Looking for Feedback on a Doll Experiment: The Vagabond

It would be fun, but the fact that it would be wildly expensive or that something could happen to the doll would be two big problems. Personally, I wouldn't submit one of my dolls for the experiment, but on the principle (but it would depend of my schedule and other factors) I would not mind hosting and taking pictures of a vagabond provided I can find some good landmarks where I live (Switzerland).

EDIT: We do not have that many impressive looking man-made landmarks recognizable internationally (Geneva's water spring is perhaps the most famous? Bern's Zytglogge's clock? Luzern's wooden bridges?) but the natural sites are beautiful, if a bit hard to photograph (I don't have the guts and physical endurance to get on top of the Matterhorn with a BJD XD) and there are a lot of old town areas and castles that are lovely, but perhaps not renowned on an international scale IMO.

 

It's a really fun concept, but I think there are a lot of reasons to hesitate in practicality. If a person felt ok doing it, more power to them. I don't think I would be able to, especially the idea that to undertake the project I'd be paying all that shipping and customs over and over again. It's just not worth it to me. This type of project seems much more feasible for a small/ not terribly valuable doll (like a fashion doll or perhaps a "low cost" bjd 1/4 or smaller at most).

Now, depending on where you are located there might be ways to make it less financial burden. Such as in the USA there are so many different landmarks and cool locations over a large area, you could do a cross country tour and there would be no customs and lower shipping prices (the US does have very good domestic shipping rates). Or maybe you could keep within the EU if you were located there and once more, avoid some higher fees and still get a lot of good sight seeing in.

I think it would definitely be interesting to see the photo / video project if someone could make it happen.

 

It's an interesting thought.

I think there are a couple of things that can be done to minimize the risks a bit more.
*Make the Vagabond a small doll without any especcially fragile parts (no wings, horns, elf ears etc.) that could be lost or broken easily. That will keep shipping costs down at least a little bit and minimize the risk of damage.
*This one is kind of obvious, but: Making sure the doll is not super expensive or sought after, preferably one that is still available. That will lessen the risk of intentional theft and also simplify any insurance claims if the package is lost. Permanently marking the doll in few places on the inside could also help.
*Maybe limit the time the Vagabond stays with the host a bit more. A lot of people get super excited about things like this, but quickly forgets about it after a while. Two months is enough time to think that you have plenty of time and therefore find an excuse to not send the doll on quite yet or to not take any pictures just today. A shorter time may stimulate the updates and documentaton as there is a reason to stay focused on the project.
*Perhaps add some sort of a chaveat or way out for a host who has the doll but can't get around to taking the doll to a place to fulfill the meetup/landmark requirement. A lot of things can happen to prevent something like that and if time runs out it would probably be a good ide to give the host a chance to simply send the doll on guilt free.

If any hobby could do it, the BJD hobby is probably the one. I've seen examples of people tracking lost and stolen dolls across borders and helping each other out in the most amazing ways. Is it a risk? Sure. But it's also a very cool project.

 

Interesting idea... but people being people? I'd expect it to end badly, with your doll either lost in transit, "lost" in a less-than-legitimate way, outright stolen in a fairly brazen way, or just destroyed for the LOLs. Sad to say, but that poor robot's fate is probably a cautionary tale.

 

I don't see why it wouldn't work.

My Travelling Teddy went on a similarly organized journey (minus the video aspect) for two years travelling around North American Renn Faires about 20 years ago (because, living in the UK, I couldn't get to them myself), with a website for pictures and host write-ups. He attended Court, was presented to monarchs, dined in pubs, helped in traders stalls, went to conventions, became a wizardm visited other period events and had all manner of adventures before being sent to me along with an entire second box of costumes (made by generous hosts) and souvenirs of his travels.

Teddy

 

I’ve seen them done with other types of dolls and the participants paid shipping, then there was a drawing to win the traveling doll at the end.

 

@DamirSoull : Limiting it to the US first isn't a bad idea, the shipping fees to other countries (and taxes) right now are kinda crazy, it would be pretty expensive for a MSD in a travelling case. (I just paid 20 USD for shipping a small package (sewing parts for an antique sewing machine) and 20 USD more for taxes, so I am a bit bitter. XD)

 

Thinking about @Brightfires concerne about people being people, it would probably be best to limit the selection of hosts to people from one single platform (such as DoA) or people already in one established network of friends or perhaps an international doll club or something like that. Anything that is already there, to limit the risk of anyone joining just to get hold of the Vagabond. That would make it easier to screen the hosts and check to see how they usually interact with the hobby and if the updates to the project was somehow conected to that platform and open fo all users to view, the consequences for behaving badly would go beyond the project itself.

Do you think it would be possible to organize it as you would an international swap here on DoA with the ability to add feedback for hosts and select hosts depending on previous feedback and markeplace access? It has a lot of the same traits as a swap, after all, with the host being able to keep a gift and add souveniers and all. I imagine a lot of hosts would take it a bit more serious if their hobby reputation was on the line. And just as swap threads often include a bit of discussion, updates and pictures along the way a project like this could probably be handled the same way.

 

I think this is a brilliant project. I would love to participate or even start the project if I was given the funds for shipping, doll and gifts. A gofundme would be a good idea. I think it would be wise to use a more affordable doll that is easily accesible like a resinsoul. Also, I think keeping the doll for 2 months is a bit long, maybe one month will do it so that lots of people can participate and no one forgets they are holding the doll during the 2 months. This is an amazing idea and I would love to participate if it ever happens

 

I think if you plot the course carefully and keep the distance between each host short, the shipping costs will be frequent but relatively low. If the doll goes to Europe, shipping should be low within the EU. The first crossing of the sea into the EU would be the largest expense.
I think for people very far out of the way from the course, they can split on shipping with you.

 

This sounds so cool! I’ve sent my own dolls to visit friends and had mostly good experiences. While I couldn’t possibly afford to host such a thing, I’d totally be up for having the vagabond hang with my dolls for a bit!

 

Sadly not, the webstie and galleries didn't last this many years. It was wonderful. Even nicer that a group of people I'd largely not met in person (internet historical costuming friends on another continent) came up with the idea, bought the bear and set everything up simply because I coudln't afford to travel to the events that they love to take part in.

I'm certin that, by the same token, if you involve friends you've made in the doll community in your doll's travels, all will go well.

Teddy

 

This is such an interesting idea, while I do see some weak points in it; they've already been discussed. I'm wondering if it'd be worth it to have a discord for it? So the participants can easily update the owner/other members. I feel like it'd be a safe idea, as long as the members are properly screened. Now, paying for the shipping...that will be an undertaking. But I think a GoFundMe could work. If you start in one country, before sending it off to another, would probably save on some money. Also, are you limiting how many states the vagabond goes to? Multiple in a state? How long are you willing to be without this doll? Would it be possible to hand the doll off at state lines and avoid shipping all together?

I feel like this is doable with enough planning & conversation. I'm surely interested.

 

I second the idea for creating a discord server. That would allow for faster and more direct communication for the participants, and allow for everyone to be updated on the dolls location.

Personally for me I think it’d be useful to pick a social media platform to help post pictures and videos to document the dolls journey.

 

I did something similar back in high school for a teddy bear from a forum dedicated to a musician I followed. It was really fun! I don't think I could do it now since I'm a full time student with no job, but things could change in the future. I suggest sticking to a smaller doll (YoSD would be good) due to weight, and also sticking to the US for the first round to test the waters is also a good suggestion!

Perhaps screening people, based on their DoA feedback and perhaps a few other qualifications (like reliable transportation to the post office, income to pay for shipping fees, etc).

 

I think you'd get a lot of interest and people keen to participate. I would jump in and volunteer to host the doll in London, except that I know nothing about video. I'm pretty sure my camera can take video as I've done it by accident a couple of times but that's about the level of my experince with is so it would be pointless my hosting the doll.

Teddy