Just For Fun My 10 Favourite Things on Den of Angels

Looks like I'll be the first to post here! Here's hoping I did a good job... :P

I joined Den of Angels in June of 2009 and have been a member for just over 6 years!

I love DoA a whole lot, and here's why:

10. The News Threads - These are helpful for finding new dolls and new companies! I don't spend a whole lot of time browsing here, but I'm glad it's there when I want to check it out.

9. Newbieland! This feature wasn't available when I was new on the forum, but I'm really glad it is now! It's an excellent place for new members to ask questions and break into what may seem like an intimidatingly huge forum to them! I love going there to answer questions and give advice where I can!

8. The feedback system - This system, while not perfect, is an incredibly valuable resource for anyone who is considering buying and selling on the DoA marketplace. Here is where we can get an idea of what someone is like during transactions and if they are likely to be trustworthy to do business with! The problem transactions subforum gives a place for people to reach out and get help when things don't go as planned/expected and a place where participants can reach a solution to most issues that arise in a transaction. It's also a good place to learn what kinds of setbacks might happen during a transaction so that someone can attempt to prepare for almost anything that might go wrong.

7. The database subforum! This place is awesome for finding multiple photos of a sculpt/line you love! I also really enjoy including my dolls in their respective databases (if they exist)! It's nice to be able to share with others my characters and ideas for the dolls I own!

6. Dolly Discussion threads! The Soom Teenie Gem thread is by far my favorite, but I also lurk and sometimes participate in other doll/line-specific discussion threads and love doing so! It's fun to see what's going on with a doll or line of dolls that I am interested in! And it's great to see owner photos of those dolls!

5. The box opening galleries! This place is so much fun! I love seeing other people joyfully receiving their dolls and seeing what the experience is like for them! It gives a great idea of what to expect when you buy a doll from a company!

4. The DoA marketplace! Without DoA, I would not own half of my dolls! I bought my three Soom Bygg & Beyla girls here on DoA and I couldn't be more grateful! Not only that, but it's a great place to buy eyes, wigs, clothes, and accessories! It's also enabled me to sell the dolls I no longer could keep in a way that felt safer to me than trying to sell somewhere else!

3. The gallery threads! I don't browse here as much as I always mean to, but when I do, there's lots of beautiful photos of pretty much any doll you could hope to see! I also love posting gallery threads to share my dolls with others on the forum! It feels great when someone enjoys my dolls and photos too!

2. The Soom Teenie Gem discussion thread! I love this place so much! It's where I spend most of my time here on DoA. There are awesome people there sharing their love for my favorite line of dolls! It also helps that there's tons of super cute photo spam to enjoy there! :3

And, my favorite thing about DoA?
1. The mods and all their wonderful, awesome help! The fact that they volunteer (unpaid) to take on the task of keeping DoA safe and fun for everyone, with little-to-no thanks and often a lot of hate and animosity, is amazing to me! Without you, mods, DoA would cease to exist as we know it! For that, we owe you the utmost gratitude!!

 

10. Private messaging system. Its so much easier than other sites!!
9. Friendly Mods! You all are so nice to us!
8. Marketplace. Thanks to the Market, I've found a few dolls i couldn't go without!
7. Company News posts. I love keeping up to date!
6. The Wiki! Thank goodness it is back up! I love going on the wiki and browsing through the companies
5. Friends! I met so many great people through DOA!!
4. The photostory gallery. There are so many great ones!
3. The tutorials. Theyre soooo useful! Thanks everyone who contributes
2. Meet ups! I love looking for meet ups in my area! Theyre a great way to meet everyone.
1. THE BJD COMMUNITY! Everyone here is so nice, and nobody really is as "elite" as people make them out to be. Everyone is here to support and share their love of dolls!

 

1. Wiishu photostories. I would pay good money for a Wiishu fanclub T-shirt. Or a calendar. Those lavendar eyes just get me.
2. MBLilacs photos and costumes. They are beyond amazing! When I grow up I want to BE MB! Oh, darn, wait, I'm already grown up.
3. The Marketplace
4. All the amazing tutorials on how to make neat dollie stuff.
5. The larger Iplehouse photo spam thread. Drool, drool, drooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooool!
6. Newbieland. I am not a newbie anymore, but I so enjoy the excitement of the people new to the hobby.
7. Sewing and project threads
8. Project Runway
9. Company News. I mean where else can you find out about the new dollies?
10. The incredible people you meet here

 

1. Box opening threads!! -- My first favourite subforum in 2007, still my favourite today! I love seeing straight-out-of-the-box photos, wrapping, packaging, owner reactions, first photos -- even the inside of people's houses The diversity and creativity is astounding as well; I've never seen two box opening threads that were similar, which is the best part.
2. BJD Games -- Another favourite forum since 2007; I've always like the low-pressure approach and the randomness that comes with it. I'm the type that's waaay too shy to post in discussions but I want to participate so games are usually the best place for me to be. I also really like the photo challenges that display the worst inevitable parts of the hobby like The No Faceup Challenge and Pet Invasion.
3. Anniversary and Birthday Events -- I LOVE that the DoA mod team started this! It's always been fun to see what they conjure up for the forum's anniversary ... and this year I got to see how it works from the ther side!
4. Swaps! I feel like my doll horde gets stagnant sometimes because my interests are so painfully specific and I spend a lot of time turning stuff down for one reason or another or getting frustrated with what I'm making because it's somehow not 'right'. Giving a total stranger a general rundown of what I like and what my theme is and letting them run with it has almost always yielded different ideas that I would've passed over otherwise, but winded up being wildly successful.
5. References and Comparison -- I would've neeeever ever considered putting a SOOM Amber on a Resinsoul body. Enter comparison threads -- suddenly SOOM + Resinsoul and SOOM + Nobilitydoll is my favourite thing in the world.
6. Wiki -- Some days I just scroll endlessly through the wiki for no reason other than I can. I'm like a sponge too, so I end up absorbing huge amounts of information and spouting it back out later. It tends to make me look much more informed than I actually am.
7. The Workshop Subforum -- Knitting circles via Skype, sewing pattern, sewing circles, critique, 'look what I made!' Seeing people suddenly gain interest in something they've never tried and growing beyond where they started has been amazing over the years.
8. Fukubukuro exchanges -- Who doesn't like lucky bags and exchanging the goodies inside??
9. Discussion -- How else would would we squee over each other dolls?
10. The Marketplace!!! Who doesn't like the marketplace?! There's treasure in there!!

 

1. Photo-game threads--unadulterated, unstressful, and imaginative fun, and a chance to view doll photography at all skill levels.
2. Databases--a fantastic source of info when I'm curious about a particular sculpt or company. I wish more people would add to them.
3. Marketplace--I don't use it as often as some, but I have found a number of amazing buys there, and sold a few things too.
4. Feedback--so helpful when using the above.
5. Waiting rooms--a great place to check how quickly that company is producing its dolls, and to commiserate and celebrate with fellow buyers.
6. Company news--it's always great to be informed about new products.
7. Friendly atmosphere--I appreciate the rules that work to avoid nastiness and drama, there's enough of that on the rest of the internet.
8. Internationality--I love seeing posts from hobbyists all over the world. And I admit I'm a fan, especially, of the Russian artists.
9. On-topic--Another rule I like is that of staying on-topic, people simply have the tendency to get combative, self-pitying or rambling if you give them the chance. And, again, we have the other 99.99% of the internet for that.
10. Last, but not least, the Mods--I'm grateful for the work they do and have found them to generally be level-headed, and responsive to any questions I've had. Good job!

 

1. the tons and tons of info about dolls, dealers, companies, ect.
2. Tutorials and project threads, I love to craft my own doll stuff, and get inspiration on a million projects
3. the Galeries in general, dolly Pics are one of my favorite things^^
4. Games, dolly games have made more then one of my days
5. The Tom Hiddleston Minimee thread, I love you all for your great works!
6. The Marketplace, without that one, I would not have half of my collection
7. Some of the most increadible people, that were not scared away by my ramblings about my dolls stories^^
8. the well organized forum system, very easy to navigate
9. The "New post",
10. The aniversary events, they are fuuuuuuun :P

 

1. The company discussion boards because you can learn so much while fawning over dolls.
2. Box openings, because they are great to check out when you are waiting for your own dolls. Plus it is a great way to see what you are in for when you get a doll from that company.
3. Tutorials - I have learned so much from them!
4. The meetup/community board - I love my local group and it is through the DA boards I met most of them! So yay!
5. Handcrafted on the marketplace - If you struggling to find that perfect thing for your doll, then I am sure someone with huge amounts of talent can sort you out.
6. Anniversary events - They are pretty fun and challenging and I have learned new skills by entering them.
7. The marketplace - Sometimes you can find a great bargain.
8. News Threads! - Always useful, since there are just so many companies out there!
9. Gallery - the dolly photography has always been an huge inspiration to me. It was seeing the amazing doll photography that really helped get me into the BJD hobby.
10. Helpfulness of the community - Whenever I have had questions about things people have always been there to help. Everything from where to buy a certain wig to saving you from a potential doll mishap!

 

1. Stickies - As a new member and new doll owner, they make my life SO much easier!
2. Tutorials - The lovely members who take the time to teach others have been life savers.
3. News - Everyone loves news about dolls, right?
4. The advanced search - Everything I ever wanted to know right at the tips of my fingers. I've haven't had to ask a question yet.
5. Wiki - Can you tell yet that I use the board for lots of information?
6. The Database - Great way to see what the dolls look like other than the company photos.
7. The new posts link - That one is just self-explanatory.
8. Project Journals - So inspiring to see what everyone is doing
9. Marketplace - Ah, window shopping!
10. All the wonderful photos that have made me love way too many dolls!

 

(In no particular order)

10. Group Orders! Shipping can be so expensive and sometimes if the group orders enough you get it for free! Love me those group orders
9. Company News! Always keeping me up-to-date on more things to spend all my money on ^^;;
8. The Workshop! I love seeing all the creative things people in this community are doing with their dolls
7. Doll Discussion Threads! Seeing everyone's lovely dolls, sharing pictures of your own, and talking about them all? I love it!
6. The Respiratory Health Thread! It saved me and many others from doing damage to our bodies
5. Box Opening and Arrivals! I love seeing people's box openings! It's like sitting down with them while they're opening; very exciting~
4. BJD Games! A great place to have even more fun with your dolls
3. DoA Staff! Honestly you all work so hard just to keep everything running smoothly! Go you!
2. Marketplace! I would not have many of the dolls I love if it weren't for the marketplace.
1. The Community! I think everyone deserves a pat on the back for being a part of the community! It's been one of the most welcoming experiences I've ever had joining a hobby! Thank you all!

 

1. The How To Sections. I have learned so much from all those tutorials.
2. The nice people, everybody, who pops up to help or advise if you need it.
3. The doll company news and feedback sections. I love keeping up with it all.
4. The Galleries. Tons of lovely doll pics. What's not to like?
5. The Market My only regret is that I end up spending way too much $$$ in it.
6. The perpetual fun threads for each kind of doll I like/own.
7. The box opening threads, the new doll pic threads. I like them and find them a valuable resource.
8. The Wikis, ditto.
9. The Meetups Threads The meetups never happen near me, alas, but it makes me smile to think of people getting together offline too.
10. Photo story threads. I find them very amusing sometimes.

 

10. Private messaging, I love sending and receiving nice messages
9. NEWS BOARD (I'm always on the hunt for another "perfect doll")
8. Company chat threads, I love doll owner pics!
7. DOA exclusive things (dolls, contests etc.)
6. Crafting threads! I love posting in them and showing off my work
5. Meet ups, I love meeting dolls and people, playing with people's dolls is always fun
4. Tutorials! I've learned so much and have been inspired to make my own
3. Games! I've recently gotten into them despite being on the site for 4 years xD
2. Photo reference thread (it's saved me a number of times!)
1. Box opening threads, I love watching people being so happy for their new doll. I also love posting them myself.

 

Got to say that I like the Wiki, too, even though it's not contributed to as much as it should be... There's so much to know about bjds, the Wiki can probably never really get it all noted down, but it's an important resource, I think!

10.General Discussion. It's kind of crazy and kind of random and weird, but it's an amusing and sometimes annoying, but interesting view into what goes on in members' minds! I don't know why, but I'm just compelled to check it out whenever I'm on DoA.
9. How To Customize, String, Clean, etc. Almost anything you can possibly think of to do with dolls can be seen and answered and learned about here. I never worry about doing something new because I know I can learn from those who really know what to do!
8. Galleries. There are some amazing photographers and artists and story-tellers here and it's just inspiring to see those. It's also fun to see how much owners love their dolls, whether their photos are fancy or not. And it's great to see owner-pics and various dolls and customizations... It's definitely a highlight of DoA aside from the informational threads.
7. Box Openings. Some people don't see the point in endless Box Openings--but I find it's a great way to find about dolls and get some owner opinions right from the start. I'll check out sculpts I'm interested in or just like, and those I don't know anything about. It's also good to see how companies pack their dolls and how different owners react at arrivals.
6. Meet ups, Events, Conventions. I went to my first meetups right after getting my first doll and I've loved them all. Fantastic way to get to know other owners and their dolls and to chat about dolls in-person--and to participate in various events and see some new places and do new things. I love it so much!
5. Waiting Rooms. Also unique to DoA... Helps keep me from going too crazy during the waiting. Also good for answers and information.
4. Marketplace--All. Group Orders AND Feedback are just fantastic. But I love it all (too much for my wallet!). Love looking at doll sales and clothes, accessories, handmade items... everything!!!
3. Size/Company Threads. Shout-outs to Large/Granado, Large/Iplehouse... and just about all the others, really. Great way to learn about various companies and sculpts and to get to know owners and dolls.
2. Company News. It's so hard to keep track of new releases and limited sales periods and new companies. This thread is key. Thanks to everyone who takes time to post the news!
1. Helpful, knowledgeable Members and Mods. So many people always ready and willing to answer questions and help out and share their enjoyment of bjds! It's just the BEST!

 

1. The size discussion threads. I've learned so much from listening to others there.
2. Company News. Nuff said!
3. The Waiting room. Misery loves company, right?
4. Box opening threads. I love how happy new owners can be.
6. The 'What is your Grail Doll' thread in General discussion. I like to see what dolls people want. Sometimes it's such a surprise.
7. The Gallery/Highlights. So many beautiful photoshoots.
8. The Database. It's a great way to compare different faceups.
9. The Marketplace. You never know what you will find there.
10. Saving the best for last. The members of DOA. I've made some incredible friends here

 

10. Thread subscriptions - every time I get a chance, I've got to check in to see what's new. I can't imagine trying to keep track without them!
9. The Wiki, that incredible treasure trove of information, and all the awesome people who keep it updated.
8. Customizing Services in the MP. Despite my best efforts, I am hopeless at face-ups; thank goodness there are so many fabulous artists to pick from!
7. Waiting rooms. I've been in far more than I care to count, but it always helps to pass the time and keep track of how things are going with the company, and I love hearing what everyone else has planned.
6. Doll discussion threads - always an excellent resource to find out what fits and what to expect, plus lovely pictures, and a great chance to hang out and chat with other hobbyists.
5. The "Happy Birthday" message from DoA. Not gonna lie, I get giddy every year when I can log in to happy birthday wishes from the forum. That little cake. ;.;
4. Dearest Search feature, you may be a little fiddly sometimes, but you know I love you. I just can't stay away.
3. Customization & Maintenance, and the many fabulously useful threads and individuals who've posted there. As a floundering newbie to the hobby, this subforum gave me the courage to try my hand at customization. I've still got a lot more learning to do, so I'm ever grateful I can keep going back for more! (My lungs would like to give a particular nod to the respiratory protection sticky.)
2. Thanks to Company News, I've found out about so many companies and releases I'd have never known about otherwise. Heck, it's how I found the first doll I ever ordered. (And many more after that...) My bank account has suffered greatly, but I can't complain.
1. The community! It may sound hokey, but I am so grateful to all the kind, creative, supportive people here who take the time to help each other out and share their knowledge and experience! I would have been lost in this hobby without you all!

 

Oh gosh, all the things I love about DOA... Only 10!? I feel like a lot of us think along the same lines. The things we love run true and deep.

10. The Search. I love rooting around in the archives for interesting little tidbits. Sometimes I feel like a bit like a creeper, trying to find archaic information about a particular artist or doll, but I've learned some really neat stuff!
9. Box Openings. Seeing how dolls are packed, what they come with, and how DOA has its own mini meme with cats in boxes at the end makes me so happy. I'm so ceremonial sometimes with box openings, and seeing how every piece is wrapped up that I've become a little sad that the trend is to show the outer box and skip to the doll unwrapped without showing all the wrappings and some of the steps between. Though one of my very favorite box opening threads was more humor and staging than actual box opening... (Hint, Dollzone boys cuddling. {I think they were DZ. I was distracted by the cuddling and how perfectly laid out the face masks were.})
8. Company News. Without stumbling across an announcement (or two or three) about new releases in the company news I would never have gotten some of my very favorite dolls.
7. All the DIYers, crafters, and tutorial makers. Without the treasure trove of tutorials, patterns, and information people have freely shared here, I never would have figured out my Volks pattern books, learned how to do a faceup, and I'd probably be dremeling without a respirator (don't do it!). I was reassured before ever buying a doll that I'd be able to restring it and care for it properly. The bravery of others inspired me to be brave with my own dolls, and I hope I've contributed something back to the community with the (too few) tutorials I have made.
6. The Waiting Rooms. Shared agony, shared excitement. CathyM said it all when she said "Misery loves company." It is so true.
5. Size Specific Discussion. Even if I lurk and never say a peep, if it weren't for the five billion pages of Pukifee discussion, excitement, and sharing of what fits, I never would have taken the plunge and gotten one. The same goes for the Unoa thread. The folks in there are dangerous and wonderful.
4. Company Photo Sharing Threads and Email Notifications. AKA how to always have a ton of emails and pretty pictures delivered right to your door. For those days when words are too much and you don't want to read, scroll forever through all your favorite beauties.
3. The Marketplace. OK, I love and hate this one. Love love love the finds, haaaaate the temptation. :B
2. The Photo Reference Subforum. When I just couldn't wrap my mind around the size of a doll, or a hybrid, or what a faceup style might look like with a certain color of hair, this subforum was an incredibly valuable resource. I probably spent more time there in my earlier days than almost any other place.
1. Making new friends. I've made so many friends here, and I'm so hugely grateful. I remember seven years ago joining the forum so I could participate in meetup threads, and then accepting a ride from a stranger to go to another stranger's house and hang out for a few hours. It was the best decision I ever made and literally changed my life. I have made lifelong friends thanks 100% to DOA. Over the years I have made even more friends, connecting usernames here to those on Livejournal, Flickr, Tumblr, and even on Facebook. Deep connections were made within the limited context of topicality that have transcended the forum but wouldn't have been possible without finding the spark here first.

 

In no particular order:

1. Photo reference: very helpful!
2. Marketplace: it makes buying and selling much easier without being scammed.
3. The waiting rooms: sharing your excitement!
4. The box opening threads: also helpful, as you can see the doll in all it's glory and how the company ships them.
5. Size specific company threads: can be both fun and helpful.
6. Members and the mods: they help where they can and I love them for it.
7. The wiki: I didn't know how much I used this, until it went down.
8. Bjd games: fun!
9. General discussion: I love how calm the discussions are, really sharing opinions, not evolving in a full on debate.
10. Being able to subscribe to threads: good way to keep track.

 

Random order:
1. The waiting rooms
2. The discussion threads
3. Company news thread
4. The Marketplace
5. The galleries
6. Box opening/arrival gallery
7. Photo reference thread
8. Feedback threads
9. Database thread
10. Anniversary games and events

 

No particular order myself~!
1. Discussion threads. I love chatting up fellow doll owners.
2. Marketplace...where I frequent and drool at things and very often buy!
3. Box Openings. I am really interested in company boxes and packing, I love seeing dolls arrive in their new homes.
4. Photostories. I looove photostories, it's the best place to see people character building their dolls.
5. Gallery. Awesome place to look at awesome dolls. =v= And admire photography skills.
6. Wiki. That's where I found the link to the company that sells my first doll. Good feelings for that wiki!
7. BJD Games- Lots of fun. >3< Inspires me to take more creative pictures!
8. Meetup and Conventions- Where I found my great local group. I wouldn't have found them without DoA!!
9. Company News- Keeps me up to date with the newest dolls. Several insta-buys have resulted from this news.
10. Project Journals- Inspiring and fun to browse through.

 

1. Community: I would've said "Interaction," but community feels much closer. I've been a member since 2005 and although my presence may be in and out, DOA's never stopped being my online home. Many things are updated, but nothing is changed; everyone is always very encouraging of each other. Coming to a comfortable, positive space is a large part of what's kept me here.
2. Box Opening Threads: Self-explanatory--I love seeing people react to their new or first dolls! I never get tired of it. There's nothing quite as nice as seeing someone be so happy, or as being able to take part of the enthusiasm.
3. Company News: I am so bad at keeping track of all these companies...the news thread is what brought at least half my dolls home. Even if I'm not hyped for the particular company or news, I like seeing the activity.
4. BJD Database: I tend to go through the most recently updated ones just because I like looking at how variant each entry is, even if I'm not fond of the mold or what have you. I'm always so impressed by the span of looks and personalities and stories owners go for, and it reminds me of really how individual these dolls are.
5. Drudgeon Lodge: Because of my fluctuating presence I tend to miss the peak of some threads, but it doesn't stop me from enjoying being able to put my two cents in on something and seeing how administrative decisions are made. I like opportunities for open discourse.
6. Photo Reference: I just don't know where I would be without this.
7. Search Function: See 6.
8. User Feedback: It's impossible not to appreciate the safety sphere of this forum. I'm hard-pressed to find larger venues I find trustworthy (looking at you, eBay) and having this is simple enough yet so effective. I trust my community, especially when it points out there may be something distrustful present. Which leads to...
9. Moderators: I try at least once a year to thank a moderator, because without their care we (not just I) wouldn't have this online safety zone. Thanks for looking out for the membership, thanks for your continuing enthusiasm about the hobby, thanks for both participating in and both monitoring the forums, and thanks for your time and attention. We're always grateful.
10. Things like this!: This may tie in with community, but it needs its own highlight. A whole forum for DOA's birthday is just what I need to remind me how personable everyone is, and what a milestone it is to have a userbase this active and large. There has been a lot of growth. In a month I turn 23, and I've been here since I was about 15. Thanks for this event. I always love it.

 

I guess I should list in order of what I actually DO when on DOA

1)Photo stories. I joined DOA because I heard they had fantastic little running stories - & I love them dearly
2)Marketplace. I'm a shopper - window & otherwise.
3)Company news. See above.
4)All the info about dolls that can be found here - I have a ? I just do a search & voila!
5)SWAPS! Love them.
6)Meetups met some great people this way
7)GOs - again w/the shopping - I do love a bargain.
8)Brigadoon - always fun
9)Those game threads where you post a pic of your doll doing something, etc. Love them!
10)And finally, the individual doll threads, where you can spam your babies LOL

 

In no particular order:

1. Box Opening Arrival Gallery - nothing better passing time waiting or just enjoying other peoples joy (and Cat in Box photos) while they unbox fresh resin!!
2. Photo Story Gallery, seriously awesome stuff in there... its amazing the creativity in this forum!!
3. Newbie Land - I love being able to help people new to the forum... what i wouldn't have given to have it 7 years ago when I first joined!!!
4. The Workshop Threads - need a shirt pattern... done, need help with finding the right materials.... done, need a tutorial on 17th century in-scale-weapons... DONE!
5. Marketplace... would TOTALLY be lying if I didn't include this here.
6. General Discussion: there are literally thousands of people that TOTALLY understand the frustration of language barriers and parents who think you still play with Barbies!!
7. Shipping Advice Thread: Why take the risk on an unknown company... chances are someone already has and can calm your farm so-to-speak.
8. BJD Games: Specifically the scavenger hunt... why because its so danged cool thats why!!!
9. Feedback thread: takes the guess work out of trading partner quality, and provides transparent information on problems that have occurred in the past.
10. News Thread: seriously who need CNBC or ABC or NBN... its always miserable.... the DoA News Thread is ALWAYS cause for celebration