Dolls Party in Volks USA Website

You've said it beautifully, Kim!! I'm sure this Dolpa will be both awesome and groundbreaking!!

 

Oh, it's completely gone, now? I thought they just decided not to use it because of how many people were attending last year.

 

Reading this thread makes me glad I'm not Volks staff. Seriously, people, Volks could offer you guys slices of the moon and you'd all still complain that you wouldn't have a place to put it.

Kim has the right of it. Volks has been incredibly obliging to their American fans, offering us chances – outside of the much larger international community – to get dolls and opportunities that no one else has. I'm not speaking as a die-hard Volks fangirl. I'm still doll-less after numerous attempts at getting limiteds from previous Dolpas.

Granted, I too am disappointed that there won't be an LA Dolpa this year, but it honestly does not surprise me that much. Now, Volks could definitely pull off a successful web event using the recent lottery method that they instated during the most recent HT Dolpa. I doubt there will be as many giveaways just because of logistics, but I wouldn't put it past Volks to try to "make up" for the fact that there isn't a physical Dolpa to attend. (Not that they need to make up for anything, but I can already hear the whining about sei/rei tenshi's. Geez.)

Anyway, TL;DR: Don't get your collective panties in a bunch over something we don't know anything about yet and Volks doesn't really "owe" anything to us.

 

I love volks no matter what they do, so this event should be cool

 

Ditto!!!

 

I just get exited whenever Volks does anything, be it online or in person because they really are such sweet and creative people.
I'm sure they will make this online dolpa special in its own way!

Oh, P.S-
This might be a bit off topic but does anyone know who the SD girl on the left side of the "Volks USA Website Redesign and New Dolls Party in Volks USA Website!" image on the Volks Blog is? (not Kurumi, the other one)

 

The more I think about it, the more I tend to believe that the "online Dolpa experience" may just be a website with photos of previous Dolpas and one-offs, and maybe a few days of online sales and/or lotteries to celebrate the website's redesign. I can't really see webcams, etc. being part of the picture.

 

That's an Elena.

 

Gee, sorry, mom.
I think people DO have a right to be a little disappointed, some people here have worked hard to save money to have the chance to attend the event, some people even saving up holiday at work for november because they knew a dollpa was due. Many owners interested in Dollpa are interested because they get to meet each other AND the people who make their dolls. Who wouldn't be excited about that?
I don't see anyone here getting their "panties in a bunch", just expressing their opinion on something which is (all things considered) quite a radical idea.

 

Taking over a internet cafe would be great!! lol

 

I just wanted to say, to those who have saved up, at least now you can spend more money on new dollies and accessories.

I'm of the opinion that between the LA Dolpa and the NYC Dolpas, Volks has realized how large the US is, and how hard it is for people to get to the Dolpas in this country. Maybe they just wanted to make a way that *everyone* who wanted to join in the Dolpa fun could actually do so.

They probably don't mind the extra benefit of it not costing quite so much. X3 Though they will end up having to rent several servers to cover the bandwidth strain, I'm sure.

Either way, I'll be finding a way to join in on the online Dolpa fun, that's for sure. :3

 

Aww that's a shame..I was saving to come, because a friend of mine has an internship in LA at that time and we were going to go to the Dolpa together ;-; That's too bad..but the online thing looks intresting too, and now I can spend the money of the plane ticket on other stuff XD Or maybe I'll go anyway, just to see LA and visit the store.

Hope no one gets mad I'm a just a little bit suprised and sad about this.

*edit* I'm sorry if I missed this or if it's not announced yet, but are International fans allowed to 'come' to the online Dolpa, or is it US-Only? Probably the last, but I figured I'd ask so I know wether so save my money for the Dolpa anyway or just spend it elsewhere XD

 

According to the Volks Schedule, the November Dolpa will be held on the Volks Website, Admission Free, for Volks USA Members.

http://www.superdollfie.net/en/10th_sd/schedule/schedule.html

 

I'm actually kind of relieved that they're not doing a physical dolpa. I really don't have any funds to go traveling to LA lol. I would be really tempted to go otherwise. I really hope they don't offer must have dolls...such as williams!!! New York is much more convenient for me in location. One day I do hope to visit the LA mansion.

 

This is pure speculation, but my guess is that Volks was considering having Dolpa someplace else, and spent too much time deliberating about it, and every place was already booked. We've already seen that Volks isn't quite "with-it" when it comes to the amount of advance preparation it takes to do stuff like this in the States.

One thing that is pretty much certain: this has nothing to do with the NY Dolpa thefts. A location for an event like Dolpa would probably have to be booked a year in advance at the very least. If they had booked a place, and then pulled out on such short notice, they'd be hit so hard with cancellation fees that they'd lose more money by NOT having it.

 

one thing I do see is that with an online dolpa there's no chance that they will get One-Offs stolen. To people complaining you have saved money for the trip...

What are you complaining about?... if you have more money that the rest of us you can get more dolls and not worry about getting there no?

I applaud the idea because it's very novel and that it's rather difficult right now to fly to LA for most people. And they know it! I think people complained enough times of that fact.

Sure it might not be as glamourous as a Real life Dolpa but hey we won't know till it happens right? They might send us little gift packages or event Online coupons or what not?

Let's see what it's going to be like this year, there's always kinks to be worked out the first time people try something new. It's to be expected. Let's see what's going to happen and after the event tell Volks what we think might be changed to make the event better the next time.

 

And not only that!
To commemorate the renewal, we will be creating a special “Dolls Party in Volks USA Website”!
Our traditional Dolpas held in New York and California are coming to the web!
We are making plans even now to be able to tell you all about the excitement, so keep checking back!

Quote from USA Volks site. I wonder if this means that the NY Dolpa's will also be online from now on???
Marianna

 

I'm wondering if this online dolpa will be setup more like a webinar or something similar. Eiher way I'm curious what volks comes up with.

 

I just hope they have more BTSSB outfits and accessories. Hopefully, a new design, not just a different color of an old one.

Do I sound obsessed?

 

I can understand why some people are dissapointed at the idea of not being able to physically attend the dollpa, but seriously, you guys are still so lucky to be able to have a dollpa at all, even if it is an online one.

There are loads of fans in other countries who may never get the chance to attend a dollpa at all. At least you guys in America have been given a big chance, not only have you been given a physical shop you can go to, you also have a full online store where you can order things without currency conversions, without hefty international shipping fees and without customs fees. You have also had lovely dollpas to attend to, you can order FCS dolls without 3rd party services and now, even though its online, you are getting another dollpa.

As someone who has never had the chance or opertunity of any of the above benifits, I think you are all so lucky for what you have. So yes, I can see why it is dissapointing, but surely it's better to have something then nothing isn't it now.

 

Aquilla's post makes me think maybe it's a trial run by volks to see how an online dolpa goes. With Europe being so large and the EU consisting of so many countries maybe an online dolpa is something they can try for Europe. I'm wondering if the online dolpa idea is something that they want to look into because fuel is so expensive and also getting visas for the artists are difficult.

Nine years ago I thought I'd never have a chance to get a ball jointed doll. The internet has played a big part on my finally becoming a doll owner. The two dolpas I got to go to were two opportunities I never thought I'd ever get to do until I retire or something. So any volks offering makes me happy. Yes it's disappointing to not meet artists, sculptors, dolly doctor, and owners but something is definitely better than nothing. At dolpa I love seeing the actual dolls and taking photos but I'm sure an online experience has other merits.

At the last dolpa the limited dolls were done by lottery so I think one-offs, limited, and even freebies can all be done by lottery.

 

I hope so too Aree. I actually said in the European giftbook thread about how great it would be if this could be the begining of a European dollpa.

 

I like the web idea. I'm on the east coast so CA is a bit of a ways for me to go.

And after the theft in the NYC Dolpa... well, I'm not surprised at all they took the internet approach instead.

 

I totally agree, Selurnis!

I thought the same thing. I am sure the theft is somehow related to the Web Dolpa.

 

Doll security is a concern no matter where you are. Yes, the thefts happened in NY, but they could have happened anywhere. Here, Japan, Korea, anywhere that someone gets their chance at something. So I have a really hard time with the "this is because of the doll thefts" thing because my impression on all communications and sentiments from the Volks camp that I've seen has been an attitude of "it's sad that it happened, but we can only hope for the best and move forward".

It's the 10th anniversary. They're trying to do new things and expand the world of Volks Dolpas to those who have expressed the difficulty in travelling to events.

Also, to give you some insight on "will there be a site or not"...while there are no guarantees either way, the LA Dolpa site last year, which held their event on Thanksgiving, had already had a site up with info and the first News post up on July 13th. This one is still in the process of putting the site up for this event.

It's just information, and I haven't checked the other on-site Dolpa pages yet to see how in advance things were up, but things are a bit delayed on this one in comparison to at least LA.

 

They were secretive from the beginning of the new US location for dolpa so I don't think the doll theft was related. I think it was surprise they were planning as part of 10th anniversary all along.

 

Good point about the NYC Dolpa. The online Dolpa still makes my mind wonder about another thing. If they sell the on-offs online (again this is a maybe) they'll have to be careful of credit card frauds and etc since it will involve more people. If the thieves at the NY Dolpa can steal dolls at an event then that can do the same online with someone else's identity.

Please don't get me wrong, I've been to only two Dolpa's and I've seen no problems when people win a one off. But if someone wins and their funds get declined, maybe they'll post that doll for sale again. Maybe.

 

November 1st is a Saturday. I wonder if it will start at noon same as their usual on-line sales before

It would not be as disappointing if Volks has not announced since last November that there will be one and many of us are preparing for it. They put it on their EVENT SCHEDULE so we were counting on it.

 

Even if that is the case, I'd still rather be able to do it that way then via Volks international.

And I was talking about customs fees from Customs in the country for the buyer to import it, not the added customs fees the dealer or importer (in this case Volks) pays. Customs fees are very bad in my country, I've know people to be charged a hundred pounds or more in customs fees (thats nearly $200) , a friend of mine has even been charged customs on eyes, eyes for Pete's sake.

(The post I was replying to has been edited now so my post makes no sense. Mods, please delete if you want)

 

I myself am a little surprised and disappointed at the lack of a physical Dolpa, but my wallet is very relieved

This looks fun though! But I really do wonder how they're going to go about doing it, especially with all the events and stuff, like face up workshops, lotteries... are they just going to forgo all that? And how will they limit it to volks USA members only? Will it be by a password basis? Because then wouldn't that be quite easily leaked..? Idk.

Now that I think about it I'm getting more and more depressed about not being able to meet the face up artists face to face and learning hands on @_@ Valicooo

 

I'll second AreeElf on this: we were never told Just Where the November Dolpa would be held. It's why, I admit, I was nervous to plan for it. Now, I think I can (much to Hubby's amusement and fear).

In either case, the listing of this "event" implies that it's going to have to be SOMETHING more than an online sale. Not sure what, but personally, I find that Volks has yet to disappoint me in terms of events, so I think that we have something good coming.

 

I have a sort of related question...

All the volks dolls I have were either purchased thru a sato service, group order, secondhand, or from a friend who entered the lottery for me. So I never got a Volks membership card up until a few months ago when someone gave me one that they didn't want. They said it came with a doll they bought off of Yahoo Japan, but they already had a card (with a much higher number), and didn't want this one.

Now my question is... is that card associated on volks' end with any specific user, or can anyone use it? Because i'm thinking of they are going to hold an online dolls party, that they will require membership to attend. How do I go about making sure that the card I have is changed to be listed in my name so that I can attend?!? ...or do I even need to worry about that?

Thanks (sorry if it's off-topic).

EDIT: Oh, and there's no name on the card... just a number.

EDIT AGAIN: http://www.volksusa.com/faq.html <--- doesn't really answer my question.

 

Volks rarely fail to reach or even exceed expectations so I really hope this online dollpa goes really well, because it would really increase the hope to all us non Japanese and American fans that we could one day experience it too.

 

As far as I know from visiting the physical LA Sumika, they do have names associated with the cards. I lost mine earlier in the year (and the whole freaking wallet with it ) and had to get it replaced; I didn't know my number by heart so I just told them my name, and they pulled it up for me to give me a new card.

Edit; although, if it came with a doll from Y!J, are you sure it isn't a Volks JP card and not a Volks USA card?

 

I know the location was not disclosed. I saved money to travel to the midwest (Shino -san told us that the chance of it be mid-west was high). So the traveling part was anticipated. But it is OK, I will just use the money for NY trip or even to next year's Osaka or Kyoto DP, so I can meet up with friends too.

 

Yes, Torrance Sumika issues their own membership card. It has your name and unique card number on it. They do track your purchases You are suppose to write your name onto the card (it has a signature strip like the back of CC)

It is very easy to get one, just buy something directly from Volks USA online store; ANYTHING, it does not have to be a doll. And you will be issued a number and a card. Do it soon, so you can get a card in time for Nov 1st.

 

I am rather pleased by this change with Volks Dolpas for USA.

I don't know--I'm not afraid to travel but plane tickets and booking a hotel room(s) is a bit too inconvenient for me.

But I guess I missed out on the physical Dolpas--they sound like a lot of fun with all those workshops and what not.

Needless to say, change is still good.

 

It says "Tenshi No Sumika in Los Angeles" on the front... but there's no name on the card, just a number.

 

I don't think the NY thefts had anything to do with it, but I do think that how much money it costs to hold one of these events does. Volks flew around 20 people to NY for the dolpa, that's close to $20,000 right there, nevermind how much it must have to cost to ship all of the dolls and things necessary for the event, on top of location costs, catering, and the cost of all the giveaways, etc. I know in NY with having FDQ for a partner some of the costs are probably shared and that there is a lot of free advertising in the magazine along with FIT having a connection with FDQ. LA is Volks only and I imagine venues there are not cheap in the slightest.

No way Volks actually comes out in the black on these events. With travel costs rising and a slightly early Tokyo Dolpa, I think they have bigger, more profitable fish to fry at home, and that this is a way for them to do something for the American fans without all of the cost and time involved.

 

I think this is rad - flights are too crazy expensive now and I frankly gots my money prioritized otherwise. As for how this web Dolpa jazz works, I'm reserving judgment until they give more details. No point speculating. All I know is that if this means I can go to Dolpa without pants on from the comfort of my office, fantastic!

 

Well, I just caught up with this thread. I still dunno what to make of it. I had no intention of buying anything this year. Just to hang out and maybe do the customization contest. I also wanted Saifa and Valico to take a picture with my SD16 Garnet and have picture of Mr. Shigeta with my MSD Sakura, both dolls that I got at last year's Dolpa.

*sigh*

I just hope they install a chatroom onto the website so I can thank them once again and we can all talk to each other in real time.

 

I really like this idea! Now I can enjoy the dolpa goodies too Flying to CA was just not an option. I think this is a great way to have everyone involved, that way those that want something, but can't hop on a flight can have the opportunity to buy the items they want. I'm curious to see what they will offer!

Of course going to an actual Dolpa is a wonderful experience...so I can understand the disappointment too.

 

OK, i've ordered something small from the Volks USA website, and requested a membership card in the comments box. Just in case the one I had doesn't let me in.

Thanks for your help everyone...

 

Oh my, maybe this will be my first Dolpa. *laughs* I've been keeping my Volks membership card in my wallet for just an occasion!

 

Because it's not ABOUT the money. I know, it's difficult for a lot of you to grasp, and it's a totally un-American attitude. But some things in BJD-hobby are actually not about money. It's not about "more dolls". It's not even all about shopping. I've attended several Dolpas when I knew that I didn't want a single doll or outfit they were releasing, and I would do it again, because the whole experience is so rewarding & so much fun. For a web event where I didn't want any of the items either, what would be the point of going online at all? It wouldn't really be a Dolpa, it'd be a sale.

But the Volkses have always got a ton of tricks up their sleeve, so I am also loath to jump to conclusions, or to believe they'd have an event that's JUST a sale. They've gotta have something else in mind. Like, say, anything resembling workshops: I'm wondering DO they maybe possibly intend to sell us SchoolHeads & do video-conferencing or webcam demo for the painting. Or like contests: that'd be easy enough to manage, submitting & judging entries online (although so much less impressive than seeing the entries in person). As to how they'd do those lotteries & one-offs without causing a complete blood-and-tears-bath, I'm not even willing to speculate. -_- Best of luck on that website overhaul, though.

 

I am so sad about no physical Dolpa! It was the thrill of a lifetime to get to meet Valico and watch her work. And the main point of the Dolpa for me is to get to see other people's dolls and talk to them in person. Looking at pictures on a website is not the same!

I wish Volks had announced this sooner because I would have gone to the New York Dolpa if I had known that it was the last chance.

 

DiSpy: I wouldn't use that card as it's most likely associated with a particular person. For that matter the same with a Volks JP membership card. As Anavel said getting a membership card is as easy as shopping at Volksusa website. I got my card from buying supplies.

Sadly volkusa only takes orders from and ships to North America, Canada, and Mexico so international people can't get a membership card.

The volks membership isn't tied to being a doll owner though volks does run a overseas database. They stopped issuing cards from that venue years ago if they ever did.

 

I can understand why you are disappointed. After all, a live Dolpa is so much fun!!! But I'm certain that this isn't the end of live Dolpas in the USA. I'm sorry you feel let down, but don't worry. Bigger and better Dolpas are surely in the future!!

Everyone has been surprised by Volks' announcement, and I'm sure that we all get a little strained while waiting for more information. Please feel free to express your concerns. I'm sure that Volks will explain it all soon.

Yay!!! Free admission!!! That's great!!

I don't think so. I think they mean that they will try to capture the same experience as the LA and NY Dolpas. Volks and FDQ Magazine are already planning the next few NY Dolpas, so I'm sure that they will continue to be live.

LOL, just a little bit, but I wholeheartedly agree!!!

The theft was a terrible thing, but I don't think it has chased Volks away from having live Dolpas in the USA. Even after the theft was discovered, Volks and FDQ began planning for the next few NY Dolpas. So don't worry, this isn't the end of live Dolpas!

 

I totally understand Volks deciding to hold the Dolpa on the web. I am sure Volks has always lost money on the physical USA Dolpa with the expense of airline tickets, hotels and restaurant meals for the staff. And at times Mr. Shigeta has looked very tired with jet lag. But I still feel very sad!

 

I'm going to have to agree for the most part with JennyNemesis on this - actually scrambling for arrangements and physically BEING at a Dolpa was more than half the fun! Even if you only do this once in a lifetime, its something to look forward to! How else would I have had the chance to meet the Shigeta family and staff in full-force? At a Japanese Dolpa you would be merely lost in a crowd, esp in my case as I have an asian face! And to have Kuni and Mikey somehow recognize you, by name, is as they say in those credit card commercials, priceless!
And all that creative talent and energy amongst the collector crowds! and the cool personalities! And seeing the one-offs close-up....I can go on and on...
Alex

 

Only made it to the bottom of the first page but I've got to say this now ---

No physical Dolpa? Well that SUCKS!!!

While I understand their probable reasoning for a web-only event (they are very busy w/ all the events in Japan) I think that having it be on-line-only will basically make it worthless for what most folks go to the Dolpas for - an up close hands-on experience.

And sorry to say this for the folks outside the U.S. but I hope that if it is going to be web only that the lotteries will be restricted. It's still going to be a bitch to get anything even if they open it world wide because some folks just have crappy internet.

While I hold out hope for the idea, I'm afraid this just may not work very well.

Morgan

 

What about the people all across your country who cannot make it to dollpas at all because they are too far away, or it is too expensive or they already have plans for other things? I think there are going to be plenty of people who are actually grateful for this opportunity, it's the closest some people are ever gonna get to a dollpa. Do you think it will be worthless to them? I think not.

Also, people keep saying that dollpas are more about meeting people and hanging out then they are about the dolls and items. From what I've read, Japanese dollpa's are nothing like the US ones, and yet for years people all over japan have been to the dollpa event's and they've still had a lot of fun and people still keep on going back to it. From volks side a Japanese dollpa must cost much less then a US one, but the format is still really successful.

Surely if socializing is the main aspect of dollpas, the Japanese dollpas would have flopped years ago.

 

I am trying to imagine an improved website and the surprises they have in store. IT sounds exciting.
Yet I am sorry for those who had planned on going. Most of the fun is seeing friends and dollies, listening to Mr Shigeta and the Volks crew, and making new friends.

 

I just have to disagree a little bit on this because the main reason I went to Dollpas in Japan was for the social aspect. I got to meet all the cool Japanese friends I'd made and hang out at the set up tables and talk since it actually is pretty expensive to travel within in Japan. This, and the dealers room are the main reason a lot of people go to Japanese Dollpa, as well as the physical experience of seeing the displays, contest dolls, and being part of an event.

I'm not trying to compare US and Japanese events, I just want to clarify that Japanese Dollpas are social evens as well and that's why a lot of people go to them.

 

Have you ever been to a Japanese Dolpa? There is lots of socializing and picture taking going on, and lots of things to see like the cool things the vendors bring! Volks even sets up dioramas where you can pose your bjds on. The customizing contests are wonderful in their creativity and have to be seen in person. And the people watching is great too!!!
So, how is a web format like a Japanese Dolpa???
Alex

 

RE: You tell 'em, JennyNemesis! In a nutshell, it has to do with the time spent meeting people face to face -- people that we don't normally see on a day to day basis, as well as getting "hands-on" (literally) experience in various panels/ seminars. Heck, as I said in the other thread, I was hoping that I would get an opportunity to go to a formal dinner party that wasn't work related, or get Mini-Me Lady Saiyan restrung by someone who specializes in Super Dollfies of all types. Doing the online bit, you can't touch anything with the exception of your keyboard and mouse, and that is is. Oh, well... maybe next time. *shrugs* But, yeah, who knows what Volks has up their sleeve? My mother always told me to expect the unexpected.

 

I'm hoping that Volks will open a forum on their website, or better yet, a little virtual Dolpa where your avatar can move around to different displays and attractions and chat with people! That would be awesome!!!

I'm sure that One-Offs and prizes will be handled by lottery, so no need to stress about a clicking war! It would be amazing to win an adorable little Sei or Rei Tenshi through an online Dolpa!!

 

Personally, I'm extremely disappointed.
I was looking forward to the Dolpa in November, and now it's been pretty much shot to hell.
The shopping aspect is totally secondary for me.
Most of the fun is actually being there and physically interacting with people.
I can shop and chat online whenever.

And quite frankly, when you consider what happens to Volks' server during after events... far be it for me to say that I don't think this will work out.
Instead of being a fun experience, it'll just turn into another shopping cart bloodbath.
At least when you are at the physical Dolpa, you stand to have a good chance at stuff (Not necessarily true for Japanese Dolpas since it's all luck of the draw, but I digress).

And what of the doctor and the classes?
Somehow, I doubt they will have online classes. How are you supposed to interact with the teacher?
Chat room? Webcam? Not everyone has a webcam.
Plus I was hoping to get a School C head in the off chance that he would be offered.

Forgive me if I don't seem all too optimistic, but this is just such a major blow.
While I'm not completely shocked considering all the possible circumstances that led them to choose this route, I can't help but be disappointed.
Maybe that makes me spoiled and selfish. Fine. I can deal with that.

I'm just predicting a disaster, but who knows, Volks might be able to pull it off.
But I don't think they can provide a social experience that doesn't involve a chat room.