If that's true, you have my pity, but nothing else

[JoitheArtist]

I've been creating and selling rag doll ponies for almost a year; I post them on DeviantArt as well as Etsy, because it's a great way to display art, share it, and track your progress and development. Almost a year with no unwarranted negative comments, and then I get two back to back!

I won't bother with the first one, as it had nothing to do with me selling my dolls: it was crude, got blocked within minutes, no big deal.

But today's...

I posted a picture of a set of 4 dolls I'd done (a family of ponies from the MLP show), and I mentioned that I wouldn't be listing these on Etsy, as I hoped to sell them as a set at an upcoming convention. I got this comment on the dolls:

way to go...seriously?! make adorable dolls. make them so that people want them....THEN SNATCH THEM EFFING AWAY?!?! not ALL of us are ALLOWED to go to conventions! not ALL of us have the money!?!

i have an abusive father. i can NOT go to conventions. i've TRIED and i get hit like a rug.

way to go

Um...ok.

What I want to say: "If the thing about your father is true (which I personally have no way of knowing), you have all of my sympathy, but I did not take or 'snatch' ANYTHING away from you. I owe you nothing. I never promised you anything. Hell, this is the first time you've contacted me. I've been listing ponies on Etsy for a year; you've bought nothing. I've mentioned on practically every DA post and journal that I take commissions; you've bought nothing. I hope to sell this set for $350 dollars; if you can't afford to go to a convention, you probably couldn't have bought these anyway. And conventions? I've had to miss the last TWO that were held minutes from my house because I couldn't afford it. I sell these ponies because it's the only way I have to raise money for myself after a year and a half of unemployment."

What I will say: nothing. It's not worth it to respond to unhinged commenters!

[Sandiercy]

Your Ponies are adorable! <3

[Argabarga]

The whole "rage against the artist" thing I never got, so it's no surprise I don't get the "rage against the artist who I didn't commission making something I can't afford" thing either

[Lil Bunny]

The ones you posted yesterday had me squeeing in a very big fan girl way.

[Caffienated_Caramel]

Had to look at your plushies and I see the improvement My favorite is the Cadence doll.

As for that troll, even if she/he was being abused, what does that have to do with you and your dolls in the first place? *shakes head*

Hope they won't be a repeat offender.

[MoonCat]

It's not your fault this person can't afford to go to a convention. It's not your fault he or she has (supposedly) an abusive father. You're right - if someone can't afford to go to a con, they can't afford the dolls anyway. Kinda wonder if this is one of those people who think handmade things like this cost, oh, $5 each or something else ridiculously low.

[Pixilated]

Your decision to not respond at all is the best one under the circumstances. I'm pretty skeptical of the person's comments about an abusive father (sounds more to me like a really sloppy attempt at garnering some sympathy).

The whole rant, in fact, sounds like a ten-year-old having a tantrum.

And your horses are very cute.

[Seshat]

The only possible response that makes sense is to provide links to a bunch of support sites where she can get help regarding the (alleged) abuse.

All the rest is Not Your Problem.

Hell, if I had all the money I wanted, I'd be buying all SORTS of things. I would like ... oh, a pony. Or to quote Daffy Duck "I would like ... I would like a trip to Europe!"

[Sundassa]

Before you take it too seriously, that person is a troll. They are only complaining because there is an obvious reason to complain, you are doing something suddenly different than you did before. Not because they would have bought the set, or because they are mad that you are selling it at Convention. They are purposefully trying to stir up your regulars by making you seem unfair to this poor abused kid. Since they are purposefully trolling, the comments about their life may not even be true, may just be added drama for effect.

[Kanalah]

I get a ton of sob stories from people who want free stuff. It's fairly common.

I guess they figure we'll feel all sad and just give them whatever they want. Not that I'm totally a heartless person, I give away a lot of quilts - but to people I know that are on hard times, not strangers with a story that sounds like a country music song.

I would totally link them to support sites, though.

[Crossbow]

They're either a troll trying to get a rise out of you (silence is the perfect response), or a troll that whines at people online because doing so in person would get them into conflict that they would have to resolve. (We really need a better word for 'online whiner' than troll. Any suggestions?)

Either way, you're handling the right way by ignoring them. Snatching them away? Why, beacuse you expect to be paid for your work? Dude, if you think the world operates differently, you're in for one hell of a surprise when (if?) you finally get away from your abusive father. Wake up and learn the rules of the game...


Personally, I love how the Apple family dolls came out! Applejack is amazing, and I love the fabric you chose for Granny Smith. Now, to get Mrs. Crossbow to stop being anti-pony so I can buy one of your cute plushies!

[Elspeth]

I have 2 of Joi's ponies. They are great. Been trying to think of a commission for her and can't think of one. But I will.

And you are handling it the right way. Some people just like to rain on other people's parades.

[csquared]

Part of me says that you should post the response. The other part agrees that is not worth the effort/acknowledgment.

[Ben_Who]

I haven't been to a convention in YEARS because of ongoing financial problems, which has put a huge whack in book sales, but I ain't whining to complete strangers because they won't give me free stuff...

"How much is that book?"
$17.95.
"No, I mean how much is the convention price?
$17.95.
"No, I mean, how much for me?
$17.95.
"What if I buy both of them?"
$35.90.
"Are they available online?"
$9.95 each on Kindle.
"You're just not GETTING this, are you?"
I'M not getting this?

You haven't lived until you've had that conversation ten times a day with someone carrying $800 worth of porn from another table.

[Seshat]

I have 2 of Joi's ponies. They are great. Been trying to think of a commission for her and can't think of one. But I will.

What occurred to me last night: I have a friend who loves Jonathan Apples....