The computer (which all of us use frequently) takes up a lot of our time that at one time was devoted to our hobbies in a different manner (reading antique car magazines, visiting junk yards, corresponding by mail and phone for parts, becoming friends with the parts manager of local auto supply stores and dealers, going to every flea market within driving range, working on our cars, etc.) .
The Internet has created major changes in many hobbies, even though it is helpful in locating parts and cars for CLC members. I believe it has hurt attendance at many of the car shows and flea markets, especially the larger shows which take hours of driving to attend. High fuel, hotel and meal prices add to the picture as well. Things are changing rapidly and we better be prepared for these changes. I am a senior citizen and many of my older friends do not have a computer, nor do they want one, so they cannot access our site or participate in this and other forums. They are missing out on a very interesting part of their lives. Others go overboard and spend too much time on the computer and are told to "get a life" (good advice). Hopefully that wording does not apply to me. I check my email, Ebay and this site 2-3 times daily but try to keep it brief - do I need counseling?
Here in Ohio it is a nice sunny morning and years ago I would probably be looking for a junk yard to locate parts for my cars. This has all changed, as I just look on Ebay or this site to see what shows up, or do a Google search in hopes that I can find what I need. Hemmings is still very helpful, but the circulation is not what it was many years ago when it was one of the few major sources of parts and services. Also by the time HMN arrives, it is always weeks since the ad was placed so the parts or cars may be long gone. In general, magazines have suffered as a result of the popularity and quick and easy access to information on the Internet.
Bottom line....we have only so many hours available in a day, even for our hobbies. Try to make the most of it.
Fred
