What do you guys think, should we rename this section? We have a lot of artists / companies that are discussed here that are Japanese, so having a "Japan Toys" section makes sense. There's a log of American artists as well, so "American Idols" made sense for a long time. Lately though, there have been more and more non-Japanese, non-American artists or companies popping up, and there really isn't a forum for them. So what do we do? Change the name of the "American Idols" section? Create a new section?

How about The Great Pretenders?

^ Haha that's actually pretty perfect!!

More importantly, I think we need a new section for Steve's grumpy rants and ravings - both board related and otherwise. The limits of the FU thread just don't cut it. In fact, best to just make that new thread invisible to everyone.

I think it would be a good idea to rename it. And because I'm anal-retentive, I think it would be great to define what fits where (toys produced in Japan (everything?) vs produced by Japanese people/companies, for example).

Gaijinfubi is an atrocious neologism, but it would work here.

(and while you're playing, might be great to create that "database" forum or sub-forum that's been discussed... forever)

James, you're outta line! (And change the header back!)

Over 175 views on this thread, and only 32 votes. Can you guys who haven't voted put in a vote or comment on this thread? I want to see what everyone thinks.

Sorry TC. Haven't seen this thread before. I'd open a new sub-fora for the addition of non-American, non Japanese makers.

This gets my vote!

I wouldn't mind the change. But in reality there aren't as many non Americans to garner a change in name.

I wouldn't create a separate section, as it will probably become like the "hinterlands" section where nobody checks/posts

Sort of a side thought. Why organize by region? I wouldn't mind sections based on genre rather then country.

For example,

licensed toys (goji, kamen rider, etc)

artists toys

action figures (madball, horror stuff, keshi etc)

The Outsiders.

^ That's almost as good as The Great Pretenders!

I actually like 'The Outsiders' more. It's less negative ('The Great Pretenders' can sound like we're saying that these artists are trying but failing at making good toys, even if that's not the intention), and it can have a double entendre referencing the "outsider art" element of some of these toys.

just call it Funkoland

Oh come now, TGP is clearly tongue-in-cheek!

How about The Outliers: Vinyl Creations from the Other 194 Widely Recognized Sovereign States?

How about "Gaijin sofubi"?

I agree that it should be renamed to incorporate all non-Japanese toys.

I understand Gaijin Sofubi and the context. When it was first used It was funny, but also used negatively to describe American toys that weren't so great or desired. But I think there are plenty of bad toys that come out of Japan and other countries as well and they just might not get posted here because it's an American board and the guys who make them aren't active here.

Am I going out on a limb here to say that there are probably 2 dudes here in the American Idols section that anymore bring in half the boards traffic? I think the name could be a little more respectful.

3 come immediately to mind.

Well stated Joe. This whole "gaijinfubi" joke is being run into the ground very quickly.

I say if the new title ideas are a slap in the face to great non-Japanese toymakers, then skip it.

PooFubi?

Since this is a forum for Japanese vinyl, "Outsiders" works well to describe the rest.

I like this title. Having spent many years as a gaijin it's very appropriate and as a fan of the novel and film, it just feels tough.