The Facebook debacle & other issues

6 hours ago, Yumeiro said:

@QueenAnna If you can get a sort of confirmation that you are not banned, you always have FFD (I don't know how it works, if you can request Kizuna through them, or if you have to wait for her to become available for ordering)

I’ll need to send another email because I sent like two emails, but closed the ticket because I wasn’t sure how Danny would respond.

I was thinking about getting Kizuna through Fabric Friends and Dolls or using a proxy just in case ordering directly from Danny, isn’t an option.

Edited August 1, 2021 by Guest

I’m very surprised... I can’t believe Danny is spying on this forum and banning the purchase of his products from people who criticize his company. I can't believe it!

I want to buy a Mirai, I think her face and expression is very pretty. But I love green eyes, I don’t think I have some problems thinking that, not? I think Mirai with green eyes would be very pretty, and a few freckles on her nose I also think would look very pretty. But originally I think Mirai is already very pretty, and I probably wouldn’t be able to change anything about her the day I can get her. But it is true that I would like to have a Mirai that was only mine, unique, and special. Although in the end, it’s special because of the feelings you have with her. Is it wrong to think that? I don’t think so.

I asked Danny for a personalized doll without wanting to offend, and from my ignorance. I think I was respectful. He hasn’t answered me, so I’ve assumed his answer has been "no", you can’t build your personalized doll, every character is unique, ok, no problem.

It’s a non-response and I accept from respect, and it was a non-response that helped me to decide what doll I wanted. It is also true that an answer, even a simple "no", would also have helped, but I understand that maybe they don’t have time to answer all the emails that come to the company, and some are discarded.

The clothes is another issue for me. I say issue, because I love Danny’s clothes, I’m sorry, I’m honest. I have seen other proposals that have been mentioned here, and my conclusion is that the quality of Mirai brand clothing is exceptional. I understand it’s so expensive because they make it by hand. I will try to buy his clothes whenever I can, but I don’t think it will be a problem if I try to make clothes myself thanks to his patterns that can be found on his website. The only problem I have with the clothes is I don’t make enough money to buy all the clothes I’d like. 
For example, my pictures require many hours of work, when a customer asks me to pay 20 euros for 5 photos of his restaurant I feel that he is insulting me. I spend more money on gas and parking to go do that job than the customer wants to pay me. So, I understand a lot of the decisions Danny makes for his company.

That said, @QueenAnna I think it’s possible that the issue has more to do with the bank, or the credit card, than with Danny himself. 

A person with such success I think has the mental strength to listen to constructive criticism and thanks to them, adapt to the situation. I don’t know Danny, but after reading most of his website (this man really likes to write), I couldn’t help feeling some inspiration, with effort you can get a lot of things, and the result has been Mirai, this doll represents many things, and I agree with them. I can understand that some comments are deleted from his Facebook account, haters are always obnoxious, I have them, in my career as a figure photographer I have suffered harassment from rivals, and it is very annoying. It was a very complicated...

Anyway, I just want to finish saving money to buy Mirai and finally have my photo assistant!

19 minutes ago, Figura4 said:

I’m very surprised... I can’t believe Danny is spying on this forum and banning the purchase of his products from people who criticize his company. I can't believe it!

I want to buy a Mirai, I think her face and expression is very pretty. But I love green eyes, I don’t think I have some problems thinking that, not? I think Mirai with green eyes would be very pretty, and a few freckles on her nose I also think would look very pretty. But originally I think Mirai is already very pretty, and I probably wouldn’t be able to change anything about her the day I can get her. But it is true that I would like to have a Mirai that was only mine, unique, and special. Although in the end, it’s special because of the feelings you have with her. Is it wrong to think that? I don’t think so.

I asked Danny for a personalized doll without wanting to offend, and from my ignorance. I think I was respectful. He hasn’t answered me, so I’ve assumed his answer has been "no", you can’t build your personalized doll, every character is unique, ok, no problem.

It’s a non-response and I accept from respect, and it was a non-response that helped me to decide what doll I wanted. It is also true that an answer, even a simple "no", would also have helped, but I understand that maybe they don’t have time to answer all the emails that come to the company, and some are discarded.

The clothes is another issue for me. I say issue, because I love Danny’s clothes, I’m sorry, I’m honest. I have seen other proposals that have been mentioned here, and my conclusion is that the quality of Mirai brand clothing is exceptional. I understand it’s so expensive because they make it by hand. I will try to buy his clothes whenever I can, but I don’t think it will be a problem if I try to make clothes myself thanks to his patterns that can be found on his website. The only problem I have with the clothes is I don’t make enough money to buy all the clothes I’d like. 
For example, my pictures require many hours of work, when a customer asks me to pay 20 euros for 5 photos of his restaurant I feel that he is insulting me. I spend more money on gas and parking to go do that job than the customer wants to pay me. So, I understand a lot of the decisions Danny makes for his company.

That said, @QueenAnna I think it’s possible that the issue has more to do with the bank, or the credit card, than with Danny himself. 

A person with such success I think has the mental strength to listen to constructive criticism and thanks to them, adapt to the situation. I don’t know Danny, but after reading most of his website (this man really likes to write), I couldn’t help feeling some inspiration, with effort you can get a lot of things, and the result has been Mirai, this doll represents many things, and I agree with them. I can understand that some comments are deleted from his Facebook account, haters are always obnoxious, I have them, in my career as a figure photographer I have suffered harassment from rivals, and it is very annoying. It was a very complicated...

Anyway, I just want to finish saving money to buy Mirai and finally have my photo assistant!

To be honest i’m not sure if it’s my bank or Danny or whatever, maybe I’ll just buy Kizuna or another smart doll second hand, it’s exhausting trying to get a doll directly from him.

 

edit: Mirai is cute, I was thinking about getting her when I was trying to decide which doll to get.

Edited August 1, 2021 by Guest

ddh-06 looks a lot like mirai so you could get a ddh-06 and give her faceup like mirai or commission someone to do it for you 

Edited August 1, 2021 by Mars

43 minutes ago, Mars said:

ddh-06 looks a lot like mirai so you could get a ddh-06 and give her faceup like mirai or commission someone to do it for you 

Oh, okay, maybe I’ll do that, make my own Mirai instead of buying the smart doll, Mirai. I wonder what Danny would think, if he saw a custom volks Mirai 😁

Edited August 1, 2021 by Guest

@QueenAnna If they responded to you about your purchase, you're not banned! I believe they have implemented some intense fraud blocking steps recently with all the recent licensed releases. Also, I understand your hesitation with bank transfers, but I don't think an established company like CJ is where you should be wary. Lots of BJD brands only do business through back transfers (i.e. popovy sisters in russia).  

 

I hope you get your Kizuna, she's beautiful! 

2 hours ago, Figura4 said:

I want to buy a Mirai, I think her face and expression is very pretty. But I love green eyes, I don’t think I have some problems thinking that, not? I think Mirai with green eyes would be very pretty, and a few freckles on her nose I also think would look very pretty. But originally I think Mirai is already very pretty, and I probably wouldn’t be able to change anything about her the day I can get her. But it is true that I would like to have a Mirai that was only mine, unique, and special. Although in the end, it’s special because of the feelings you have with her. Is it wrong to think that? I don’t think so.

I asked Danny for a personalized doll without wanting to offend, and from my ignorance. I think I was respectful. He hasn’t answered me, so I’ve assumed his answer has been "no", you can’t build your personalized doll, every character is unique, ok, no problem.

It’s a non-response and I accept from respect, and it was a non-response that helped me to decide what doll I wanted. It is also true that an answer, even a simple "no", would also have helped, but I understand that maybe they don’t have time to answer all the emails that come to the company, and some are discarded.

In this case, I think it's less an issue with customization, and more that such a request just isn't practical. Unlike with resin dolls, where many companies don't actually make the doll until you order it, vinyl dolls are typically premade. The stock of Mirai dolls are already boxed up (or bagged up) and just waiting to be shipped out when you place your order. They can't really make any changes to the stock model. You wouldn't be able to order Towa or Karin with different eyes or hair from Volks either. The faces are painted by machine, so that's impossible for the store to change.

Eyes are pretty easy to customize. I don't think SmD still sells eyes separately, but you could order a pair in green from somewhere else, whether a doll brand like Volks or an independent maker on Etsy. Then you could just switch them out once you got both doll and eyes. Adding freckles would also be a fairly simple alteration to do yourself.

17 minutes ago, apag22 said:

@QueenAnna If they responded to you about your purchase, you're not banned! I believe they have implemented some intense fraud blocking steps recently with all the recent licensed releases. Also, I understand your hesitation with bank transfers, but I don't think an established company like CJ is where you should be wary. Lots of BJD brands only do business through back transfers (i.e. popovy sisters in russia).  

 

I hope you get your Kizuna, she's beautiful! 

Ohh, I wasn’t sure if I was banned or not, but I guess I wasn’t because they still wanted my money. I guess I could do the bank transfer, but I’ll need to wait for Kizuna to come back in stock.

 

edit: I can’t decide if I want a SmD or Dollfie 😂

Edited August 1, 2021 by Guest

18 minutes ago, Tira said:

In this case, I think it's less an issue with customization, and more that such a request just isn't practical. Unlike with resin dolls, where many companies don't actually make the doll until you order it, vinyl dolls are typically premade. The stock of Mirai dolls are already boxed up (or bagged up) and just waiting to be shipped out when you place your order. They can't really make any changes to the stock model. You wouldn't be able to order Towa or Karin with different eyes or hair from Volks either. The faces are painted by machine, so that's impossible for the store to change.

Eyes are pretty easy to customize. I don't think SmD still sells eyes separately, but you could order a pair in green from somewhere else, whether a doll brand like Volks or an independent maker on Etsy. Then you could just switch them out once you got both doll and eyes. Adding freckles would also be a fairly simple alteration to do yourself.

Thank you for your reply! 
I asked innocently, I did not know how it works, but after reading several posts, now I know that it is logical that they were not customizable from the store.

I don’t think I can paint freckles on my Mirai, I’m a mess with a brush!, I’d look for a specialist for sure!. And the eyes, I think it’s going to be difficult to find exactly the style I want. I’m not in a hurry either.
I just hope I didn’t offend Danny by pretending to get a more special Mirai for me. 

56 minutes ago, QueenAnna said:

Ohh, I wasn’t sure if I was banned or not, but I guess I wasn’t because they still wanted my money. I guess I could do the bank transfer, but I’ll need to wait for Kizuna to come back in stock.

 

edit: I can’t decide if I want a SmD or Dollfie 😂

I have two smart dolls and a mini dollfie dream (and in the process of making a mochi ashi mdd). I love them all! You can't go wrong either way 💜

5 hours ago, Figura4 said:

The clothes is another issue for me. I say issue, because I love Danny’s clothes, I’m sorry, I’m honest. I have seen other proposals that have been mentioned here, and my conclusion is that the quality of Mirai brand clothing is exceptional.

No need to apologize. I saw the Mirai Inc. clothing, and I was smitten! It is 1000% my style - casual, a little worn, lots of denim, intricate details. I love that clothing. Sure, TTYA has some similar same items, but the newest look (the "Entitled" warrior - I think?) is 100% Culture Japan/Mirai Inc., and I think it is just stunning. 

I can't imagine buying a doll just for the clothing, but man... If I ever see a second-hand SmD for the right price, I might just have to bite the bullet. Most doll clothing is very formal/fancy/frilly. I love the Smart Doll aesthetic. 

So yeah - don't apologize. I'm right there with you on the clothes. 

I thought I didn’t like Danny’s clothes but after looking at them, there’s actually a lot of stuff I like. It’s like I can’t make up my mind 😆

3 hours ago, Tira said:

 

Eyes are pretty easy to customize. I don't think SmD still sells eyes separately....

I just checked, and Smart Doll eyes are still available from the Smart Doll Store.

Look under Option Parts and then Eyes.

Eyes are now sold in sets - four pairs of eyes (8 eyes in total) in different colors. Currently I see three different sets offered for "anime style" faces and one set in stock for "semi-real" faces.

And yes, Smart Doll eyes are very easy to change out. No tools required!

Edited August 1, 2021 by davidd

8 hours ago, Figura4 said:

The clothes is another issue for me. I say issue, because I love Danny’s clothes, I’m sorry, I’m honest. I have seen other proposals that have been mentioned here, and my conclusion is that the quality of Mirai brand clothing is exceptional.

I can compare the TTYA short jeans with the Mirai short jeans, and the TTYA jeans have an identical style but use thinner denim material. I think the overall quality of Mirai clothes is high, but the price is very high compared to other doll brands and those brands are also hand made. The few times I started to buy clothing from SmartDoll the final total made me cancel the checkout. It’s just too much money for what I’m getting in return. $75 for shorts from SmartDoll vs. $75 for a full outfit from Volks, so for me the value just isn’t there with the Mirai brand. The only Mirai clothes I have came with used dolls where the total purchase made it a good value.

Where you run into quality issues is with the “Weathered” items. The problem isn’t with the concept of weathering as a style, that’s a matter of your own personal taste, but rather the weathering process seems to regularly produce damaged goods. If you complain about the damage the stock answer seems to be “you don’t understand the wabi-sabi aesthetic.” As far as I know they will take returns and give a refund, but don’t expect to be able to buy from them in the future. So that means if you get damaged goods you either live with it, or you risk ending your relationship with the company and holding a $500 doll that you can’t get any parts for if it breaks.

Wabi-sabi is a legitimate aesthetic and philosophy, but to the best of my knowledge it’s not meant to be used to justify poor quality control. To use Danny’s example of a wabi-sabi teacup, if that teacup cracked when it was fired in the kiln the pottery maker wouldn’t try to sell it to someone under the guise of wabi-sabi. Does the wabi-sabi teacup in his example look better than the machine made one? Sure, absolutely, it’s a work of art, but it’s also free of chips and cracks that make it unusable. 

16 hours ago, QueenAnna said:

Ohh, I wasn’t sure if I was banned or not, but I guess I wasn’t because they still wanted my money. I guess I could do the bank transfer, but I’ll need to wait for Kizuna to come back in stock.

I sincerely (and I mean it) hope that your order wasn't cancelled because of the possibility that Mr. C saw your post on here and thought it might be connected to a recent SmD purchase.

Imagine the mischief that could result from such behavior. A new, limited edition SmD comes up for sale and sells out in minutes. Upset friend didn't get the chance to purchase said doll. I, bad coconspirator, post on here that I managed to purchase one of said limited dolls (regardless of whether this is true or not). Mr. C goes on a order-cancelling frenzy, trying to flush me out. However, since I didn't actually purchase said doll, all that happens is that a bunch of legit orders get cancelled. My friend snaps up their limited doll from a "legitimate" purchaser's cancellation. 

Anybody else see a problem? Not that I would do this - but I can't be the only person who would think of it...

Or a "good" fan sees that someone on here/who has be mildly critical of DC in the past has managed to order a limited doll they wanted, so they send a message to him saying that that person doesn't deserve the doll and he should sell it to them instead.

8 hours ago, MaleficentMrsofEvil said:

I sincerely (and I mean it) hope that your order wasn't cancelled because of the possibility that Mr. C saw your post on here and thought it might be connected to a recent SmD purchase.

Imagine the mischief that could result from such behavior. A new, limited edition SmD comes up for sale and sells out in minutes. Upset friend didn't get the chance to purchase said doll. I, bad coconspirator, post on here that I managed to purchase one of said limited dolls (regardless of whether this is true or not). Mr. C goes on a order-cancelling frenzy, trying to flush me out. However, since I didn't actually purchase said doll, all that happens is that a bunch of legit orders get cancelled. My friend snaps up their limited doll from a "legitimate" purchaser's cancellation. 

Anybody else see a problem? Not that I would do this - but I can't be the only person who would think of it...

Sigh, I know. The reason I’m scared to try to buy a doll from him again and send the money through bank transfer is because I’m afraid that I won’t get the doll.

Edit: typos

Edited August 2, 2021 by Guest

2 hours ago, monkeypizzasonic said:

Or a "good" fan sees that someone on here/who has be mildly critical of DC in the past has managed to order a limited doll they wanted, so they send a message to him saying that that person doesn't deserve the doll and he should sell it to them instead.

This would also be a prime target for scalpers. Just putting it out there...

4 hours ago, QueenAnna said:

Sigh, I know. The reason I’m scared to try to buy a from him again and send the money through bank transfer is because I’m afraid that I’m won’t get the doll.

The worst that can happen is he says no or makes some excuse. At least you know at that point. 

Just keep in mind that he may be claiming fraud as an excuse so he can claim his “hammer time” list is a fraud list and not his personal blacklist.

Danny talking about the little SmDs on Facebook and Instagram, me: *shocked pikachu face* I wonder if he’s actually gonna start making them and putting them up for sale in the future. Danny needs to a break, he’s releasing too many dolls.

Edited August 3, 2021 by Guest

22 minutes ago, QueenAnna said:

Danny talking about the little SmDs on Facebook and Instagram....

Cool!

Except... it sounds like he's planning to go with 1/4 scale rather than 1/6 scale. I understand his reasoning about fabrics and hair not looking quite right at smaller scales, but will there be enough difference between 1/3 scale and 1/4 scale to make the smaller line worth pursuing? Or would the ultimate objective be to phase out 1/3 scale to reduce costs?

 

1/4 scale at 49 cm seems a weird size to make especially for clothing, though I suppose that works to sell more CJ clothing.

18 minutes ago, Geck_O said:

1/4 scale at 49 cm seems a weird size to make especially for clothing, though I suppose that works to sell more CJ clothing.

I've seen how it goes with the Azone 50cm dolls, and they are suuuper awkward to dress outside of Azone clothes. But at least if he goes through with it, there will be his clothes and handmade clothes for them on the market, so that could help.

My fear would be that they get the same treatment as the boys. New size means new molds, probably new things regarding assembly and finishing touches, and so on. He also just announced the manequins, this seems like a lot considering that he keeps saying they're on low production capacity due to current world events. But hey, I hope it works out, more cute dolls on the market, please!

Edited August 3, 2021 by LuluChan

Oh if they release the small dolls i'd be all over them. I LOVE 1/4 size, my MDD is my favorite doll.