How relevant is it for you that others like your dolls?

As I am often very busy. Being part of this comunity is a luxury. I often only have time to lurk. However, when i do have the time, I do enjoying reading everyones posts. DpA is a wonderful place.

 

lol, I'd never seen "ITA" before and it took me a moment to figure out what it meant.

Agreed... when it comes to my dolls, I try to be polite and inform the people that whatever they are suggesting isn't really something that was in my plans... and that the path for these dolls is already well plotted... but it aggrivates me more to see other people who write stories I love be discouraged by it. I can only hope they keep on keepin' on for the folks like me and you who love what they do without feeling the need to change it.

I mean, look at all of my characters... they're named after characters in a book. The author of one of the books I took a name from frequents this board, but just because her character is a namesake for one of my dolls, that doesn't mean that I would EVER want to suggest to her how she should be writing her stories. It doesn't mean I'm going to run out and get a Roiben and start my own version of her story... because I think she does it perfectly.

I suppose I'm saying that, pertaining to the comment before about feeling a sense of ownership when you love a story... my version of that is naming dolls after characters I love, or after characters from books I love.

 

While I don't have my doll yet, I think I can comment on this.Approval would be very nice. But I'm obsessive and will probably picspam everycahnce possible. I don't care if you hate him, If you love him that's fine. All that matters is that I love him. I like approval, approval is nice, but if I worried about what everyone thought about me all the time I wouldn't do anything, and I wouldn't be myself.

On the other hand I do want to impress people, and have someone think of me in a nice light. Hence I feel guilty for snottiness, and angst alot when a comment goes completely off.
I guess it's a bit of both.

 

Acknowledgement means more to me than anything. I would be lying if I said I didn't care whether it was positive or negative; I'll obviously care if it's the latter. Mostly, though, just knowing that people see what I've done is enough for me to keep being active.

In the end, however, it shouldn't and will not affect how I feel about my doll, because she's foremost for my own amusement and no one else's.

 

Eh.

While it's nice to get comments on gallery posts when I bother to make the effort to take pictures of my dolls(I HATE doing set up photography, if I do photography it's the 'disposable camera and whatever catches your eye walking through the city' kind, and dolls don't lend themselves to that very well), and it sucks if I don't, it doesn't really bother me if I don't have 'fans' for my dolls or of me. If other people aren't as in love with Lutz & co as I am, so be it.

Mind you, I have boring dolls - Either dirt common or unpopular, with boring default faceups. I'm getting a nice fancy customized head from Y!J, but it's another dirt common headmold(Lutz will have company! An El and a... Well, nevermind for now, it's a surprise). XD;;; Most of mine don't have even remotely proper outfits for their character, if they even have one that FITS. (The one doll who DOES have an outfit that suits him... Has no body. XD) A couple don't even have SHOES. X3 No fancy Y!J outfits(Except Ephram's that he can't wear due to his lack of body), no nifty Aveelanto or Satoko Ohno heads, nor do I do fancy self-done faceups and homemade outfits. And whether people admit it or not, there is pressure here to do that - Either own the latest and greatest in Y!J finds, or be in and of yourself an awesome do-it-yourself everythinger. There is a bit of looking down on the idea of standards with stock faceups wearing relatively cheap company clothes. ^^;;; And while I CAN do faceups, I don't like to, and I'm never happy with the results. Plus my dolls all need commisioned clothing, so until I get enough funds and the proper dolls for everyone to be able to pay someone good what they're worth, they wear whatever.

I don't do photostories, either - The most introduction to Lutz&co's personalities people usually get is through the times they butt in to my posts and say stuff - I don't like doing the whole set up and posing and checking angles and lighting thing. I don't mind writing, though, and do enjoy it from time to time, but that form of expression isn't welcome here, so my dolls remain unintroduced, and I doubt anyone ever actually bothers clicking on the www link in my info to see my doll LJ that I never bother updating because nobody ever bothers looking at it, so I don't bother writing it up and putting it there... ^_^;;; So, nobody really knows my dolls to 'like' them in the first place. Hmm. Y'know, though, I think I WILL do that. Just write it down, get it out, slap it up there one of these days and if it gets seen, great, if not, oh well.

Though I do wish writing was an acceptable form of creative doll outlet. :-/ It does make it hard for those of us who don't or can't do it through photostories, and I doubt I could get away with a couple of pictures and several thousand words of text in a gallery post.

But yeah. If people love my dolls, awesome. If they don't, their loss. 'Cause I think I have the best, coolest, most awesome, most loveable, personable and downright great dolls on the face of the planet. ^_^v

<Lutz> *makes quiet little retching noises in the background*

Hey! Quiet in the peanut gallery! XD

<Lutz> Make me. *evil smirk*

 

I don't think I seek approval or appreciation from others. I don't really *expect* it, and it always takes me by surprise when someone takes note of my dolls.

I can't lie though, I do enjoy it when people take a keen interest in them, ask how they're doing, or complement them. Who doesn't like to hear good things like that? It brings a smile to my face, and I know it makes my boys happy too.

I might be wierded out if people wrote to me proclaiming their "fandom" though. x__x I've gotten fanmail for my art in the past, and while some of it is flattering, some of it's downright creepy.

But whether it's my art of my dolls, what I share online or irl is primarily for me. I'm not out to impress anyone or kindle a fanbase. As Suzuka said, anything else is a bonus.

 

Hmm this is a strange topic to me. I adore doing photography i do it for my living so it is natural i take photos of my dolls. I do enjoy hearing people enjoy seeing them or hearing what goes on in their lives or likeing how i took a certian photo but that to me doesnt nescerily mean i need them to love my doll for me to think they are important.
If that was the case i think i wouldnt have my dolls that I do I have a doll that everyone thinks is popular. lol. Hope that doesnt sound bad.
Of course I love as well to comment on people photostories and I dont think I like to comment on how a think a photostorie would be because then it wouldnt be what it is anymore. Of course sometimes i known to have said i love to see more photos but i dont mean it in the way you have to or that. i hope no one ever took it that way. it just means i like what i see like when you see a painting you enjoy you want to see if there are any other by the same artist. it doesnt mean you forcefully must have it lol.

 

I think I fall into that catergory too..lol

I must say its nice when someone thinks you doll looks appealing when you post pictures.. and it blows me away if anyone even remembers what dolls I have - and I just about fall off my chair if anyone mentions them by name!
But thats all just the "nice" side.. I dont actually "need" it to be able to enjoy my own dolls. I am touched that my two children accept what I do and take an interest - especially as they are both boys (14years and 23 years) and their friends that visit - 99% of them are facinated by it all and are quite comfortable to be open about it and talk about it.
I think its also very special - if you post a pic of your doll.. and becasue how you present the doll.. it makes people consider a doll they probably werent too taken with before. But I also feel that way when I look at other peoples pictures.

 

I don't care. It's that simple, I don't need anyone else's approval on my dolls, I like them and that's enough for me.


/end.

 

I think it is relevant to me that people like my dolls and stories, but it's certainly not imperative. Like True Lies (and many others), I don't have to have everyone's approval. It's enough for me that a few of my friends like them. It surprises me sometimes when people remember things that have happened in my stories, and when they ask me questions about them. It's nice that someone is paying attention, and making comments, and maybe laughing a bit.

But I won't curl up and die if they don't. For me, my photostories are absolutely essential to bring my dolls' stories to life. Ultimately I do my photostories for me, and I enjoy them more than anyone else. If other people like them too, I'm thrilled. But I would do them just the same. My dolls would be empty figures sitting on a shelf without them.

Linda S.
galatia9

 

for me...I guess it's important that those close to me at least accept my doll.

they don't have to be head over heels in love with him, but a nice word to say about him here or there is really really appreciated. the opinions of those I care about are really important to me.

This all works out okay though cause those important to me and nice to me and therefore nice about things I like. ^_^

 

honestly, I really like the idea of people liking my doll. To me, its partially my own ego boost(cos of the personal customisation), another is that someone actually have similar liking as me. I was so happy when two people told me they love my boy ^_^ Their liking proves to be quite an important thing as it do make me feel accomplished. (yay for high ego XD)

Also, regarding the sense of belonging, I think it do. At least it is a good way to make people interact with you. Well, for instance, when my LJ have no pics, very few replies. On the other hand, when there is photograph of Fraud the replies are generally much more XD Which leads to me replying more thus interacting with others in the community.

I really love photostories and such, but i know i am not good with them. >_<

I'm not sure if I want them to be mini celebrity. If they do, I guess i will go with the flow. Perhaps if they do I might get so stressed that I don't like it all that much, but currently some fans here and there is a very nice feeling. ^_^

 

Interesting topic... Well, I went for many years enjoying my dolls (pre-BJD), without knowing another collecting soul....didn't know of a doll collecting club at that time...didn't have a computer. Magazines were the only communication tool available, and doll conventions, if you could get to them. I enjoyed my dolls then, and I enjoy them now. The difference is that now I can share them in a creative way. But...if DOA and the online collecting community disappeared tomorrow, would I still love my favorite dolls? Absolutely. Dress...wig...pose...create characters...interactions... That's about the size of it. Sharing dolls enriches the experience. And I love looking at other people's dolls...and reading their stories...

For the rest of it...well, popularity, for people, and for dolls, can be a fleeting thing. It's not really important. What IS important is that people are enjoying a process of sharing their love for dolls, and also finding creative outlets through their dolls. If a doll is popular - and there are quite a number of them out there - then people may want more and ask for, or demand more... You can really only do as much as you can....as time permits, and your personal life allows. And...as much as you want to do.

Sometimes fans of a doll will become very involved with the personality of a doll, and what they represent. I've only really done that with one doll...that one of my dolls has had interaction with. But if there's no real connection between the person and the doll, it can lead to disappointment, if the doll doesn't live up to their expectations. They might tell you that they don't like the direction you're going in, with that doll....or they don't approve of changes you make....or they think the doll needs to do something else than what you're having them do. I do feel badly that I can't satisfy someone, when this happens....that I've let them down in some way...and that they're upset about your doll. But...I can only do so much to please people. And...ultimately, they live with me, and could never seen a computer screen again, if push came to shove. They're stories...about dolls.

Right now I have a lot of free time, as I'm unemployed and conducting a full-out job search. As a welcome distraction, I write and shoot photostories. I would probably do so, even if I were working, but certainly wouldn't be able to pour as much time and energy into it if I were on my normal 40+ hours working schedule. But...with that said...now that I'm waist deep in a story about characters I really enjoy, I won't stop until their story stalls, which it might...hard to say. My pics aren't always wonderful, but if they convey the thoughts or emotions I'm going for, then I'll use them. I'm a total amateur, when it comes to photography, but I really enjoy it! Story writing is new for me, and really, my plots are simple and sometimes silly. But I'm most interested in relationships and interactions between people, so my plot lines don't have to be all that involved. My writing is pretty basic. So...if people enjoy that, then I'm thrilled. I enjoy them enjoying the dolls and the stories. Obviously it's nice to have people tell you they enjoy what you do. It's definitely not the most important thing about my dolls, though.

I take pictures of my dolls because I enjoy the process and the results of it. I've always photographed my dolls...back to my vintage Barbie days, when I'd put the photos in an album. BJDs, with their posability and very soulful qualities, just lend themselves to storytelling. So...that's the direction I've gone in. Whether or not they're popular isn't terribly important to me. What I enjoy is the dolls themselves, and sharing them with people who also enjoy them. I love positive response - I'd be a lying idiot to say I didn't - but I also don't have to have it. I have lots of pics that never get posted....and some stories written now that probably never will be either. But it's a lot of fun when other people are having fun WITH you... I'm greatly affected by enthusiasm....as well as negativity. I've received a bit of both lately. You learn from both, hopefully.

As far as demands for more go. It can spur me on to do more....and it can also stress me out. Depends on the situation and if I feel capable of satisfying expectations. Wee Little Faerie and I have collaborated on a story that is still unfolding. Her time is precious and she's busier than I am, which means she can't always be creating photostories. So, we shift and changes are made, and we go forward. Right now I'm able to do more, because my time allows it. But what it comes down to, in the end, is doing what makes me happy. And taking pics and weaving little stories about these wonderful dolls...makes me happy. If people respond and enjoy it, that's great, and I'll play with them and be just as enthusiastic, right back. If they're negative, then I'll pull back and play on my own. Pretty simple, actually.

I love looking at other people's doll photos...and reading their stories. I'm as enthusiastic about theirs as I am about my own...in many cases, more so. So, I guess I'd have to say that the popularity of my dolls isn't my main interest. My enjoyment of my dolls...and a lot of the other dolls here...is what motivates me. And...there may come a time when I'm not posting stories or photos much. And I'll love my dolls just as much, even so. Again, an interesting subject, and thoughtful responses from others...

 

I think I'm more interested in being an active part of the community than in being famous - I'm just enjoying getting to know people. I get *so* much out of just being involved with other creative people, and I really, really love reading and seeing and hearing about the characters who live in other people's heads.

I'm completely, utterly besotted with everyone who lives in MY head (well, not exactly *everyone*, but a lot of them - and I've a suspicion that I'd be pretty useless without them, too) - but for the same reason that I love reading as much as I love writing...well, it's just completely different to learn about other characters. I just make public what I feel is worth making public - and otherwise, I revell in the feeling of being surrounded by people who love something I love, and have imaginations to match.

I guess I think recognition is wonderful - it always feels great when someone compliments my work - but that's not what makes it worthwhile. For me, interraction and community is more important than being a celebrity.

 

I'm still waiting for my boy to get here, but a couple of people in the same situation as me have already posted so... why not?

When he gets here, I'm going to love him (well, I already do!) That's first and foremost as far as I'm concerned. Once he gets here and I start spamming the gallery with pictures of him, I'll be doing it because of how I feel about him and how gorgeous I think he is. If I get a response from even one person that they like him then I'll be over the world, but in the end it's my own feelings towards him that count the most. I think even if everyone else hated him, it'd just make me love him all the more. He and I are both contrary like that

That's word for word how I feel too, moomintroll ^^

 

Well myself and my bestfriend are enjoying my photos, that's what I set out for. I think if you're here to try and reach celebrity status then you're setting yourself up for trouble. I assume that there's a lot of pressure put on people who do this to get it right and please the public.

I've created some private photos for my friend recently and I really loved doing it! I like it when people find enjoyment in my dolls, but at the end of the day taking pictures of them is for me... Which is a good thing because I think only my LJ friends appreciate being bombarded with my dodgy photography.

 

it is relevant for sure, I just don't know how much. When somone likes them I feel SOOOO HAPPY *___*
I'm the kind of person that leaves really quickly.
I leave forums quickly (being more than a year here is like WOW! Miracle!)
I leave project quickly
I leave hobbys quickly...
EVERYTHING! - BUT, when somone shows love for what I'm doing.... I can't leave it. ^^'
But... I dunno if people didn't care 'bout my kids I'd leave them.... 'cause I love them more than that o.o'
I dunno....
I think it is relevant to the point it keeps me on the comunitys, posting, etc and to the point of people liking them make me jump around the house on happyness... but deffinly not to the point to decide if I like them or not. I enjoy them myself and some stuff I don't share... my talks with them, for sample.
And I'd feel terrible if somone started to point that hate my dolls or that my dolls shouldn't be the way they are, or anything like that.... It discorage me a LOOOOOOT! - still it never happened ^^'
That's it,
Sorry for being confusing ^^
Thanks for another good question

Kisses

Cacau

 

Hoo boy, this is a good topic! I think most people (me included!) like to say, "Oh I don't care what anyone thinks of me (or my dolls or my whatever)" but deep down inside we all crave love, acceptance and want to be liked and appreciated...if we're honest, we have to admit that it makes us feel great when someone says something really nice about our dolls. I love these dolls in part because of the ability to customize them...redoing faceups, changing wigs and eyes and even swapping heads onto different bodies make these dolls very personal statements to each individual. What each owner does to his or her doll is that person's ART as well. And because of that this hobby, maybe more than any other, can be hurtful to some people because if someone makes a rude comment about the doll or dislikes the doll for some reason, they are not just judging the doll, they are judging YOU! Unfortunately, there seems to be a correlation between how much money someone can spend and how much their dolls are admired. It can be hurtful when someone has spent hours doing their own faceup and the response is like "uh, yeah okay". But then someone else sends their dolls off to the current popular and talented faceup artist and gets all the "oooohhhs" and "ahhhhhs". It doesn't take much talent or effort to stuff a head in a box and take it to the post office. We really aren't on equal footing in this hobby, as much as we like to think we are. And let's face it...$$$$$ talks and $$$$$ gets you (and your dolls) admired.



Az

 

Pressure?

No one's ever pressured me into winning Yahoo!Japan auctions, outfits, head, or otherwise. No one goaded me into bidding what I did on Justyn's head from Violet Poem. The only one who makes those deciding factors is me, and I bid on those auctions because I like the outfit, or the head, or whatever. I buy "relatively cheap company clothes" for the same reason - because I like them. I've never been pressured not to buy them or looked down on for owning them.

Really, clothes aren't important. I mean, shopping bags make perfectly fine outfits for photography. (And don't tell me "oh, well, your photos look better because you have a doll from Y!J by some big name artist that you spent a lot of money on". You can't even see his face in half those shots.) I don't know where the idea that clothes make your doll "better" or that there's pressure to own fancy outfits comes from. You own what you own because you like it.

Moving on... =~_~=

Neh heh heh. Currently accepting bribes of tiny cute BJD for Jocelyn's amusement; all bribes can be sent to Valentine at --

*bricked*