If I recall correctly, they were initially called the "Just Like me" doll line. - Ash
<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I have been a longtime AG collector (16 years). They have only been called American Girl of Today, then American Girl Today, prior to this. My 1995 blank book series is called American Girl, not Just Like You.

I don?t like the name change. Back when the dolls were new, I strove to purchase ones that were different from me and also different from any of the historical AGs. Back when I got my first one, they came with six blank books. I researched Chinese culture, traditions, and a holiday in order to create my doll?s world.

To me, this change means:

1) A loss in educational value as girls are encouraged to choose a doll that looks the same.

2) A trend toward more dolls and more doll styles, and trying to copy My Twinn. I feel that My Twinns are superior in their choice of face mold and hairstyle choices and the way they match girls, and it seems odd to have American Girl seem like the copycat, when usually they are the trendsetters.

3) A loss in imagination value, if the dolls are meant to be ?twins? to the girls purchasing them. The dolls will have the same hobbies and interests as the girls.

While we as members here understand you can purchase any doll there and it doesn?t have to look like you, the name tells their base fans: ?Pick on that looks like you.? I liked the old name better because while girls could certainly get a ?twin,? they were not encouraged to do so. This name just screams: Get a twin!

<font color="#051E50" size="1">[ December 28, 2005 11:36 PM: Message edited by: Melissa ]</font>