How big is the online community relative to the hobby as a whole?

[FrankToronto]

I was thinking even 2-3% might be generous but Stadium hit it bang on. The forums (all combined) hardly make up a significant factor of all collectors. However, some pride can be taken with this. We tend to be a small number of highly engaged collectors and that's why we're here.

At the card shows, while many HIers have paid it a visit, the vast majority aren't on the boards. Also online there are even more outlets to enjoy the hobby than there were 5-10 years ago. Online group breaks and even other avenues to list cards besides eBay i.e. COMC compete for collectors' online activity.

You would be surprised how many collectors and dealers at the shows don't even have an email address!

 

[koondog44]

I think the percentage who are members here is small overall, however, I also think that if one is a hard core player/set collector, they pretty much have to buy on EBay (at least 95%). Print runs are just to low for the average "joe" to come across them at their local store. Sure, you might come across the odd low # card for your PC, but if you "want it all" (like most of us do), EBay is pretty much the "go to" place.

 

[3rdlinewinger]

I'd say 10% buy/sell/trade and likely 15% utilize the online forums.