kimono, and sort of leave her on the shelf to fill my day with beauty and remind me of my trip to Japan. I found about customization on SD Dreams and have had a lot more fun than I ever expected to!

I have re-bodied a few dolls, as dolls closer to the vision I had for certain characters became available (in more varied skin tones - and at more reasonable prices.) But it's hard to part with dolls, so I still have my first ones.

I did start with the idea of having a sort of sci-fi background story, but that story never really developed (no time!) and I have since started a new story background that's more fantasy-based, and have reluctantly parted with some of the dolls from the undeveloped sci-fi story. (Their characters never really developed either.)

I don't know that my taste has changed - I still like my first dolls as much as my latest family members, but I do like the variety available now. I like that there are now older-looking dolls, more realistic-looking dolls, ethnic-looking dolls, elves ...

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

I'm always amazed at the new ways people come up with to customize, dress and photograph their dolls. And the ideas the makers come up with! This is such a fun, diverse hobby!

I do get a little weary of some of the downside of the hobby's becoming a "fandom" - envy, impatience, snarking... but when I get tired of that I step back and just try to enjoy the nice side of the hobby - gorgeous pictures, beautiful dolls, and people obviously having fun.

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

I think we're all still newcomers to the hobby - I'm sure, in some ways, we haven't seen anything yet!

But the things I would pass on are - be patient. The doll makers are trying very hard to keep the hobby accessible, lively, and fun, but each doll is still hand-made by a small company and that still takes time.

Buy the doll you love, even if saving up takes time. Don't settle. It's really hard to sell a doll - both emotionally and, as the market becomes saturated, practically. So don't buy a doll just to have a doll in the meantime. The doll you want may seem out of reach, but it's probably possible to get in time.

 

I started here in November 2004, so yeah, a bit late... It had just moved to being a forum then.

How many of you *pioneers* are still out there, as active members?
I remember a lot of names that seem to have vanished.
I'm a lot less active lately, though not from lack of activity! I'm still doing quite a bit with my dolls, I just don't post about it too often because I'm busy! I'm gonna try to remedy that...

What are the major changes and developments in this scene that you have experienced over the years you have spent with your dolls?
On the good side, lots more people and the great concepts and ideas that come with them. On the bad side, I fear the community's size sometimes gives it a "mob mentality" about anything, good or bad. The scene definately feels younger and sometimes a little chaotic, but at its root, it's still the same community I joined and love.

Did you reconstruct/reinvent your resin crew multiple times, did your tastes concerning BJDs change? Did you discover new aspects of the hobby?
Not drastically. I still have all my dolls, I haven't sold one. (Rare!) But I did grow to appreciate all the ways that people enjoyed and experienced their dolls and hobby through meets and browsing here. I do find that I find myself steering away from more stylized molds, and am attracted to a different type of esthetic than I was in the beginning- but I think that was a result of my tastes in all arts shifting and maturing, not just dolls. X3

Do you have that *seen it all before* feeling, or how do you keep things fresh?^^
Frankly, the BJD market's keeping it fresh for me! All the new molds and options and ideas for customization, it's all a blast and always interesting! On the bad side though, I think there are so many new innovations at once that it's overwhelming, and they don't get the interest and respect they deserve, but as long as someone enjoys them, awesome!

Give the newcomers some outlook on what might lie before them!
My advice is to be careful, and treat every decision with thought and careful planning. While I haven't done the dolly carosel, I've watched enough members of my "class" go through that on impulse decisions. On the same note, though, go for your instincts. Everyone knows what happens if you dally in the doll market! ;D

Wow, I feel so old now. I started DOA as a 15-year-old high schooler, and now I'm 18 and off to college. @_@ It's been so cool to have my dolls and the hobby grow up with me!

 

I'm still here. Don't post as much as I used to...I've bought and sold a few dolls but I still have five and still love 'em.



Az

 

I guess most everything has already been said about all the changes since 2004--
nice to see other Minnesotans here!
I didn't used to post, just lurked. I had larger BJDs but for the most part they sat around like statues, I dressed them and wigged them and looked at them. It was not a very satisfying hobby, even tho the dolls were gorgeous.

For me, the best change has been the arrival of tiny BJDs--that was where I found my joy! I adore tiny things, and I also like to PLAY with my dolls. Yes, even at 55 (I am probably the dinosaur of this group) I play with my little dollfies. The tinies are so adorable you can't help but play! I sew for them, make wigs--set up photo ops--and now my two best friends have ordered Naripons, so we are planning all sorts of fun when they arrive. So if you are ever in Minnesota and see a bunch of old ladies out for lunch with little Nari-pons all over the table, that would be us!

And most of all remember--you don't stop playing with dolls because you get old--you get old because you stop playing with dolls!

 

Wow, August 2004. I guess this thread is for me, then.

I was on the yahoo group, getting 25 Digests a day, went away for a vacation, and came back to no yahoo group.
So I joined the forum and figured out the format and have been posting a couple of messages a day.

When I bought my Dream of Doll pair, there were only the c.43cm dolls at DoD, and people with 'real' dolls rather sneered at them. Now DoD is one of the standard brands.

My crew just grows; I haven't been able to decide to sell a bjd.

Even my first dolls are still wonderful, so I haven't needed to work especially at 'keeping it fresh'. My other dolls have been neglected, but they were before I found bjds, too.

As so many others have said, patience is important in this hobby. Some people start to complain when their order was placed two weeks ago and the doll isn't in their hands, when pretty much any order might take a month or two, and some much more. (reminisce--and then there was the Unoa boy order . . . . /reminisce )

Ann in CT
and a mob

 

I joined back at the old Yahoo groups too... but I think I might have posted to it all of once. ^^; I was a bit scared of it all, and the ML moved so fast. I wasn't really sure what I was talking about either, and didn't have my own doll. The forum was much more 'friendly' for me, so I started posting then.

I used to post a lot more then I do now. I guess I don't have as much to say these days, or else someone else has already said what I would have. The hobby has become so HUGE compared to how it was before, in every respect. More people, more dolls, more companies, more choices. It's honestly quite overwhelming - I browse through the gallery sometimes and can't recognise half the doll type names listed on the posts. ^^;

The amount of clothes, shoes, wigs etc has also gone ballistic. I remember when Volks or CH or Poshdolls were like, your only choices. XD And we got so excited when Minoru World came out with shoes that were so gorgeous and well made!

My resin group hasn't 'changed'... but it has ballooned to an unholy number, that's for sure. I came into the hobby going 'I'll just get one or two'... *coughloldie* SO. 11 dolls later... @_<;

As for advice... well, I guess, just take it easy coming into the hobby. Like I said, there's so much choice around... take your time to figure out what it is exactly you want. I know it's such a rush to get your first doll and you're probably eager, but it's not like they're going to run away from you! XD Also, don't be too impatient or demanding. I think that's what I really liked about this hobby, that you'd have to wait, and build up anticipation, and think and plan... it's not just instant gratification. These are highly individualistic dolls, and I think one of the most satisfying things is bringing a doll 'together' - from their head to their body to faceups and wigs and personalities... it's all very fun to work on. ^_^

 

How many of you *pioneers* are still out there, as active members?
I've been around since the Yahoo!Group. It's been really awesome to see this group flourish into the expansive forum it is today.

What are the major changes and developments in this scene that you have experienced over the years you have spent with your dolls?
The number of doll makers has EXPLODED. When I got into this hobby, dolls were really hard to get and the only companies I knew of were Volks, Custom House, Luts, and Unoa. Now there are so many different companies and dolls, it's dizzying! I can't keep up with them all.

Did you reconstruct/reinvent your resin crew multiple times, did your tastes concerning BJDs change? Did you discover new aspects of the hobby?
I still have my first doll. I had a second whom I didn't bond with and sold. Now, my third doll, my dream doll Unoa Sist, is going to be arriving this winter! My tastes really haven't changed much. I'm still in love with the dolls I originally wanted early on and I'm not really fond of a lot of the new companies/sculpts.

Do you have that *seen it all before* feeling, or how do you keep things fresh?^^
I get this feeling sometimes. I like it when something really different or innovative is released. I got really excited when companies started making new joint systems for better posing and I really like the new animal themed dolls like Baha and Curo from Pipos. I'm really selective about what I look at in the gallery because I get bored with seeing the same popular dolls over and over. I like to look for people with dolls I really like or new ones I haven't seen yet. I also adore looking at home-made bjds and modded dolls. That keeps me on my toes because I never know what amazing idea someone is going to come up with next!

Give the newcomers some outlook on what might lie before them!
My best advice is to be patient! Work hard and save up for the doll you absolutely adore. Don't settle for less just because you, "Want a doll now!!!!" I have been there and it really stinks! But it will make that doll all the more special and wonderful to own in the end. Here's my own experience as an example:

I saved every penny for six months to buy my first doll. I did odd jobs and art commissions and saved every bit of my small allowance (only $5 a week!). I bought my doll though a shopping service. There were no websites at the time that sold dolls internationally that I knew of. When he finally arrived, I was elated! All my hard work really paid off and I still have this doll today since all of the hardship I went through to get him imprinted so much sentimental value on him. On the other side of the spectrum, I bought my second doll on a whim because she was inexpensive. At the time I was frustrated because I really wanted a Unoa and kept losing auctions for them. So I settled for less and I never bonded with her. I ended up selling her. I guess I feel like if you don't struggle at least a little for the things you want, it might not have the same impact on you. I know this isn't the case for everyone! I'm just sharing my experience.

 

After my first post at the beginning of this thread where I delurked after years and years, I'm finally starting to really enjoy this forum and trying to be more active. Just wanted to say thank you to Mandagore; I think I'd still be a lurker had it not been for this thread.

 

I thought I'd posted in this thread, but . . . that must have been a senior moment, huh? I really just want to cut and paste what Janne said, but maybe I can manage to say something in addition--

How many of you *pioneers* are still out there, as active members?
Oh, wow, I'm not a pioneer at all! I didn't learn about BJDs until the spring of 2004, bought my first one in August of that year, then joined DoA shortly afterward. I've never been all that active on DoA, but I'm definitely still around.

What are the major changes and developments in this scene that you have experienced over the years you have spent with your dolls?
Everybody has already said this, but the number and variety of dolls on the market have both skyrocketed--along with clothes, shoes, and other goodies for them. And with the huge increase in dolls and goods, there's a huge increase in the number of people coming and going in the hobby.

Did you reconstruct/reinvent your resin crew multiple times, did your tastes concerning BJDs change? Did you discover new aspects of the hobby?
My first doll is still here, and so is my second; I can't see them going anywhere. I've sold a few BJDs along the way, as I've figured out what appeals to me most. But my general taste for oddballs seems to stick with me . . . plus, I get more excited about finding my older Holy Grail dolls (and I've been incredibly lucky that way) than about snagging the newest/hippest thing on the market.

I've definitely discovered new aspects of the hobby--I didn't even own a camera before the dolls invaded my life!--and the hobby has led me into learning more about other things, too. I wouldn't be studying Japanese right now, or preparing to teach classes in Japanese literature and film, if it weren't for BJDs.


Do you have that *seen it all before* feeling, or how do you keep things fresh?^^
I never feel this way about the dolls themselves . . . but I do sometimes get this feeling about the way people discuss them. It seems like there's a lot of reinvention of the wheel that goes on in the online BJD communities, and I'm enough of a research geek to think it's a shame when people don't take advantage of the good information that a few minutes of searching would turn up. But when I stick to playing with my dolls and looking at the doll companies' websites and browsing the pictures that people post of their dolls and maybe surfing Y!J to see what's new there, I never get bored or irritated. Broke, yes; bored, no!

Give the newcomers some outlook on what might lie before them!
I really think that depends on why they're interested in BJDs, and whether that interest runs deep enough for them to stay in the hobby for a few years (or more). I think a newcomer who can connect BJDs with other things that matter to them--or who is curious enough to be drawn into new interests through BJDs--has a wonderful time ahead, and it can last as long as he or she wants it to.

I do think a newcomer to BJDs needs to be realistic about the cost of this hobby, though--not just in money but in time. Other people have mentioned the need for patience and some awareness of the process that it takes to make a BJD, and I think both are vital. I also feel very, very lucky that BJDs didn't come along until I was well established in my career, and had enough disposable income to be able to buy and enjoy the things I really wanted without any worry or guilt or need to ask permission.

Finally, I suspect that if there are any newcomers out there with the patience to wait two or three years, there will be a ton of beautiful dolls for sale on the secondary market from people whose enthusiasm didn't turn out to be long-term. Just hang in there for a while, friends . . .

 

I remember when DoA was a yahoo group but I hadn't joined it at that time, and also when Luts didn't have an English website yet and ordering through a service was the only way to buy a Luts doll.;__; About a year later I was getting ready to buy my first doll (an El), and I remember actually having a really tough time trying to order him as Luts had just established their english site and he was constantly sold out! DoA was made into a forum by that time, and I remember posting a little bit about my anxiety and what not, hehe! I lurked for the most part though, until I started doing my own customizations and really experimenting with them.xD Ah, good times, good times.

 

I know this is kind of an old school gathering post here, but I just wanted to say I WISH I had known about DOA back in 2004! It's so helpful and interesting...and addictive! To think I had just been looking at the Dream of Doll site every few months for about two or three years, when this great resource was here!

 

I've been on DoA for quite a while! Wow, didn't really think about that until now! I was part of that Yahoo group before though(can't even remember what it was called ;_ I didn't really participate in it though and I was using my mum's email XD I was like 13. I remember when all I knew about was Volks and man I was OBSESSED, yet I still haven't bought the one I want.

Ahh, fond memories. And dolls gave me something to do(I live in the middle of nowhere) I got into dolls in like 2003, mebe even 2002 o_o

 

haha! It WAS addictive! I was such the avid lurker, too. I didn't actually join until after I'd already acquired 2 dolls, but I knew it existed since about November 2004, when I actually decided I wanted a doll and started figuring out which one I wanted. Finally ended up with my Chiwoo, Damien.