Here is another interesting article about followers and fans:
http://www.webcitation.org/63cE1QPev
Integrity says it will be a "high end collectible series inspired and made to honor the fans of the My Little Pony brand." When I read this announcement I was speechless but I realize that it is a way to get new consumers.
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Let's see. What else does Hasbro make that IT could use as a basis for a line of fashion dolls?
Hasbro makes Play-Doh! I love everything about Play-Doh except that smell. What if Integrity made a great set based on that product? It would come with the doll head and you put the head in a Play-Doh 'machine' turn the crank and Play-Doh hair starts to grow. Then you can mold fashion clothes for the doll and voila, a high end fashion line which is recyclable, reusable and encourages active participation. I like it.
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| *Original photograph: from Waiting by Jana Romanova |
So I'm just kidding around here but it was a surprise - bigger than the Jem doll cartoon dolls.
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- The male figures will have the current FR: Homme body and the female dolls will sport a new, yet to be unveiled body (more details about this in future announcements).
- Each figure will come beautifully displayed in a fantastic new package design, themed around each My Little Pony character associated with the doll or figure.
- Fans can expect lots of little "themed" accessories and especially designed clothing pieces that express each doll's love for his or her favorite My Little Pony character!
- This new collection may or may not be distributed via Integrity Toys' network of authorized dealers. Since we do not have final costing yet, we cannot make this announcement at this time. Exact pre-ordering information will be released when we are ready to unveil the collection approximately in the fourth quarter of 2015 (Winter 2015-2016).
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Sorry Integrity, but no. Sounds like something Mattel should have done with collector Barbies.
ReplyDeleteLooks like my reaction was widespread in the community.
DeleteToo funny, I love the Play-doh! scenario. You really had me laughing with that vision. I was pretty underwhelmed when I saw the announcement. I was hoping it would finally be the American Horror story dolls but they're keeping us waiting forever on that one. At least they finally answered my query about when we'll see them and they told me they had been "delayed".
ReplyDeleteI was wondering about the American Horror line. Delay can mean cancelled.
DeleteOn the facebook page they say the Coven line is delayed due to likeness approval, which takes some time. So maybe one of the stars doesn't like her sculpt. I sure hope the line isn't cancelled over it!
DeleteAbsolutely, most positively horrified and I mean horrified in a "I cant stop laughing at the ridiculousness of it all" way). Have you looked at Bronies? And what they wear? And their get togethers? And My Little Pony? OMFG. This is going to devalue IT's brand and they are practically trashing themselves with this move. I suspect Hasbro gave them a good deal money wise and they just ran with it, not really thinking if doing My Little Pony dolls would fit into the larger image and picture of the company.
ReplyDeleteVery strange.
DeleteIsn't it a bit hypocritical coming from a doll collector to make fun of a group of people for what they collect and their conventions?
DeleteNo.Because fashion dolls are cool, classy and little pieces of art work, and my little ponies are childish toys and cheap looking, and grown ass men wearing hoodies with pony manes look ridiculous. Just because I collect fashion dolls, does not mean I need to love and embrace and hold the torch for everyone's cheap fetishes and not have any opinions on them. People can collect whatever they want, and I reserve the right to say it is lame. If that makes me a hypocrite, so be it. Whatever. I don't build my identity around my dolls and don't take criticism of them personally or seriously.
DeleteSaying something is not for you is one thing; we all have our likes and preferences. Putting down a group of people for how they look and what they collect is another.
DeleteSo of course now on the boards, people who express their dissatisfaction with this, which they have every right to, are being dismissed as "venomous" , "toxic" assholes by the usual suspects/cheerleaders. Typical. There is no point in giving feedback it seems. If you don't live, you must suck.
ReplyDeleteNo surprise there.
DeleteWeird...
ReplyDeleteHaha, I realize not for everyone, but actually I am pretty happy to see what they'll do. I liked those stupid Tokidoki Barbie dolls too- except that they didn't have any joints. If Integrity does something like that (with tats and edgy clothes but MLP oriented) - I will admit I'll buy all of them..
ReplyDeleteI do wonder what the "accessories" will be though, and I'm VERY curious about the new bodies...
Sarah, words fail me.
Delete🙈
Yeah- I'm a sucker for pop culture as much as I'm a sucker for dolls- and when they collide? Yeah, sign me up.
DeleteAlthough I am not loving the designs so far, I hope the dolls themselves will be more impressive. Just when I think I'm leaving the cheap vinyl behind- there is something tempting me back.
Maybe it's because I'm young enough to have both adored MLPs when they first came out in the 80s, and to be, at the very least, amused by them in their current incarnation, but I'm looking forward to seeing where the designers go with this. TBH, I think it's much more current and relevant than JEM. (I loved JEM too... but these days looking at those fashions makes me cringe! Their time has not yet come again, I think...) It certainly seems like a move to reach a different customer base.
ReplyDeleteBonus: they don't have to worry about perfectly capturing the characters as they would with another licensed property (Katy Keene, JEM, etc.) and the criticism that comes with it. :P
I'm looking forward too...mainly to the reception of the line and to the reaction of the collectors I know. I may have to watch other collectors with an interest in this genre as well. It's a whole new world.
DeleteI shook my head in bewilderment at the email. Little Pony? They just gave me a really great reason to save my money . The playdough post had me laughing, because that's what I did with the Little Pony...I just can't believe they are now designing for.....Little Pony. It's sort of like ladies and Gentlemen, Agnes von weiss- Jem and the Holograms- now we give you ----DRUM ROLL....Little Pony. it is bringing the brand down.
ReplyDeleteIt's going to be interesting, Lisa. I have great ideas for IT and Play-Doh in a collaboration.
DeleteOh come on, Pastel Pony dolls meh. Where are my AHS: Coven dolls already? (But ... sort of good on the delay, I'm broke). I only have a few IT dolls but I want a few more, but I want the snotty mean ones, not pastel bubbles, that's why I don't want Barbie.
ReplyDeleteThe delay is fine with me.
DeleteT
The AHS Coven dolls are being delayed due to final approval of the likeness.
ReplyDeleteI am not surprised that a large contingent of Integrity collectors are upset. I do not collect Jem but have often been sadden by the way Jem collectors are treated. While I know absolutely nothing about Brony I googled it) I am again sadden that some Integrity collectors are now making fun of them. I really wish collectors would not treat each other this way.
I am interested to see these dolls. I would like to add a few high end edgy youthful dolls to my collection.
I think we're all curious to see this product.
DeleteT
Oy. And Bronies, too.................Hell may have just officially frozen over.
ReplyDeleteI never heard of a brony until today and it doesn't matter at all. I didn't even know that MLPs had fans and were still on tv. I don't care.
DeleteI am tired of posts about how unfair we are all for not loving My Little Pony or even, god forbid, bash it for thinking it devalues IT's brand. That is what the forums are for, aren't they? There is this constant whining going on among people about how horribly mean we all are because we don't like MLP. Whatever. Cry babies. Grow up. This is not some group therapy session where people need to be safe and tip toe around your feeling over a doll. . Not that there is anything unsafe about stating how ridiculous an IT brand of My Little Pony is and how laughable a doll line based on Bronies is. If you cant take a bloody nose don't leave the house. Life is full of criticism and people who won't like what you like and who won't coddle you. If a criticism over a doll puts you over the edge then that is your problem and I suggest seeking appropriate help.
ReplyDeleteAt least you can post your thoughts here, Poppy Person.
DeleteT
Thank you dear Terri....
DeleteI was shocked when I read the announcement. But maybe this is to appeal to the Jem collectors, especially if IT isn't going to keep that license indefinitely. Also it seems like several doll dealers have closed shop in the past couple of years, so this may be an attempt to attract new and younger doll collectors. It does seem a bit out of place for IT, and I have no interest in them. But I'm sure they will find a market. I remember babysitting for my nieces who were crazy for those things. I'm sure a Care Bear line is next!
ReplyDeleteLaura
Care Bears! Transformers! Legos!
DeleteI thought it was a joke at first. I had no idea there was an adult following for a juvenile toy. I grew out of cartoons before puberty.
ReplyDeleteI don't see the connection with fashion dolls.
Hugs
I learned about a part of society I ever knew existed today.
Delete<3
Never, not ever.
DeleteLOL....too funny! Well I really can't think of a reason not to do a line around these characters (common sense having nothing to do with this) and who knows the complete ridiculousness of the whole thing may work to their advantage. I think I will continue to hope to snag a Tonner Miss Piggy since she (still) seems to out class most of the recent IT offerings.
ReplyDeleteAs always love the blog......and the laughs.
Will C.
I could never get my mind around a Miss Piggy doll in spite of the fact that I used to collect pig figurines. Once I saw Robert's Piggy, it was over.
DeleteI appreciate how blunt and honest you are, Terri. I'll say that this MLP thing is the dumbest things I've heard and such a weird direction for Integrity Toys to take. It seems like they're going after new markets because they need to boost their revenues, and of course that means the old brands will take a hit for it. That's why people are so upset about it, and yet everyone has to tip toe around on the Club board and everywhere else, because you can't offend the cheerleaders... Or god forbid, the designers, who last I checked, were paid to do a job, not paid to be our friends and "give" us anything. It's funny that no one can criticize anything without getting a good scolding from the folks who would worship IT even if they produced a limited edition pile of poop. Oh wait, they did that already, it was the Saturday Night Fever giftset! - Regina
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments and for not being afraid to sign your name.
DeleteTerri
This is the funniest comment yet. SO SO TRUE. And now that the club has made it official that we are not allowed to criticize the designers OR the company's direction, those posts can be deleted before the cheerleaders even get around to it. And yes, the SNF giftset is down there with OOAK Gastineau Girls dolls...
DeleteDaryn:
DeleteThank you for your comments. The fact is that it's their "living room" and they can set the rules. I screen posts for outrageous, unsigned commentary. It's just sad that there is a product that actually causes so much discontent.
Feel free to express yourself here.
Terri
That is true, Terri. But then they are not going to get the honest feedback I would think they desire. The crowd over there also takes itself way too seriously and everyone is immediately offended and insulted and whiny and cranky over every remark that is slightly cynical, critical or un-approving. Just makes for a tense atmosphere. Being respectful is one thing, but going after and shutting down people who are not cheerleaders and constantly kiss ass is just annoying. Lighten up, it's just dolls.
DeleteWhat makes you think they care about what some collectors think? They're in business to make money. That makes them happy.
DeleteBTW At least one of them follows this blog so it doesn't go totally unnoticed.
Sure, it's their property, but when they turn it into a heavily censored forum, they make themselves look bad. Companies and people who are confident with their product don't mind criticism because they know it is inevitable and it pushes them to work harder. And why would any customer want to spend their money on a company that is making itself look weak? Or a company that is making it look like their opinions are not valuable? I think IT has a lot of potential and the two designers have great ideas and do great work, but if their work is subordinated to another employee's power trips and poor business moves, and the quality control issues keep happening, there won't be much of a future for Integrity Toys. But hey, maybe Hasbro will buy them out.
DeleteI agree with all of your points.
DeleteT
If I am not mistaken the IT forum is not owned by IT; it is owned by Carol Roth. I totally get why she does not want a marketing venture for which she contracts with IT to turn into a toxic environment. It would hurt her bottom line. What I find most interesting is that things like politeness and grace are considered undesirable characteristics. Do I like everything IT produces? No. While I will complain about quality control issues I try to stay away from bashing the ideas and designs. There is something for everyone and just because I do not like or want something does not mean someone else does. I personally take no pleasure raining on others parade.
DeleteThank you for your comments, Misty.
DeleteMisty, if you think that the W club boards are toxic then I wonder how you function in the real world with cruel bosses and arrogant coworkers? Criticism is not impolite and sharing ones negative opinion does not mean that person has no 'grace'. The W club forum isn't 1950's America for upper class white folk, it has people from all backgrounds and ages and countries and many of us are too smart to buy into the idea that an echo chamber of positive thinking is useful for community dialogue. Or useful for IT in terms of figuring out how to make their products better and appeal to more buyers. In terms of Carol Roth, I somehow doubt that someone who is supporting Donald Trump on twitter has a problem with cruelty, bullying and toxicity. No one is going to not join the Club because they don't like the boards - they just stop going on the boards. I won't even dignify the 'raining on people's parade' snark, because as you yourself point out, that kind of toxicity should just be ignored.
DeleteOh Whatever, Criticizing a doll and saying you don't like it and expressing dissatisfaction or concern that other lines may be put on the backburner, which they have been, is hardly creating a toxic environment. And let's not exaggerate lack of decorum on the forums either. People are generally polite. And just because some do not like what you like and may even, god forbid, say as much, does not mean they are toxic.
DeleteI think the people that do actually create a toxic environment and are bullies, are the cheerleaders with their constant whining about how terrible everyone is for not liking something I.T. made and implicit putting-down of others, trying to coerce silence by shaming anyone and everyone who does not support and love everything IT makes. They are the ones around whom you have to tip toe, that make the forum an unpleasant, stuck up place. And right now the laundry list of things you may not discuss on the forum is ridiculous. - Cindy
My intent is not to be offensive. I was raised in the Deep South. I am black and came from a working poor/lower middle class family. My mother always thought me that if I cannot say anything nice maybe it does not need to be said. For years my mother and later my teachers "encouraged"me to use tact and related mantra that just because something is true does not mean it should be said. That has served me well in life. I am older so I will say that I feel rudeness and meanness are now justified as being anti-PC. What people label PC today was called manners when I was growing up. I am 50 by the way.
DeleteAs for as the forum I would imagine Carol's personal views has nothing to do with a product she is providing for IT. That forum is basically a marketing tool for their product. I am sure her client would not appreciate a marketing venue being full of negativity no matter how deserved. I really like the analogy Terri gave "their living room, their rules".
Finally I do not think that the forum is a toxic environment but it would become one if it was unmoderated, I have been a member of the forum for 10 years going back to the Yahoo group. Constructive criticism was and is always acceptable. It is the personal attacks of the company, designers and members that is not. I have made my more than my share of criticism there primarily around their lack of dolls of color. They have responded over the past few years and I am pleased that I can actually pick and chose what I really like instead of just buying a doll because she was brown. I was also one of the people who repeated asked for a Black Poppy and we got one. All of that was done in a respectful way and the company eventually responded.
The point is, people on the forums don't like to hear criticism of any kind of the doll or items they like, they take offense in it and dismiss the other person as rude, mean or lacking in manners and often charge at them if they make their dislikes known. I still remember the hate people got when they said they did not want a black Poppy, were automatically called racists and the even bigger hate when they changed their minds. So, the venomous comments, as they have been called, go certainly both ways (not that in the end saying you don't like a doll is venomous. What is venomous, however, is tearing through people because they don't like a doll or concept and creating a negative atmosphere).
DeleteThe idea that you should not say anything if you have nothing nice to say sounds nice and sweet, but we are not 12 year old little girls anymore and an adult should be able to carry out a conversation and state a preference on a site all about stating preferences without being called rude. I agree that personal attacks are not ok, but that rarely happens anyway and if it does happen, it comes from both cheerleaders and none.
If the forums are really a market research platform, then people should be able to also say that they do not like a doll, find even ugly or inappropriate or whatever, without being yelled at and put down as rude jerks, which is happening on the forums all the time. And, honestly, sometimes there is just no polite way of saying something is a ugly/unappealing/ridiculous, like the utterly ridiculous MLP line.
I've only been a member of the W Club forum this year, but I have seen a distinction between people being deliberately mean and those expressing criticism/disagreement. The latter kinds of comments are taken well and remain on the forum; the former are not welcome and are taken down, rightly so.
DeleteWe should all be free to express opinions, but I agree with Misty that it can be done respectfully. People express opinions there, here on Terri's blog, and other places that I don't agree with, but I'll comment (or not) and then move on. I hope I don't ever do so in a way that hurts anyone's feelings, but we don't know where everyone else is coming from with their life experiences and how that particular day/week/month/year is going.
As for MLP, I was a bit incredulous at first. Really? But then I read the post more closely and saw that it is about the fashions the dolls wear, not that they will be actual ponies or anthropomorphized pony dolls. That made me interested to see the line, and from there I can decide whether it is worth buying. I like that IT seems interested in creating different lines to capture different fashion interests.
LMAO. Great post. Well, most of the critical comments have since been removed and people have been pretty much warned to not say anything else unless it is a simple I don't like/I like post. Cheerleaders and profuse apologizers always welcome. I.T. doesn't seem to want honest feedback and criticism. They want cheerleaders and everyone else just needs to shut the hell up. -Cindy
ReplyDeleteW Club members pay for the opportunity to spend money and like the products.
Delete....and naysayer posts should look like this "Well, I'm going to pass but I am SOOOO HAPPY for everyone who wants them and I am going to pray for myself for not loving every burp, sneeze, and fart that comes out of IT's bodies."
DeleteI just took a look. Oy vey.
DeleteI am speechless at the whole fiasco. I really don't mind MLP. I wanted an MLP based on pic online, but never found it instore. The main issue is that IT should be reserve for High Fashion, Haute Couture type of doll. They should represent a mini Fashion House (in some way), as it is what most of IT collectors want.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure yet about the MLP dolls, but I do like the sketch of the male doll in hoodie.
On the other hand, I wouldn't mind an Adele as Storm/X-Men. LOL!
I like another collector's idea of having a separation inside of Integrity Toys for fashion dolls and for toys.
DeleteThat was me, before the post got removed because it was presuming to tell IT about their business plan or some other nonsense. In other words, I apparently know more about marketing than the Director of Marketing, so the post had to be excised.
DeleteIt was a very good idea.
Delete