Monday, October 22, 2018

Why American Girl isn't Listening to you (A Rant on Quality)



Addy walks away from shit like this. 😒


This post is long overdue---and not just because I lied again about blogging regularly.

No, it's actually something that needs to be said. These past few months have been bad for Mattel because of two things:


  1. People are boycotting American Girl dolls
  2. The boycotts are costing them money for NO reason, so they are going through financial issues.

Why are people boycotting the all-mighty AG Dolls? Well, it has to do with the supposed lack of quality dolls and accessories. People all over the fandom (and by that I mean just white suburban moms and preteen weebs on Instagram and Facebook) are going nuts over a few factory defects and the Dreaded NEW EYES™ that everyone seems to hate becoming common (according to them.) In order to get rid of the wonky eyes and cheap fabric, they decided that it was time to go on a Spam Campaign on every. single. Social media website. (At least the ones used by American Girl.) When I say spam, I mean it. Every other comment on Instagram is basically screaming "BRING BACK THE QUALITY!!!11!" And if all else fails? Boycott the HELL outta them!

Really, though? the quality is FINE. It's not bad or horrible or, like, life threatening. I mean, yeah it would be cool to not have a minuscule amount of  factory defect dollies lying around the warehouse and somehow winding up in that unfortunate hands of basic white girls and bland white women.

But that is my point---and everyone else's point: it's only been a few dolls that have appeared messed up! It happens in every doll line: Barbie, Monster High, American Girl, ---you name it, it happens.
They aren't going to listen to you just because you keep attacking people who run their accounts. These people (who are paid minimum wage so harassing them is especially unnecessary 'cuz they don't get paid enough for your shit) will simply ignore your ever growing stack of complaints because all it is to them is the same repetitive crap; the same repetitive forum-style comment dump that talks about an absence in quality when the dolls are, in fact, just fine. They could be better, but they are NOT the worst. They are still pretty well made according to everyone else. maybe you just got an unlucky doll by mistake.

And no, boycotting won't make it better. it will only bring Mattel to a swifter death, which basically means the problem will disappear.

BUT SO WILL THE DOLLS. Yes, your beloved dolls will cease to be produced should the company lose too much money, so no more doll hospital, accessories, furniture, clothes, or dolls in general.


So in short, just be patient. I'm sure the quality will get better. But boycotting and spamming won't help. Plus, you're doing it for the wrong reasons. You should be fighting for more DIVERSITY in the line because the representation of something other than white culture is more important to little girls than some supposedly wonky eyeballs.

And on a side note: The quality went down to make up for lost profit. Less profit=Less Money=less quality products.

---Sara





Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Snow Days with the Dolls

It's been snowing a lot up here in the northeast. So what better way to spend the day than by taking my dolls outside for more pictures?


First we have Parker and her cousin, Willa, after the nor'easter at the beginning of the year.


 Then we have Maryellen (my newest addition to the family) out for a stroll in the backyard.

Finally, Willa got to take a selfie with my camera.

That's all for now.


-----Sara

Sunday, December 17, 2017

Belated Fall Photo Fun

I know it's December already. But at the time of writing this, the first day of winter is still three days away. So yes, it technically still is fall.

Here's my Modern AG Parker taking a stroll through the backyard when the leaves were still falling.




 Of course, she just had to jump into a pile of leaves. :)


Saturday, November 4, 2017

Update

I've been gone since March. I would like to explain why:

I've been dealing with a lot of crap lately. Between looking for a job, dealing with my OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and General Anxiety, and then some of the people in my life telling = me that dolls are not something an adult like me should be into (because dolls are "unattractive") I haven't had the motivation nor the time to do everything I would like to with this blog.

I would like to apologize for my absence. But don't fret---I've got some good stuff coming along.

Friday, March 24, 2017

State of the Doll Union #1: March 2017

    This is the State of the Doll Union Address for March 2017.  It's basically a recap of everything that's happened in the doll community so far this year (oh, and also I will throw in my own opinions, too.) I should be doing this kind of post at least once a month or once every two months.
    For March, I'll be discussing two things: the recently announced American Girl characters and the infamous scandal with "perma-panties."

New to Beforever (Facts) 

   In February,  American Girl did a livestream on Facebook where they announced the five new characters that were being released. Those dolls were contemporary girl  Tenney Grant, first ever boy doll Logan Everett, veteran character Felicity Merriman, Vlogger Suzie "Z" Yang, and Hawaiian girl Nanea Mitchell. Tenney, Logan, and Felicity were all available in February, while Z will come out in the Spring and Nanea in the Fall. 
   Logan Everett was greeted with plenty of Media attention. As previously mentioned, Logan is the first boy doll ever produced by American Girl in its 30+ year history. 

My Opinions

    I am NOT impressed by Logan. His overall appearance is dull. I mean, another white doll? With blue eyes? Also, he stole Kaya's facemold. 
   Tenney Grant is also bland. She is basically Taylor Swift in doll form.Her and Logan are stealing Gabriela's spotlight. (Gabriela is the girl of the Year.)
   Felicity's Re-release made me want to scream with delight. While I am not a fan of her lack of outfits, I only hope that she stays around for a while.
  Although I have never watched an episode of Z-Crew (American Girl's Youtube show where the Titular Z first appeared) I do have an interest in Z herself, as I am an aspiring Vlogger like her.
  Nanea Mitchell is, by far, the doll I anticipate the most. She is a Hawaiian girl living in the time of World War 2. I find her to be beautiful, and I cannot wait to learn more about her.

Perma-panties

   While there were exciting announcements made, there was also a disturbing discovery made---
American Girl will be making all future Truly Me dolls and certain Beforever dolls have permanently sewn on underwear. It will be a part of the doll's body, and it cannot be removed. 

Fans of American Girl were outraged when they first heard the news. Some were even willing to boycott the company until this "perma-panties" trend ended.

My Opinion

   I have mixed feelings about the perma-panties. On one hand, it seemed like a cheap tactic to save money on production, while also cheapening the value of the doll. However, it doesn't really affect doll play for me as my dolls are rarely naked. 
If you dislike it, it's fine; we all have our own opinions.

Final Statements

   To conclude this State of the Doll Union Address, American Girl has been experiencing some good and bad publicity. Things are looking up for Beforever. Permanent underwear is something for collectors to work around----maybe it won't last.

 Overall, I am excited to see what comes next.

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Felicity's Return

Felicity took a Spring Stroll with Samantha last year.
Felicity Merriman is coming back from the archives----most likely in February. 

When it was first hinted that she might be made available again, I practically squealed myself into a coma. I mean, how could I not? I LOVE FELICITY!!!

We've seen her potential meet outfit. We've seen the Beforever book covers. We've even seen the potential doll herself. Now all we need is American Girl to make an official announcement.

Guess who's back?

So, I haven't updated in a few months. Sorry about that.

But hey, I'm here and I'm ready to bring more photos, stories, and even a video or two! :)