The Doll Hobby: Is "Conspicuous Consumption" the Main Event?

I have a friend, and kinda feel bad cause I introduced her to dolls, who just buys.
She just sold two dolls, and bought two new ones at the same time. She never keeps them for more than a few month, or even weeks, she bought and sold 10 in the last year and a half. She doesn't have time to get attached, seems to barely see them, but then we all enjoy this differently.

But it feels to me she would do the same thing with any other hobby, she just likes buying. There was an interesting tread here about the "buying rush", this is exacltly it.



The pleasure of buying, waiting, receiving, and then the need for more. Buying, buying, buying, and the need to sell to buy more. This kinda scares me, it's like an addiction.

 

Sometimes I go on these sprees where I look at absolutely everything in the news thread, go through every store I have bookmarked, and then write down everything I want. It's really a terribly frightening process, as it usually ends when I start to feel miserable about the fact that I can't afford even half the things I've written down... I think that's why/when I get tired of "window shopping" and stop for a while.

The worst part of this trend, however, comes when I do finally stop shopping. It's at that point that I start to feel guilty for ignoring my dolls or not doing enough with the hobby to justify having spent so much in the first place. It's really a very vicious cycle...

Thankfully, though, for me the cure it sitting down and making things for my dolls instead of buying them. Then I feel creatively inspired, instead of greedy and needy.

 

Ironicaly enought, I just went on the ebay on page and there was this thing enttled "just for you" with the huge title "FUEL YOUR PASSION FOR: super dollfie ect..." they go straitght to the point don't they?

 

1) Do you ever feel "fatigued" by the commercial nature of this hobby, regardless of whether or not you spend money regularly on doll stuff? Or is it something you find easy to ignore, and if so, why? Sometimes, usually when I have no money to spend. Its like the "don't think of pink elephants" thing, when I know I can't play in the commercial end I miss being able to. Usually I just change focus to the enjoyment of dolls I already have, but sometimes my "want" button gets stuck. Then I have to concentrate on a different hobby for a while.
2) Do you ever feel pressure to buy the latest new dolls coming out, or to constantly put money into improving/ finishing the dolls you already have with better wigs and eyes, nicer faceups, nicer clothing, etc.? Not pressure, but sometimes I get sad when I I don't have the money. I only buy what I like and don't follow trends but I like being able to get "stuff" for my dolls and sometimes have to remember there are other ways to enjoy the hobby.
3) Do you ever get bored or feel less enjoyment from your dolls when you're not shopping for them, or shopping for new dolls?No, I have health issues that sometimes affect my enjoyment level, but not being able to shop does not affect my level of enjoyment of what dolls I already have. Sometimes it does affect how much I go online tho.
4) Do you ever feel like other people in the hobby spend too much time concentrating on acquiring things or selling things off, or agonizing over what to acquire and/or sell off? No, but it sometimes makes me dizzy to watch.. That kind of decision making is very stressful to me, so I only plan and buy what I hope to be able to keep.
5) Do you or other people you know often buy on a whim, have "buyer's remorse" or get tired of things in a really short time after getting them, or do you/ most people you know usually buy things thoughtfully and for keepsOther than my husband who is also in this hobby, I don't personally know anyone other than from the boards. No, we don't get buyers remorse altho we sometimes agonize for a long time over whether or not to buy

 

1) Do you ever feel "fatigued" by the commercial nature of this hobby, regardless of whether or not you spend money regularly on doll stuff? Or is it something you find easy to ignore, and if so, why? Sometimes I get a little burnt out on 'omg must buy this, and this, and this...'. When I do though, I just look to my other hobbies. ^^ Easy way to keep from getting tired of buying dolly stuff.

2) Do you ever feel pressure to buy the latest new dolls coming out, or to constantly put money into improving/ finishing the dolls you already have with better wigs and eyes, nicer faceups, nicer clothing, etc.? Hmm... Well, I must admit, I do adore some of the new dolls coming out, but, then again, I'm decently new to the hobby. However at this point I've received the 'new' dolls I'd been waiting for and am now content to simply just finish the ones I have.

3) Do you ever get bored or feel less enjoyment from your dolls when you're not shopping for them, or shopping for new dolls? No... Actually I love playing with all my boys. They're all so precious that I can't help but love on them all the time.

4) Do you ever feel like other people in the hobby spend too much time concentrating on acquiring things or selling things off, or agonizing over what to acquire and/or sell off? Sometimes, yes... I've seen it happen before. However I only really sell when I absolutely can not bond with someone or I have to due to money problems. :/

5) Do you or other people you know often buy on a whim, have "buyer's remorse" or get tired of things in a really short time after getting them, or do you/ most people you know usually buy things thoughtfully and for keeps? I must admit that when I first got into the hobby I wanted to buy just to have a doll. However that turned out to be a mistake as I sold two of the dolls I originally got. However, now, I want to only get dolls that I've wanted for a while... Like since I've gotten into the hobby. I have characters / clothing /eyes /wigs all plotted out for them, so hopefully that will keep me from getting too worn out. ^^

 

I have seen similar this debated in other places and what I dont get is what is your basis for comparison? How is this more or less then any other hobby as you put it "commercialized" ? I mena I have lots and lots of hobbies always have. By trade I am a fine artist and there for have many other off shoots that I am interested in. Everything from sewing and crafting to Warhammer 40K. Something I have said many times over about a great many subjects is that there is a magazine for every interests out there.. The funny thing is NO one till this past what is it now year maybe two there has not really been one for BJD. Now there is ONE that covers them but its hit or miss some months there is a few pages other months many more but not a whole Magazine. If anything the hobby is catching up to where everything else is. Commercialism is a good thing for our hobby really it means that there more to chose from. A monopoly in any given area is not a good thing.

1) Do you ever feel "fatigued" by the commercial nature of this hobby, regardless of whether or not you spend money regularly on doll stuff? Or is it something you find easy to ignore, and if so, why?

No, And I don't mean to be rude but any one that's does is a bit silly. You are a person no one is "Making" you do anything. That would be like saying that you get "Fatigued" going to the corner store to get a soda because there are far too many to pick from. No one is telling you that you have to try them all or even look at them all.

2) Do you ever feel pressure to buy the latest new dolls coming out, or to constantly put money into improving/ finishing the dolls you already have with better wigs and eyes, nicer faceups, nicer clothing, etc.?

NO, Pressure from whom? Thats silly. This is not high school and no one is getting graded for the dolls or the clothes that they wear. I feel the anyone who even slightly supports a community that is that closed minded about our hobby is out of line. If you want to be a part of that type of community then join one thats just for "volks" of High fashion not BJDs as a hobby.

3) Do you ever get bored or feel less enjoyment from your dolls when you're not shopping for them, or shopping for new dolls?

NO, I love to play with them make things for them. Do photoshoots with them . Talk to others about their ideas for and with their dolls ect.

4) Do you ever feel like other people in the hobby spend too much time concentrating on acquiring things or selling things off, or agonizing over what to acquire and/or sell off?

Maybe but its not my place. If people want to be shopaholics then let them. Its the same in just about any other hobby, cars, wood working sewing ect..

5) Do you or other people you know often buy on a whim, have "buyer's remorse" or get tired of things in a really short time after getting them, or do you/ most people you know usually buy things thoughtfully and for keeps?

I have not really ever bought a doll on a whim. I think thru the dolls that I want but I must say that I have had some arrive and that they were not quite what I thought they were. I bought a sabik when they first came out and when I got him .. I put him on my night stand and looked at him for about 6 months. He never added up to what I thought he would be. He just did not fit so I sold him. I guess thats the closest I can get to that.

Again its not any of our places to tell people what how or when they should do anything with their dolls.

 

1) Occasionally actually, yes, I do get tired of the whole thing. I don't find the hobby more materialistic than any other hobby(it's the nature of collecting), but this is the first hobby that I've gotten into a community for so it's more noticeable to me. Usually if I get annoyed with it though I just step back from the doll sites and put my attention into other things and come back later excited about everything the community has to offer.

2) Not really, no. I have a friend who playfully pressures me to get more dolls(it doesn't work) but I wouldn't call any of that actual pressure, just joking. In the end the only person who really cares what the dolls look like and how many there are is me and I don't really see a point in creating artificial stress over something I do to relax.

3) I think I find the most joy in my dolls when I'm not shopping for them. I find shopping a little bit stressful, with the whole giving away too much of my money thing. >_< But yeah, the time when I'm most enthusiastic about my dolls is usually when I've just got them around with me, making things for them or taking pictures or just sitting around with one of them.

4) Yes, I really do. It's not reaaaaally my business as to what people do with their time or their money but I feel like some people could have more fun if they stopped and savoured what they had. Far too many people work themselves up over something they can't possess and miss out on a lot of fun they could have had with something they already do. I think that about life though, it's not exclusive to dolls by any means.

5) I've kept every bit of doll stuff I've ever bought, but I generally don't buy a whole lot. I aaaagonize over what I'm buying, which really works for me because I'm more than happy with all of the dolls that I have and all of their stuff. The people I know are generally like that too, one of my friends buys things on a whim but he seems to really really love everything he gets and definitely doesn't sell them (I think he'd chew off his own arm to avoid it in most cases) so I think that buying on a whim works for him.

 

1) Do you ever feel "fatigued" by the commercial nature of this hobby,

No I don't. Having a doll has prompted me to do art again (face-ups) and sewing clothes. I might (and probably will) at some point or another, buy clothes for my doll but for me, buying stuff is not nearly at the top of my list when it comes to dolls.

2) Do you ever feel pressure to buy the latest new dolls coming out, or to constantly put money into improving/ finishing the dolls you already have with better wigs and eyes, nicer faceups, nicer clothing, etc.?

No. I am very picky about what dolls I would like to own, and many of the clothes and face-ups I'd be doing myself. As for eyes and wigs, I am a bit of a sucker for these. If I am going to spend hundreds of dollars on a doll, I want nice wigs and eyes.

3) Do you ever get bored or feel less enjoyment from your dolls when you're not shopping for them, or shopping for new dolls?

Shopping for stuff for my doll has certainly helped pass the time while I wait for my doll and most of the stuff I bought was out of necessity (for the doll) than for the sake of just buying the stuff. While buying new things for the doll is fun, it doesn't mean I'd enjoy her any less.

4) Do you ever feel like other people in the hobby spend too much time concentrating on acquiring things or selling things off, or agonizing over what to acquire and/or sell off?

It's a hobby with a lot of versatility. For me, I like the aspect of doing things with my dolls, for others it could be the same, or for the sake of buying things. It's up to them as to what they do with their hobby.

I actually don't mind others doing this at all. I've founds some nice second-hand eyes that I probably would not have obtained otherwise.

5) Do you or other people you know often buy on a whim, have "buyer's remorse" or get tired of things in a really short time after getting them, or do you/ most people you know usually buy things thoughtfully and for keeps?

I usually have to think about something for a while before I buy something. Before I bought my first doll, I had a mild interested in them for about six months, and another month of greater interest before I requested money as a Christmas gift instead for the sake of ordering her. I almost always have to think about something for a while before I buy it.

 

1) Do you ever feel "fatigued" by the commercial nature of this hobby, regardless of whether or not you spend money regularly on doll stuff? Or is it something you find easy to ignore, and if so, why? YES! you described it perfectly - "fatigued". it really does wear on me. i feel like i get sick of hearing myself talk about it at times. because i tend to get a little obsessed with this hobby and am always talking about it - i notice at times that it seems all i'm talking about is money! like "oh, look at this, and for only $200", or "oh, i could sell such and such and then i'd only need $50", and so on...i get really sick of always ending up talking about money.

2) Do you ever feel pressure to buy the latest new dolls coming out, or to constantly put money into improving/ finishing the dolls you already have with better wigs and eyes, nicer faceups, nicer clothing, etc.? no, i feel like i want those things at times, but i don't feel pressured.

3) Do you ever get bored or feel less enjoyment from your dolls when you're not shopping for them, or shopping for new dolls? i have felt that, but not always. i actually do internet "fasts" and make myself spend time with my actual dolls instead of on the internet. i'm afraid sometimes of ending up having my hobby be shopping instead of dolls. ugh.

4) Do you ever feel like other people in the hobby spend too much time concentrating on acquiring things or selling things off, or agonizing over what to acquire and/or sell off? YES! including myself!

5) Do you or other people you know often buy on a whim, have "buyer's remorse" or get tired of things in a really short time after getting them, or do you/ most people you know usually buy things thoughtfully and for keeps? i actually can't buy on a whim, because i never have any money. it takes me about 8 months to a year to save up for a doll. but sometimes i think this is a blessing, because i'm sure this would apply to me if i had all the money to blow on dolls.

P.S. i actually think this is a great topic, and one i haven't seen talked about before. i see that some people were a little negative about it, which is fine, i just wanted you to know that it's interesting to me - and i just happen to feel the same as you. so, thanks.

 

1) Do you ever feel "fatigued" by the commercial nature of this hobby, regardless of whether or not you spend money regularly on doll stuff? Or is it something you find easy to ignore, and if so, why?
- I don't feel like that. In normally, I didn't shopping or spend so much money on my dolls and somethings that other people interest to buy may not my interesting thing too.

2) Do you ever feel pressure to buy the latest new dolls coming out, or to constantly put money into improving/ finishing the dolls you already have with better wigs and eyes, nicer faceups, nicer clothing, etc.?
- I never feel pressure because I'm only attention with only one thing that I most like. I didn't interest much on the new dolls which are release in every week or every day, Yes new doll may beautiful, cute or whatever, if it isn't my interesting things I can ignore it easily, and this make me have more money for impproving my dolls with new face up shoes or wig.

3) Do you ever get bored or feel less enjoyment from your dolls when you're not shopping for them, or shopping for new dolls?
- No, I never get bored. I love all my dolls and very enjoying with them event if I am not shopping for them I don't thing it nesessary to shopping in every things for the dolls I think its kind of lose so much money.

4) Do you ever feel like other people in the hobby spend too much time concentrating on acquiring things or selling things off, or agonizing over what to acquire and/or sell off?
- Sometime I ever feel like that, some people may have many free time to play with thier dolls or find something new for thier dolls in every hours or every minute but, for me is not I only have one or two days to play with my doll in one week and I don't have time searching internet to find new cloths new shoes or new wigs for my doll my free time is really short.

5) Do you or other people you know often buy on a whim, have "buyer's remorse" or get tired of things in a really short time after getting them, or do you/ most people you know usually buy things thoughtfully and for keeps?
- I saw some people spend so much on the dolls and get tried because of economic and finacial problem. It make me feel like "why they have to do that much?" and "Why they don't stop themselves from buying too much and get thier money in rest?"

But, most people I know always buy things thoughtfully and yes me too.

 

1) Do you ever feel "fatigued" by the commercial nature of this hobby, regardless of whether or not you spend money regularly on doll stuff? Or is it something you find easy to ignore, and if so, why? Hmm.. I can't exactly say "fatigued" because I'm now finding myself start to customize my dolls on my own so I feel art plays a large part of this hobby for me rather than the commercialism. Of course, I feel burnt out sometimes when I overspend too much in a short amount of time but that's about it.

2) Do you ever feel pressure to buy the latest new dolls coming out, or to constantly put money into improving/ finishing the dolls you already have with better wigs and eyes, nicer faceups, nicer clothing, etc.? I never feel pressured unless I actually WANT the doll. But as for the customization, I do find myself constantly trying to improve the doll to look like the character it is suppose to be and not everything works out for some reasons (especially the eyes... argh).

3) Do you ever get bored or feel less enjoyment from your dolls when you're not shopping for them, or shopping for new dolls? No, I'd rather that I find that fixed look my character has and get it over with than shop all the time. I'm not much of a shopping person. :/
And it drives me crazy sometimes because during the wait for something I sometimes find things that would suit my character more than the thing I'm waiting for...

4) Do you ever feel like other people in the hobby spend too much time concentrating on acquiring things or selling things off, or agonizing over what to acquire and/or sell off? Yes. I'm actually in that situation myself because I now no longer hold a permanent job and have to prioritize. And I'm finding it a pain. But dolls are dolls and life comes first.

5) Do you or other people you know often buy on a whim, have "buyer's remorse" or get tired of things in a really short time after getting them, or do you/ most people you know usually buy things thoughtfully and for keeps? Well, my first was an impulse buy before I even knew about this community and was sold off eventually. My second was researched for about 2 months beforehand but was sold off because it just didn't work out for the character I had in mind. My third and fourth were entirely impulse buys and are staying with me forever. My fifth and sixth are WIP characters from my story. And my most recent was suppose to be my OC but decided it wanted to be someone else entirely.
So as for me, even research doesn't guarantee that I will like the doll or that it would suit the character I buy for it. Adequate research is good but I find that the best way for me to know would be to see and handle the doll in person. Same thing with (urethane) eyes. Pictures can only tell so much but the true color is only really seen in person.

 

1) Do you ever feel "fatigued" by the commercial nature of this hobby, regardless of whether or not you spend money regularly on doll stuff? Or is it something you find easy to ignore, and if so, why?

2) Do you ever feel pressure to buy the latest new dolls coming out, or to constantly put money into improving/ finishing the dolls you already have with better wigs and eyes, nicer faceups, nicer clothing, etc.? No, not really. If a particular doll doesn't appeal to me, I feel no pressure to buy him or her. I will continue to acquire new clothes, eyes, wigs, etc for the dolls I already own but only as I see things that I like.

3) Do you ever get bored or feel less enjoyment from your dolls when you're not shopping for them, or shopping for new dolls? Fortunately, no. I have my hands full with the crew that I have and I still derive lots of pleasure from them even though I'm not actively acquiring many new things at this point.

4) Do you ever feel like other people in the hobby spend too much time concentrating on acquiring things or selling things off, or agonizing over what to acquire and/or sell off? Yes, absolutely. I truly do think there is a sort of addiction for some owners and it's sad. They are only happy if they're buying a new doll and for them the hobby is a revolving door of buying new dolls and selling older ones to fund the new ones. It makes me dizzy.

5) Do you or other people you know often buy on a whim, have "buyer's remorse" or get tired of things in a really short time after getting them, or do you/ most people you know usually buy things thoughtfully and for keeps? I've only bought a doll on impulse once and I ended up selling her after about two months. It's not something I plan on doing again.

 

1) Do you ever feel "fatigued" by the commercial nature of this hobby, regardless of whether or not you spend money regularly on doll stuff? Or is it something you find easy to ignore, and if so, why?
Does not get to me.

2) Do you ever feel pressure to buy the latest new dolls coming out, or to constantly put money into improving/ finishing the dolls you already have with better wigs and eyes, nicer faceups, nicer clothing, etc.? No, not latest doll but nice to have them but I not worry a bit about getting them. But I DO worry of my constant need to get so much for him and for me so I look like him. It a obsession, really. But once I find perfect cloth for him, I am fine.

3) Do you ever get bored or feel less enjoyment from your dolls when you're not shopping for them, or shopping for new dolls?
No! I love my girl that I have and I will love boy I will have. Nothing will change that. It like a child, time wont change my love *unless I am bad parent* X'D But Im not! ;

4) Do you ever feel like other people in the hobby spend too much time concentrating on acquiring things or selling things off, or agonizing over what to acquire and/or sell off? Well I not a hypocrite for I not spend all time but do spend most time looking for new thing for my new boy I get. I just want best for him


5) Do you or other people you know often buy on a whim, have "buyer's remorse" or get tired of things in a really short time after getting them, or do you/ most people you know usually buy things thoughtfully and for keeps?
I do not buy on whim! I spend MONTHS review dolls, what I do is set aside other thing to write down alllll and everything I need to know about bjd I like. I have TONS of pages, pages and pages of overview. I list good thing and bad thing about them and thing that can and cant and I wont be doing. In end, I give rating, overview that and then I bring doll list down to 3-5 bjd's, then find best doll out of 3-5. Its a must. If you want someone good and worth money, have to make time for it! For other question Once I have something, it is mine. Unless size too small, I sell off if I have to.

 

1) Do you ever feel "fatigued" by the commercial nature of this hobby, regardless of whether or not you spend money regularly on doll stuff? Or is it something you find easy to ignore, and if so, why?
Every hobby is commercial in nature, even stuff like singing. Singing itself costs nothing, but... A choir has to buy concert outfits, sheet music (which, at $3 a person, can get expensive), and pay the fees associated with traveling and competing. So no, I don't see how this is different from anything else I've ever been into.

2) Do you ever feel pressure to buy the latest new dolls coming out, or to constantly put money into improving/ finishing the dolls you already have with better wigs and eyes, nicer faceups, nicer clothing, etc.?
None whatsoever. For example, I love fairyland dolls, but have no "pressure" feelings to buy any of the new littlefees they just released. But when I saw Flora, I was like O____O WANT! So, it's not the newness, it's the personal appeal. If I'm not really drawn to it, then I look at it and move on. As for items for the dolls, that's also a no. I hardly ever buy stuff for my dolls, they mostly have their default stuff and whatever I make for them myself.

3) Do you ever get bored or feel less enjoyment from your dolls when you're not shopping for them, or shopping for new dolls?
Nope. As I said before, it's really rare for me to buy stuff for them. Sometimes I feel a little bummed when companies release great outfits, because I want them but can't afford them. For me, it's buy dolls and make clothes, or have one doll and buy clothes for it, and I chose the former. And shopping for new dolls doesn't impact my feelings for the ones I have already.

4) Do you ever feel like other people in the hobby spend too much time concentrating on acquiring things or selling things off, or agonizing over what to acquire and/or sell off?
It seems like some people do, now that you mention it, but I don't really pay attention to stuff like that. What other people do is their business. Oh! Sometimes I do wonder why people seem to have such a high doll turnaround as far as getting it and selling it. I've never sold a doll before, but then, I'm severely careful about choosing. But the curiosity is more about the rationale behind this.

5) Do you or other people you know often buy on a whim, have "buyer's remorse" or get tired of things in a really short time after getting them, or do you/ most people you know usually buy things thoughtfully and for keeps?
I am totally in the second category. I have to admit that ever since my childhood I've hoarded my money I don't spend a cent unless I'm totally sure I want that item, even if it's something that costs very little. Most people I know wonder why I'm like this. Most of the people I know are in the first category. I'm not sure which one is better, because the first category seems to have so much fun, until they run out of money, while the second has cash but never uses it.

Interesting topic!

 

1) Do you ever feel "fatigued" by the commercial nature of this hobby, regardless of whether or not you spend money regularly on doll stuff? Or is it something you find easy to ignore, and if so, why?
In regards to other people buying and selling often, no. I'm thrilled that there's such a heavy turn-over. It offers constant opportunity.
I think the fact that there's so much more on the market from smaller companies now, be it dolls, clothes or what-have-you also has forced the larger companies to have to sit back a little and listen more carefully to what their target market actually wants.
I do think that these dolls... and the constant shuffling of money that occurs... has totally skewed my perspective on how much money an amount like $100 is though... I only vaguely remember when I used to consider that a "fortune"

2) Do you ever feel pressure to buy the latest new dolls coming out, or to constantly put money into improving/ finishing the dolls you already have with better wigs and eyes, nicer faceups, nicer clothing, etc.?

Only when companies put out limiteds that I *know* I want, which makes me attempt to buy it on first release so I can avoid 2nd market markup... when it comes to everything else... I only buy it if I really like it... I seem to be much more certain about clothing than I am about actual doll molds.

3) Do you ever get bored or feel less enjoyment from your dolls when you're not shopping for them, or shopping for new dolls?

No, Actually I get the most enjoyment from just looking at them... making up little stories for them... putting together outfits for them, etc. The shopping part is probably the least enjoyable for me.

4) Do you ever feel like other people in the hobby spend too much time concentrating on acquiring things or selling things off, or agonizing over what to acquire and/or sell off?

I've seen some comments on here about the "I'm not bonding... my cat needs surgery..." etc... and how skeptical some people are about the truth in those statements, or how they have mentioned they just don't want to hear them... and I can kind of agree on this point. I mean, I'm not saying your cat doesn't need surgery... I have 2 cats, I know how expensive those guys can be... but, when I start to see elaborate tales of woe in sales threads, it makes me question the seller anyways... and wonder if their "story" is real... which then makes me wonder how trustworthy of a seller they are.
I'd rather just have sales threads kept to "I'm selling this doll for $XXX" rather than "I'm selling this doll because my cat's eyeball fell out and the hot glue and putty I tried using just hasn't been working..."

5) Do you or other people you know often buy on a whim, have "buyer's remorse" or get tired of things in a really short time after getting them, or do you/ most people you know usually buy things thoughtfully and for keeps?

It's split about 50/50 with the people I know. I know many people with large, lovely collections, where they have only sold *maybe* one or two dolls that they just really didn't like, for whatever reason...

and then I know quite a few people like me who sell dolls often.
In my particular case... I think it's really because I spent a lot of time trying to figure out just exactly what it was that I liked... I'm still not sure I know.
I know that I haven't been selling and buying for the thrill of it though. It causes me more anquish than anything else... I'm just incredibly, incredibly picky... and don't always think my choices through (I admit, I've sold at least 2 dolls that I regret selling).

But I have 2 dolls that I've had for years... and despite their flaws, I love em... and don't consider getting rid of them at all... but why, exactly, that is... I don't know, I'm still trying to define it... but boy do I wish I could figure it out.

 

1) Do you ever feel "fatigued" by the commercial nature of this hobby, regardless of whether or not you spend money regularly on doll stuff? Or is it something you find easy to ignore, and if so, why?
I actually have never purchased a stitch of clothing for my doll. The only things I have bought are things that I can't do myself. (wigs, eyes, hoping to get a pair of shoes)


2) Do you ever feel pressure to buy the latest new dolls coming out, or to constantly put money into improving/ finishing the dolls you already have with better wigs and eyes, nicer faceups, nicer clothing, etc.?

I definitely feel a pressure towards making myself the best i can be. I can't even tell you how much better at sewing I've become, and while I'm not at the level of many face up artists on here, I'm striving to be the best i can be. On the whole, it comes down to wanting to have the best representation of your own creativity as possible.


3) Do you ever get bored or feel less enjoyment from your dolls when you're not shopping for them, or shopping for new dolls?
I do get a little bored with Mischief until i have the money for some new fabric, or an idea for a new outfit or something similar.


4) Do you ever feel like other people in the hobby spend too much time concentrating on acquiring things or selling things off, or agonizing over what to acquire and/or sell off?
I've honestly never really paid too much attention to any of that.

5) Do you or other people you know often buy on a whim, have "buyer's remorse" or get tired of things in a really short time after getting them, or do you/ most people you know usually buy things thoughtfully and for keeps?
I usually keep things thoughtfully and for keeps. I absolutely hate throwing things away. And I only sell things if I really have no use at all for them.

 

I sometime need to get away from buying bjds and start selling bec. I have too many clothes, wigs, bjds etc. I buy clothes and then realize the clothes or wig just dont match with my doll so I then have to go out hunting for more. I dont think I will ever get bored on dolls but just need to step back and stop hunting. I dont regret selling some of my dolls bec. I realize I dont like them as much as I used to.

 

1) Do you ever feel "fatigued" by the commercial nature of this hobby, regardless of whether or not you spend money regularly on doll stuff? Or is it something you find easy to ignore, and if so, why?
I enjoy the "vicarious" shopping, making wishlists, changing them around, bookmarking pages I find with things I want for my girls, and looking at new dolls that come out. I've done this since I was small, not just with dolls, but all things. I used to get the big thick department store catalogs as a child and put big red circles around everything that I wanted to buy. Knowing, I couldn't afford or my parents wouldnt buy them for me (i was little like grade school age in this example, so more so the later)... But to me it was fun to daydream. Like "if I had this, I'd do this, and this, like that". I enjoy it... which is odd because I don't like "window shopping" in stores, I like to go in, get what i want, and get out. Right away. I can not stand wandering up and down every aisle. But when it's in print form like a catalog or a website, it's rather relaxing, enjoyable to browse around and see what's available. It's not really stressful or tiring at all to me. But I've always enjoyed using my imagination and been a bit of a dreamer.

2) Do you ever feel pressure to buy the latest new dolls coming out, or to constantly put money into improving/ finishing the dolls you already have with better wigs and eyes, nicer faceups, nicer clothing, etc.?

Pressure? No - not at all. Most of my faceups I've done myself. And to be frank, I know they are not good, but I enjoy painting them and I get a lil better each time. The only doll who has a factory default faceup is my latest girl and I didnt request it, she just came that way. I do really like buying outfits and wigs and eyes, but I dont feel I "have" to or any "pressure" to do so. It's a hobby, if I have some extra money at the end of the month I might splurge a little, but I make sure my rent and food and pets and whatnot all get taken care of first. I havent bought new outfit for my MSD in 2 years, my SD will have had same outfit/wig/eyes for 1 year in may. I will buy them stuff again eventually but for now I'm quite content to just play with them as is. Although upon doing some photoshoots a few days ago, my msd either needs a new wig or a good long brushing. My newest girl needs a wig desperately, as I absolutely hate fur wigs. But I'm in no rush to buy one for her. Her sister will be arriving next week and also need a wig. I'll probably order them each one within a month or two, but I'm not too concerned really about it.

3) Do you ever get bored or feel less enjoyment from your dolls when you're not shopping for them, or shopping for new dolls?
Nope, I can always take photos or play with the dolls I have now. If I were to be unhappy or bored, then it'd be because I failed to bond with them or got into the hobby for the wrong reasons.

4) Do you ever feel like other people in the hobby spend too much time concentrating on acquiring things or selling things off, or agonizing over what to acquire and/or sell off?
Some do to some extent, but it's really none of my business how other people choose to participate in the hobby, as long as they're happy, then that's all that counts.

5) Do you or other people you know often buy on a whim, have "buyer's remorse" or get tired of things in a really short time after getting them,
I tend not to buy on a whim. My latest girl was the only doll I ever bought on complete impulse. seen her, went to sleep, ordered her before leaving for work the next morning. And I really like her. There are a few things I would change if I could, but I definitely do not regrett it in the least. I have my first and 3rd dolls (as well as my newest (4th, and her sister incoming any day 5th). I sold my second doll, not because he was impulse, but because I found I have less fun and less inspiration for photoshoot/fashion with boy dolls. I just really like girls, and so I sold him, made someone else happy, and purchased another girl. I don't think any of my crew will leave from here on out. As for eyes/wigs/outfits, I've never been disapointed enough to sell one unless it didnt fit/was the wrong size/etc. I keep pretty much everything I buy for the most part.

 

I guess there will always be those who are "out of balance" with doll collecting, just as they are probably unbalanced with other things in life. This is a hobby to enjoy, and when something about it is not enjoyable, such as too much money spent, no more space to display, etc. -- then it's time to stand back and reassess. Only my opinion, of course.