Decided to do a more serious photoset this year.
The quote is from Book 1 of Cirque du Freak, and I felt like people at large could stand to be reminded of this. We hear a lot of “I only buy recasts of dolls from expensive companies” and “I only buy recasts of dolls no longer available.” A lot of “this one recast won’t shut down a company.” A lot of “the artists aren’t going to starve because of me.” A lot of “this isn’t REALLY killing the hobby.”
We also hear a lot of “but I love my recasts!” A lot of “all dolls need love.” A lot of “my attachment to my forged art is just as valid as your attachment to your legit, the artists and the hobby as a whole.” A lot of “judging people is wrong.” A lot of “you shouldn’t end a friendship over a doll.”
The problem with all of this is magical thinking. Because the reality is all recasts that are purchased help fund the recasting of standard editions, single artist companies, etc. The reality is that companies have closed down because of recasters. The reality is that recasts drain away hundreds of thousands of dollars every year that should be flowing into the hobby economy and the secondhand market.
You can’t rely on everyone else to do the right thing if you won’t. Your “moral code” means nothing to recasters, so it doesn’t matter what kind of restrictions you put on your own buying practices, because they won’t follow it. They’ll steal from the very companies you insist you’d never buy a recast of. Real life is nasty. It’s cruel. In real life, recasters close down companies. In real life, pushing companies that much closer to closing their doors means community doors will be closed to you.
Actions have consequences. Remember that always.
discoholicmusic
janainaart
prguitarman
2087
