Rare or popular: discuss your preference

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

I would tend to lean towards the rare ones, but that is simply cause they often have certain something that appeals to me. But I honestly dont care if its rare or common as long as I am totall yin love with it.

- 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?

Thats a big No for me, couldnt care less.

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

No, tbh im getting tired of them , sorry. But they seem to be in every other post and there is only so much you can do to make one different from the other.

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

Yes, absolutely, if I love it!

 

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

for me, neither ^^; i just decide if i personally like it. if i do, the fact that it's rare might even turn me off, since i have a limited budget.

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

i wouldn't be sure whether to trust the company then, but if it was really cute i don't see why not

 

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

I see these dolls as very individual and personal, therefore I'm more likely to get attached to dolls I've not seen so many of because I feel it's more "my" doll then, if you get the point... I'm somewhat glad there aren't too many Hyuns around because if they were as popular as Els I don't think my doll would feel as personal anymore, though I would still love him as much as I do now and probably would've bought him anyway. One of my favourite molds are Ducan, but seeing him in at least one gallery thread each day kinda.. turns me off, it's hard to explain x)

- 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 to both.

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

No, but more likely to click gallery threads with CH-dolls, as I own one, and also those molds I like more or are interested in. I also often click when I've never heard about the company before, but I kinda.. discriminate CP-posts x3
But first hand I click on those that have interesting titles, regardless of mold or company^^'

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

That's a bit hard... Probably if I really liked it. I love UH-03 and want to buy her really much, but I've never seen one on this forum, and I'll probably end up buying her anyway sometime when I've got money ^^ And I'd only seen one Hyun before I bought mine, but there are so many variations and pictures of him on CHs homepage that I didn't really worry too much about it.
Owner pictures can change things a lot - the first doll I wanted to buy was DoC Yen, but then I saw owner pictures of him which made me wonder how I could ever like that doll, and I never bought him though I'd saved all the money I needed. If I hadn't seen owner pictures I'd probably bought him.

 

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

Neither. As others have stated, "I like what I like" and ultimately, whether the doll is rare (as in, rarely seen on the forums) or popular doesn't matter. I may take it into account, but it won't be a deciding factor. If I really love a doll, I cannot be swayed by it's popularity or lack thereof.

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 and no. I buy a doll because I love the mold and I see a character in it. No matter how rare or popular the mold, if I don't like the sculpture, I won't buy it.

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

Unless I'm on a quest to find pics of a particular mold I'm considering buying, the gallery links I click on will be pretty random.

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

Yup, definitely. I bought a Dream of Doll Elf Ducan and an Angell-Studio Cain when they were first released, well before there were any owner pics of either. Sometimes you just have to jump when a doll is available (unless you're willing to pay secondhand prices).

 

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

Neither. It matters that I like the mold, and if that doll happens to be one of a kind, so be it. I'll buy it if I have the money.

- 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 post my dolls in the gallery, and my dolls are for my viewing pleasure, anyway. So no to both of those. Besides, I own an El.

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

The only time I go through the gallery is when I am looking for pictures of a specific molds. On the rare occasion I am just browsing, I click on the threads with the most interesting titles.

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

I bought my first two dolls before I had even heard of Den of Angels. I got an El-SS, which I still have and love muchly, and a Dollmore White Lillith, which I have since sold. I didn't care that everyone and their mom had an El when I finally joined here.

I bought my Erato shortly after I had joined the forums. There are very few pictures of fullset Eratos here.

I bought my Sabik, SD13 Cristal, Lu-Wen, and Karon at their releases before anyone had seen pictures. I don't imagine that is uncommon practice in this hobby.

The only super-rare doll I own is a Kyrielle by Enaibi. I didn't get her because she was rare; I got her because she is easily the most gorgeous doll I have ever seen. It was terribly difficult to get her, though, and the wait was agonizing but worth it. The rest of my dolls are either standards, or limiteds/hard-to-get-dolls that you can find pictures of pretty commonly.

 

- Which is more appealing when buying a doll: that it's rare or that it's popular?
I choose dolls for their overall appearance in the end. Though I do turn away from popular dolls because so many people have them! Dolls like El I'ld -love- to have but wouldn't know what to do with them because alot of it has been done already. Maybe one day I'll give in and get one though

- 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've never thought about gallery views before...Actually I rarely photograph my dolls XD But it's true I choose not to buy overly popular dolls.

- 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 companies like Dolkot, Souldoll, DOD and DiM I'm more likely to click. More often I click gallery threads with creative titles~!

- Would you buy a doll that you had not seen on the forums?
Not likely for new companies, I would prefer feedback on my dolls before I buy them. Though I remember I went through a phase where I really REALLY wanted a Phantom Doll...They're rarely seen on the forums and I really really love the sculpts but after I heard that they can't stand very well at all I changed my mind. If it was a well-known company and people were familliar with the doll's posing abilities then I'ld be more likely to get it on their release.

 

I never cared about popularity and always bought the dolls I liked. Even my first male doll, an Elfdoll Wu, I bought him almost without having seen him but in the webpage shots, because I knew I loved him. Though after that, as I frequented a yahoo group devoted to Elfdoll, I have seen too many of both my two favourite dolls so I can't say they're "rare" or at least, I can't feel they are.

But I must admit it is rather risky and with my first male "love at first sight", a Jollyplus Gise, I ended quite disappointed as he looked so different from the web page pictures!!!!

So personally I don't mind the popularity of the mold at all... but having some galleries to check user's pictures first is quite useful if you don't want to be wrong with your purchase.

 

i'll answer the questions that are put up this time... it's been so long since i answered when the thread started.

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

neither. It just happens that i fall for limited dolls. Like Reinser, Tony and Breakaway. I like them but wouldn't go to all extreme to pay $2000 for them

- 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 and no. I don't really care about gallery views, but it would be nice if people told me if my photography was better or not. But i have just bought an El... when i saw him i didn't even know he was a very very popular mold. I just like him. Despite the hundreds out there, there is only one in my house and in being that one he is special to me ^^

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

well depends. I usually click on gallery threads featuring CP dolls because i love that company's dolls. I really like the scuplts of nearly all the delfs and a handful of the Minifees so it's natural i rather look at those pictures. But i also would look into a thread if i know the owner or if the doll belongs to an artist i admire.

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

I have a right mind to go and buy a Dolkot Ryu because no one seem to post his photos . But i don't know, if it's a repectable company. I bought my lovely Mowan before i joined DoA, i never seen many DZ photos except for the company ones and they are not flattering at all! But went with it and he's truly perfect!

So if it's a respectable company and i like the mold and can afford it why not?

 

- Which is more appealing when buying a doll: that it's rare or that it's popular?
All the dolls I have bought are characters from a personal project, so I have bought them because they were similar to the style from the original characters. I couldn't care less for them being popular or rare, I just wanted them to be the characters.

- 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?
Definitely no. This hobby is not about getting gallery clicks, it has a lot of interesting paths to explore! I wouldn't sacrifice my paths just because of popularity.

- Are you more likely to click gallery threads because they feature a CP doll? Be honest! Nothing wrong with having a favourite company.
Not really, just if the doll or the title attract me. I think I click more or less the same ratio of dolls I like.

- Would you buy a doll that you had not seen on the forums?
I already have done so, when I bought my Harang. I bought him when he was first released, and consequently I had not seen it on the boards.

 

- Which is more appealing when buying a doll: that it's rare or that it's popular?
>>> NEITHER! I like PRETTY *wants an El one day because he's PRETTY *


- 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?
>>> Depends. Is he pretty? Would I have an awesome time taking his pictures, dying out of sheer happiness seeing his oh-so-pweeeeddyyyy face?? 3333 Follower? I'm a loyal follower of faces that are pretty


- Are you more likely to click gallery threads because they feature a CP doll? Be honest! Nothing wrong with having a favourite company.
>>> Urz. Not really. But I would click it if it had a Bernard/Jade/Kiss 8D


- Would you buy a doll that you had not seen on the forums?
>>> Is it pretty and within my budget? 83

 

*Which is more appealing when buying a doll: that it's rare or that it's popular?
Well, I would suppose rare would be more appealing because having a popular mold makes it slightly harder for me to 'individualize' But in truth, it matters little to me since I base it off the face of a character I have in mind and see how well the mold fits him/her.

*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?
Not really, since I'm unlikely to post my boy/s often. If I think they're worthy for public viewing (meaning its actually good ) then I would post it, albeit very nervous of what the general public would say.

- Are you more likely to click gallery threads because they feature a CP doll? Be honest! Nothing wrong with having a favourite company.
In truth, yes, because I like the aesthetic of CP. I like seeing how different owners have customized their dolls.

- Would you buy a doll that you had not seen on the forums?
Maybe, if I like the mold and is within my price range. But I would like to see at least one owner pic ^^;

 

- Which is more appealing when buying a doll: that it's rare or that it's popular?
Hmmm.... actually i prefer something that uncommon/rare, but for bjd that cost alot of money, i'd buy the one that i really like, based on face/feature. The other thing is i also like to know about the quality of the doll (e.g. resin), and about the company who sell the doll (e.g. trustworthy company or not, customer service), so i tried to find others' opinions about those kinda thing, and that leads to more popular company perhaps (?), not the doll itself.

- 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?
Hmmm i'm new in this bjd, and just purchased my first bjd a week ago, so i don't know if i'm gonna be active posting in gallery or not . I'll probably more busy posting on his journal (yeah he already has journal even before he come ). To sum up.. i didn't buy doll for gallery views. If people like my doll, that's nice, but if they didn't really pay attention to him, it doesn't really matter since i love him no matter what

- Are you more likely to click gallery threads because they feature a CP doll?
Be honest! Nothing wrong with having a favourite company.
Hmmm.... nah..i click threads in gallery usually randoms, based on my mood at that time . If the title makes me wonder or interested, then i'll visit the thread. That's all.

- Would you buy a doll that you had not seen on the forums?
I think i did that already. First time i visited this forum just to find which company sells doll with good quality (resin-wise), is trustworthy and has good customer service. So i was rather alien to the name of the dolls, or which one is which. And at that time, i didn't see the gallery threads yet (too busy collecting info about the companies ).

 

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

Neither. I pick dolls for their faces, bodies and joints.


- 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, I wouldn't buy a doll just to get gallery views. I think shooting good photos and telling a good story are what get gallery views, no matter how popular a particular sculpt is in the hobby.

I don't purchase certain dolls because I don't like their sculpts, not because they are popular and I don't want to be seen as a follower. I got a mnf Shiwoo elf because I wanted one for a particular character, not because I know Shiwoos are popular.

I do find I shy away from considering incredibly popular dolls for purchase, but it's because the doll doesn't call out to me.

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

CP is just another company. I look for good storytelling and interesting photos, not a particular company most of the time.

Now, I DO like looking at IH Soo Ri photos, but mostly because so few are out here. I have made friends with some of the Soo Ri keepers out here because of it, which is nice.

I like looking at Bermanns because of their rarity and really like seeing them if they have been customized, like SDink's boys.

I also find I don't click on most Volks entries if I don't know the person because I find most Volks dolls incredibly unappealing, especially with default faceups. My friends with Volks dolls have personalized them nicely so they are appealing, so those I like.

A doll must have personality for me to like it, no matter what the sculpt.

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

I have already done this. I have a DM Model Doll Haneol Moon. I think I am one of only two people on this entire forum who has one right now.

 

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

It's always about the sculpt first - their posabilty, esthetics, style, etc. Being rare is just a bonus for me, but it never determines whether I purchase a doll 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?

I would never buy a doll just because it will gain me popularity. I don't even post in the galleries any more - too impersonal. However, I would be less inclined to purchase a doll that is so popular, because quite frankly, I get sick of seeing them and I feel some have lost their sense of individuality.

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

No, perhaps even less likely - I'm quite sick of seeing the same exact CP doll, one after the other - all with the same style and personailty...

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

Certainly if I liked it!

 

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

Having a sought after or rare doll is nice, but I wouldn't buy one purely because it's rare.

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?

Firstly, absolutely not o_O. This hobby of mine doesn't circle around what people think of my dolls on a forum. I quite contently just enjoy "playing" with my dolls, I don't really care if people like them or not online, though the compliments are nice. Secondly, nope. I have an El XD, go figure.

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

If I see a gallery thread which features a doll I'm either unfamiliar with, or I know is uncommon, I'll go look just out of curiosity. If I know a certain user is particularly good at photography, I'll go out of my random clickings to look at their thread.

Would you buy a doll that you had not seen on the forums?
Yup! Dollish U-me's have practically no user pics besides my own, but a simple thumbnail sent me on the rampage to find this elusive boy myself, and I got lucky . He is the last doll I would EVER part with. He's my favourite doll, and I found out about him with no help or encouragement from DoA (though I did buy him on here xD).

 

I prefer unpopular or rare dolls...I've bought a secretdoll yomo as first bjd...'cause I found her face so intense...I didn't know it was an unpopular doll when i bought her...But sincerely I don't mind if other people ignore her...I love her and for me is special...
And also the other doll I own are not so popular:I have a DZ Yage, a LatiBlue Shaina and I'm waiting for a Narsha...I've choose them by instinct.
When I look at other peoples gallery usually i like to look the outfits and make up...I don't mind to much wich is the doll mold.

 

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

In my case its more which doll would fit my characters best? My other criteria is how does it pose and will it fit in with our other dolls? I focus more on my love for the doll rather than others love for a doll. All three of my dolls are uncommon and I have a feeling most of my others will be too. It seems my love is in the uniqueness of the sculpt. not the quanitity, popularity or rarity of it.

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, I wouldn't get a popular doll just for gallery views. I rarely post in the galleries anyway and If I do it isn't for views, I do it to share owner pictures with others. And no, I wouldn't avoid a popular doll for fear of being called a follower. I think if you like a doll buy it. Who cares about what everyone else thinks?

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

To be honest, and I don't want to offend anyone, I avoid most CP and Volks threads unless someone has a really unique attention grabbing doll. Like a great asian costume or a period piece. Either its makeup or its clothes or its wig, something has to really grab me. I'm big on artist faceups, so if it has factory default makeup, I'm not as interested. That even goes for my favorite companies. I am more likely to click on a gallery or make a comment if the doll really grabs me. So many people go with factory default, the popular ones, like CP and Volks tend to look the same to me.

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

I have...

Three times

When I first wanted to buy my Soo Ri there were only two members who ever posted pictures of their boys. I went by their owner pictures to get a feel for the doll (Thank you Aernath and Jenny nemesis) Even though both of their dolls were older versions and one was a limited Tan, I went with what little info I had and Bought him. To this day he is still my favorite doll. He's even more beautiful in person than any picture could show. I ordered him blank because I already planned for Raven Moon to do his faceup. And his artist faceup really did it for me.

When I bought my shall, there weren't many out there at the time, So Again I took a chance and bought her. Again I was ecstatic. I took it upon myself with Raven moons guidance to do her Faceup myself. She's now one of the few shalls around with non default makeup. (can't you tell I love unique faceups?)

With My Buddydoll april I had NOTHING to go on as Nobody had her yet. Took a chance and bought her. And despite the problems everyone complains about, I think shes perfect. Shes got a uniquely cute little face and an interesting body shape. I guess it really is all about the customization factor. If I can customize the doll to the way I want it, then I will usually buy it.

Just my two cents.

 

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

I only buy dolls that I love; some have been rare, some popular, some weird.

- 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 rarely post in the gallery and don't care if other people like my dolls or not.

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

CP dolls are ok, but I don't click on them much as I prefer more realistic dolls.

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

Not really; the forums are my source for finding out about dolls, so I am unlikely to find one I like unless I see them on DOA or wherever.

 

I dont usually like molds that every1 has it doesnt seem personal enough to me, I like rare or semi rareish usually. Only a very few popular ones have interested me so it does all come down to what you want.

 

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

Desn't really matter. I buy my dolls because I like them for who they are, for their molds. And I do try to envision first what I can do with these dolls before I decide that I'd buy them.

- 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?

Doesn't really apply to me. Just because I love mine too much to care about popularity xD;

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

Guilty as charged LOL But in my case is if it's the particular doll mold that I've set my eyes on. I'm always curious about owner pics ^^ and especially if it's the same doll that I have.

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

If the company pictures are good enough to convince me, I might buy. Or, in the case of my Volks Mark, if I see it with my own eyes, and I'm liking what I see