DOLLS

I don't think that doll conventions are very central to a collector's experience anymore. But then, in my mid-thirties, I may be considered a 'younger' collector.

I live on the west coast and rarely do doll conventions come out here. I have been to a couple but in no way did I get anything out of them that I could not have received off the internet. I speak of knowledge about our hobby here, not about social camaraderie with other collectors. Yes, the social aspect cannot be replicated as well by online interaction, but I have to disagree with your statement. I feel it is the convention that is the accessory, the happy extra.

Does the internet replace the 'need' for conventions? That depends on what you think the need is. If the need is to learn about the latest doll coming out then yes, the internet does the job just fine. If the need is to meet and mingle with collectors and creators, get your hands on some exclusive dolls and attend yet another Goth-themed banquet then no, I don't think the internet can fill that need. People still flock to them- conventions do not seem to have a problem filling up. But I didn't see a whole lot of 'young people' at the conventions I went to. Perhaps there is a need to move them around every year so younger collectors can get a feel for them without having to go into serious debt to get there.

I started collecting just as the internet was booming in the early nineties and while I originally got a lot of information from Doll Magazines eventually the internet began to make their content irrelevant. Magazines have had to shift their roles. They cannot just show new product and feature Doll Company press releases, any reader can find that information out online. Successful magazines have had to 'up their game',give readers more original material and even develop a community of their own. Otherwise their content is dated before it even goes to press.