Samageddon

[bloodyrosemccoy]

Okay, guys, it seems that I’m a lot of people’s Crazy Doll Buddy, because I’ve gotten a few messages over the last few days saying they saw this news item and thought of me. So, well, thanks, but I feel I might as well say that you don’t need to message me anymore: I know that American Girl is “archiving” Samantha.* It’s been in the fandom for over a week now, and the uproar is indeed palpable. We even have a name for it.**

And now, for those of you who are going "Wait, what?", lemme ’splain. See, Samantha—a wealthy orphan described as a “bright Victorian beauty” even though she’s actually from the Edwardian era—is the most popular AG doll, and one of the original three. Her retirement will generate a rush on her collection, but to retire the bestselling doll is still a bit puzzling, though some theories about why have been put forth.

The crowd I roll with is lukewarm toward her (we’re a little offbeat in general), but even those who hate her or, like me, are indifferent to her, are worried that this is setting a precedent for other retirements. We fear mostly for the dolls of color—Addy, the African-American, does not sell well,*** and her collection has been slashed with retirements even though she herself has survived so far. Ditto for Kaya, the Native American. We’re also more broadly worried about the entire historical line, which has been eclipsed by the modern dolls.

It’s possible that this is a stunt, like the time they sorta-kinda “retired” Felicity, only to change all her colors and put her back. Or it’s the beginning of the end of AG.

I’m a bit more complacent mostly because most of my doll companies are defunct, so I’ve been through this before. But those are the basics for you.

Anyway, this is a PSA/Educational Message for those of you who have always wanted a Samantha, a Nellie, or something from their collection—you’ve got till Christmas, or while supplies last. And a further message to stop sending me the news. Thanks, but yeah, I’ve heard it.


*And “best friend” doll Nellie with her.

**Samageddon, I believe.

***Remember the Sids? They're not an isolated phenomenon.

Comments

[beccastareyes]

If it makes you feel any better, any time one of my relatives (usually my mother) gets a chain email involving astronomy, she passes it on to me. Though usually it's to verify it.

[shadowofdoubt.livejournal.com]

I actually own a Samantha doll, LOL. My mother got her for me when I was a kid. Does this mean I can sell her on eBay for a ridiculous price? ^_^

[padparadscha.livejournal.com]

*takes you seriously* Well, you'd probably want to wait till she gets officially archived in December. Private collectors'll pay more than you'd get on eBay. And don't forget to mention she's Pre-Mattel--dolls made before Mattel bought the company get higher prices.

[shadowofdoubt.livejournal.com]

I was serious, LOL. I played with her a bit when I was a kid, but now she pretty much just sits in a box. You'll have to point me in the right direction in December then. :)

Also, I am heading in your direction tomorrow. :) May be taking a look at an apartment in Spanish Fork! *flail*

[padparadscha.livejournal.com]

Cool! CALL US IF YOU WANT A NEWSPAPER, I GUESS.

Is the job a solid thing yet? If not, good luck on that, and a generalized good luck on the move anyway. Send me a message if you need anything ...

[shadowofdoubt.livejournal.com]

The job is not at all a solid thing, LOL. So fuck only knows what will happen to me! XD But the woman I spoke to about the room seemed lovely.

And you shouldn't say things like "if you need anything," because then I might have to mention that couchsurfing has failed me this time around and perhaps I could sleep in your driveway? >_> *hides*

[padparadscha.livejournal.com]

Alas, it turns out I am a liar about that offer. I ran the idea past Mom'n'Dad and they do not want some person from the internet here because there are too many variables. It was worth a shot but ... I hope you find something.

Sorry.

[shadowofdoubt.livejournal.com]

No worries, strangers from the internet frighten my parents as well, LOL. Thanks for trying. :) <3

[evilcresyluna.livejournal.com]

Aww, sadness. I got a Samantha in... *THINKS* '94ish, while I was 9 or 10, and my cousin (who was much closer to best friend/sister) got one the same day - my grandmother orchestrated that, then about a year later got herself a similarly sized doll (not AG) she named Arabella so the two Samantha dolls would have someone to visit. Samantha is currently at my mom's house in Amish doll clothing, as is my sister's Molly, but I still have quite a few of the clothes and accessories and such at my mom's house. Well worn, some homemade and some from the company, but good memories. I've always been a little defensive about the AG dolls, maybe I just caught more of the "oh but they're too expensive! overpriced faux historical silliness for little girls!" but I did love mine, much much more so than barbies or video game or other more transient things of that age. I should call my cousin, see if she's heard the news.

[xaandria.livejournal.com]

I have Kirsten circa...gosh, when did I get her? 1993? Earlier? I don't even remember. I'm debating whether I should save her for my theoretical daughter to play with or sell her. On the one hand, $$. At least some. On the other hand, she's certainly heirloom-quality, and I want my children to have a good balance between "use our imagination" toys and "stare at the screen" toys.

Decisions, decisions. It's probably why I haven't sold my trunk full of 200 beanie babies yet.

[pixel39.livejournal.com]

I have two Madame Alexander historical dolls from...probably the mid-80s. I think they're Austria and Germany, but I could be wrong (otoh, I can check when I get home). They have tags, but no boxes anymore.

I collected Breyer horses rather than dolls. Model horse people are just as crazy as doll people. ;-)

[queenlyzard.livejournal.com]

I'm not a doll person, but I always wanted Samantha when I was younger. Such pretty dresses! I envied her terribly. And if I'd gotten one, she would have spent most of her time playing the role of Sara Crew. She had that "little princess" look about her.

[padparadscha.livejournal.com]

Hee, I've been considering a Sara Crewe doll, myself! I don't know if it'd be a Samantha, though ...