Dolls Party in Volks USA Website

New thread here

So no physical Dolpa this year?

Thoughts on the matter?

 

The Intarwebs?

Dood. That is wonderful. I'd be all over it!!! Especially considering that since we just got married, I wasn't sure if I could travel.

We get to be such an experiment XD

 

My first thoughts are:

(ToT) Nooo!!!!

The appeal is to go there in person, meet volks artists, see everyone's dollies etc. . I suppose, volks is going to be very busy with all the events in Japan so they cannot travel to the US and have a dolpa.

 

That's a good idea, but I suppose this means people outside the USA still can't join in the lotteries?

 

From what it looks like to me, they're doing it similar to the Tonner doll convention earlier this year. There will be a physical Dollpa in LA, but they'll have a blog going full-time to keep everyone informed of what's happening and any big announcements.

 

I hope they will be able to held a physical DP as well. Because the beauty of a DP is NOT the shopping but be able to meet with friends and see things and be inspired by others' creativity so I can go "WOW, look at that "

Shopping is good and all but I am going to miss everyone if indeed it is only a virtual DP

 

That would be a relief! I was getting so sad for a moment there .

 

I find this quite odd. I love Dolpas because of the physical interaction and meeting the Volks Staff. I hope that it's just a portion of what to come.

 

I kind of wondered if there would be a physical location with some sort of virtuality with it so that those who can travel do, those who can't, don't need to

Incidentally, this makes me want to take over an internet cafe with a bunch of doll folks...or share my LAN...or something!

 

I hope there is nothing that requires a fast internet connection...we're stuck with dial up and I won't be able to see anything on video...but it's an unique idea. I wish I could go to a Dolpa but my only traveling partner is unable to go due to school and I don't travel well alone.

 

Well, Dolpas aren't restricted by where you live. If you live outside of Japan and go to a Dolpa there, you have the same chance of getting a lottery item like anyone else. We just need to sit and wait for more information, rather than speculate.

 

What I meant was if they're going to be having the dollpa "online" maybe people from other areas could join the lotteries

 

I like the idea. I may never be able to go to one in person, so this is as close as I will get.

 

I called Volks and confirmed that as of this moment, there are NO plans for a physical US Dolpa. They are ONLY scheduled for a Web dolpa.

VolksUSA only just found out themselves from headquarters that there is no physical Dolpa scheduled, only a web Dolpa. This may change, but as of this moment there is no physical Dolpa planned.

Honestly, I'm not surprised! I was wondering how they were going to pull off another US event with all the events they've done already for the 10th anniversary, and with the big Dolpa 20 in December. I'll still wish for a physical Dolpa though

 

I wonder if the web only aspect is due to the unfortuate events last year. I really hope its only because of all the other events and not a cause of one bad apple spoiling the whole bunch...

 

If it is web-only, I would more likely suspect venue costs being a reason for them to hold a web only event. I agree with Midori though, it really is too early to speculate about anything.

 

<shifty eyes> i kinda like the idea - because it gives me a better chance of being able to "attend" the dolpa -- heh, i can also dream that they'll put the one-offs online ((i know i know, about as likely as a flying pig, but i can dream right ))

 

Thank you for passing the infomation to us I'm sure Volks USA appreciates not being bombarded with calls! This is very interesting idea, do you suppose there will be virtual one-offs we can put in for?

 

Seconded! I still hold out hope for a Midwest USA Dolpa someday, but until then, this is the next best thing for me, and for LOTS of other folks.

I look forward to seeing how it will all work out!

 

Well, considering all the various factors (such as being a busy year for them, the cost to hold a two day events with flying staff over etc, other stuff); I am not at all completely surprised by this attempt for a new kind of DP.

But a lot of things are actually up in air; US DP are already in slightly different format than Japanese DP; I wonder how each of the activities will be carried out on line:

1. Do one need to be a US resident to participate? Or can all intl SD Fans participate? Do you need to have a Volks Membership?
2. Will there be a fee to sign up for? Because originally, there was an admission fee (which I am sure went to help with renting room etc.)
3. Will they still have the traditional lottery for the Tenshi etc.?
4. Unless the server for this new DP Web is super powerful and allows thousand access at the same time. It will be difficult to be able to even get a feel of what physical DP

Anyway, I am really going to miss seeing friends and Volks Staff.

 

At first read, the news made me very sad. But! After re-reading it a bit, I am not doubting that Volks will still have its LA physical Dolpa. From the wording of it, it seems that the revamped site will make the items (if not the first-hand experience that can only be had by attendees) available to people who complain that Torrance is too far to travel to for shopping, and as a special event, there will be a Web-Dolpa to bring yet more previously-unattainable Dolpa items to Volksusa web customers who can't make the pilgrimage. Nowhere on there does it say anything about Volks cancelling any of its traditional Dolpas in LA and NY. Also, since they referred to the LA Dolpa as "traditional", I rather think that they think of it as something that recurs reliably every year. At least, reading and speculating in this way brings me a little consolation and hope.


In any case, the new Web Dolpa seems like it will be a lot of fun. I wonder what the setup will be. Futuristic web-cam paint classes could be fun. hehe.

 

yumenoir- I hope that you are right... someone said that they called volks and were told otherwise... but I hope you are right and that's all it is. (Which in that case makes it a good idea... as long as it's IN ADDITION to the physical dolpa... not INSTEAD of it.)

 

I thought Volks was awfully busy this year, what with their anniversary events and FCS revamping! I admit, I'm a little glad to hear that it is a "Web Dolpa". I really look forward to attending a physical dolpa someday (be it in LA or elsewhere), but the travel is a big deal for me and I'm not sure if I could even afford it this year. Though if I didn't have to travel o'er hill and dale to get to LA I'd be much more disappointed, I'm sure.

Who knows how Volks will handle the online event . . . we're in uncharted waters! I look forward to seeing how things will go and I'm sure Volks will manage to surprise us somehow.

 

Well, I'm both happy and sad. I enjoy that people that can't travel will have a chance at all the lovely dolpa items, but I had finally saved up enough money to were I could actually attend a Dolpa. I've waited for a long time to finally be able to go to one, and this November would have been my only chance.

Oh well. I guess I'll at least buy something for the heck of it.

It is a really cute idea, to be fair.

 

Im actually quite glad to hear that it's online.I'll never get a shot at a physical Dolpa while still in school and in Florida.I wish they would do a Florida Dolpa though I know that they will have all their own items and dolls available over the internet,but what about their other vendors? Do you think they'll be selling online on the Dolpa website as well?

 

nice, i'm so game!

 

Online dolpa is such a GREAT idea especially for us who won't be able to afford going there YAY!

 

I've never been to a Dolpa so I was REALLY hoping to be able to go to the next one, so I'm disappointed. But I really hate travel, so I guess this is better for my wallet and me. I'm still bummed, though. One of my dolls desperately needs to see the doll doctor and I was really hoping to do the makeup class.

 

I suspect that the cost of the Venue is part of this decision (the Volks LA mansion is...probably amazingly expensive to rent, even just for one weekend). But I would not be at ALL suprised if the dolls stolen from the June NY Dolpa were also a big consideration/driving force behind the choice.

I'm both disappointed and relieved. Disappointed because I really would like to go to another LA Dolpa, relieved because honestly, I can't afford it right now, and I know that I'd probably try to go anyway.

 

(Volks mansion's gone... they held LA Dolpa in a hotel last year. I never did get to see the fab swimming pool & male staffers dressed up in maid outfits. ^^;; )

I am personally bummed! I mean, I can shop online anytime.... and I hover my F5-Finger over the keyboard all night on international Volks events (only to have the servers crash) the whole rest of the year. I like the live events so much, with the cheering & the costumes & the hobnobbing & the excitement of filing past the One-Off table, and the beloved Dolly Doctor who makes my boys sit up straight, and the obsessive photographing & meeting new people & their dolls. But mostly, I was looking forward to seeing those fine peeps that I only ever get to see at Volks parties. (You fab crazies on the East coast, I guess we have to wait till the next NY show to hang out again.)

Well, the shiny lining is: The VolksUSA website needed that serious overhaul. (Rrrreally. Needed a good christian burial if you ask me.) So if they're putting their energy into that, instead, then I consider it well-spent, & shan't begrudge them!

 

What about FCS??? What about a fair chance at the LE Dolls?? What about LE outfits?? What about US vendors???

Bad enough loosing the Japanese Dolpa lotteries but will I have to fight like a dog to win anything off the website??

I think it blows. And are they are implying that NY Dolpa will be online too? That seemed odd.

This completely blows.

 

Well, I am hopeful that I will still be able to get what I want most from a Dolpa, School Heads, and a body to stick them on. Usually the limiteds and outfits aren't my thing. I will miss all the hanging out and seeing people and dolls in person, but I guess we will have to wait to see. Volks never gives out too much information until Zero Hour.

 

But if they aren't offering physical classes will they bother with the school heads and bodies?

And what about the customization contests? And prizes like Rei-tenshi? (is rei-tenshi right??)

 

I am totally bummed! I loved going to all the parties and meeting all the Volks fans and soaking up all the excitement! I hope that Volks does change their mind and continue to have parties here in the US. Hope to see you all again!

 

And one-offs?? What about the one-offs?

Pardon my panic...

 

Guys I know we are uberly excited but we dont know anything yet!
We can guess and speculate but thats about it and knowing Volks, we wont know much of anything about the Dolpa for quite a while.
So if you visited the blog info, you know just as much as we know, and probably just as much as the workers at Volks USA know!

I am down for anything.... I was actually not up for traveling anymore this year so I am happy to know it is online! ^__^
Virtual Bingo, anyone? Wouldnt THAT be nerve wrecking! lol

*Jen

 

I have to say, I'm completely disappointed. I really don't see how Volks is going to pull off an online Dolpa and have it really have the same excitement that the physical ones do.

I was really excited about planning another trip this November too.

 

Uhhh....over react much? There is a possibilty that FCS could be offered online. You are talking about a FAIR chance at LE dolls, how do you think the people who couldn't go feel? They don't get any chance at all (and yes I went to the Dolpa). As for LE outfits, well the ones offered at last year's LA Dolpa ended up at the next Japanese Dolpa so no big deal there. It is too bad about the vendors though.

And no where was there any implication about the NY Dolpa being online. Even though after what happened at the last NY Dolpa, I can't really blame them for not wanting to hold a physical Dolpa here for a while.

I am actually hoping they will fix their cart system so stuff isn't taken out AFTER you hit the "send" order button.

I really think that we should just wait and see what develops over the next couple of months; I highly doubt that anything is set in stone at this point.

 

I have to say, I like this idea a LOT. It completely levels the playing field for those of use without the resources or time to go to a East or West Coast Dolpa. I only get two weeks vacation a year and with other fandom obligations, fitting it in isn't feasible. With an online version of Dolpa, everyone with an internet connection can participate.

 

This is so exciting!!! An online Dolpa!! How cool is that?? Now, no matter where you are in the USA, you can attend!! I don't know how Volks is going to manage it, but I'm psyched! Let's hope for some gorgeous One-Offs and Limited Dolls/Items!!!

 

I see a major problem for any one-offs or limited give-aways. There will be many, many more people trying to win them than at a "normal" Dolpa!

 

Not if they limit the attendees.
I am positive this will be invitation only as always. So lotto, hope you won an invite, then "attend" the Dolpa!
I just dont see this being an "everyone is welcome" event, unless they have one *heck* of a server!
Bad part is, if it is open for everyone in the USA to apply for invites like always, everyones chances of winning will be cut down quite a bit, especially because so many people who cant/wont travel will be jumping on this chance!

*jen

 

I wonder if Volks thinks the items for sale, limiteds, and one-offs are why we go to Dolpas? I do enjoy that everyone has a chance at items, but I know that it's not why many people go. I probably wasn't going to buy anything at dolpa at all, anyway. I just wanted to meet everyone and see the dolly doctor and FCS in person, since I never have. It's not really all the stuff that matters to me...Dolpa always looked like so much fun. I guess they are just testing the waters.

EDIT:

Wouldn't that defeat their message of "Allowing everyone a chance"? Wow...if they not only just have it online but ALSO limit the number of participants, I'd be bummed....That's not a very big improvement for people who can't travel at all...It still leaves tons of fans out of the experience. I Though they were trying to include everyone, and that's what made it so special? *Sigh* I can always look forward to next November I guess.

 

will this mean...FCS ONLINE for the event...~dies~

 

sadistic_x_blood: agreed.

I'm sure the online dolld party will be limited to members... glad I finally got a card a few months back.

 

I don't think Volks would ever do this, as it goes against every principle about FCS they've ever instated (no shopping services; personal experience; etc etc).......but if they did:

 

I was hoping that I can get Enku-Sensei to sign my Devil Man !!!! (and other SD stuff of course)



In regards to FCS, they have offered FCS only in USDP with a lot of energy and time set aside specially for these. I do agree that if FCS is on line then the whole point about personalized experience is really lost.

 

I agree, I seriously doubt there will be FCS offered. Also, since the FCS options are going to be updated in October, they're probably going to be too overloaded with new orders for the new FCS dolls in Japan to want to take US orders in November.

 

I think they mean that everyone has a chance to apply for the Dolpa without stressing about how to get there. When they announce that a Dolpa is going to take place in LA or NY, a lot of people don't bother to apply because there is no way they can make it to the event. With an online Dolpa, it would be available to anyone, not just those with the means to travel. So while perhaps not every single person who applies will get in, everyone, no matter where they are from, will have an equal chance of attending. I think it's a great way to include those who normally couldn't attend!

 

Oh. I guess I won't join the lotto, since I really wasn't planning on buying anything. I'd hate to take the chance from someone else.

 

Personally I don't like the idea of it only online, but if they do it....oh well Makes you think of how they'll send out invitations, if they do. Will everyone (US/International) be invited to watch online, or will they issue certain password codes for Volks members to view the party?
Also I'm with everyone else about how they're going to do the lottery, customization contest, and FCS.

 

My two bits--I've been looking forward to attending Volks' real-life Doll Party. Meeting, with and talking with people AND the dolls. And when I'm all tuckered out, just plain people and doll watching. Still, I'll try to keep an open mind as Volks has always hosted wonderful events; here's hoping they'll be able to do the same for a virtual Dolpa.

 

I'm sad there's not going to be a physical dolpa. . I'm happy that at lest its going to be online, I'm going to miss meeting the new people in person and the doll doctor and all the good food lol. I hope this is going to be a fair online experience not like a race to win everything like the after events are. I hope it turns out cool.

 

I hate this idea. The site will crash think about how many people will be online attending. NOT a good idea.

 

RE: I agree. I have mixed emotions about it because I think we spend more time behind the computer talking to one another, and only a few days seeing and socializing with each other in person. Although it's nice that we have the internet, it's just not the same as having a conversation with someone in person. Also, when I heard that I had missed the dinner parties at both the L.A. Dolpa and the New York one, I felt sore. I didn't attend the L.A. one because it was on Thanksgiving weekend, and I couldn't attend New York because I didn't have enough vacation time from work. :p From a personal standpoint, it would be really nice to go a fancy dinner party that wasn't work related. *shrugs*

On the plus side, at least it's better than having no USA Doll's Party at all. But you know, looking at the big picture, getting airline tickets within a two month period and not knowing where the event is going to be held, would be such a hassle. I'll be damned if I have to spend anywhere from $500 to $1,000 to travel from one state to the other. If I wanted to spend that much money on airline tickets, I would either travel to Europe or Southeast Asia. *shrugs*.

Anyway, that's just my two cents.

Hazel: Wait, wait, wait! What about the fact that neither I, Hannah, and Chabelita can't go? We're just as important as the Volks kids! That's so unfair! Mini-Me Lady Saiyan always gets whatever she wants!

Me: *annoyed* See what I have to put up with? *shakes head*

 

Yeah I was thinking of that too, plus scalpers can easily get limiteds too and sell at a high price over people who really want them.
scary thinking about running a online event with all the crashing thats going to happen. I hope they hold a lottery at lest its fair.

 

I wonder if the One-offs might still be displayed at the Torrance store or something that weekend. Volks doesn't always take the best pictures of their dolls....

 

Considering how radically different the US events have been from actual Dolpas in Japan - no food, no dinner party atmosphere, no FCS, it's all about luck of the draw with your lottery number and waiting in lines in order to shop - that I think we have been extremely spoiled by the US events that have provided us with all of these things that really go above and beyond the Japanese Dolpas in terms of one on one interaction with the Volks people and other owners. Nevermind you're lucky if there are 10 Seitenshi to spread over a couple thousand people, not 10 Sei and 10 Rei for a couple hundred. The same goes for the Oneoffs.

I think the online Dolpa is an interesting idea and one that I am all for as living on the opposite side of the country, there was no way I was going to be able to go to a dinner party held in LA and now, maybe I'll get to do something fun.

 

I'm just going to be fascinated to see how this will work. Open up a MUSH or a Second-Life type thing? A ... I dunno, what else might work... hmm. If they try to do all streaming video or something it'll be narsty for people without really high-speed connections. Or not...I sure don't know all the technology out there.

I'll keep MY eyes peeled, because I'd just really like to see what happens! I've already spent a stupid amount of money on travel this year (business travel) and I'd MUCH rather spend it on a doll...something