Some years ago, when I did not even really start into the whole doll hobby, I read an article about reborn dolls (I think it was on cracked; therefore quite negative). Still, I was hooked and wanted one
I was lucky enough to find a cute one for a quite reasonable price on ebay (the pics didn't do her any justice; I think that is why she went for the low price I paid. And her hair is a mess; which is easily hidden beneath a cap as I am too chicken about collecting still to ask a hairdresser to give her a decent haircut...). Will take picture soon ^^
Long story short; I have to admit to really liking her, holding her is nice, dressing etc. also. However, somehow I am more embarassed about this doll than about my fashion dolls and therefore do not take her up that much. Maybe because of the size? The baby implication?
Furthermore, while there surely ARE nice people also in that hobby, my experience with the "real" collectors was...divided. Many women take it really far with these dolls; as in taking them for walks in the park in a full blown pram, changing their diapers etc. For some they really are a substitute for a real child, and while I respect that, referring to deboxing as "birth" etc. kinda gives me the creeps still.