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:
