Editor in Chief Bill | 09 Feb 2012 1:11 p.m. PST |
I was just reading in a wargaming magazine that at least one club fears that the growth of the internet is leading to a decline in game club membership. What effect has the internet had on the clubs you belong to? * sharp decline * some decline * about the same * some growth * major growth * I don't belong to any clubs * I don't know |
MajorB | 09 Feb 2012 1:24 p.m. PST |
It has made communication between members a whole lot easier and cheaper. |
Altius | 09 Feb 2012 1:32 p.m. PST |
Wot he said. It's had a very positive effect on the hobby in general, I think. |
willthepiper | 09 Feb 2012 1:36 p.m. PST |
Clubs with an internet presence are much easier for newcomers to find. I've been able to link up with clubs in new cities when they have a webpage that lists dates, times and locations of meetings. Of course, this info is most useful when updated regularly – I'm a bit dubious of webpages that note they were "last updated 6 June 2006"
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ColCampbell | 09 Feb 2012 1:37 p.m. PST |
It has actually slightly increased our "membership" as a couple of new guys have joined/expressed an interest in joining. As Margard and Altius said, it has made it easier for us to communicate among members and spread the word about our hobby. Jim |
Herkybird | 09 Feb 2012 1:39 p.m. PST |
All the new bods coming to our club found us online first I think? |
Mooseworks8 | 09 Feb 2012 2:40 p.m. PST |
I no longer belong to any clubs. |
John the Greater | 09 Feb 2012 2:50 p.m. PST |
E-mail certainly has made planning get-togethers easier. |
DeanMoto | 09 Feb 2012 4:09 p.m. PST |
I'm a Johnny-come-lately to the hobby, but I actually got in touch with the community and "club" via the internet. I was still stationed overseas when I stumbled upon them. In fact, it was this very site – TMP – that started the whole sordid affair. That said, I could say the internet enhances the club. We routinely post game announcements and interests on our Yahoo group. You can load all kinds of files and stuff there too – instant info dissemination – no need to hold meetings requiring the physical presence of members. Of course, there are times that it is best to meet face-to-face for certain issues – like planning a convention! Dean |
Bob in Edmonton | 09 Feb 2012 4:27 p.m. PST |
I think about half of our club's growth has started with an internet connection (the other half being guys bringing out other guys). In this way, I see the web as positive. It also facilitates planning, swapping and occasionally leads to interesting discussions. |
John Leahy | 09 Feb 2012 4:45 p.m. PST |
About the only way I see it adversely affecting club numbers is by folks realizing that other groups are nearby. Then leaving the club that doesn't measure up for the new one. Otherwise, nothing but positives. Thanks, John |
Scottjm | 09 Feb 2012 5:24 p.m. PST |
I agree with Bob, if it wasn't for the internet, I would've never found out about the Edmonton Wargame Group. |
Derek H | 09 Feb 2012 5:35 p.m. PST |
seswc.co.uk Gets us lots of new members. But only if they live in the South East of Scotland. |
GUNBOAT | 10 Feb 2012 3:51 a.m. PST |
Wargames Association of Reading get 2 to 3 new members per month most from see our web site or coming to our show Warfare. Last club night over 80 members in attendance so yes I would say that the Internet is good for our club link |
6sided | 10 Feb 2012 3:54 a.m. PST |
The only possible way the internet could be anything other than beneficial to a clubs membership is if they are an unwelcoming, unnurturing (is that a word?) bunch of gits. Jaz 6sided.net – Don't Use Blogger, Use 6sided! |
Dynaman8789 | 10 Feb 2012 5:15 a.m. PST |
The internet has caused many to go with other forms of gaming, so in that sense it is bad. It has also made communication (and just finding clubs) easier, so in that case it is good. So about a wash. |
Shark Six Three Zero | 10 Feb 2012 10:24 a.m. PST |
Without the internet I would have never found my local club. |
Sysiphus | 10 Feb 2012 7:42 p.m. PST |
The Internet has replaced most of the reasons I formed/joined a club. I get enough gaming in ad-hoc or at conventions; the dues money saved buys more toys. |