What would happen to this hobby without the internet?

[Trilogy]

Originally Posted by Zombie

would it die?

I don't believe it would die. However, I do believe the hobby would become far more difficult.

[Trilogy]

Originally Posted by lord odin

Damn internet if he was in China or Canada this would never happen.

lol

[ratchet]

I'm with the camp thatr syas it wouldn't die. I found out about Bowen through magazines - and bought them through my LCS... but yes, the internet has made it 1000X easier...

[TrueFaith]

I was collecting comics way before the internet existed. Not only has the internet probably saved the comics and busts hobby already, but it probably keeps small marginal statue makers in business a lot longer than they would be without internet sales. Allowing comics retailers access to many more buyers wia the internet has probably also kept many a LCS in business. Without the internet there would be far fewer local comic shops in existance today and you would have to travel a lot farther for your statues. The internet completely changed the comics business and injected a much needed shot of new customers when many were losing business and failing. The "good old days" were really not that great. Having to schlep to several LCSs in a week just to complete a collection can be quite tiresome and expensive. Query a few LCS owners and they will probably agree that the internet is the #1 best thing to happen to the LCS in the history of collecting.

[fantasticrour]

wouldn't have bought so much.

[protector2814]

I was collecting statues long before I ever discovered SF. I'd just see 'em in LCS's and scoop them there and then. I do buy a lot more now that I see everything that's out there or coming. If the internet went away, I'd still buy statues.

[rilynil]

Originally Posted by Sledge Hammer!

Exactly. Big city America would be fine, most of the rest of the world, particularly outside of the major metropolitan areas, and most regional areas and smaller cities would be absolutely screwed without the internet as far as this hobby goes.

Exactly right. Like I said, I would never have seen a Bowen or Sideshow statue were it not for the Internet. I discovered the industry by doing a random Spider-Man search on eBay.

[michaelgloch]

blasphemy to even talk about there being no internet! seriously though, I think almost everything (as in literally 90 percent) on the shelves in my room I ordered off the internet and only found out about being able to collect stuff like this on the internet. It would definitely be a lot harder to get updates and to buy or sell stuff. Would collecting die? probably not, but it would a lot slower more limited.

[Vracula]

i would be saving a hell alot more money i can tell ya!

[Rocket]

I only joined up to SF in November. I was collecting WAY before that and I'm all the way over here in Australia.....Wizard Magazine was my introduction into collecting.....