Rare or popular: discuss your preference

Which is more appealing when buying a doll: that it's rare or that it's popular?

Rarity. If I really like something and it happens to be very rare, it's an extra incentive for me to buy it. I'm not sure why, I don't intend to ever sell them. I just like knowing that I have something that's not easy to get. It's part of the fun of having a collection.

Popularity has never really caused me to buy something. If anything, I'd rather have one that isn't the same as everyone else's.

Would you ever buy a more popular doll knowing that it could get you more gallery views? Conversely, would you ever choose not to buy a doll because you believe it is too popular and you are afraid to be seen as a follower?

I don't think so. If I like a doll enough to want to buy it, it's popularity will not be an issue. I don't buy these to show off or act like I'm "anti-conformist" or whatever. I buy what I like because I like it.

Are you more likely to click gallery threads because they feature a CP doll? Be honest! Nothing wrong with having a favourite company.

Of course. If I already like that company, there's a good chance I'll like what I see in that thread and possibly find something I want to buy in the future.

Would you buy a doll that you had not seen on the forums?

Why not? Again, what I like is more important than getting a lot of views and comments.

 

Which is more appealing when buying a doll: that it's rare or that it's popular?
A little bit of both. My favorite company is already a popular company, so I tend to focus on molds that aren't seen as often as the others.

There's a gazillion KDF Borys out there, for example. That was the first KDF I considered buying, and I enjoyed looking at the pages and pages of owner pictures. But after a while, it was like... too much Bory! I couldn't look at them anymore. So I went for a Mill, which felt "fresh." I still love the Bory mold, but they all look the same to me now; I've basically lost interest in them.

Would you ever buy a more popular doll knowing that it could get you more gallery views?
I can't even comprehend the reasoning behind that. I don't care about gallery views or trying to make myself more popular. I take my pictures for personal enjoyment, not for others.

Are you more likely to click gallery threads because they feature a CP doll? Be honest!
I'm biased toward clicking threads that have Soom or Luts in the title, so yeah... xD

Would you buy a doll that you had not seen on the forums?
I think I would. I buy dolls from only one company, so I have a feel for their quality and quirks. If it were from a very low-key company, on the other hand... I would be more hesitant.

 

- Which is more appealing when buying a doll: that it's rare or that it's popular?
I tend to like sculpts simply because I like them. But I like when a doll I want is popular on DoA, mostly because I like to look at what others have done to their doll, pitfalls of photography to avoid, what wig/eye combinations are frequently used (and therefore to avoid them), and what styles/themes are most commonly used. I get a little uneasy when I can't find user pictures of a doll I'm thinking of adding to the wish list. Some companies have horrible site pictures (we know the ones) but beautiful dolls, or I'm not sure if I'd really like a doll based solely on site pictures.

- Would you ever buy a more popular doll knowing that it could get you more gallery views? Conversely, would you ever choose not to buy a doll because you believe it is too popular and you are afraid to be seen as a follower?
Either of those aren't reason enough for me to buy or not buy a doll. True, I'll buy a more popular based on pictures I see, but not because they're popular and have a lot of gallery views. I'm one of those people who don't care about gallery views...

- Are you more likely to click gallery threads because they feature a CP doll? Be honest! Nothing wrong with having a favourite company.
Not a CP doll, but definitely a Soom Heliot. I can't get enough of him, even though I've already brought him home. The same with Dollshe Orijean.

- Would you buy a doll that you had not seen on the forums?
I'd be a little hesitant. I'd like to see some user pics of the doll, but if I really loved the sculpt, that wouldn't matter to me at all.

 

- Which is more appealing when buying a doll: that it's rare or that it's popular?
Neither really. I get a doll because I like it, despite it's popularity. I have some unpopular doll, but I also had a Littlefee Ante, which is one of the most common dolls (with good reason lol) around here.
I do get drawn more to unusual sculpts, but I don't select them for their popularity.

- Would you ever buy a more popular doll knowing that it could get you more gallery views? Conversely, would you ever choose not to buy a doll because you believe it is too popular and you are afraid to be seen as a follower?
No, that's terribly silly. I'm not going to spend 400 dollar so people will watch my pictures more. I don't gain anything from that. I get plenty of views despite having uncommon dolls. People love them for their story and look, not the sculpt.
And again, I pick a doll because I like it. Popular dolls are popular for a reason, they are usually very pretty. And I've never seen anyone tell someone off for having a popular doll.
This hobby isn't for 'following' and the likes. It costs too much to get a doll just because someone else has it.

- Are you more likely to click gallery threads because they feature a CP doll? Be honest! Nothing wrong with having a favourite company.
Not CP, but there are some sculpts I will usually check the gallery posts of, but also of certain owners. But usually I just look for interesting titles and such.

- Would you buy a doll that you had not seen on the forums?
My first doll was like that. She had just come out and I was one of the first to own her. With some dolls I'd rather wait for owner pictures, but if I really liked it, I would get it.

 

i buy dolls that are aesthetically pleasing to myself, be popular or not. sometimes i do see a doll i like because it does show up often. however, i am drawn to dolls that i have not seen before, but i am in amore with them, they are unique and it piques my interest. i am actually setting to buy three dolls, two of the same mold, that i've seen only once before. they have just stole me away.
aha, for my rambling, to me, i don't think it's a case of popularity or lack there of, as more of a case of aesthetics.

 

I'm all about if I like em or not. I do like there to be something a bit off about my dolls but popularity doesn't play a factor. It took three years for one of my dolls to sell out. Another doll I like and plan to buy, seems like everyone and their dog has bought one! i still adore her sculpt and plan to buy.
I guess I'm really abut my personal enjoyment of the doll. I'm actually kinda sad if people Don't like my doll as much as I do. XD My poor unpopular Chalice.

 

- Which is more appealing when buying a doll: that it's rare or that it's popular?

Definitely a rare doll. I prefer them to those I can see at each corner.

- Would you ever buy a more popular doll knowing that it could get you more gallery views? Conversely, would you ever choose not to buy a doll because you believe it is too popular and you are afraid to be seen as a follower?

I buy what I feel drawn to, whether it's rare or popular. It just happens that I feel more drawn to dolls I see less because I tend to get tired of opening the gallery and seeing, let's say, 5 threads with the same doll pictured.

- Are you more likely to click gallery threads because they feature a CP doll? Be honest! Nothing wrong with having a favourite company.

No, completely no; I don't normally take looks at the gallery, but when I do, I tend to look only at Iplehouse threads.

- Would you buy a doll that you had not seen on the forums?

Yes, absolutely! And I have done so in the past!

 

Which is more appealing when buying a doll: that it's rare or that it's popular?
Neither actually, I don't really like dolls that are popular but if i need it, i'll get it. When I see a doll and I love it, a character automatically comes to mind. Then I know I need it. Although truthfully, I would prefer a rare one. I mean, its the whole feeling of being special, who doesnt like that feeling?

Would you ever buy a more popular doll knowing that it could get you more gallery views? Conversely, would you ever choose not to buy a doll because you believe it is too popular and you are afraid to be seen as a follower?
I wouldn't buy a popular doll for views since I really dont care if anyone sees my pics. Actually, since I have a terrible camera no one would like my pics anyway (bad quality photo is the biggest turn-off ^^").
Would I choose not to buy a doll because its too popular? Possibly. Not because I dont wanna be seen as a follower but more so that it just doesnt feel as special. Granted thats the reason I'm trying not to look at fairyland. But if i really wanted the mold, F-it, imma get it.

Are you more likely to click gallery threads because they feature a CP doll? Be honest! Nothing wrong with having a favourite company.
I actually am not a super fan of CP. 1: because I dont know too much about them except that they broke off with LUTS and 2: IDK why but seeing CP in a thread title is a bit of a turn-off for me. Maybe its because i dont know much about them ^^

Would you buy a doll that you had not seen on the forums?
Most definitely if I liked it. Granted, if its from a small company that is seemingly shady, I wouldnt get it until I know the company is legitimate but once I know it is, I will get it. BWAHAHAHAHAHAAA!!!

 

Which is more appealing when buying a doll: that it's rare or that it's popular?
That it's rare > I've always been the weird kid, partly on purpose. Still, I go by what I like, and I tend to like some less popular sculpts, lol. I'm thinking of buying a MNF Marcia too, though, and it has nothing to do whether it's popular or not.

Would you ever buy a more popular doll knowing that it could get you more gallery views? Conversely, would you ever choose not to buy a doll because you believe it is too popular and you are afraid to be seen as a follower?
It's not about "being a follower", but I decided on my current doll against KDF Bory because it was so common. There are at least 10 Borys on the Finnish forum alone. I got kind of fed up with him from seeing all those pictures. Also, I think the popular ones tend to be "just" pretty, while I want some peculiarities in my dolls. I don't know if I'll buy him later though, since I went and invented a character for him already...

Are you more likely to click gallery threads because they feature a CP doll? Be honest! Nothing wrong with having a favourite company.
What's CP? öuö...

Would you buy a doll that you had not seen on the forums?
Depending on the company and the pictures they provide, maybe. There weren't that many pics of Souldoll Lily.C's when I ordered her, and neither are there of Impldoll Greta, which I'm going to order soon.

 

- Which is more appealing when buying a doll: that it's rare or that it's popular?
I go for what I like, but there is something nice about owning a doll that's rare. It's like have a special treat from your favorite shop.

- Would you ever buy a more popular doll knowing that it could get you more gallery views? Conversely, would you ever choose not to buy a doll because you believe it is too popular and you are afraid to be seen as a follower?
I don't think owning a popular doll will get your more thread views. I own two popular dolls, but I haven't noticed an increase in viewership.

- Are you more likely to click gallery threads because they feature a CP doll? Be honest! Nothing wrong with having a favorite company.
I'm more likely to click Iplehouse and Soom threads, but I also click on any other doll that interest me too.

- Would you buy a doll that you had not seen on the forums?
Yes, most of the dolls that I have purchased I bought based off the pictures the company had taken. Luckily, I've liked all the dolls that I've gotten.

 

I just mainly buy dolls that I personally like, whether they are popular or rare to find. I also don't really have a favorite company, because I think all of the dolls are beautiful in their own way.

 

for me the main criterion - the extraordinary doll. I rarely do I like nice and pretty куклы. they are boring... and if the doll feel the character, so it is special. By the way, it is unusual dolls and become rare.

 

So far (as a very new newbie) I've gone purely by looks of dolls alone and not the rarity or popularity of the doll, as I'm still too ignorant of what a particular doll means to experienced collectors or the general BJD community.... I hope in a way I remain this way as much as possible when I do learn more...;-)
It's what I enjoy about collecting the most....and as with all things collectable, it's only worth (in money) what a buyer is willing to pay for it...so....as far as my own BJD/doll interest (I try to buy to keep)...I will try my hardest to not be swayed too much by the 'market value' of a doll I want to buy....I know this will be easier said than done when I know more, and that I will inevitably discover that certain dolls I would like to own are either in great demand or regarded as undesirable by other collectors....I will try to not let this influence me too much either way....
Watch this space while I probably 'eat my words' in a few months' time....Hahaha! M xx

 

Which is more appealing when buying a doll: that it's rare or that it's popular?
When I buy a doll, I don't really care so much if it's rare or if it's popular. If I fall in love with the face, that's all that matters. I have some really popular/commonly seen sculpts (Migidoll, Kid Delf, B&G, etc) and some rare ones too (DollSpirit Hoya, Dollish U-Me, SilentEcho Jian). For me, a doll being popular or rare isn't important, I buy a particular doll because I've fallen in love with the sculpt. I don't care if there's 10,000 of that doll or if there's only a small handful in existance. Basically, I'm just a sucker for a pretty face!

Would you ever buy a more popular doll knowing that it could get you more gallery views? Conversely, would you ever choose not to buy a doll because you believe it is too popular and you are afraid to be seen as a follower?
I really enjoy doll photography, and I do it because I love it, not to get lots of gallery views. Most of my photoshoots I don't actually post on DOA, I usually always post them on my Flickr instead. I've never been put off my a doll's popularity. At the end of the day, no two dolls are going to look exactly the same anyway.

Are you more likely to click gallery threads because they feature a CP doll? Be honest! Nothing wrong with having a favourite company.
I will click on it if it has an interesting title or if it's a doll I already have (I like to see what other people have done with the same sculpt). I'm more likely to click on threads with less popular or rare dolls though. It's not that I prefer this type of doll, it's just that I'm curious! I like to have bit of a nosey at dolls you don't see everyday.

Would you buy a doll that you had not seen on the forums?
Yes, I have done this before! I accept that it's a bit of a gamble as you've not seen any owner pictures beforehand, but I figure if it doesn't work out then you can always pass the doll on to someone who will appreciate it more. Thankfully I loved the doll when he arrived!​

 

Am I allowed to say that I have no idea what's rare or popular and just buy the dolls -I- really like?

 

Which is more appealing when buying a doll: that it's rare or that it's popular?

I say rarity for me. I like things that are not mass produced, it gives them a sense of specialty to me.

Would you ever buy a more popular doll knowing that it could get you more gallery views? Conversely, would you ever choose not to buy a doll because you believe it is too popular and you are afraid to be seen as a follower?

o.o I do not know why anyone would think that would be better...I would never buy a doll knowing it would get more recognition from someone else...

Are you more likely to click gallery threads because they feature a CP doll? Be honest! Nothing wrong with having a favourite company.

I don't know honestly. When I go into the gallery I go to look at variations of a specific doll...

Would you buy a doll that you had not seen on the forums?

Of course! Just because it's not on a forum doesn't mean it's worthless or not a nice piece of art

 

I rather buy the doll that interests me, Meaning facial feature and the structure of the body is important but overall I would rather have dolls that are limited.. I don't know its just it feels more privilege, to own one if say there's limited to 10 or 5 dolls worldwide which is also quite cool.

 

Buy what you like. A doll with a different wig and eyes look different even with the same face up. Popular or not, unless someone is going to put yours side by side with another and stare at it, theres almost no way to tell its the same as long as wig clothes and eyes are different.

I own a fairyland doll which is a CP sculpt. I know why they are great but I think there are also many great sculpts out there. I view what interest me. All my dolls are from different company so no favoritism or anything.

And buying a doll not seen in the forum is definitely yes as long as I like them. Its just a bigger risk that you have to trust the manufacturer and their pictures. Some companies are easy to believe while others is like taking a small gamble.

That said as what some pointed out, rare and limited is nice, its nice to know you have almost no chance to meet someone will similar sculpt as yours. A sense of exclusivity and uniqueness. Overall if given 2 sculpts I like, 1 being rare and 1 being popular, I will probably choose the rare one. One reason I am quite inclined to a mecha angel series cause I love large dolls and they are really rare haha ( they appear lesser then even limiteds from what I observe )

 

I really like Luts ^^ They have such perfect dolls. Actually my first doll just happened to be the latest Kid Delf from Luts at the time, Bory! I hadn't realised until my friend told me XD So when I took him to the MCM Expo a few months after I'd got him he was so popular! Everyone was oohing and aahing over him, and I was just happy he was mine ^^

I'm not bothered by rarity or popularity, if it's a doll that I like then I'll want it, despite what anyone thinks.

 

- Which is more appealing when buying a doll: that it's rare or that it's popular?
I don't base whether I like a doll on whether anyone else likes them or not. To be completely honest all my dolls have probably been more unpopular dolls. At this time I have a Luts KD Jeong who is a discontinued sculpt and there doesn't seem to be very many around on the forum. I also have a Migidoll Cynical Yujin who seems to be unpopular as well. I just seem to be attracted to more unpopular dolls but that doesn't mean I don't appropriate the popular ones. I also don't really think I'd consider unpopular as being rare...but I guess maybe it sounds nicer saying rare then unpopular.

- Would you ever buy a more popular doll knowing that it could get you more gallery views? Conversely, would you ever choose not to buy a doll because you believe it is too popular and you are afraid to be seen as a follower?
Nope, I could care less what other people think. Sure it's nice to have gallery views and nice to be complimented on my dolls but I don't need someone elses approval.

- Are you more likely to click gallery threads because they feature a CP doll? Be honest! Nothing wrong with having a favourite company.
Again no..The title of the thread is more so what makes me click to view not what dolls are featured.

- Would you buy a doll that you had not seen on the forums?
Yes! This I have actually done before. I wished I had seen more Cynical Yujins around the forum since I searched forever to find him it seems. But, when I did it was worth it.