How you respond with public opinion about your dolls?

[twinage]

I really agree that dolls have attracted a lot of attention, but mostly if they really big or a bit extraordinary than other doll.
Before this hobby, I was always brought my teddy with me overseas and never attract attention, even to little kids (but maybe people also see me as a kid rather than teen because of my posture and clothing style )

And I just get an idea to make a big hood for my doll so the head can be covered and no one will thought is as a doll head, unless they see it really near.
I also have reason to tell to people as my BJD for photography and sewing model, to enhance my creativity and stuff. So I hope this reason is sufficient to other people, but maybe not too believable since I don't have SLR camera to support the photography reason lol

Now, I'm worried about people touching our doll, especially kids since they can't be too much careful with other person things. What do you say to refuse when people ask the permission for touching your doll? Interested with what you folks come up with

[OkamiKodomo]

I work in retail, so when I'm not in Guest Service Mode, I tend to have a little misdirected anger when dealing with the type of people that I am not allowed to tell off while working. When people touch my things without asking, the first time it's a polite, "Please don't touch that." but if they persist, then it's "Do it again and I break your #%$&ing fingers." I actually did threaten a twelve-ish kid that kept shoving fingers in my friend's doll's face, and snatching his (already somewhat distressed) wig off his head, after three warnings not to touch. The only reason I kept the warnings up was because I was afraid her mother was around and would start screaming and I would have screamed right back to control her spawn, or stop breeding.

Generally speaking though, when I've taken dolls out in public, the overall reaction is positive, especially in craft stores. I took Shy (my huge honkin' Angelsdoll 74cm Kloze that weighs more than most infants) out at the airport and took pictures of him in front of the windows. It was pretty damn funny when some older gentleman was looking on and asked if he was "one of those American Girl doll things" I've gotten a few looks now and again, but generally, I'm passed the point of giving a hoot what some random stranger thinks of me. I've gone out in public carrying dolls, wearing costumes, wearing a cat-ear headband with combat boots, etc. Really, it's just not worth worrying about what everyone else thinks about you. You'll probably never see any of them again anyway. Life's too short to worry about the opinions of people that don't matter.

[Iwa_Hoshi]

Now, I'm worried about people touching our doll, especially kids since they can't be too much careful with other person things. What do you say to refuse when people ask the permission for touching your doll? Interested with what you folks come up with

I kinda notice that people tend to forget themselves when they are in the vicinity of the dolls. In my case I just tell them "No sorry."if they still insist, pack your stuff and walk away if you're alone. Its still your property and if you're not comfortable, then your safety comes first since this is still a stranger talking to you.

I mean you don't go up to some total stranger and say "Can I check out your fancy laptop/bag/iphone. I'm looking to buy one.'

I work with a compact point and shoot camera while my friends do either DSLR or phonecam. Just say 'Today's project challenge is How to work a lower end camera and still shoot awesome enough shots'

[ShortNCuddlyAm]

I also have reason to tell to people as my BJD for photography and sewing model, to enhance my creativity and stuff. So I hope this reason is sufficient to other people, but maybe not too believable since I don't have SLR camera to support the photography reason lol

Wouldn't worry about not having an SLR - phone photography is very much a thing, and compact point-and-shoot style cameras can be capable little things. Or say the doll is your muse and you're taking photos to use as reference later

[K2!]

Q: Can I hold your doll?
A: Can I hold your wallet?

That usually get's their attention. If the person asking is being an asshole, I leave the question at that. If they weren't, I laugh and explain to them that they are fragile (Obitsus? Not really) and that the face painting is delicate and sweaty/oily hands can stain their skin, clothes, etc. And that they are expensive. When they realize they are looking at $500 to $800 worth of doll they usually understand.

[Alopecia No Hime]

I actually remember running into someone at Hancocks (favorite fabric store) who was there with their mom, and I was holding Kazumi fixing her wig and she asked me: "Is that a ball jointed doll?" And explained she and her mother were there and loved them...Her mom was actually trying to sculpt her own but never handled one before. She asked if it would be okay if she held her and played with her a little. I didn't mind especially since she was careful and she asked all sorts of questions, I answered them as best as I could.

Stuff like: "Where'd you get her?" "Did you make these clothes?" "What company is she?" She was very careful with her and tested her joints then gave her back to me.

[twinage]

So basically I just have to say "please don't touch it" or "no, I'm sorry" and if they're persistent, I'll just have to move away ASAP
I really want to say they're expensive too, like K2! said, but how do you said it without sounds like bragging?

And I do use phonecam so the reason of practicing using phonecam is great.
By the way, how do you address your doll with people outside the hobby? With the name, him/her or it?
I know life is short to worry such thing but actually all of this also directed to all of my cousins, aunt and uncles since my family frequently go holiday with whole big family.
Even I'm already in university, I was the youngest in my whole family which is why I'm afraid that everyone will not like the idea instead of welcoming her....

Sorry for making you all read this as I just actually need some advice.

[Iwa_Hoshi]

So basically I just have to say "please don't touch it" or "no, I'm sorry" and if they're persistent, I'll just have to move away ASAP
I really want to say they're expensive too, like K2! said, but how do you said it without sounds like bragging?
.

I am horrid and like being vague and it also depends on which doll I have on hand and whether or not the more expensive dolls are out that day "It cost 300-600(my country's currency) depending on whether you purchase it blank to work it up or as a full set." The just curious ones would leave it at that. The really interested ones would want to know more.

the other reason for being wary of saying out the price has to do with some stranger telling his companion-"This doll cost 3000-4000 dollars. You can change the wig, eyes, clothes etc" Without knowing what kind of doll it actually is. And to top it off it was in a rather dark park (dim lights, night performance) with no concern who else might be listening. I told him off that not all dolls are in that price of course and had to walk away to a better lighted area for awhile. Doll in question may be a lower end Obitsu50 but I don't like his attitude for making such loud assumptions

So far the folks I encountered refer to my dolls as he or she, I don't correct them unless the doll question is the opposite gender

[K2!]

I really want to say they're expensive too, like K2! said, but how do you said it without sounds like bragging?

It's not like you have to flaunt the cost. Even when asked point blank, I try to be vague. Possible replies could include, "More than you'd want to pay if you break it", "Ipad money", "I had to save up for a year for her", or "They can cost from $100 to over $1200. This one is at the low end of the scale". There's no need to quote them an exact price. You just want to give them the idea that if they were to damage the doll they aren't going to be able to hand you $5 and walk away.
Besides, having an expensive doll isn't any more boastful that wearing that gold chain or Rolex or flaunting the latest smart phone or tablet. These are all luxury items and you just happened to choose your dolls over neck adornments, etc.

[twinage]

Besides, having an expensive doll isn't any more boastful that wearing that gold chain or Rolex or flaunting the latest smart phone or tablet. These are all luxury items and you just happened to choose your dolls over neck adornments, etc.

People around me have stigma like, if you can spend on expensive, unnecessary item (and for dolls that they feel is really unnecessary), that means you have lot of money to throw.
But if I wearing my ordinary everyday clothes and say that I need months for saving up my doll, I'm sure they're going to believe it Will try to give answer as vague as possible.

Hopefully people around me will call my doll as 'her' than 'it' as I don't want to be called weird for calling an inanimate object as person, since I'm sure I will always use 'her' and it's hard to change habits.
Now I just hope everything going to be alright and I can spend holiday cheerfully with my doll