What is the worst part about being a BJD collector/owner?

For me, it's a mix of things. The cost, the wait, and the criticism. I'm tired of being put down for collecting dolls because people think it's a "useless" hobby. Waiting months and months for a pre-order is so frustrating. The fact that, no matter how many dolls I have, I always find another sculpt I fall in love with.

 

The wait times can be horrendous a test patience to say the least especially when the wait has been 10 months or more. Finding a perfect outfit for your bjd only to realize it's only available in a size that won't fit the bjd you had in mind for it.

 

Money is definitely an issue, but for me the worst is watching them yellow or disintegrate. I have too many dolls that are older that are now pea yellow. Considering what they cost way back when it ticks me off to no end that they ended up like that. I have also had quite a few dolls leak goo. I'm new to resin dolls but I hear it's also an issue with them. It's just very upsetting if I let myself think about it too much.

 

I've never heard about this. Can somebody please elaborate?

 

I've been collecting BJDs since 2008 and I have a few dolls from as early as 2005, and I've never heard, seen or experienced anything like a doll leaking goo or anything else.

 

Oh gosh, I hate the criticism! Even if people don't directly say, "This hobby is a waste of time", they still say indirect comments that essentially say they think the hobby is useless... I get this from my parents, too. :P

 

My worst part of being in the hobby is that I feel left out because I have an old doll/a doll that only a few know ever so it's hard to describe her or how to fix her (i.e: parts don't exist for her anymore)

 

A new thing for me. When a company you've been curious about has a sale for ridiculously low prices (even my mom said it was a good deal..Mirodoll's spring sale...) and then your flat out BROKE....

I'm pretty much desperate now to get some money to pay for a quarter of the thing.

 

The worst thing comes in two parts 1) that I feel I can't display them in my apartment 2) that they are forced to live miles and miles away and I only see them about once a month for a couple of days.

 

Which doll? I'm curious!

 

I really feel for you on this one. I get told this a lot, and it hurts because they don't see the meaning these dolls have to collectors, and how they help us and make us happy.

Also, money going to rent and bills and such really puts me back on fulfilling my wishlist!

 

Designing an outfit for a doll that needs an accessory, looking at it gloomily upon realizing inability to obtain said accessory, then seeing a limited doll with this accessory in its outfit come out, and not having the money to buy the whole thing just to get the tiny accessory.

Also restringing, but at the moment the tiny accessory is worse.

O_O my dolls have never had any problems with "goo".

 

The cost is unfortunate, but money can always be managed and prioritized.

The biggest problem for me is that way I'm treated by people outside the hobby. I literally don't talk about it to people offline who aren't in my immediate family because I'm tired of the "OMG ITS CREEPY" and the "You paid WHAT?" and, of course the "aren't you a bit old for dolls?"

 

I honestly have to say for me, it's the people. Those who critisize from outside who tell you to grow up or get a life, that the dolly is creepy or a waste of money. The ones within the hobby who are telling you theirs is better or wouldn't you want this one more. The competitive aspect of obtaining some dolls. Those who put you down for owning this other style doll, etc...

 

I have total and complete doll brain. Everything I do, or create or dream up somehow revolves around my dolls. And I constantly want more. Waiting is also not my favorite game.

 

The waiting times for sure! I rather buy from the secondary market versus the horrible wait times combined with broken company promises on deadlines time and time again plus often heavy language barriers when inquiring about a doll or order status. I have to really, really love a particular doll to jump into the company's anxiety-ridden waiting game.

 

When everything you want to buy for your doll is sold out or discontinued,and being unable to get replacement parts. And ditto to what hobbywhelmed said,people think it's a wasteful hobby even though they spend more money than we do on their hobbies. $700 ball game tickets and $2000 golf clubs,and they have the nerve to fuss at me for spending $200.

 

Cost,the shortage of interesting clothes for boys, and lack of furniture for larger SD17 size dolls. Cost is the worst.

 

I think it would be that I'm never satisfied and always want to make them prettier, make them more elaborate outfits, etc etc..it's part of the fun, but it can also be frustrating! I also found out I don't really like sharing my dolls with the online community that much, as in, taking pictures of them and sharing them and then hearing what people think about them. I like them being there just for me. For a while, the Dutch community was very tight knit and people had very strong opinions on each others dolls and what you did with your doll and that frustrated me a bit, as if some outside thing was influencing what I did with my dolls. Maybe it's silly, but I like my dolls better when they are there only for me and I don't share them that much