What should a forum community provide for a BJD owner?

[Rhian]

In my years spent using the internet I've been a member of several different forums, as I'm sure many of you have. Every forum community tends towards a particular tone or character, or serves a specific purpose. What do you think is the most beneficial and useful purpose or character for a doll forum? Which features do you find useful, and which could you do without? What does 'community' mean to you?


In my answer the words 'creativity' and 'friendliness' would have to be uppermost. I like to be inspired to be more creative by the works and doings of others, so a good gallery is important to me. I find it very relaxing to look through with a cup of tea and biscuit, on a late afternoon... and it's useful (if not necessary) to see how owners 'transform' the default headmold, and to see potential in a doll you might not have previously considered.

The second feature I like to see is a crafts section. My hobbies are mostly crafty, so I value a space where I can ask/answer questions and get opinions on a project.

Having information easily to hand is great, especially in this fairly fast-moving hobby, where new companies are forming all the time, and there are a lot of news items. The news itself isn't an absolute priority for me, because I rarely buy things for my dolls (and my friends will usually clue me in on something major) but the information is, partly because I absolutely love to organise things. :sweat I'm hoping that our new wiki will pass muster in that area.

I also find that the community spirit is something that's important to me -- I want to find friends, or even just other people I can feel comfortable with, be able to relax with, and a place where I don't have to worry too much about saying the wrong thing. So an open, welcoming user base is a big thing for me. :)

[Mid]

Community to me has always been a struggle. By nature, I'm a very shut off person, so I have a lot of problems connecting with others. BJD forums are my first real branching out into any kind of community outside of the connections I've made through my LJ.

What I've come to really love about communities is the sense of like minded individuals that help fuel the creative process. I usually visit forums now to see what people are doing with their dolls.

Databases and information are the two most important things to me. I don't keep my ear to the ground much, so I kind of rely on others to tell me when something new and neat is coming along.

Also, being able to ramble the above and not being considered as a retard in a community setting is a big plus for me! XD

[Kimber Rose]

I think you've summed up how I feel. I want a place where I can make friends and it's about being creative, not one-upping everyone else or a popularity contest. It feels wonderful when someone says they love my dolls, but at the end of the day, I have to love them too. Sometimes it gets hard to do that when the only dolls that get attention are the popular dolls, newest dolls, or dolls that follow whatever character trend is going on. Being different is much more interesting! And I like seeing dolls that an owner poured a lot of time and effort into- either by modding or taking the time to get the exact right wig or eyes.

I like being able to go a little OT in a thread (not majorly) to where you want to continue a conversation in PMs with someone. That's how I've made a couple of friends. You find things that you think similarly about, or both like, and it makes becoming friends a lot easier. Especially when you're shy!

[kuro]

Agreeing with all that has been said above me, especially Kimber Rose's bit about having an environment where everyone's dolls are welcome and admired, not just those of a certain "look".

The easy access to the latest news is incredibly useful as well, since really, no one has the time or motivation to visit every company every day and read every newsletter or email. In general, I find a willingness to share very important in a community, from news to feedback.

[bunnydots]

I primarily visit doll communities for (1) latest news, (2) marketplace activities, (3) information about techniques I might want to use on a doll, like modding, facepainting, sculpting and so on; (4) occasional advice on things like buying and shipping, (5) occasional intelligent discussion about meaty topics (i.e. something where people have a variety of views, so there's actual discussion, but people don't get nasty with each other); and (6) if time permits (which, sadly, it often doesn't) to look at some of the truly creative things people are doing with their dolls. That's about the order things fall into, for me.

I'm not so much into the social activities, meetups, contests, and general chit chat. I think that may have its place on a forum if people are looking for that, but it's just kind of white noise to me. I'm the kind of person who gets distracted very easily when I see a forum with 1425636 sub-forums, so I keep thinking it would be nice if I could somehow just make the threads I'm interested in be the only ones to appear. I'd feel less overwhelmed. :)

[astrosnik]

Databases/Galleries, Marketplace and News. I use the forums as a source of information and to help decide what kinds of items I want to make or purchase myself. I also find smaller forums nice for getting to know individual owners and their dolls; location forums are especially nice for that. I don't think any particular site needs to be all inclusive, so I'm happy enough to use different ones to satisfy all my dolly needs.

[erushi]

As seems to be the consensus, I rather like the Gallery section, because it allows me to see the different ways a different mould can be portrayed. Creatively inspirational, if you like. I do tend to prefer Galleries that aren't flooded with posts (makes browsing easier) and that do not exhibit too much of a biased preference for certain moulds too.

I usually browse the Crafts section and the Marketplace too, the former because the craft aspect of the hobby appeals immensely to me, and the latter because I like seeing the original designs etc that people put up for sale. The chance of a bargain is often quite tempting too! ^_~ I don't usually browse News or such because, if the information's important enough, it usually filters to everywhere else anyway.

For me, a forum community is one which inspires me, and which allows easy communication. It is a place for likeminded individuals (or at least, people with similar interests) to get together and to share and lto earn from one another.

[Lizzard]

I'm somewhat introverted during my spare time, because during the day my job requires me to be extroverted. So, what does this evening introvert look for in a community?


A place that doesn't judge my worth based on my post count, doll count, or "fame" in the fandom.
A place that provides interesting reading material on a range of subjects within the hobby.
A place full of people who are intelligent and honest, both with themselves and others.
A place where I feel like I am free to relax just a little. (The age requirement here goes a long way toward this, for me.)
A place where I can get the information I need without having to slog through 50 search terms and 450 million threads full of unrelated comments.

But in the end, I'd have th say the most important feature of a forum community, for me, is character. A forum with character goes a long way toward earning forgiveness on any or all of the other points on the list, because I'll enjoy reading it in spite of its limitations. If I wanted to read Wikipedia or Gaia Online, I'd go to those sites, and not a doll forum!

[Shankula]

I can't think of anything more to add, other than QFE. Well said.I'm somewhat introverted during my spare time, because during the day my job requires me to be extroverted. So, what does this evening introvert look for in a community?


A place that doesn't judge my worth based on my post count, doll count, or "fame" in the fandom.
A place that provides interesting reading material on a range of subjects within the hobby.
A place full of people who are intelligent and honest, both with themselves and others.
A place where I feel like I am free to relax just a little. (The age requirement here goes a long way toward this, for me.)
A place where I can get the information I need without having to slog through 50 search terms and 450 million threads full of unrelated comments.

But in the end, I'd have th say the most important feature of a forum community, for me, is character. A forum with character goes a long way toward earning forgiveness on any or all of the other points on the list, because I'll enjoy reading it in spite of its limitations. If I wanted to read Wikipedia or Gaia Online, I'd go to those sites, and not a doll forum!

[Loki]

I think most people have already said similar things to how I feel. I like communities where it's open to sharing and interacting. Personally, I quite like debate, where I can read other people's opinions, so when there's some interesting topics going on, I'm happy.

Photos are also fabulous - there are so many very talented photographers, customisers, seamstresses and other creative people in this hobby, it's great to see the fruits of that. BJD are all about asthetics, so yeah, the sharing of images is important for me too.

I think in this hobby in particular, information is also important (hence why I adore the idea of the Wiki!) as everything moves so fast. Being able to make contact with others to find out more, and have a basic source of info is a fantastic assett to any hobby.

Also, in general, just having like-minded people to talk to. I would never be very involved with a hobby where I had no one to talk to it about, because it's a very important part of the enjoyment for me - the community is what upkeeps my interest. Having a balanced group that aren't judgemental, as people have said, and are open to different ideas, is a wonderful thing.

[taiki]

First and formost i look for a creative vibe on the forum. It's something i almost look for unconciously. So galleries, workshops and other craftrelated sections are very important to me. News are always welcome too because i never have enough time or are willing to look for it myself ^^

And then there is the community. Very important too because without it there woudn't be a vibe at all woudn't it?

[Bel]

Everyone here has said things with which I agree, but Lizzard totally nailed it for me (including the background bit about having to be extroverted during the day, and preferring to be introverted and quieter/more relaxed at night.)

Editing to add: I'm a reader at heart, and though I'm making a huge effort to talk a lot in this forum, I'm a lurker by nature. Therefore, I love long, long posts.

[Ragsolith]

Things I like in a BJD community (or any community for that matter) :

-Sense of community/harmony (I know not everybody can get along with everybody all of the time, but it's nice to try). We're all adults and should handle thing in an adult manner. On that note, sugarcoating problems just sucks and if the community members act like polite individuals even negative feedback on a situation can be viewed objectively without treading upon too many toes.
-Accurate information that's easy to get a hold of

[soliloquies]

Have to agree with Lizzard's points. Intelligent conversation is also a bonus. ;)

Creativity is a major draw for me, there's nothing better than reading about something and it setting off an idea in your head.

[pooklaroux]

Lizzard and Kimber Rose sum up most of my feelings. I'm new to BJD's and dolls in general and have a lot to learn. I'm not into this for the collecting or status aspects of it. I just really like the dolls and the opportunity to use my skills in a new way. I want to make friends online that I may be able to meet one day at a meet up. I really enjoy seeing galleries of other people's work, and i love the photostories. Snarky is not me. I am more Kawaii in attitude, but that doesn't mean I am a child.

[Bandwidth Broad]

It is almost liberating to be a part of a community that has a shared passion (shall I say "zealotry?). I, too, agree with Lizzard, who has put most eloquently how I feel about what a community should be for its members.

I love creating beautiful things, and have always appreciated the opportunity to admire the handiwork/artistry of others.

[Lizzard]

Huzzah, I made a good post! *thumples tail*

[Tez]

QFE all of this. ^__^
I'm somewhat introverted during my spare time, because during the day my job requires me to be extroverted. So, what does this evening introvert look for in a community?


A place that doesn't judge my worth based on my post count, doll count, or "fame" in the fandom.
A place that provides interesting reading material on a range of subjects within the hobby.
A place full of people who are intelligent and honest, both with themselves and others.
A place where I feel like I am free to relax just a little. (The age requirement here goes a long way toward this, for me.)
A place where I can get the information I need without having to slog through 50 search terms and 450 million threads full of unrelated comments.

But in the end, I'd have th say the most important feature of a forum community, for me, is character. A forum with character goes a long way toward earning forgiveness on any or all of the other points on the list, because I'll enjoy reading it in spite of its limitations. If I wanted to read Wikipedia or Gaia Online, I'd go to those sites, and not a doll forum!

[Rhian]

Damn, Lizzard - your post was so comprehensive and true that you've killed my thread! ;) :p

[CherryStreet~Sera]

Damn, Lizzard - your post was so comprehensive and true that you've killed my thread! ;) :p

She sure did, and I hope Resinality can accomplish everything Lizzard said:clap

Sera~

[Tiarah]

Well, I definitely agree with Lizzard's post. I've tried looking for anything to add, but she's got it all. ^_^

[Soula]

Indeed Lizzard, you nailed it perfectly!
It's very nice here so far, but I hope I'll be able to keep up. That's the reason I never go to 'Off Topic' chat, or tell my birthday on a B-day subforum. I like to focus on the reason I'm here: ABJDs.

[TammyTammy]

A good forum community should provide a place where anyone can feel like they belong without any intimidation. A place that makes everyone feel welcome, is fair in their rules and holds no grudges.

I've been into BJDs for almost 4 years and have been on several forums; some as an avid poster and others as a lurker and I have seen it all.

I have found that on some forums the newbie is welcomed with open arms, while on others they are ridiculed if they say the wrong thing or ask the wrong question. On some forums shy lurkers encouraged to post and participate, while on others lurkers are ridiculed and treated badly.

I have been on forums where the mods are quick to ban a member for what they deem is an offense against the community, you get 3 strikes, but running a fascist forum is not the way to go. The mods shouldn't only discuss the banning among themselves, but with the community. A democratic forum, where people aren't afraid of being banned over a misunderstanding is how it should be.

Just my two bits.

[zalem]

Pretty much agree with everything Lizzard said.

I think a forum owner should get as much feedback from the community as possible. They should be highly involved and interact with members. They shouldn't feel distant to members. However, at the end of the day it's their forum. And I wouldn't presume to tell them who to let on it or who to ban from it. It is a privately owned forum after all. I've never ever heard of a forum where the mods allow members to chime in on whether someone should be banned or not. And I've been on plenty of forums (bjd and non-bjd related). However, I would hope that any mod/admin on a forum would do things as fairly as possible and would avoid banning whenever possible. Except for known scammers of course. I have no pity for them and they should be banned instantly.

[DimWitted]

just somewhere you can get firsthand knowledge of ppl's experience with different doll manufacturers

[gayle]

Ditto to everything Rhian said. She summed up my thoughts much more eloquently than I could!

[Bel]

One thing I appreciate in ANY forum (and I post on another forum where it's a hard rule) is for people to read the thread before posting.

[Songblade]

Lizzard is quite right. I still consider myself a newb to this hobby, though I've had my first doll for over a year. I want to learn SO much from everyone and a community to me is a place where I can ask the dumbest of questions or at least find my answer easily and understand it clearly. I want to know what everyone thinks about the community of everyone who loves dolls, be it a company or a new fashion trend or whatever.

I just like sitting back and reading through :) The galleries are nice, but I veer towards the marketplace and discussion forums ^^

[ravendolls]

All the things mentioned are great, but I'd love to have an off-topic section too... in some other bjd forums I've visited it's fun to see what other things people are interested in. Gee whiz one might even learn something new or see something funny! XD

I also like "negativity zones" where we can complain in an appropriate setting. I don't always like being (or trying to be) so "upbeat and serious and mature" all the time, it might be fun to have a place to be silly and/or whine.

But then again maybe those things wouldn't work here ^_~

Raven

Oh and I don't know if these things exist... but like a "technical help" area. How to post links, how to make avatars, Q&A. Geezus Crisco I'd give my left nut to learn how to turn words into links... ya know: "Click HERE to see my feedback".
*sigh*

[Karhys]

Hi Raven,

There's actually already an OT area in the user groups. :D Read the how to use user groups (http://www.abjds.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34) sticky for info on how to access it. So far we've all been having a lot of fun in there. :yey

Also, for the 'how to' stuff, check out the FAQ (http://www.abjds.com/forum/faq.php) which is linked in the top navigation bar, as it has answers to a lot of your questions. I've put in most of the things that I thought were most important, and I want to add more things to it depending on what people want to know, I'm just not sure which are best topics to add. :oops

[aisy]

Strict trading rules run with common sense

[harlowe]

Lizzard said it all, the only thing I'd add is that because our time is finite and we are adults here, I think a good community is one that offers an environment that doesn't enable others to pressure people for attention.

An example would be someone bitching to the community that they and/or their doll isn't getting enough attention/comments and demanding to know why.

[zalem]

I totally agree. It's extremely annoying to hear someone whining on and on about how their doll doesn't get enough recognition and how they don't get enough comments. You shouldn't need comments to enjoy your dolls and the hobby. It makes one wonder what people are really in this for. It would be nice to get away from attention whoring.

[Lady Brick]

Lizzard pretty much got it ^^; The only thing I'd add is that I like a forum that is diverse enough for you to always be able to find something of interest, even if you have no wish to be involved in whatever may be the current hot topic or trend in the community/hobby. And, of course, members who are willing to make the forum the best that it can be rather than waiting for someone else to step up and do it for them.

[marsh]

I was first attracted to DoA by Rkold, when I was hunting for my first BJD. She recommended the sales forum there as the best place to find a great doll without having to deal with ebay insanity, and I did find my first and most of my subsequent dolls there.

That said, what forums like Resinality and DoA offer is a place to share the fellowship of this hobby. I think more than most other areas of doll collecting, BJD are very personal to their owners. Very beloved. Because they have distinct personalities, unlike the more mannequin type fashion dolls, who may be beautiful, but soulless.

For me these forums are a place to revel in a common passion, share information and spark creativity. They feel kind of like a cool clubhouse you could go to, sit on the floor and play with the rest of the 'kids' who have dolls like yours. I'd never have learned or grown so much in the hobby without these forums and the welcome I've found within, the generously shared information and the encouragement to explore and push the boundaries of my creativity.

[Daggerchan]

I feel that there should be access to honest critique in a forum community, i.e. people shouldn't be afraid to express their oppinion (although unnecessary cruelty is, well, unnecessary). Like, when I was starting out with my face-ups, I would really have appreciated a good kick in the face, because that was what I needed. Thankfully I've gotten a bit better since then. :doh

Other than that it would be nice to be able to get at various kinds information without having to adorn safari gear and a machete. Off topic discussion should be kept seperately from the other threads.

[Phoenix]

I do agree that friendliness should come first. If people are too afraid to post in case they're saying the wrong thing, then we'll have users that simply lurk the whole time they're browsing the forum.

For me, databases and marketplace are the two things I like the most about community forums. I'm always researching something in this hobby and buying things X3, it'll be kind of boring if we don't have owner pictures of things.

[Roxygirl10]

I agree with all that has been said. When I first started in this hobby about 2 years ago, I was on DOA daily and it helped me so much. I just became a sponge for all of the information that was shared. The pictures gave me ideas and taught me the sculpts, the marketplace showed me the deals, the databases took me to spend my money and I was a happy camper. Now I've found other wonderful, sharing places. However, DOA took off the one place I had that would give me a chance to learn to actually make my own BJD. I wish there were more sculpting a bjd type information and sharing on the BJD forums. I don't know why DOA closed that section down. It was something I truly miss. How about it....anyone else out there enjoy and miss the creative sculpting/sharing/critiquing threads?

[Taco]

I agree with all the people who have said friendliness--that's really important. I used to be rather hesitant about message boards in general, because I've been to some not so pleasant places. I also like a relaxed atmosphere where I feel comfortable posting, and where I feel I can actually get to know my fellow hobbyists. A feeling of community has become more and more important to me--I think because I've gone past the stage of just needing basic info, now I want to be able to focus on the specific doll activities that interest me and enjoy the more social aspects of the hobby. And I admit--I really like 18+ forums--they do tend to have a little bit different feel to them, and it's one I prefer.