This year's salesroom was very different from last year's. No Junky Spot, no Denver Doll, no JPOP Wigs, and of course no Dolls and Friends. There were 25 vendors of various items. PamSD (Dollovely) was there with quite a few of her BJD fashions. I brought a couple home with me, but otherwise didn't buy much.
The entries for the costume contests were quite impressive. Leo will has put up photos as he has time. (The GoGaDoll Photoset has been updated.)
I find myself wondering about the future of BJD conventions. With the economy being bad, they've got to be a risky proposition. Innocente Seraphim (www.innocenteseraphim.com) is coming up in August in Bellevue, WA. Last I heard, they were lacking exhibitors. That is not a good sign.
Many of the EGL people don't want anything to do with Innocente Seraphim. Lolita bowling? Also the people putting it on originally presented with not having much experience except working a few conventions. Don't know if that has changed but it was not a good way to introduce this convention. While there are EGL people who have dolls, the majority do not look favorably on BJD people considering what gets posted by some on-line. It was probably a mistake trying to combine the two together.
I'm sure the people putting on the convention are nice, just did not get off on the right foot which makes all the difference in the world. It was if they were doing the con for themselves instead of thinking about what con goers would want.
Considering both hobbies are rather expensive, it's less likely that people would want to spend more money traveling unless it was something put on by an actual seller of products like Volks or Angelic Pretty. Even if the economy was good, people would rather spend money on product.
Just my two cents having been around both communities for some time.
The photos are great, esp of the cocktail party!
Can I take some for my con scrap book?
Of course you can! Use whatever you'd like.
What would you like to see talked about on Doll Thoughts??
Please talk more about your travels to other doll and bjd events this (upcoming)year. Also talk more about the ongoing effects of the economy on selling and collecting how has it affected other retailers and collectors that you know/are friends with - finally, on a personal side, do you think you got out of doll retailing just in time? Thanks for your continuing insights!