Rare or popular: discuss your preference

I have to admit that I take a little pride in the fact that a few of the heads I have are limited editions. However, the reason I bought them is because I love the molds. Not beause they're a mold that gets a lot of compliments on threads. I get VERY few comments anyway, so it doesn't make any difference to me. What matters is that I enjoy them.

 

I don't think I could ever get a popular doll eg. El. Even if he is really pretty because I know I am easily influenced by others and would probably end up making him look like someone elses doll.

 

I do like CP dolls, though I have a strong fondness for the Lati K and Lati M, because they are hunks.

As for dolls to buy? I've wanted a Jeong for a long time, and now they're out of stock! I can't even find pictures of many on the forums, which means it's highly unlikely anyone will be selling one anytime soon either. This didn't influence me to like her, but it does make me a little sad that I might not have her now.

 

I will by a doll that I like ^^ That's the most important for me ^^ I will see pictures of it, so that I know that I will like it, but I don't care if it's popular or rare, I will give them their very own personality and background ^^

 

I'm more a fan of rare dolls.

Or should I say, ones that aren't often seen on the forums.

I always really feel that I don't want my character to be lost in the sea of dolls here, on DOA.

 

- Which is more appealing when buying a doll: that it's rare or that it's popular?
I really don't think about that when I'm searching through sculpts. When I picked my El, I picked him because he looked the most like the character I had in mind AND was the right scale. Hound and Lahoo were close seconds, but too tall for the character I had in mind compared to other characters I was looking at as potential future dolls.
Admittedly, once I found out how common Els were, I realized I would've preferred if he was rarer, but I saw no reason to change my choice because of the common-ness. I've had him almost a year now and I'm still happy with him. ^^

- 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 pick a more popular doll for gallery views; El's popular as anything, but everyone ignores them now because there are so many. I haven't posted pics of mine in ages because I just don't think people want to see another one. One of the molds I'm looking at for my next doll is significantly more scarce than El, but that was by luck that the doll with the right look also happened to be uncommon.
I worried a little about being seen as a follower, but didn't care, in the end.

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

I really don't go into the gallery anymore.
But what I do click on usually winds up being either A) what I want next or B) Hounds or Ducan, because I will always think they're lovely. Or maybe people who have nice photography whom I remember from when I browsed EVERYTHING in the gallery last year. I'm extremely picky with what I look at

- Would you buy a doll that you had not seen on the forums?
Probably not; I like seeing user pics, since they can give you a better idea of doll than company pics from time to time. Companies are trying to sell a product, and thus only show pictures that reinforce the best points. Owner pics don't have that sort of restriction. Also, at least 3 people would probably already own a specific mold before I realized it existed.

So, I guess I'd like to have a rare doll, but I won't choose rare over common if the common one looks more like what I want.

 

- Which is more appealing when buying a doll: that it's rare or that it's popular?
What's most important is that it appeals to me aesthetically. I'm certainly not going to buy a limited or rare doll, no matter how limited or rare, if I think it's the most hidious thing ever created. And the only reason I'd be buying a popular doll would be because the sculpt appealed to me. These dolls are too expensive to buy and keep something you're not that interested in.



- 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 care about gallery views. I post my stories and pictures and if people look at them, that's fine... honestly, I'm more interested in trying to express emotions through photographs, which, obviously since these are static dolls, aren't really there and can only be implied through the craftsmanship of the photograph itself. I post my pictures in the gallery in hopes that someone will see them, recognize what I was going after, and comment on it without being overly prompted. (and admittedly, when I get a new doll I post pictures because I'm excited :P ) What I'm attempting to do can be done with any mold, I don't need a popular doll for that.



- Are you more likely to click gallery threads because they feature a CP doll? Be honest! Nothing wrong with having a favourite company.-
No, not CP. I've tried owning a CP SD sized doll, or a CP SD body, but I just can't, they're too delicate for me, the fingers always seem like they're about to snap off... so generally I'm not in any great rush to view CP threads... Admittedly though, I adore Volks dolls and am more likely to click on one of their threads. Or a Bambicrony thread, which is my other favorite company... I also am more prone to click on threads by people who I know either take good pictures, write in a humorous or amusing manner or make splendid characters/clothing for their dolls.

- Would you buy a doll you had not seen on forums?
Only limiteds from Volks or Bambicrony, because if I don't buy it from them, then I'll have to buy it at a hefty markup later on. I'd rather take the chance of getting something that maybe I'll like and maybe I won't, because I'm confident I'll be able to sell it later on.

 

- Which is more appealing when buying a doll: that it's rare or that it's popular?
Neither. I will admit I have favorite companies, but that has to do with the artist that works there. I like the dolls for the one's that appeal to me, no matter what anyone else thinks.
- 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. I like the dolls for the sculpts. I also buy for sizes I like. As for the gallery, I don't post all that often, but when I share it's for fun. And I like seeing my dolls on the board, it's fun to see your pics up with all the others!
- Are you more likely to click gallery threads because they feature a CP doll? Be honest! Nothing wrong with having a favourite company.-

Sometimes, if it is one of my favorite molds, or one I am thinking of getting. (I know I would like another large doll to go with my Chiwoo, and I honestly just love the CP Body lower waist joint.) But I always look if it is a YOSD! Or just about any tiny! I love tiny post! (Yes, I have a tiny addiction!)
- Would you buy a doll you had not seen on forums?
I would not buy a doll I had not seen pics of. But if you mean pics on this form, yes. I would buy from volks, Luts, LaTi, Bambicrony, DIM and Unidoll. They are all companies I have had good dealings with and I know I like their stuff. I am sure there are other companies that would also be just as trustworthy to those who own their dolls.

 

Popularity doesn't really play a role in my choices. I do like to see other people's dolls before I make my mind about a mold though... So I wouldn't buy a really recent doll that no one had, that would make me nervous because I wouldn't know how they looked without their photo being taken by a professional photographer working for the doll company

I do love a lot of the really popular molds, there is a reason why they are that popular after all. So I wouldn't mind buying one, but maybe I wouldn't post pictures of mine since there are so many pictures out there already.

 

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

That it looks enough like the original character of mine it's supposed to represent for me to bond with. I don't much care if everyone else is into it, they're not the ones forking over the money for it.

- Would you ever buy a more popular doll knowing that it could get you more gallery views?

I'm not going to buy a doll for more attention, but I'm also not going to lie and say that I'm unaware that my incoming Shiwoo won't get more attention in photo posts than my Meigi. It's not something I can control, so I try not to dwell on it.

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 have moments of worry that one of my dolls will just be received as another annoying [ insert mould name here ], but again, that's out of my control. It's not worth the blood pressure.

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

I am. I'm more likely to click a gallery thread with any mould I recognize, really. And there are a few I stalk across the boards to see what different people are doing with them.

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

Is that even possible anymore?

 

- Which is more appealing when buying a doll: that it's rare or that it's popular?
Neither, honestly. When preparing a dollfie, I have a very specific look in mind because I base it off of a character of mine. If the character requires a common dollfie, cool. If it needs a rare one... alright.
- 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?
Again, form follows the function. Rare or not doesn't matter. Look does.
- Are you more likely to click gallery threads because they feature a CP doll?
... I honestly don't know. Probably.
- Would you buy a doll you had not seen on forums?
I won't blind buy a doll but website or forums, I need pictures.

 

- Which is more appealing when buying a doll: that it's rare or that it's popular?
Neither, honestly. When preparing a dollfie, I have a very specific look in mind because I base it off of a character of mine. If the character requires a common dollfie, cool. If it needs a rare one... alright.
- 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?
Again, form follows the function. Rare or not doesn't matter. Look does.
- Are you more likely to click gallery threads because they feature a CP doll?
... I honestly don't know. Probably.
- Would you buy a doll you had not seen on forums?
I won't blind buy a doll but website or forums, I need pictures.

 

With any hobby I buy what I like, remember that anything you buy you might get stuck with. If there were only 1 of Xavier's mold in the world I would have all but sold my soul to get that little face, but the selling point was his face. He was the first I had ever seen with downturned eyes on a wide face.

X was also a bit of a bandwagon doll as when I got him the half closed eyed and sleep dolls were just coming out. He is white, mini, sad and sleepy where as the doll before him was wide awake and generally happy.

On the limited side the "look what I got" factor was the biggest part in chucking out all the money on a body, eyes, shoes, wigs ect for the twins. I never would have bought the Recall scuplt as it's slightly creepy and the general opposite of the look I like. Being one of the few people to win and keep one is kind of neat.

 

I don't really think about whether a doll is rare or popular. If it grabs my attention I feel I have to get it whether they be common or very limited.

 

- Which is more appealing when buying a doll: that it's rare or that it's popular?
Neither, when buying a doll I would choose one that fits in with the characters I made for them.

- Would you ever buy a more popular doll knowing that it could get you more gallery views?
No, I don't really post my dolls up that often anyway. I by them for me and not to look good in front of other doll owners.

- 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 own an El. XD So no.

- Are you more likely to click gallery threads because they feature a CP doll? Be honest! Nothing wrong with having a favourite company.
I only look in the gallery really to look at pictures of a doll I would would be interested in buying in the future, because sometimes factory pictures aren't enough.

- Would you buy a doll that you had not seen on the forums?
Again it depends on whether this doll fits in with my planned characters. Popularity has nothing to do with it.

 

Which is more appealing when buying a doll: that it's rare or that it's popular?
-Like many say, it doesn't matter which. Though, if there were two equally cute dolls, but one was popular, the other rare, I'd go for the rare one. I like to stick out. XD

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?
-Haha, I hate to be seen as a follower. Frankly I'm just getting a doll because it pleases me personally. If I could get the doll I wanted, and know it would never be viewed by 'netters, I don't think I would care.

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, don't have favorites.

- Would you buy a doll that you had not seen on the forums?
*gullible nod* mer-huh.

 

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

Neither. I go with what I like, and not because it's THE doll to have. For instance, Volks is very popular, but frankly I just don't like the molds. They rub me the wrong way.

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?

Well, I mean, I don't really post pictures, anyway, so it wouldn't make a difference.

Here's the thing: if I see TOO MUCH of a doll, say an El for example, I might get tired of it to the point where I could never own one myself, as the "freshness" of it wears away. And I'd never be able to look at my own El without seeing someone else's character that's all over the place. You know?

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

I guess the kind of the doll CAN be a factor in why I click on a gallery. Overall, though, I just click on whatever looks interesting. Further, I don't have a favorite company ^^; I always click on a Soony or Valencia thread, though XD

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

Maybe/probably. The thing is, if I've never seen a certain company/doll on the forums, how do I know how good it is? How is the turnaround? Is the company reliable? How does it look in "real life"? Owner pics play a large part in how I decide, because I might suddenly think, "Hmm, well, it looks a lot stranger than I thought, so maybe I'll pass." And I have to factor in if I can find suitable clothes for the doll. If clothing makers don't do his/her size until you ask them to customize because of it's odd shape or rareness, is it worth the trouble?

 

Which is more appealing when buying a doll: that it's rare or that it's popular?
Neither. I buy a doll because I like the mold. I don't buy many Volks dolls because I don't like most of the molds. The same thing with Delf El. I just don't like the mold. x.x The fact they are rare or popular makes no difference to me. That's why my family is quite a menagerie.

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. This seems like a vain mentality. Besides, if you have a doll with a lot of personality or is extremely beautiful, people will be more likely to view your thread. I don't think it is that much to do with the mold itself.

Using El for an example again, if I liked the mold I wouldn't be adverse to buying him just because there are tons of him. I bought my MNF Shiwoo back when they first came out, so there weren't many at the time, but I would still have loved him and bought him if I had see him a year later.

Are you more likely to click gallery threads because they feature a CP doll? Be honest! Nothing wrong with having a favourite company.
I tend to look for interesting thread titles or dolls I know before looking at what mold the thread is of. If I am debating buying a mold, I will search out gallery threads of that doll.

Would you buy a doll that you had not seen on the forums?
If I liked the mold. I wouldn't specifically seek out a doll that wasn't highly owned.

 

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

neither really...never thought about it. i design my dolls in pictures before i decided the molds, so price or popularity never came to mind. it was whatever looked like them (and in some cases, hybrids or dolls ive not seen before x_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?

couldnt give a stuff. though, i dont like shiwoo's anyway, but it does put me off MORE by how many people have them. but if i did want one, id 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.

haha...yeah. i look for specific molds, mostly CP or if i ever get lucky, some of the rare hybrids/molds that are never posted. i wont click on dolls i dont like much (duh XD ) i usually steer away from Volks and DZ because i dont like either very much

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

absolutely; so long as i could see all of it, full explanations, and assurance of quality

 

- Which is more appealing when buying a doll: that it's rare or that it's popular?
I don't care if a doll is rare or popular, I buy a doll because I love the face sculpt, not because other people buy it.

- Would you ever buy a more popular doll knowing that it could get you more gallery views?
For me this sounds silly and since I rarely take pics of my dolls, it's irrelevant also. But some people crave praise and attention, so buying a popular doll would be very important to them and I totally understand, though it's not something I would do.

- 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?
In the circles I travel in, it's almost a competition as to who has the most recent and most popular designer clothes and accessories. I bought my original doll, a CP Ttory and my latest doll, a CP MNF elf Shiwoo, not because they were popular, but because I really really liked, them, though it is funny since they both are very popular! I guess I am a follower!

- Are you more likely to click gallery threads because they feature a CP doll? Be honest! Nothing wrong with having a favourite company.
Yeah, of course! I want to see how others have their Ttorys and Shiwoos made up and dressed. I love looking at piccies of other people's dolls that are like mine and seeing how same or different they are.

- Would you buy a doll that you had not seen on the forums?
Yeah, of course! I bought my Benji (Ttory) long before I joined this place!