-Click here to view store photos of Girl of the Year 2015 Grace Thomas's collection-
Update 1/1/2015! Happy New Year everyone! :) Grace is now officially released by AG and I have permission from AG to share these images. ^_^ There will be no further updates to this post. I will be uploading the photos taken from the store as soon as I get home so please check back later in the day.
(I am keeping this update up for the sake of reference.)
Update 12/30/2014: After reviewing the AG's "Terms & Conditions of Website Use" at this link: http://store.americangirl.com/static/popups/termsConditions.html I sent an email to service@americangirl.com asking for clarification on some of the points.
Specifically, Section 1(C) where it states: "Mattel grants you a limited, non-exclusive, revocable, non-assignable, personal, and non-transferable license to (i) download (temporary storage only), display, view, use, play, and/or print one copy of the Content (excluding source and object code in raw form or otherwise, other than as made available to access and use via a standard web browser to enable display) on a personal computer, mobile phone or other wireless device, or other Internet enabled device (each, an “Internet Device”) for your personal, non-commercial use only" and "The foregoing limited license (i) does not give you any ownership of, or any other intellectual property interest in, any Content" which seems to give a limited license to display/use/view their Content as long as one does not use it for commercial/political purposes. Since this is a personal blog without a commercial/political agenda and I claimed no ownership/association with the company, I wanted to know whether I was allowed to post these images (or any AG images).
The other point I wanted to clarify was in Section 10, where it clearly states: "We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, revocable, non-assignable, personal, and non-transferable license to create hyperlinks to the Website, so long as: (a) the links only incorporate text, and do not use any trademark graphics that are owned or licensed to Mattel, (b) the links and the content on your website do not suggest any affiliation with Mattel or cause any other confusion, and (c) the links and the content on your website do not portray Mattel or its products or services in a false, misleading, derogatory, or otherwise offensive matter, and do not contain content that is inappropriate for children or that is unlawful, offensive, obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy, violent, threatening, harassing, or abusive, or that violate any right of any third party or are otherwise objectionable to Mattel. Mattel reserves the right to suspend or prohibit linking to the Website for any reason, in its sole discretion, without advance notice or any liability of any kind to you or any third party." From this wording, it seems like links to the website are allowed as long as the links only have text, do not suggest affiliation with Mattel, and do not portray Mattel and its products in a false way, or contain content inappropriate for children which I did not do.
I received the following response (personal information removed):
Update 1/1/2015! Happy New Year everyone! :) Grace is now officially released by AG and I have permission from AG to share these images. ^_^ There will be no further updates to this post. I will be uploading the photos taken from the store as soon as I get home so please check back later in the day.
AGPlaythings forum user Impy found several links to images of our 2015 Girl of the Year, Grace Thomas' collection on the AG website and kindly gave me permission to share her find! Check out her impressive collection below:
*Prices are shared from MissMidoria and posted here with permission.*
*Prices are shared from MissMidoria and posted here with permission.*
Grace Thomas Doll & Book ($120):
It looks like Grace's special item that will make her "worth" the higher price is that she comes with a charm bracelet as well as her ears are pierced and she comes with the heart shaped earrings below:
The her bangs are shaped remind me a lot of Nellie's bangs, and for some reason her lip color looks darker to me that the current other AG dolls. I'll have to see her in person to decide though.
I hate the touristy feeling of her T-shirt but I can understand why AG did it, since they want to stress upon her unique geographical location. It does make me wonder if we'll see people complaining that the American Girl is not "American" or something similar.
Standard underwear! :D The charms on her bracelet are very cute, I admit. Her French bulldog, suitcase, macaroon (warning don't eat the bow on the macaroon), the Eiffel Tower, a recipe card, and heart with Paris on it are all rather cliche but they tie her collection in nicely.
Grace Thomas Meet Accessories:
I think the fingerless gloves are so cute and I love that the little bow matches her dog's bow! :D
---Thank you to Midoria for the correction. These accessories are Grace's meet, not the beret set with the macaroons. Those are her "welcome gifts".---
Grace Thomas Dog Bon Bon ($24):
Her cute French bulldog has a black bow on his black ear, a red collar, and a matching red leash!
Grace Thomas Pajamas ($24):
The color reminds me a little of Jess' pajamas, or even Kanani's.
Grace Thomas Fancy Coat ($28):
This light blue and light pink combination makes me think of cotton candy... But I do like the style of the coat very much though! It looks like a "modern inspired" version of Addy's School Outfit currently out on the BeForever line.
Grace Thomas Baking Apron/Everyday Outfit ($34):
Another cotton candy themed outfit! I'm not sure if that's a jumper she has on or an apron. I can't see too much mix and match potential for this set (maybe the apron separately) but more creative people can probably figure something out. :)
I don't understand why the cupcakes are upside down. :( I personally would have preferred for them to be right side up. Is this fashionable for the target market to wear prints upside down? XD
Grace Thomas City Love Sweater Outfit ($34):
This is a cute outfit and perfect for Valentine's day, but I'm not sure what the year long popularity power of this will be once the holiday has passed.
Grace Thomas Fancy Dress Opening Night Outfit ($38):
I think this dress is really cute! But now Grace really will look like a giant puff of cotton candy!
Grace Thomas Travel Suitcase Set ($44):
I like her travel set very much though I wish her passport at least wasn't in the light blue coloring. The tickets seem very realistic so that's a plus.
Grace Thomas Baking Accessories Set ($65):
Is that... a tablet with the recipe on it??? XD Talk about 21st century! It looks like you can either use the recipe card as a card, or you can stick it in the e-reader and use it that way.
Grace Thomas Cafe Scene ($85):
This set is actually on the cover of her meet book and I'm surprised they'd make it separately but it will be a nice in between for those who don't want to go all out for the big piece, her bakery.
The sign can be changed and customized with the stickers, like Isabelle's makeup box. I hope they're magnets so they can be reused but I'm guessing they'll be stickers.
Grace Thomas Bakery ($500):
And here we get the grandaddy of her collection, the bakery, or La Patisserie set. It seems like it will be bigger than Lanie's camper or Samantha's ice cream parlor with more pieces and accessories. I love all the miniature pieces despite the plastic look of some of them (especially that pink cake stand) but I think overall it has a a lot of play potential. Now.... any guess to the cost of this juggernaut?
---Thank you to Midoria who shared the price of these items with us! According to her the bakery is mostly wooden as well, which why the price is so high?---
I must remember these are plastic. Darn it glands, stop drooling over fake pastries! ;D
Grace Thomas Bakery Pastry Stand/Snack Cart ($150):
For those who won't be able to bring the full sized bakery home, you can get the mini snack cart version instead! Based on the book summaries, I'm wondering if this is from when Grace returns back to the US and starts her own baking business?
Grace Thomas Paris Welcome Gifts Purse Accessories ($32):
Her accessories seem to be pretty cliche, a beret, macaroons, Paris postcards, and an Eiffel cookie. It seems on of the postcards at least has writing on it. I wonder if the other 2 are blank so you can write your own message.
---Thank you to Midoria for the correction. The reason these items are "cliche Paris" is because they are not her meet accessories but her Paris "Welcome Gifts". ---
Grace Thomas Pajamas for Girls:
Grace Thomas Meet Accessories Purse/Bag for Girls:
Not pictured:
Grace Thomas Exclusive Earrings Set ($16)
Thank you again to Impy! Overall I think Grace is pretty, but I don't feel attracted enough to her to want to bring her home. I don't understand why she couldn't have been a black doll (#58 would look so adorable in these outfits!), but her collection at least is very cute, even if it's almost baby like in the color choices.
To be fair though, I don't actively collect GotY so she would have to be incredibly overwhelming to move me to purchase her. I think her collection is wonderful, relative to what has been released for previous GOtY dolls, especially because she has so many "playable parts" in her collection, and if any of her food sets go on sale, there is a high chance I'll cave and get them. :D
What does everyone think of her collection?
___________________________________________________________________________________________
(I am keeping this update up for the sake of reference.)
Update 12/30/2014: After reviewing the AG's "Terms & Conditions of Website Use" at this link: http://store.americangirl.com/static/popups/termsConditions.html I sent an email to service@americangirl.com asking for clarification on some of the points.
Specifically, Section 1(C) where it states: "Mattel grants you a limited, non-exclusive, revocable, non-assignable, personal, and non-transferable license to (i) download (temporary storage only), display, view, use, play, and/or print one copy of the Content (excluding source and object code in raw form or otherwise, other than as made available to access and use via a standard web browser to enable display) on a personal computer, mobile phone or other wireless device, or other Internet enabled device (each, an “Internet Device”) for your personal, non-commercial use only" and "The foregoing limited license (i) does not give you any ownership of, or any other intellectual property interest in, any Content" which seems to give a limited license to display/use/view their Content as long as one does not use it for commercial/political purposes. Since this is a personal blog without a commercial/political agenda and I claimed no ownership/association with the company, I wanted to know whether I was allowed to post these images (or any AG images).
The other point I wanted to clarify was in Section 10, where it clearly states: "We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, revocable, non-assignable, personal, and non-transferable license to create hyperlinks to the Website, so long as: (a) the links only incorporate text, and do not use any trademark graphics that are owned or licensed to Mattel, (b) the links and the content on your website do not suggest any affiliation with Mattel or cause any other confusion, and (c) the links and the content on your website do not portray Mattel or its products or services in a false, misleading, derogatory, or otherwise offensive matter, and do not contain content that is inappropriate for children or that is unlawful, offensive, obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy, violent, threatening, harassing, or abusive, or that violate any right of any third party or are otherwise objectionable to Mattel. Mattel reserves the right to suspend or prohibit linking to the Website for any reason, in its sole discretion, without advance notice or any liability of any kind to you or any third party." From this wording, it seems like links to the website are allowed as long as the links only have text, do not suggest affiliation with Mattel, and do not portray Mattel and its products in a false way, or contain content inappropriate for children which I did not do.
I received the following response (personal information removed):
"Dear ...
The information you have posted has not yet been released by American Girl® and therefore should be removed immediately.
Sincerely,
American Girl Customer Service..."
So with that response, I am removing the images as well as the links in the post until AG officially debuts GotY 2015 on January 1st. ^_^ I figure since I took the time to ask, I ought to respect American Girl's response and do as they specify, even if the response didn't clarify other points that I asked. I apologize to those who came here and are looking for the images. I will update this post when AG officially unveils her on the 1st.
I will also be uploading photos from the store on Jan. 1st as well so please check back then if you are looking for more detailed, in person photos. :) If you have any questions you'd like me to "investigate" while I'm at the store, please let me know and I will do my best. ^_^
Note: There will be an exclusive, first look at GotY 2015 on Good Morning America this Wednesday from 7-9am, according the AG Facebook page.
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I love everything! Grace is so pretty, and especially like that outfit with the heart sweater.
ReplyDeleteWow, that bakery is amazing and very detailed! But I doubt I'll be able to get it because it'll cost an arm and a leg most likely. =/
~Abigail
I think so too! Especially since it's bigger with more pieces than any of AG's current most expensive items like Samantha's Ice Cream Parlor, Julie's Car Wash set, or Caroline's Parlor. So it'll definitely as least be over $350...
DeleteRumor has it that the big ticket item will be $500, so that's what I'm expecting at this point.
DeleteThanks so much, Lilly Maiden and Impy, for digging up all these links!
Oh my goodness! It's quite a sticker shock but I guess it makes sense seeing the way AG has been pricing their big ticket items. Still I was hoping for closer to $400 or $450. Funny how even that $50 makes it look like a big difference. :D
DeleteI LOVE Grace and all her stuff and will buy it all eventually! I cant believe she don't have more furniture though
DeleteI feel like she already has more large pieces than Isabelle, with that large bakery, pastry cart, and the cafe table/chair set. It seems Isabelle only had her studio and dance barre which were both small compared to Grace's stuff. :)
DeleteI renamed my Grace. Her new name is Celeste..
DeleteLots of cute things there! Thanks for digging up the links!
ReplyDeleteImpy dug up the links with super sleuthing power. ^_^ I agree, tons of cute things in her collection to tempt tempt tempt my wallet!
DeleteShe is so pretty! I absolutely love her! I will (hopefully) be buying her the day she comes out ;) (Which is only 9 days away! I can't believe it! This year went so fast.) I really love Grace's bakery, but if it is $500, I won't be able to afford to buy it :( I am in love with her pajamas, though! They are so cute!!! :D Thank you so much for posting this, and thank you to Impy for sharing the images :)
ReplyDelete★ Shelby-Grace ★
And, oh, I hope you don't mind, but I updated my post about Grace Thomas with a link to this post so others can check out this wonderful post of yours :)
Delete★ Shelby-Grace ★
Thank you for linking back! :) I really can't wait to go and see her in person, and try to talk myself out of "needing" a $500 toy bakery! :D
DeleteEh, I'm not feeling her. Not only because she's #4 in a string of white girls, but because so much of what she has is meh at best. I like the baking outfit and the baking accessories and the PJs, but not much past that.
ReplyDeleteGasp! You mean you're not in love with her puffy pink creation? (I'm not talking about the pastries!) :D I can't stop imaging #58 in all of the photos of Grace. :/ It's beyond disappointing to me that AG is sticking with dolls that represent white girls in the GotY line.
DeleteWell kanani isn't a white girl but she's also not a super dark girl but she is colored in a way but I wouldn't say she's a white girl but that's also your opinion and we both have diferent opinions so if I did something to make you mad or something I didn't try too
DeleteBoth Kanani and Jess are 1/2 white Malia. :) The only full GotY without a Caucasian background is Marisol released in 2005. I am glad Kanani did have a different color vinyl used for her but I hope AG can commit to a full minority character (especially a black doll) without giving her a partial white background.
DeleteI agree with you, Nethilia. I thought it was finally time, but I guess not this year. When Kanani came out, I was hopeful that she would look more Hawaiian instead of so light (both skin and hair are too light, imho). Guess we have to wait for next year.
DeleteWhile I'm not in to her at all, there are a couple of cute outfits that I would consider, and I MUST have that set with the mixer in it.
ReplyDeleteHahaha! The doll doesn't really appeal to me either, but I love all her baking accessories and food pieces! I just added the prices of the pieces as well. I can't decide if $65 is high (relative to other AG sets) for it or if it's normal.
DeleteI'm just glad to see it is going to be sold separately from the bigger sets, unlike Isabelle's sewing machine. I would have been all over that too, but didn't want the rest. Thanks for posting the prices, looks like I can get through this GOTY for about $126! I can do that. I'm a sucker for AG pajamas.
DeleteA little disappointed. Was really hoping it would be a doll that my daughter can get excited about again.....
ReplyDeletePerhaps next year? :) Or one of the dolls from the historical line? There is the rumored 1950's girl coming out next year, as well as a revamp of Josefina's collection too.
DeleteHmmmm. I like all the food and baking stuff, but as it's not available separately I won't be getting it. I couldn't justify buying the OG diner which was around $99, so there's no way I'm going to be buying a $500 bakery.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize OG had a $99 diner out, but just from the stock images, my personal feeling is that the smaller pieces look particularly "plastic" and reminds me of OG. I'm sure the quality of the plastic and material used is higher, but I guess as an adult I'm not too impressed with the baby-ish look of some pieces in Grace's collection. :)
DeleteWow! I really love her collection.. Except for this huge bakery... The accessories that come with it are great but the whole thing is too big... If they had made just the oven with the accessories i would probably buy it.... I love the outfits tho.. And the mixer and the suitcase. Thanks for sharing!!!
ReplyDeleteHahaha! I agree! I wish they had broken the giant bakery down into several smaller sets. I'm really curious to see how the general public will react to the price and how well it will sell.
DeleteMy Dd(8) loves moat of this collection except the bakery. She said it looks too platicky. Look forward to seeing it up close. I dont care for the doll. Dd said she likes her. She didnt scream for her. She screamed for the suitcase for her Caroline, the pink cotton candy dress, Love outfit, PJs and mixer.
ReplyDeleteI kind of hope it is plastic so it is more affordable, if it is all wood it is going to be way out of our price range.
DeleteI agree with your daughter that some of the pieces look very plastic. I know AG uses better quality material and plastic than OG does, but I felt that quite a few of the pieces this time around reminded me of some OG accessories in design and look. I hope it looks better in person. ^_^
DeleteI love her collection! I may have to save up some money to buy something!
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll share photos if you decide to get anything from her collection! ^_^
DeleteI am wondering if the books will have pictures or not, but regardless she will be on her way to our house Jan 1st!
ReplyDeleteI hope the books will have photos! It never occurred to me that since they took the photos out of the BeForever books they might also do that with the GotY books.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry Jazz, but for some reason it says your comment was removed by a blog administrator although I don't think I can recall removing it. Please do feel free to repost!
DeleteThat is okay you may have accidently hit remove instead of approve ;) I was just saying that I think we will have to settle for just the table and the cart even though that bakery is awesome :)
DeleteI just learned from Midoria that the bakery is wood mostly wood instead of plastic so that may be why the price is so high. However I am glad AG has a much more reasonably priced (only relative to the bakery :D) cart. The cafe is super cute as well but I wished it came with 2 chairs and settings.
DeleteThanks for all the pictures and prices! I too am not too attracted to her (somehow, she looks vain to me, she looks too much like a spoiled rich girl), but I do like her collection, although pricey. I'm glad I have th super OG baking set (still in its box) that will fill up for that of Grace. I yet have to show her to my dd, so see what her reaction will be. I think she will like her.
ReplyDeleteI think I'll have to take a look at OG's offerings. I'm not too familiar with their dolls and accessories but I'm curious to compare their baking accessories to what AG is offering for Grace. :)
DeleteI love the doll, the JACKET, the PJ's, and I will consider the earring set once I see it. Love that her ears are pierced AND she comes with a charm bracelet! Bob Bon is cut but I don't usually go for the pets. I also like the beret, but that's all I want from her accessories, and I really like the purse accessories. I like the love sweatshirt, but not with the shorts, and I like the pink dress, but I think the mesh dulls the shiny sequins. Not crazy about the baking/everyday outfit, and all the other accessories cost way too much. OG is a great alternative! Thanks for sharing so I can plan for the debut!
ReplyDeleteHahaha I like the jacket too! I just hope it's made from more substantial material, and not the thin material used for the coat that came with the store exclusive Ruby Ballgown outfit this year. Grace's coat looks like a modern outfit inspired by Addy's school suit to me with the color theme. :)
DeleteYes, I definitely hope it is better than the ball gown coat :o And yes, many of the same colors and Addy's school outfit, and I love the way it matches her eyes! As long as it's quality, I think I'm planning to get her, the coat, and probably the earrings for now, although I LOVE those PJ's! I wish I could just purchase the beret ;) I also think the meet (purse) accessories are cute, but probably pricy for what they are.
DeleteMay I use the picture for my own blog?
ReplyDeleteThe pictures are on the AG website so I don't mind, though I would appreciate it if you could link back. :) Would you mind sharing your blog? I love seeing all the different AG fan blogs. ^_^
DeleteActually, they aren't on the AG website at this point, so anyone actually putting these photos on their blog could be facing copyright infringement charges and potentially have their blog shut down. I know they have gone after several people already. They (AG) own these images.
DeleteHi Flo! I actually did find the images on the AG website. I have added the direct links to them on the AG website to the original post. :) I make no claim on any of the images, not even finding them, only sharing the pictures AG has directly placed up. If they contact me and ask me to take them down, I am more than happy to do so. Until then, I hope people enjoy getting a look and start planning for how they want to budget their purchases.
DeleteNone of that really matters. Read this:
Deletehttp://livingadollslife.blogspot.com/2014/12/update-goty-2015-grace-thomas.html
Actually, all of that DOES really matter. LissieandLilly are legally, completely within fair usage rights.
DeleteAlso, I wouldn't link to LADL when it comes to "integrity and honesty."
You might not be aware, but that blog has stolen and reposted pictures from other collectors without credit nor permission, made numerous racist posts (the ideas that person has about Native Americans are really ugly, and that's just the posts I'm remembering off the top of my head), and is generally an unreliable source of information.
On the other hand, LissieandLilly has consistently shown integrity (and quality and originality!), and certainly far more than LADL ever has.
L&L, please keep being awesome into the New Year! :D
This is directly off the American Girl website under their "Terms and Conditions":
Delete"•You may only use the Content on the Website in connection with your permitted activities on the Website – and not in an offline environment or on another website. (See Sections 1(C), 2(B), 3(A), and 3(B) below.) You may not use the Website for commercial, political, or inappropriate purposes. (See Sections 1(C), 2(B), and 3(A) below.) "
As far as LADL and their integrity and honesty, that disturbs me that they have done any of that, thank you for the heads up. I have not run across any of the posts you have referenced, but thank you for the information.
I appreciate your concern Flo! As I stated earlier I am happy to remove the photos if AG asks me to. Since they have not removed the images from their site and the link to this post has been made widely public (I'm confident they are aware of it), I do not expect this post to be a problem for them.
DeleteI am familiar with the reputation of the LaDL blog you referenced. I understand it is notorious for using images from AG and other doll blogs/reviewers without their consent (such at Nethilia's AG Outsider Blog), and has been chastised in the past for posting AG's images not made available to the public yet on their own site (such as prototype images for the potential 1950 historical character slated to be released next year). I am not surprised they may be in communication with AG's legal team though I do not know the details, so I am wary of taking their story/explanation at face value.
Thank you once again for your concern and for educating me about AG's policies! I fully respect your decision to not view posts and images if you feel morally uncomfortable doing so. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!
I will admit that we were rather excited to finally see pics of Grace, however, we're not impressed with the bashing of other doll blogs (namely Living a Doll's Life). Besides being morally wrong, saying bad things about others can ruin their reputation through detraction. It's also not very nice!!!! Would you want someone saying mean things about you?
DeleteFlo, I hope you won't allow these posts to ruin your original opinion of LaDL.
Although the info about Grace may be somewhere on AG's website, IT HAS NOT ACTUALLY BEEN OFFICIALLY RELEASED BY THE COMPANY!!!!!!!! Did AG give you permission to post their copyrighted pictures? Maybe they haven't asked you to pull their pics yet, because they're pursuing legal action and want to catch you in the act? Just a warning.....
As today is Christmas, let us especially remember to be kind. Use your blog to share your love of dolls. Please don't allow it to become a negative dumping ground!
Merry Christmas! !!
Hi Anonymous -
DeleteI just wanted to mention that generally when I think of "kindness," the first thing that comes to mind is not shouting at internet strangers in all caps. Just thought I'd put that out there.
Happy holidays to you too!
So sorry if that came across as shouting....that was not my intention at all!!
DeleteJust wanted to make sure to get my point across! :)
Dear Anonymous,
Delete1) If you did not mean to shout, then why did you also add eight exclamation points immediately following the part you had put into caps? An exclamation point, grammatically speaking, generally indicates not only excitement but an increase in volume. The fact that you also added capitalizations (which has indicated online shouting for years now) makes me think that you did indeed mean to shout.
2) Speaking the truth about someone or something (a person or a blog) is not "bashing." LaDL's failure to cite sources is a provable fact. Certain posts of LaDL are demonstrably racially insensitive. As far as LaDL's reputation goes, as she sows so shall she reap.
3) Unless you are secretly Lilly Maiden, this is not your blog. I think it is extremely rude to command a blogger on what she is to say and how she is to say it -- particularly if you do so anonymously, without having the integrity and courage of your convictions to own up to your own words.
To Anonymous – It is not morally wrong to be honest and tell the truth, which is what I did in my response to Flo. Since she referenced the site, I wanted to explain to her why I am taking the blog with a grain of salt. It would be rude to just accuse the blog she cited without any actual examples. That would be bashing, which I did not do. Instead I clearly gave specific examples of every incident I mentioned, and none with the purpose of “bashing” but of explaining why I feel apprehension at taking the word of LaDL at face value. The blogger Nethilia has had her images used without permission on that blog. I personally witnessed the blog put up AG’s secret images of their prototype historical character (which was not released on the AG website) only to be forced to remove it within a few hours. There are more incidents but I did not feel it necessary or professional to bring these up since they would not contribute to my reply to Flo. Every statement I made about the blog was supported with a specific example. That is nor bashing nor is it morally wrong.
DeleteWhile I was very civil and polite in my response to Flo and supported every statement I made about the blog, your attack was in no way kind or in the spirit of the holiday. You accuse me for being morally wrong for being honest, threaten me with AG’s potential legal actions, which unless you are the AG legal department, is not your place to do so, and then have the audacity to remind me to be kind when you have already attacked with such rudeness. Rather than defending the LaDL blog, I feel your actions reflect poorly on it. Please refrain from further rudeness and turn this into a “negative dumping ground” or I will remove the comments.
To Anonymous,
DeleteLilly Maiden has been beyond kind. This is her blog so why is it anyone's business what she posts? I can understand someone being concerned and relaying to her the possible dangers which has been done, but to continue to bash her over this is completely rude. She has one of the best doll blogs in my opinion and she does a good job at keeping us up to date on everything. She chose to post this, she knows the risks. If AG actually does contact her, she will take care of it. So why don't you guys drop it and leave her alone about it?
I think the bashing needs to stop NOW. The whole way around. I merely pointed out what I had issue with. Lilly was very gracious. I wish I could say the same about everyone else. :/ I'm appalled.
DeleteAs for images being used without permission--I am a free-lance photographer with 25 years experience in the photography and art field. I do happen to know quite a bit about copyright law. And I simply wanted to point out that Lilly and others are using images that do not belong to them. It happens all the time on the internet, but it is not right.
How would you feel if someone stole something off your blog and used it without your permission? That's one of the issues brought up about another blog here. Just because AG is a large company doesn't make it any different. Sure, they are making a lot of money doing what they do, but they also have a copyright on their dolls, their books and their images. It all belongs to them. Criticisms are made about another blog that used images that didn't belong to them. It's not any different.
As for the other blog-I think recent events have been a learning experience for her. I can't speak for her personally because I don't really know her, and I've only begun reading her blog recently. She has admitted that she wasn't 100% sure about what was considered copyright infringement. I think she is now. I won't quit reading her blog because of what was said here, but I will not be afraid to stop reading if I come across something I feel very strongly about and see any of the behavior referenced here. I'm a grown up, I can make my own choices and decisions based on what I have seen and/or read. I also think that some people can learn from their bad experiences and mistakes and make positive changes.
Thanks to some of you for turning my post in to a battleground. You should be real proud. :(
Hi Flo, I appreciate your insight as someone who is familiar with the copyright law since I am not well versed in that area at all. I believed I was in compliance with AG's "Terms & Conditions of Website Use": http://store.americangirl.com/static/popups/termsConditions.html but I emailed AG directly asking for clarification.
DeleteSpecifically, Section 1(C) states: "Mattel grants you a limited, ...personal, and non-transferable license to (i) ...display, view, use, play, ...the Content… for your personal, non-commercial use" and "The foregoing limited license (i) does not give you any ownership of… any Content", which seems to give a limited license to display/use/view their Content as long as one does not use it for commercial/political purposes. Since this is a personal blog without a commercial/political agenda and I claimed no ownership/association with the company, I believe I am covered in this limited license.
The other point I wanted to clarify was in Section 10: "We grant you a limited… license to create hyperlinks to the Website, so long as: (a) the links only incorporate text,… (b) the links and the content on your website do not suggest any affiliation with Mattel… (c) the links and the content on your website do not portray Mattel or its products or services in a false, misleading, derogatory, or otherwise offensive matter, and do not contain content that is inappropriate for children…" From this wording, it seems like links to the website are allowed as long as the links only have text, do not suggest affiliation with Mattel, and do not portray Mattel and its products in a false way, or contain content inappropriate for children which I did not do.
I received a response that specified that these images were not officially released yet and asked for them to be removed by AG. Of course I will abide by AG's directions, but since they did not contradict any other point I made, I assume that my interpretation of the usage of their images and links are valid. I am also confused as to what would be covered on the "Fair Use" clause since the images are only used to "illustrate the product" in question, there are "no public domain" photos available, the images do not limit the copyright owner's rights to distribute the product, the image is available on multiple other sites so its use here does not make it any more accessible that it already is, and it is being used for information purposes only. By those statements, my usage of the images falls under the Fair Use clause as well.
From these points above, I feel like your question of "How would you feel if someone stole something off your blog and used it without your permission?" does not apply to the same situation since I have not given any limited license to my content unlike AG. Personally, (I cannot speak for others) I would not feel upset if others wanted to use my images as long as they do not claim ownership of them and cite & link back to me as I have done here with AG. I do not wish to keep referring to the LaDL blog, either in defense or in accusation. Everyone has a right to read and enjoy what ever public blog they wish and it is not my place or anyone else's to tell others not to. In my earlier posts I merely wanted to illustrate why I felt a certain way about the blog, and not to make a general statement about whether others should enjoy it or not. I felt it would be unfair to brush aside a suggestion you made without offering an actual explanation, and it has never been my intention to "bash" anyone.
For this specific post, since I have chosen to ask AG directly what they would prefer for me to do, I will abide by their directions in regard to this post, and the information has been removed until AG officially releases it on the 1st of January. I truly appreciate your courtesy and civility in your responses as well as your kindness in sharing your knowledge of an area I have little experience in. Wishing you a very happy New Year!
The dolls that use the Josefina face mold are the prettiest - the pouty lower lip and the slight crease above the eye to suggest an eyelid. And this would be only the second to have freckles, the first was Nellie. I'll be buying soon after she's in the store.
ReplyDeleteI actually didn't consider that Grace would only be the second doll with a Josefina mold to have freckles! And she will have a different freckle pattern from Nellie as well. :)
DeleteThank you for posting all these the way you did. It's so nice not having to click a million links. I did want to let you know that the beret set is called Grace's "Welcome Gifts". They are given to her by her relatives when she arrives in Paris which explains the content. Her proper accessories are the ones with the gloves and purse. AG is trying to get tricky on us!
ReplyDeleteI was thinking that purse set reminded me of Isabelle's accessories nice to know :)
DeleteThank you very much for the correction Midoria! I fixed the post with the new information. Do you know if Grace's accessories will be the same price as Isabelle's at $30?
DeleteTaking my New Year's Resolution to speak up and stop lurking a bit early!
ReplyDeleteThank you for a wonderful and beautiful blog that's both informative and entertaining! Always a fun read and thank you so much for all the work that must go into this (and doing it for free!). This post was fun to read, but much more fun without having to click a zillion times!
Merry Giftmas and a Dolly New Year! ;D
I appreciate your kindness speaking up Neici! It makes me happy to hear you enjoy L&L! :D I also thought it would be easier to put all the images on one page instead of clicking through several links. ^_^
DeleteThank you for sharing these, to you as well as to Impy and Midoria.
ReplyDeleteWhile I´m not sure I want/need to get anything yet, I like Grace´s collection a lot better than Isabelle´s.
I feel the same way. Isabelle's collection was very hard for me to relate to, and it didn't feel like it had a lot of regular clothing. Grace's collection is still pretty cotton candy but I love that there are so many accessories and pieces though I'm still working on reconciling myself to the prices. ^_^
DeleteThanks for posting the photos! It's great to be able to budget and plan! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays L&L!
Happy Holidays Traci! I'm glad the photos and prices help you plan. :) With the GotY line getting more and more expensive every year, I'll need to follow your example and plan lest I find myself spending all my tuition money on dolly things. :D
DeleteThanks for sharing! and i really enjoyed your detailed overview! Do you have any info if there will be matching girl's clothes? i would like to ge the red LOVE sweater for my daughter for the VD :)
ReplyDeleteHi Stardust! I'm happy the photos were helpful! Unfortunately I do not have any information if there will be matching girls clothes, other than the pajamas and the meet accessories for certain. I would guess that there would be since it seems like the LOVE outfit would be very popular with the target girls like your daughter, and I'll keep my fingers crossed for you and her that they'll have it come Jan. 1st! ^_^
DeleteJust keep changing the numbers on the url... I guess these are all girls sizes items:
Deletehttp://store.americangirl.com/images/CGD28_main_2.jpg
http://store.americangirl.com/images/CGD29_main_2.jpg
http://store.americangirl.com/images/CGD30_main_2.jpg
http://store.americangirl.com/images/CGD31_main_2.jpg
http://store.americangirl.com/images/CGD32_main_2.jpg
http://store.americangirl.com/images/CGD33_main_2.jpg
Thank You!!! Iam definitely getting that sweater!
DeleteThank you for finding and sharing those links Ozonetat! I wonder how popular the girl sized outfits will be?
DeleteActually, people were complaining that Isabelle wasn't unique enough because Marisol was a dancer too, so I'm pretty sure nobody will complain about the doll's background being in Paris.
ReplyDeleteI'm satisfied with what AG came up with and I'm gonna get her as soon as possible!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't be surprised if people decide to complain about Grace visiting France when she's supposed to be an "American Girl". :D It seems AG can never win and make everyone happy!
DeleteAre those Mia's freckles? (Pattern?) I would love a different pattern, and love, LOVED Mia's, whom I do not own. (Was hoping, but if I can get the unique pattern on this BEAUTIFUL doll, I'll be thrilled to content myself reading little Charlie's blog.)
ReplyDeleteSo excited!
Hi! I don't personally own a Mia doll, but my grandma (who is also an AG collector) does have a Mia doll and I have seen Mia's freckles on her doll ;) I don't think the pattern is the same because Mia's seem to bee more "spread out" and a lighter color than Grace's appear to be in these pictures. But the freckles on Grace seem to be unlike any other dolls' freckles, which is really cool, too! I hope you are able to get Grace for yourself this coming year or if you decide to get Mia, have good luck with finding a Mia on the secondary market :)
Delete★ Shelby-Grace ★
I am not very familiar with freckle patterns but I have been told by several other collectors who love freckles that Grace has a unique freckle pattern. ^_^ Of course, she'll never take the place of Charlie!
DeleteDoes anyone know if there will be a starter set bundle and what pieces it will include/price?
ReplyDeleteI personally don't know but I would not be surprised since nearly every GotY has had one to date. I would estimate the price around the $300-$500 range, since Grace's entire collection will be the most expensive GotY collection yet.
DeleteI'm excited about grace's storyline I'm not thrilled about the 500 price tag especially that it doesn't include the mixer etc. I think there should be a bundle option if you chose to buy the whole set. Lol wishful thinking? I'm sure that will never happen . I will just have to wait for a sale or pray for a sale that is :)
ReplyDeleteHahaha I'll keep my fingers cross for a sale for your then! I also wish the mixer was a part of the $500 bakery set, but perhaps one of the other doll lines (Our Generation, Queen's Treasure, etc.) will have a more reasonably priced option.
DeleteI LOVE her! I am definitely getting her for my birthday! I'm glad my birhtday is at the end of January, not the long to wait!
ReplyDelete-Carina
:) That's wonderful Carina! You'll be able to enjoy Grace from the very start of her year!
DeleteTHE BOOKS ARE ON AMAZON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
ReplyDeleteThe mini doll is now officially on Amazon as well. :) I was surprised to see that the books are already being sold at my local Barnes & Noble.
DeleteI think LADL is a wonderful blog. Rhonda is one of the kindest bloggers I know. I am initially shocked by such gossip about her blog. The only pictures I've seen on her blog that are still there that. "leaked" are from eBay. If AG asked her to remove anything she kindly did so. Even I have posted a few things that leaked from eBay, and if AG had ever asked me to remove them, I would have done so as well. Doll Diaries is a very respectable doll website, and even they have had to remove pictures too. I don't see why LADL is being attacked so much when many other blogs have had the same issues. As for people being called ugly, I'm sure that was some misunderstanding. I understand some dolls are not to other's standards, but that does not mean the character herself and her nationality is ugly. I could say I don't like some features of Addy, but that does not mean I hate AA kids. One of my besties is African American. I hope this clears up a few things. Happy blogging everyone!
ReplyDeleteHi, Maria. Sadly, the "gossip" about LADL is fact. The reality is that certain people take information/pictures without permission and repost them while refusing to acknowledge where they got it, and she is known to be one of them. It’s well-documented all over the web. She does not do it all the time. But enough for people to notice. Also, you are totally right about many other people having this issue. A few days ago I posted the prices for Grace's collection on a forum. Within two hours, someone who runs a popular Facebook group reposted the prices without admitting they got them from me. The Facebook group members asked her repeatedly for the source, and she refused to admit what she had done.
DeleteLily Maiden had the integrity to ask me for permission to post and gave me credit for getting ahold of the price list. And you’ll notice how whenever she talks about information that was passed on to her, she tells you exactly who said it. But, sadly, a lot of people are not like her. Being popular and likable doesn’t mean that you are above taking things without permission in order to attract people to your blog. And it also shouldn’t shield you from being “called out” on undesirable behavior.
Hi Maria,
DeleteI appreciate you stopping by and sharing your thoughts. :) LaDL was brought up initially by another commenter who suggested using it as a reference/guideline for understanding copyright rules, to which I responded that I take the blog with a grain of salt and explained why. The blog was not attacked, and I do not believe telling the truth is gossip. Specific examples were used to reference each incident and I only stated what contributed to my explanation for why I am cautious of taking the advice at face value. As you've said, many sites are frequently asked by AG to remove images, and have happily done so. I myself am now one of those because I emailed AG asking for clarification about their terms of use and was asked to remove the information until Grace's official release by them. However, as Midoria explained, the LaDL blog has a reputation for reposting information/photos by other doll fans without citing or linking them. There are numerous other things on her blog, with much original content. But there are also numerous instances where the blog has featured "stolen" content used without the original person's consent. This is different from using AG images because AG does give a limited license to their content in their terms of service while other doll collectors/bloggers/fans have not done so.
I respect your love and relationship with the LaDL blog, and do not suggest you or any other fan of the blog ought to refrain from visiting and supporting the blog. I merely express why I choose not to do so. No collector/fan likes seeing the time and work they put into finding information and pictures disregarded by another who claims the hard work as their own. It's important to me to always ask permission, and cite and link back if possible to the person who has found and shared the information (unless they specifically ask to remain anonymous) as a way to recognize their efforts and contribution to those of use who love and collect AG dolls. I understand this may not be something done by every blogger/youtuber but it is what I believe to be right and fair. I hope the LaDL blog (as well as myself and all other bloggers/youtubers) will continue to share their own original content and contribute to the AG fan world, and hopefully refrain from posting others' insights/information/content without their permission. Thank you for your comments and I hope you have a wonderful New Year!
I'm very sorry to hear your information was shared without giving your credit Midoria! Thank you very much for your kind words. I'm always grateful (along with others who benefit from your kindness) for the information/images you share with us and I look forward to seeing your reviews of the new items coming out soon! ^_^
DeleteThank you sooooo much for posting all of this!!! I am getting her the day she comes out!!! 😍😍😍😍😍😍
ReplyDeleteP.s. I want all of her stuff
^_^ You aren't alone in wanting all her stuff! I hope you find a beautiful Grace doll. :)
DeleteIf ag was to sell the bakery and then the accessories then I would totally buy the accessories. I mean like how they do it with the beds like buy the bedding(accessories) buy the bed(bakery) or buy them together
ReplyDeleteI don't really know if AG would do something like that with the Bakery and accessories, though it would be nice if a bundle like that showed up on a Jill's Deals & Steals. :) I guess we'll have to wait and find out! ^_^
DeleteNot impressed. She's not very cute & neither are her clothes. The baking stuff is nice, but there's really nothing special about her. AG could have done a lot better.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like your wallet is safe from Grace then! :D Now you can start daydreaming about the GotY 2016. ^_^
DeleteI can not wait till she comes out! I will probably end up buying her. I love her fancy coat!
ReplyDeleteI like her coat too! The strange asymmetry of it is throwing me off a little, but I still think it's really adorable and reminds me of a modern outfit inspired by Addy's school dress, which I LOVE. :D
DeleteDoes anyone know if you get a discount on the new doll if you go to one of the parties they have at the AG store specifically to introduce her?
ReplyDeleteI don't recall AG doing anything like that for Saige and Isabelle and I don't think they're planning on going it for Grace either or I would have expected to receive it on an email. :/
DeleteDo you know why Book 3 of this series is not published until May? Books 1 and 2 are released on Jan 1st and I would prefer to have the whole set! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure. I actually wasn't aware of that until I saw your comment. It seems strange to me as well, especially since all 3 of Isabelle's books were released on Jan 1st. Perhaps there was a publishing error/delay that pushed back the release a few months?
DeleteMaybe the third book release goes hand in hand with the dolls summer releases. Ie Isabelle sparkle dress and makeup kit? She had an ebook release wearing the sparkle dress on the cover.
ReplyDeleteThat's right, I'd forgotten that Isabelle had an ebook released halfway through the year! I wonder if Grace will have one as well.
DeleteI think she's the cutest doll of the year yet. Saige is my second.
ReplyDeleteWill you be getting her? :)
DeleteHow much does she cost?
ReplyDeleteShe'll be the same price as Isabelle was, $120.
DeleteI have an idea about a girl of the year her name woul be Lucy and she would be an orphan and is adopted and has to adjust to her new family and her new sister alice. Lucy would have short curly blond hair sea foam eyes and freckles. Alice would also be a doll she would have long red hair bangs and blue eyes. The basic concept is about sisterhood and learning that family isn't from the blood its within the heart
ReplyDeleteYour idea of sisterhood reminds me of Frozen. :) It sounds interesting!
Deletegrace Thomas family and frend and her dog [book ]by amican girl
ReplyDelete