She is pretty but does not look like a American Girl Brand Doll to me. She has to be different in manufacturing. I have to see her in person to see if I like her. American Girl Brand does not have me in the pocket anymore, I am on wait and see basis now.
I was just thinking the same thing. She looks so different and almost dare I say Disney-like. I have lost the same kind of interest in the brand. What made them special and unique is something I used to be able to count on. That feeling is damaged now. Felicity still looks good but how different will she be when I get her in the mail and open the new box? What wonderful surprise will await? Really, I have to be suspicious now about what she will look like out of the box. Before I never had to guess it was just presumed that she would be perfect as most quality made dolls are over $100.00. With AG that feeling no longer exist for me as it used to.
It is as if there are two, separate, arms of AG: the one that controls quality and marketing ("let's make them more cheaply, but charge the same and put them in more stores, to raise profits--no one will know the difference. Plastic, panties, whatever. Consumers are chumps.") and the creative arm ("let's create diverse characters with interesting stories that engage and educate girls, and while we are at it, ignore the Beforever gaudy color scheme plans and design historically accurate and adorable clothes and accessories. Call the research department! If only they would let us use all that wood, metal, and porcelain we had planned in the design.")
The consumer demographic cannot be as split as their business plan suggests, can it?
Have to say, I am a fan of the folks who designed all of Melody's little accessories,like the hat box, and her bed, and Mary Ellen's tv and Christmas sets.
Melody and MaryEllen are perfect. One big fact everyone of us real collector something should know, Maryellen Christmas Dress is top of the line American Girl quality. Grab it. Nothing in even Melody's Collection can touch it. Check it out. Must get. Recommended it 100 percent I got it for Melody for Christmas instead of Her Christmas Dress
Thanks for sharing! "Rumors do come true" is a little scary right now. So many thoughts.....
I was think about the Gotz payment rumor, and was wondering if the Beforever dolls that will not have perma-panties will have the newer back seam or the older version.
If this softer vinyl proves to be true, I am wondering how that affects older dolls going to AG Doll Hospital. I have some a few dolls we bought used whose limbs are getting loose so I had already looked at pricing. I can get a new torso that comes with limbs, so will they match the vinyl in regards to soft versus hard?
This sure is seeming to get like the Barbie aisle, a lot of dolls and very few accessories. For a company that says they are trying to cut costs...hmmm. Mattel reported 46.8% gross profit margin (income-expenses/income), which in the industry they are less than Hasbro (52%) and much higher than Jakks Pacific ( 20 - 30%). If Mattel was so concerned about payments to Gotz, then why didn't they buy Gotz or buy the patent or trademark from them instead of Mega Bloks?
My one daughter was wanting to buy Tenney, but seeing the pictures from AG and the new ones, she said she'll pass. She is hoping that her blue guitar is made in girl size. My other daughter would like to have Logan. With the changes to the body, she said she'll pass. I was thinking Felicity would be the safe one, but would like to know if the changed the torso on the doll before I buy, if I do.
If the limbs are getting loose and you would like to keep them....you can just have them tightened. You keep all the original parts that way, (although I think if you send them to the hospital, you keep all the original parts also). There are ways you can do it yourself, if you look online, and save some money. You don't get the cute AG hospital gown that way, but it is more cost effective if you have multiple dolls. I just did that myself, and it was really fun actually. =)
I highly doubt they'd make Tenny's guitar girl sized (even if they did, it would be a no name brand and be overpriced.) And though Tenny's guitar is really pretty, painting an acoustic guitar ruins the sound. (When I was going to buy a new acoustic guitar, the first thing my guitar teacher said was do not get a painted guitar, they sound horrible.) Maureen
I didn't hear that. I guess I was wrong. I'm just wondering what the quality would be. Is it a great guitar worth $300 dollars or is it just that much because it's associated with American Girl? Maureen
I totally agree about paint ruining the sound of a guitar. I've been playing since age 13 and I would never have played a teal guitar. Natural wood resonates; paint deadens the sound. Taylor does make nice guitars, but if a young person wants to learn I would highly recommend their Baby Taylor model. It's small in scale but has a beautiful sound -- and this is coming from someone who plays a Martin! (rival guitar company) The price is reasonable for the quality, less than $300 last time I looked. A small-scale Martin would be another excellent choice. Definitely want to go to a real music store with knowledgeable staff for a musical instrument.
Very well put. I totally agree. If you want to play/learn guitar, you have to find the one that feels comfortable and you like the sound. When I got my electric/acoustic Washburn (I got it for $200 and it's great), I tried at least a dozen before I picked it out (because I didn't want a guitar that felt awkward or I hated the sound). Maureen
You always get the rumors right. I don't think American Girl is releasing them all now, though. Do you? Feels like the announcement is to distract from the permapanties issue. Madelon
I believe that Tenney, Logan, and Felicity will be released this week (on February 16th) and Z is going to come out sometime this spring. Nanea Mitchell will be released this Fall.
I like the new face mold. Interesting that it is more like the Wellie Wishers faces--lips are the same and the painted-on eyelashes. Still not sure about the boy doll. I will have to see him in person. -Patty
I saw one person give their opinion about using Kaya's mold for Logan. The person said that Kaya's mold was created with the purpose of being specific for her because she is from the Nez Perce tribe. Some feel that using that mold for another doll, that isn't Nez Peace takes away from the specialness of the mold.
If you watched the video, they addressed GOTY line will continue. They repeated how a boy doll had been asked for and we listen to our customers. Made sure they got the comments in about how they listen to the customer. But yet ignore the customer. I'm sure I'm not the only one that has gotten the e-mail from AG asking you to participate in the survey, which ends up being choose between these, with no opportunity to provide written comment when the predetermined choices don't apply. I got those e-mails 2 different years, and not one question about permanent underwear. So how could a company have meaningful research if they don't give the customer a chance to give meaningful comments.
The dolls are pretty, but so not interested in having permanent underwear. My daughters also like them, but not interested in the permanent underwear.
The made a Boy Doll because Walmart made them, and they are awesome and under 30.00. Love my African American Boy, even got him a professional Haircut for $10 at the Walmart Hair Salon.
I am trying to decide about Nanea. I'll hate it if she has sewn in panties (she shouldn't if she is Pearl Harbor era and has Molly-esque undies) and her face is sweet but I am not sure if it is the eyebrow placement or the too big teeth (compared to Felicity) but she isn't quite as cute as I was hoping. Her eyes are not very almond shaped either especially compared to Z. Kinda disappointed. I was hoping for a Kanani-like historical. Her eyes look to be green/hazel which has also been a bit overdone lately. But she does have a sweet face so I'll have to see her in person and decide.
Nanea is supposed to have the normal body, no permanent underwear. I think she has a sweet face. But I also love our WellieWishers. Her eyes are much bigger than the other facemolds.
Curly girly has requested Nanea for her birthday instead of Maryellen, since Maryellen is going down with permanent underwear.
How does everyone feel about Felicity's eyes? I sort of dislike them and miss the other eyes that were so striking and gorgeous. What are your thoughts?
Is it just me or does Naneas face mold remind one of Marie Graces? The nose?...lips? It's interesting none the less...and anything World War 2 ..I'll be for. Glad to add her to my Molly Collection!
She is pretty but does not look like a American Girl Brand Doll to me. She has to be different in manufacturing. I have to see her in person to see if I like her. American Girl Brand does not have me in the pocket anymore, I am on wait and see basis now.
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking the same thing. She looks so different and almost dare I say Disney-like. I have lost the same kind of interest in the brand. What made them special and unique is something I used to be able to count on. That feeling is damaged now. Felicity still looks good but how different will she be when I get her in the mail and open the new box? What wonderful surprise will await? Really, I have to be suspicious now about what she will look like out of the box. Before I never had to guess it was just presumed that she would be perfect as most quality made dolls are over $100.00. With AG that feeling no longer exist for me as it used to.
DeleteMy kids think Nanea looks like Disney's Moana. They like her. Supposedly she will have a normal body, so she might join us later this year.
DeleteI'd like to know how historically accurate she is. The hairstyle and shorts surprise me on a 1940s doll.
It is as if there are two, separate, arms of AG: the one that controls quality and marketing ("let's make them more cheaply, but charge the same and put them in more stores, to raise profits--no one will know the difference. Plastic, panties, whatever. Consumers are chumps.") and the creative arm ("let's create diverse characters with interesting stories that engage and educate girls, and while we are at it, ignore the Beforever gaudy color scheme plans and design historically accurate and adorable clothes and accessories. Call the research department! If only they would let us use all that wood, metal, and porcelain we had planned in the design.")
ReplyDeleteThe consumer demographic cannot be as split as their business plan suggests, can it?
Have to say, I am a fan of the folks who designed all of Melody's little accessories,like the hat box, and her bed, and Mary Ellen's tv and Christmas sets.
It is like AG is two separate companies.
Melody and MaryEllen are perfect. One big fact everyone of us real collector something should know, Maryellen Christmas Dress is top of the line American Girl quality. Grab it. Nothing in even Melody's Collection can touch it. Check it out. Must get. Recommended it 100 percent I got it for Melody for Christmas instead of Her Christmas Dress
DeleteThanks for sharing! "Rumors do come true" is a little scary right now. So many thoughts.....
ReplyDeleteI was think about the Gotz payment rumor, and was wondering if the Beforever dolls that will not have perma-panties will have the newer back seam or the older version.
If this softer vinyl proves to be true, I am wondering how that affects older dolls going to AG Doll Hospital. I have some a few dolls we bought used whose limbs are getting loose so I had already looked at pricing. I can get a new torso that comes with limbs, so will they match the vinyl in regards to soft versus hard?
This sure is seeming to get like the Barbie aisle, a lot of dolls and very few accessories. For a company that says they are trying to cut costs...hmmm. Mattel reported 46.8% gross profit margin (income-expenses/income), which in the industry they are less than Hasbro (52%) and much higher than Jakks Pacific ( 20 - 30%). If Mattel was so concerned about payments to Gotz, then why didn't they buy Gotz or buy the patent or trademark from them instead of Mega Bloks?
My one daughter was wanting to buy Tenney, but seeing the pictures from AG and the new ones, she said she'll pass. She is hoping that her blue guitar is made in girl size. My other daughter would like to have Logan. With the changes to the body, she said she'll pass. I was thinking Felicity would be the safe one, but would like to know if the changed the torso on the doll before I buy, if I do.
If the limbs are getting loose and you would like to keep them....you can just have them tightened. You keep all the original parts that way, (although I think if you send them to the hospital, you keep all the original parts also). There are ways you can do it yourself, if you look online, and save some money. You don't get the cute AG hospital gown that way, but it is more cost effective if you have multiple dolls. I just did that myself, and it was really fun actually. =)
DeleteGood news they will be making Tenneys guitar in girl size through a guitar company line called Taylor
DeleteI highly doubt they'd make Tenny's guitar girl sized (even if they did, it would be a no name brand and be overpriced.) And though Tenny's guitar is really pretty, painting an acoustic guitar ruins the sound. (When I was going to buy a new acoustic guitar, the first thing my guitar teacher said was do not get a painted guitar, they sound horrible.)
DeleteMaureen
I heard they are making for $300 plus for Girls.
DeleteI didn't hear that. I guess I was wrong. I'm just wondering what the quality would be. Is it a great guitar worth $300 dollars or is it just that much because it's associated with American Girl?
DeleteMaureen
I totally agree about paint ruining the sound of a guitar. I've been playing since age 13 and I would never have played a teal guitar. Natural wood resonates; paint deadens the sound. Taylor does make nice guitars, but if a young person wants to learn I would highly recommend their Baby Taylor model. It's small in scale but has a beautiful sound -- and this is coming from someone who plays a Martin! (rival guitar company) The price is reasonable for the quality, less than $300 last time I looked. A small-scale Martin would be another excellent choice. Definitely want to go to a real music store with knowledgeable staff for a musical instrument.
Delete--Michele Grace
Very well put. I totally agree. If you want to play/learn guitar, you have to find the one that feels comfortable and you like the sound. When I got my electric/acoustic Washburn (I got it for $200 and it's great), I tried at least a dozen before I picked it out (because I didn't want a guitar that felt awkward or I hated the sound).
DeleteMaureen
You always get the rumors right. I don't think American Girl is releasing them all now, though. Do you? Feels like the announcement is to distract from the permapanties issue. Madelon
ReplyDeleteOne way or the other they are not being transparent. It is all about theme, the few them not the employees, all about the Executives in my opion.
DeleteI believe that Tenney, Logan, and Felicity will be released this week (on February 16th) and Z is going to come out sometime this spring. Nanea Mitchell will be released this Fall.
DeleteI love Nanea, she is adorable!!!
ReplyDeleteI don't like her yet. She is big Maybe. She looks strange
DeleteI like the new face mold. Interesting that it is more like the Wellie Wishers faces--lips are the same and the painted-on eyelashes. Still not sure about the boy doll. I will have to see him in person.
ReplyDelete-Patty
I saw one person give their opinion about using Kaya's mold for Logan. The person said that Kaya's mold was created with the purpose of being specific for her because she is from the Nez Perce tribe. Some feel that using that mold for another doll, that isn't Nez Peace takes away from the specialness of the mold.
DeleteIf you watched the video, they addressed GOTY line will continue. They repeated how a boy doll had been asked for and we listen to our customers. Made sure they got the comments in about how they listen to the customer. But yet ignore the customer. I'm sure I'm not the only one that has gotten the e-mail from AG asking you to participate in the survey, which ends up being choose between these, with no opportunity to provide written comment when the predetermined choices don't apply. I got those e-mails 2 different years, and not one question about permanent underwear. So how could a company have meaningful research if they don't give the customer a chance to give meaningful comments.
The dolls are pretty, but so not interested in having permanent underwear. My daughters also like them, but not interested in the permanent underwear.
The made a Boy Doll because Walmart made them, and they are awesome and under 30.00. Love my African American Boy, even got him a professional Haircut for $10 at the Walmart Hair Salon.
DeleteI think that Nanea's facemold makes her look younger than the other facemolds... It almost looks Wellie-Wisher-esqe to me...
ReplyDeleteH.M.
I am trying to decide about Nanea. I'll hate it if she has sewn in panties (she shouldn't if she is Pearl Harbor era and has Molly-esque undies) and her face is sweet but I am not sure if it is the eyebrow placement or the too big teeth (compared to Felicity) but she isn't quite as cute as I was hoping. Her eyes are not very almond shaped either especially compared to Z. Kinda disappointed. I was hoping for a Kanani-like historical. Her eyes look to be green/hazel which has also been a bit overdone lately. But she does have a sweet face so I'll have to see her in person and decide.
ReplyDeleteNanea is supposed to have the normal body, no permanent underwear. I think she has a sweet face. But I also love our WellieWishers. Her eyes are much bigger than the other facemolds.
DeleteCurly girly has requested Nanea for her birthday instead of Maryellen, since Maryellen is going down with permanent underwear.
I am hoping that Tenney's makeup won't look harsh in person. Also, is the stage made of wood? Madelon
ReplyDeleteTaylor Swift plays Taylor brand guitars. If Taylor guitars is going to create an instrument for AG, is this a coincidence?
ReplyDeleteHow does everyone feel about Felicity's eyes? I sort of dislike them and miss the other eyes that were so striking and gorgeous. What are your thoughts?
ReplyDeleteIs it just me or does Naneas face mold remind one of Marie Graces? The nose?...lips? It's interesting none the less...and anything World War 2 ..I'll be for. Glad to add her to my Molly Collection!
ReplyDelete