For Younger Doll Collectors

So Far, I agree with this. My mum knows that I love bjd's but she never allowed me to have one, I know the reason behind it but I hate it at the same time, so right now. I might start collecting once I go to college or even right after I finished my course.

 

I became interested in BJDs when I was 15 and I was always worried about the age stigma because other people would talk about how people had disrespected them or whatever based on age.
I saved up my own money for all my dolls, my parents wouldn't buy me one for Christmas even if I were to ask them to and I respect this. I'm totally fine with people receiving dolls as gifts, as long as they respect that someone else spent money they worked hard for on something special for them. I think a lot of young collectors are just looked down on because there's the stereotype of being too young to have enough money to pay for your own doll so just begging one as a gift(the same with any expensive(or indeed not expensive) item). Personally as long as there is common courtesy it's fine to receive dolls as gifts if the giver wishes to give.
Anyway. I'm 19 now and have never had anyone say anything bad to me regarding my age. I've collected all kinds of dolls since I was about 5 (I have a hideously large china doll collection) and sure I've had my fair amount or breakages along the way, but it's a learning experience. No matter what age you are, get out there and enjoy your hobby, just have conviction. Don't let anyone else tell you how to do it, you will find your own way. Youth isn't a bad thing.

 

Some things to consider: Are people really being rude, or are you perceiving that they are looking down on you because it is something that you are worried about? It's easy to let our concerns color our interactions with other people. Also, if they really were being rude, was this online or at a meetup? For what it's worth, in my own experience more drama takes place online than in person. It's easier to be nasty to someone when you aren't face to face with them. There is some stuff that gets dredged up on the internet that you just have to brush off as being typical internet crap. Yes, it can be demoralizing, but don't let it skew your view of the hobby as a whole. A few people online don't represent all adults with bjds.

Also, sometimes adult bjd hobbyists voice concerns about younger members that are valid, but get taken the wrong way such as worries over entering transactions with minors, being legally liable for unattended minors at doll meetups and so on. That kind of stuff isn't meant as a judgment on younger hobbyists (many of whom are responsible individuals), but rather being a kid and being an adult are different and so complications can arise even when all parties are trying their best to play nice with each other. Also, no matter how good the kids are, when the demographic starts to really get younger in a community, it can change the feel and culture of that community -- again this is no one's fault but might explain why some adults are left feeling a bit uncomfortable when there is an influx of younger teens.

I think the best thing to do is focus on the things that you have in common with everybody here -- the dolls themselves! That's the nice thing about meeting people (online and in real life) through hobbies. You know that no matter what you will have at least one thing in common with everybody else.

 

I'm eighteen, but I've had nothing but good experiences with older BJD owners, the very few times I've interacted with them. I'm sorry that you've had these troubles... I am always a little worried that I'll be treated differently, but I just try and remember to be polite and always ask before touching or handling another person's doll. Then again, I have always been capable of speaking like an adult, with my vocabulary choices and things like that when I speak. I guess that helps me out. I've never been one of those teens that was gifted a doll though. My parents support my hobby, but they'd never just gift a doll. All three dolls were bought with my own money.

 

I find this topic really interesting, as I've actually had problems with members of my local meet-up group reacting badly to the idea of a parent wanting to attend a meet.

A mini-meet was organized at a local mall, and I had said that I was going to see if my mom wanted to tag along, and while I knew there were a few older people in the group (like 40-60-something), one person was acting like my mom wasn't welcome because "some people find it difficult to talk to adults" or might not be comfortable with adults...which is ridiculous because I don't think there's a single under-age person in the whole group, we're all adults...

Bah, I dunno, it just really bothered me. It's like they were 12 or something...y'know, that age where you're "too cool" for your parents, and it was all "ew, your mom is coming" *looks down nose*

It all went fine in the end though, Mom was welcomed and a few people started conversations with her and handed her their dolls as such.

So, in a group of mostly 20-30-somethings, I can see how both younger and older people might be mistreated.

 

when I first started really getting into the BJD hobby I was in highschool and saving for my doll (my parents wouldn't allow me to buy her myself let alone even consider buying her for me) and all the people I met a meets/online/conventions were super nice to me! I was scared to do anything more than admire their dolls but they insisted that it was alright for me to play with them as if they were my own, they were all really awesome people and I wish I could see them all again now that I have a doll ^^

as I'm sure it's been said already, adults probably think that younger collectors haven't worked for their doll and/or don't appreciate or take proper care of them.
I can kind of relate by the fact that the idea of younger collectors/teens with dolls that their parents bought them just because they whined and begged for them without they themselves earning the doll really bothers me. But I would never treat another collector, younger or older, disrespectfully simply because of their age.