Companies have done it time and time again: releasing limited edition dolls and, after a while, re-releasing them again. Sometimes as the same full set, sometimes as a new set, sometimes even as a basic doll that is no longer limited. People's reaction has always been split on that, sometimes resulting in heated discussions. A recent poll on DoA on the subject showed the following results:
As you might be able to tell by the italics, I voted "Yes, I do not own a limited doll". Actually that is untrue. I realized later on that I indeed own not one but two limited dolls: Soom MD Keny (my Siltár) and Soom Remaining Storyline Aphan (my Yanír). Now, I don't go around screwing up peoples polls for the lulz, I simply forgot that the two of them were LE. While Soom MDs are only sold during a short time frame and with LE face-ups, wigs, eyes and outfits, it is much easier to get them second hand than other dolls that are sold as limiteds.
It seems when people see the words "limited edition" they react instinctively, thinking they might never get a doll they like, if they don't order now. For a short amount of time all reason goes out the window and Need now! becomes the primary thought. By the time the doll arrives, the pressure and excitement has sometimes worn off and the doll is sold in the marketplace. Soom MDs especially seem to change owners quite often.
However, some LEs are really quite rare. When only 20 or so of a doll are sold, I understand when people get upset about the re-release of a LE. On the other hand, if a company choses to take a limited doll and give it a new twist (different resin color, outfit, face-up etc.) they in essence make it a new doll while still giving people the opportunity to get their hands on a doll they previously missed out on. A good example (albeit not as rare) are Soom's Special Orders:
Some people feel cheated by a company that brings out a limited doll and later release the same doll as a basic mold. While I understand the reasoning behind it, I think that part of the problem comes from the terms "limited" and "limited edition" themselves and what we feel they mean. Throughout this entry, I've used both of them interchangeably. However, while a limited doll implies that the doll itself is limited, a limited edition could simply mean that the way the doll is dressed and painted is what is special about them. The doll itself could be resold with a different outfit or face-up at any time. At least that is how I define these terms. Yet, we often use these terms as synonyms and so apparently do some companies.
An example of a LE doll that was again released in a different style and also came out as a basic doll:
An example of a LE doll that was again released in a different style and also came out as a basic doll:
While it is the same mold, they don't look alike at all. You could buy all three and have three completely different characters. In the end, this is what makes me be in favor of re-selling limiteds, be it as the same edition, new edition or as a basic doll. When a limited doll arrives at your house, you might keep it in its pristine condition for a while. But after some time, you try something new. Buy new clothes, get a different wig or different eyes. Even repaint it or get it repainted by your favorite artist. While we all like the glossy company photos, we strive to make our dolls our own and rarely keep them the way they come. So who cares about, if they are a limited edition or not. After a while they become as unique as their owners who have their own ideas about the doll's look and character. And that is what the hobby is all about.
You know, I like the first Chrom just fine. The re-release of Chrom did nothing for me. I actually rather dislike him. XD
AntwortenLöschenI don't much fancy WS, because I don't want to make it any harder to take decent pictures of my dolls. But, if I had bought a WS Chrom, I'd have bought him blank anyways. The fullset was sort of meh. And the WS Chrom wouldn't have been able to wear the wolfie paws. So no, no WS Chrom for me. ^^
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