The Facebook debacle & other issues

3 hours ago, Q_T said:

I'm well aware that darker skinned dolls are also harder to color due to the complexion but there is a bit of uncanny valley with these dolls (or some photography issue where red is picking up more than it should - but even then having people around who film darker skinned people is a plus), but often I find the faceups on the gaudy side.

That’s a really interesting point, the face-ups on the dolls are potentially being created by someone with no knowledge or experience of the makeup rules for different skin tones. I won’t say that makes it impossible for an artist, but it would certainly pose a challenge given what an important form of self-expression makeup is for women, and how cultural norms can drive those rules. It raises the question “how much does CJ know about what they are making?" This may be a good example of why it’s bad for one company to be the only one offering this range of skin tones, because competition might drive them to seek new staffing to support those products. 

In photography classes I learned that there are challenges to photographing brown skin tones, and that portrait photographers need to adjust their workflows accordingly. My teacher, as it happens, was black, did commercial work in portraiture, and he brought some really interesting perspectives into the classroom along with his own unique teaching style. His lectures were a lot of fun. 

5 hours ago, Q_T said:

First off I guess a short hello as this is my first post here but have been lurking for a while.

 

I have been trying to avoid the drama regarding this person because I try to "justify" it by at least he does make dark skinned dolls. However, the above post you quoted has bothered me. 

 

It bothers me on several levels. The whole thing about Black Lives matter is to allow us to speak (us as in Black people so, yes me). 

1. While again I do appreciate he has dark skinned dolls, that shouldn't be the flag you wave about how diverse you are. I'd like to see more people of color working in that company because it will lead on to my next point. As far as I've seen on his company or team page I only saw one female that was Black.

2. The reason I mentioned more people for hire of color and diversity isn't just employment but the doll above demonstrates why you want to have more people of color giving feedback. I'm well aware that darker skinned dolls are also harder to color due to the complexion but there is a bit of uncanny valley with these dolls (or some photography issue where red is picking up more than it should - but even then having people around who film darker skinned people is a plus), but often I find the faceups on the gaudy side. The cheeks look more like skin blemishes than blush. The eyebrows of this particular doll look strange with the white highlights. Too much contrast. I would tone it back a few shades. I know again faceups for dark skinned dolls are harder, but that's why I feel the benefit of people with that knowledge and are of Color themselves would only benefit the product, not hurt it.

After seeing so much debacle, there's a slight fear that if I do try to order this product any critique would be met with backlash and have my ordered cancelled which is why I said little before or didn't want to chime in and dogpile (as I am a nobody). However, at this point if I'm discriminated against just for voicing my concerns and behavior maybe at this point then maybe someone completely misunderstands the whole BLM movement he used this doll for. I shouldn't feel like I'm held hostage because the owner is one of the few (that I know of) that creates vinyl dark skinned dolls of this type. 

 

Thank you guys again for having a nice forum back to lurking!

 

 

Wow, it is very nice to see the perspective of another black person as there are not very many of us in the hobby. 

The cocoa skintone is really the main reason why I still monitor the brand as I really really want at least one doll that looks like me. 

I 100% feel the same way about how CJ constantly tokens that they are the only company that makes Dark Skinned anime dolls. I personally believe that Volks will never make a doll as dark as Cocoa because colourism is a huge issue in most Asian communities. One of their Dollfie Icons would be a competing match for Tea but they didn't even bother to make her joints match. 

In terms of the diversity at CJ, I'm honestly not sure how feasible it would be to get more BIPOC people on board. Japan is a very homogenous country so he would need to rely on hiring expats and again, just how many BIPOC expats are applying to work at CJ? The fact that there is 1 black girl was extremely surprising to me. 

I think Danny's best bet is to look online for more BIPOC voices but of course, I feel like any critique even under the guise of "Im Black and I know better ways to color dark skin" would come off as being a "hater". He keeps trying to stick to the same colors for the lighter skin tones for Cocoa and that doesn't always translate. Do you know how amazing orange and red-brown blushes looks on dark skin? He could even do a bronzer affect which could add a brown/orange hued warmth. The company could look to BIPOC beauty influencers for color inspiration for darker skintones. Not all criticism is bad! Some of us are honestly trying to HELP make these products better. 

Seriously though, if Volks *were* to make such a dark skinned doll, that would be amazing cause it would definitely force CJ to start being a little more strategic. Hell if Volks released Tan and their Boys internationally as well as put Tawny as part of their regular skin tone line (with matching joints plleeaase) it would creating a much different marketing space for the 2 companies.  

17 minutes ago, MaKayla_Panda said:

I think Danny's best bet is to look online for more BIPOC voices but of course, I feel like any critique even under the guise of "Im Black and I know better ways to color dark skin" would come off as being a "hater". He keeps trying to stick to the same colors for the lighter skin tones for Cocoa and that doesn't always translate. Do you know how amazing orange and red-brown blushes looks on dark skin? He could even do a bronzer affect which could add a brown/orange hued warmth. The company could look to BIPOC beauty influencers for color inspiration for darker skintones. Not all criticism is bad! Some of us are honestly trying to HELP make these products better. 

 

Hehe I really wanna try doing that, with the bronzer look, on a custom doll 😄 it'd look so sweet! (Although I'm white as hell and don't know even the slightest thing about makeup for anyone. Well, a little.)

Even if he doesn't hire someone full-time, he could hire BIPOC artists to consult on faceups and stuff, which would be cool!

1 hour ago, MaKayla_Panda said:

Seriously though, if Volks *were* to make such a dark skinned doll, that would be amazing cause it would definitely force CJ to start being a little more strategic. Hell if Volks released Tan and their Boys internationally as well as put Tawny as part of their regular skin tone line (with matching joints plleeaase) it would creating a much different marketing space for the 2 companies.  

Volks has a range of tones for their Super Dollfie, but I think even the darkest tone isn’t as deep a shade of brown as Cocoa. The Disney Princess line might change that if they make Tiana. I really hope they make all of them in time, but it may take a decade or two at the rate that they seem to release dolls from their various story arcs. 

1 hour ago, MaKayla_Panda said:

Seriously though, if Volks *were* to make such a dark skinned doll, that would be amazing cause it would definitely force CJ to start being a little more strategic. Hell if Volks released Tan and their Boys internationally as well as put Tawny as part of their regular skin tone line (with matching joints plleeaase) it would creating a much different marketing space for the 2 companies.  

 

Not wanting to be someone to put a ding peoples hopes, but one needs to keep in mind that the volks Icon line is at heart an american project, without 100% support of the japanese parent company, hence the missmatched frames (As speculatively discussed in the early days of the icon thread "Okay.. you can do your thing with our old molds, but keep it on the cheap").

The other trouble is the dollfie dream line is always going to play second fiddle to the flagship superdollfies, and I recall we even speculated that whiteskin didnt get as much attention, and ultimately the axe because it sort of stepped on SD's turf by going for the ultra fair skin that at least once upon a time was idolized in japan.

(then again also cannot rule out the possibility of getting tired of customers being annoyed at how easy they discolor...)

But a standard Tan would be a good start ... I agree.

When I saw the post about 'Simplicity', I was very excited...but then disappointed because it didn't state when these 'kits' would be released. And the mention of a hidden portal has thrown me through a loop. Is that just a cute way of saying the link/item will show up randomly when it's actually ready for release? Or does it mean a literal hunt for the item/link through the TONS of pages on the shopping page. I'm so confused.

I guess you could call it a pet peeve, but it drives me crazy to see how each new 'sculpt' is renamed if it changes to a different skin tone with just a new style wig/eyes (which BJDs and some vinyl dolls were always marketed as customizable). It seems like such a simple request to change out wigs/etc - sell them separately. -shrugs- If I wasn't so dead set on the new vitiligo cocoa and interstellar blue I'd probably just stick to secondhand. The customer service has me wary.😞

1 hour ago, Azael said:

When I saw the post about 'Simplicity', I was very excited...but then disappointed because it didn't state when these 'kits' would be released. And the mention of a hidden portal has thrown me through a loop. Is that just a cute way of saying the link/item will show up randomly when it's actually ready for release? Or does it mean a literal hunt for the item/link through the TONS of pages on the shopping page. I'm so confused.

I guess you could call it a pet peeve, but it drives me crazy to see how each new 'sculpt' is renamed if it changes to a different skin tone with just a new style wig/eyes (which BJDs and some vinyl dolls were always marketed as customizable). It seems like such a simple request to change out wigs/etc - sell them separately. -shrugs- If I wasn't so dead set on the new vitiligo cocoa and interstellar blue I'd probably just stick to secondhand. The customer service has me wary.😞

The "hidden portal" bit is just being cheeky, I think. These kits and a lot of other things lately are being released in limited quantities to the "only the brave" listing (https://shop.smartdoll.jp/products/only-the-brave) and sometimes extremely time-limited pre-order countdown pages.

The concept of each wig/eye/face combo having its own name and personality is really charming, but once you have 5+ cinnamon skinned girls with the Genesis sculpt where the only difference is a swatch of eyeshadow or a slightly different smile or eyebrow shape, it can be really confusing to get into. I don't mind keeping the name sets, but I wish there was a bit more transparency on which doll is which sculpt.

@Manaphyyy Thanks, I'll keep an eye out then! -nods- More transparency would be loved. As I was flipping through the sets it was difficult to filter through them because I like Sculpt A but Sculpt A goes by 1B, 2C, 3D, etc. I guess I like all that info in one place, easier for comparison. X3;

9 hours ago, MaKayla_Panda said:

how CJ constantly tokens that they are the only company that makes Dark Skinned anime dolls.

But they are also very vocal about how "there are many other - better - companies out there!"

someone buy CJ an airbrush for god's sake -_- legitimately the easiest and cheapest way to match colour on printed parts. No need to source matching filament. Why is it such a big deal when it can be remedied by a $50 piece of kit! Especially if the doll is only going to be used in a promo photoshoot.

(the tech curious in me wonders what filament they use. Just 'cos resin printers are so much smoother than fdm. But I guess their fdm printers must be super high resolution... sorry, ramble... Edit: it's PLA if anyone's curious XD)

Edited August 26, 2020 by Katsudon

13 hours ago, MaKayla_Panda said:

Wow, it is very nice to see the perspective of another black person as there are not very many of us in the hobby. 

The cocoa skintone is really the main reason why I still monitor the brand as I really really want at least one doll that looks like me. 

I 100% feel the same way about how CJ constantly tokens that they are the only company that makes Dark Skinned anime dolls. I personally believe that Volks will never make a doll as dark as Cocoa because colourism is a huge issue in most Asian communities. One of their Dollfie Icons would be a competing match for Tea but they didn't even bother to make her joints match. 

In terms of the diversity at CJ, I'm honestly not sure how feasible it would be to get more BIPOC people on board. Japan is a very homogenous country so he would need to rely on hiring expats and again, just how many BIPOC expats are applying to work at CJ? The fact that there is 1 black girl was extremely surprising to me. 

I think Danny's best bet is to look online for more BIPOC voices but of course, I feel like any critique even under the guise of "Im Black and I know better ways to color dark skin" would come off as being a "hater". He keeps trying to stick to the same colors for the lighter skin tones for Cocoa and that doesn't always translate. Do you know how amazing orange and red-brown blushes looks on dark skin? He could even do a bronzer affect which could add a brown/orange hued warmth. The company could look to BIPOC beauty influencers for color inspiration for darker skintones. Not all criticism is bad! Some of us are honestly trying to HELP make these products better. 

Seriously though, if Volks *were* to make such a dark skinned doll, that would be amazing cause it would definitely force CJ to start being a little more strategic. Hell if Volks released Tan and their Boys internationally as well as put Tawny as part of their regular skin tone line (with matching joints plleeaase) it would creating a much different marketing space for the 2 companies.  

First off, thanks for those who had replied to me. I hope no one takes offense I didn't respond directly to everyone who did. 

My issue isn't that he needs to hire a lot more staff, but a few with knowledge part time, contracted or otherwise he could benefit. That said, yes he definitely should be using more orange tones (though I am giving the benefit of the doubt that he may actually be doing that but photographing them is picking up more red. Colors have a way especially red of overpowering the camera) This is why some knowledge in filming darker skin would be more useful. 

 

1 hour ago, Katsudon said:

someone buy CJ an airbrush for god's sake -_- legitimately the easiest and cheapest way to match colour on printed parts. No need to source matching filament. Why is it such a big deal when it can be remedied by a $50 piece of kit! Especially if the doll is only going to be used in a promo photoshoot.

(the tech curious in me wonders what filament they use. Just 'cos resin printers are so much smoother than fdm. But I guess their fdm printers must be super high resolution... sorry, ramble... Edit: it's PLA if anyone's curious XD)

I will take a different perspective a bit on this. While I do feel that there is a false dilemma being set up about posting a faceup on a milk version that was intended for a dark skinned doll. I understand that maybe there's a fear of "Whitewashing" but overall it's a bit silly because Black people aren't THAT much different from others and many facial features are similar. The point isn't just skin color but people legitimately want to feel a doll has features that represent themselves. 

Having said that, while you CAN simply use an airbrush for faceups, in my experience it's less to do with applying paints but the sealants themselves. If MSC is being used, all that work tends to not show up at all or darkens to the point (once sealant is applied) that nothing was done on the doll. It's trickier and often times it's not uncommon for faceup artists to hand paint because it's difficult to get colors to apply. I have tried ZM finisher with some various success but it's sealing the doll that actually comes with more problems than applying the colors, but that's just me. 

 

There's more factors to this topic such as social/economic issues that also effect this but I don't want to drag on or derail it too much. I just don't want any criticisms I have to be met with being outcast or snubbed as I'm only a consumer. 

 

28 minutes ago, Q_T said:

Colors have a way especially red of overpowering the camera) This is why some knowledge in filming darker skin would be more useful.

Some DSLRs have a noticeable color shift on skin tones. For example, the Nikon D800 was noted for its magenta shift in certain conditions when photographing skin.

22 minutes ago, Q_T said:

I will take a different perspective a bit on this. While I do feel that there is a false dilemma being set up about posting a faceup on a milk version that was intended for a dark skinned doll. I understand that maybe there's a fear of "Whitewashing" but overall it's a bit silly because Black people aren't THAT much different from others and many facial features are similar. The point isn't just skin color but people legitimately want to feel a doll has features that represent themselves. 

Having said that, while you CAN simply use an airbrush for faceups, in my experience it's less to do with applying paints but the sealants themselves. If MSC is being used, all that work tends to not show up at all or darkens to the point (once sealant is applied) that nothing was done on the doll. It's trickier and often times it's not uncommon for faceup artists to hand paint because it's difficult to get colors to apply. I have tried ZM finisher with some various success but it's sealing the doll that actually comes with more problems than applying the colors, but that's just me. 

 

There's more factors to this topic such as social/economic issues that also effect this but I don't want to drag on or derail it too much. I just don't want any criticisms I have to be met with being outcast or snubbed as I'm only a consumer. 

 

Oh no, sorry I was unclear. I mean he could paint the whole head to match the cocoa skin before doing the faceup. It's reasonably common with 3D printing to paint it with an airbrush, as for consumers there aren't many filament colours available, and airbrushes give a nice base to work on. (I can't remember the name of the doll maker, but there's one who print all their dolls with SLS, and then colour them with airbrush and other paints, and they look awesome!)

Basically, having someone custom make filament is a complex solution to a simple problem. 😕

1 minute ago, Katsudon said:

Oh no, sorry I was unclear. I mean he could paint the whole head to match the cocoa skin before doing the faceup. It's reasonably common with 3D printing to paint it with an airbrush, as for consumers there aren't many filament colours available, and airbrushes give a nice base to work on. (I can't remember the name of the doll maker, but there's one who print all their dolls with SLS, and then colour them with airbrush and other paints, and they look awesome!)

Basically, having someone custom make filament is a complex solution to a simple problem. 😕

27 minutes ago, BeyondTime said:

Some DSLRs have a noticeable color shift on skin tones. For example, the Nikon D800 was noted for its magenta shift in certain conditions when photographing skin.

Hello again, I think I understood you. However, it's the additional process of the faceup I mentioned. If he wants to show an unpainted Cocoa without faceup I think that's fine (with the colored airbrush method). I mean the process of doing a faceup is harder on darker skin because of sealant. He would have to try to seal it to do several faceups or end up wiping off the airbrush skin tone. I apologize if I was unclear. MSC (Mister Super Clear) has a propensity to darken colors making the process on dark skin rougher to do. 

If there is a doll maker (resin or vinyl?) that's able to do it please share I'd love to see how they approached this issue. (Side note, I am confused by the general community to hide methods for fear of being copied/ripped off. A method isn't exactly a style. Not directed at you or the doll maker specifically just sayin')

 

On cameras. Yes, exactly. I remember oddly enough specifically on the filming of Transformers Michael Bay (make whatever you will of him) stated a very good point on why there were design changes to Optimus Prime. Even looking through certain older cameras, if there is a large red object it tends to shift the hues around it to its compliment (green) Then of course skin isn't necessarily the same as vinyl ex. translucency of lighter skin tones, dark tend to be reflective - but understanding some of the similar principles does help. I remember the director of "How they see us" Ava DuVernay was discussing lighting which was interesting. 

 

But more specifically my criticisms on the doll I quoted (posted in the thread). Definitely avoid using white on the eyebrows. It looks like a paper cutout and too stark. If highlights on the hairs need to be used gold/orange tones would work better. The eyeshadow is also an issue with similar problems It's too 'cut out' perhaps fading it in would tone it down as well as using other shades. The cheeks would probably benefit more from orange.

Eye placement definitely needs to be considered as well. It's causing a dead stare due to the combinations but perhaps the eye style could have a faded brown to gold color for the eyes. At risk of "modding" if people are interested in seeing how I'd change it (I'd have to do it via image editing) I could show suggestions as to what I mean?

 

Thank you again people, you da bes. 

 

 

1 hour ago, Q_T said:

Then of course skin isn't necessarily the same as vinyl ex.

I’ve had zero issues with the D800 and vinyl. I have seen the magenta shift when photographing people in bright sunlight and it’s pretty bad. It can occur with studio lights as well, but that’s outside my own experience. 

2 hours ago, Q_T said:

But more specifically my criticisms on the doll I quoted (posted in the thread). Definitely avoid using white on the eyebrows. It looks like a paper cutout and too stark. If highlights on the hairs need to be used gold/orange tones would work better. The eyeshadow is also an issue with similar problems It's too 'cut out' perhaps fading it in would tone it down as well as using other shades. The cheeks would probably benefit more from orange.

Eye placement definitely needs to be considered as well. It's causing a dead stare due to the combinations but perhaps the eye style could have a faded brown to gold color for the eyes. At risk of "modding" if people are interested in seeing how I'd change it (I'd have to do it via image editing) I could show suggestions as to what I mean?

 

Thank you again people, you da bes. 

 

 

If you wanna show us some photoshops that would be cool! I wanna see 😄 (only if you wanna. I like seeing what people would do with dolls)

My goodness anyone miss when there were just like 8-9 dolls to choose from? That was part of the reason for me even getting a Smart Doll. I came from Pullips with releases done so much, dolls would sell out so fast, and there would be that frustration of having missed something. I loved that he promised that his girls, specifically classic Mirai would always be around. Then he released a few dolls the year I bought my first girl. The next 5 months, 10. Now, I couldn't even tell you the difference between them all. He's pumping them out faster than rabbits on a hot date.

11 hours ago, Q_T said:

Hello again, I think I understood you. However, it's the additional process of the faceup I mentioned. If he wants to show an unpainted Cocoa without faceup I think that's fine (with the colored airbrush method). I mean the process of doing a faceup is harder on darker skin because of sealant. He would have to try to seal it to do several faceups or end up wiping off the airbrush skin tone. I apologize if I was unclear. MSC (Mister Super Clear) has a propensity to darken colors making the process on dark skin rougher to do. 

If there is a doll maker (resin or vinyl?) that's able to do it please share I'd love to see how they approached this issue. (Side note, I am confused by the general community to hide methods for fear of being copied/ripped off. A method isn't exactly a style. Not directed at you or the doll maker specifically just sayin')

 

On cameras. Yes, exactly. I remember oddly enough specifically on the filming of Transformers Michael Bay (make whatever you will of him) stated a very good point on why there were design changes to Optimus Prime. Even looking through certain older cameras, if there is a large red object it tends to shift the hues around it to its compliment (green) Then of course skin isn't necessarily the same as vinyl ex. translucency of lighter skin tones, dark tend to be reflective - but understanding some of the similar principles does help. I remember the director of "How they see us" Ava DuVernay was discussing lighting which was interesting. 

 

But more specifically my criticisms on the doll I quoted (posted in the thread). Definitely avoid using white on the eyebrows. It looks like a paper cutout and too stark. If highlights on the hairs need to be used gold/orange tones would work better. The eyeshadow is also an issue with similar problems It's too 'cut out' perhaps fading it in would tone it down as well as using other shades. The cheeks would probably benefit more from orange.

Eye placement definitely needs to be considered as well. It's causing a dead stare due to the combinations but perhaps the eye style could have a faded brown to gold color for the eyes. At risk of "modding" if people are interested in seeing how I'd change it (I'd have to do it via image editing) I could show suggestions as to what I mean?

 

Thank you again people, you da bes. 

 

 

I would definitely be interested in seeing your photo edits! As an artist that would help me a lot!

Okay then. At the risk of being laughed at for possibly not knowing what I'm doing. I'll show some slight changes I made

I am in by no means perfect, and I could do a lot larger edits but this does take time. 

For one the biggest problem with the doll Tomorrow is the eyebrows. The highlights make them look really painted on, and I don't think many doll owners even with kids would be thrilled if someone mentioned their doll's eyebrows look like a "Chola"

I did two light edits, with original in the middle.  

That would be a step in the right direction to eliminate it. The next thing I did was change the position of the eyeshadow. It can work over her eyes but it seems too stark, so maybe a softer color or shade. I moved them to the outer edges because she has such a cute round face with eyes, I thought it would look more cute. Personal preference. I think it also helps pull away from a dead eyed stare she seems to have. 

The other thing I did was change the hue of the eye shadow to match her eyes. Not really necessary just keeping it simple, the K.I.S.S. principle (Keep. It. Simple. Stupid.) The other more noticeable change is a bit of changing to the lips. I feel like if you're going to make a semi real doll commit a little. While not all Black people have large lips, giving her a slightly fuller lip I don't think really hurts. I also made it more on the orange tones like the blush, which was another change. Bronzing or blush on dark skin isn't always necessary, but orange-y  more yellow tones seem to help out more. While the color of the original blush is more on the orange side, it still feels too "blueish" on her skin. 

What's the difference between the first and the last one? It's a little more subtle. Instead of one big eyebrow, I added in some hatching to the eyebrows. Not necessary but if the eyebrows look too flat that may be the way to approach it then the highlights in the original.

 

 

https://ibb.co/XL9GVnT

 

Eyebrow with eye shadow edit: https://ibb.co/dJfL11X

Without the eyebrow lines: https://ibb.co/KzS8zZq

You're free to tear it apart, as at least I am well aware I'm not perfect or other suggestions. I could do a longer edit as well when my eyes are less stressed. 

Edited August 29, 2020 by Q_T

1 hour ago, Q_T said:

Okay then. At the risk of being laughed at for possibly not knowing what I'm doing. I'll show some slight changes I made

Both your edits look more natural than the original. By comparison, the original looks stark or garish. 

To my taste the one on the left is the win, but that’s really just a matter of personal taste. 

Thank you for taking the time to do that. 

4 hours ago, Q_T said:

For one the biggest problem with the doll Tomorrow is the eyebrows. The highlights make them look really painted on

In defense of the eyebrow, it's probably made like that to make it pop/stick out more. Does it look bad? Yes. But it keeps with the overall anime style...
Either way, I do like your edits far better than the original!

@Q_T I like it. The skin tone can definitely take a little more lip colour like in your edits. And the peachy eyeshadow is a much nicer match! :3 

(Really pondering doing a custom cocoa girl. Wanna get some mica powder to make her sparkle 😄 )

You eliminated my main gripe which was just those harsh pale lines, so nice work! If I had any critique, I'd probably advise using subtler colors since the blush/lip color is pretty intense. The eyes look a million times better. 

Also, this is random, but the new "apparel set" for 2020 is just socks and shoes? For a $100 bump in price that's very meh. 

Edited August 30, 2020 by sweets

So 

I had an Eiji on layaway with Fabric and Friends (seriously bless Iris, she's the best) who came home last week. 

I just took his boxers off for the first time and he's got purple-pink staining on his leg. I'm kinda annoyed. Default boxers are green, how even? Part of me wants to say something, part of me knows i'd be dragged forever if I did. 

48 minutes ago, TithorArgentus said:

I just took his boxers off for the first time and he's got purple-pink staining on his leg. I'm kinda annoyed. Default boxers are green, how even?

My experience with doll stains is that some fabric colors stain the doll blue and not the color of the fabric. I've had dark reds stain the doll a blueish black. I am guessing that this may have something to do with the chemical properties of various dyes.

 

48 minutes ago, TithorArgentus said:

Part of me wants to say something, part of me knows i'd be dragged forever if I did.

Most vinyl doll and clothing makers have disclaimers about fabric staining the surface of the doll. Your best bet is just to get a stain remover and fix it, and you're probably right that posting about it will just get you flack.

You can use Twin Pines Removezit to remove stains. I think you can also use a 10% Benzoyl Peroxide cream that you get from the local pharmacy. I've never used ether of those products for stain removal, but others here have and can give you pointers.