Manstein's revenge
I hear a lot of moaning about our hobby dying in various threads...Got me to thinking while sitting in my cold Command Bunker...what hobbies are you aware of that have gone extinct, or seriosuly declined to the point that maybe one or two people are the only ones still engaged in it...?
Hand wringing and phrases like, "We need more young people in our hobby." are not allowed in your reply...
Good question, Manny but I think there is a difficulty answering it since there are so many people out there and any given number of possible hobbies. Since a hobby is an activity or interest that is undertaken for pleasure or relaxation, typically done during one's leisure time, this leaves the door open for all sorts of obscure undertakings, including Lawn Darts.
It would be difficult to say that our hobby is dying, IMO. I believe the strength of the hobby relies on the strength of its community and the strength of its industry...if it even has one. We have the benefit of enjoying a hobby that has both a strong community and a strong industry, at least to this point. Other hobbies may enjoy strength in numbers but may not have a vocal community or the need for an industry. I know several wood carvers who have great skill but never exchange information or techniques, as we do, with other carvers. And that certainly isn't a hobby fueled by industry. All you need is the know how, the time, some tools and some wood.
Similar to our hobby, in size and industry, is paintball. It was once my hobby but I've since lost interest. It was far too expensive and far too much maintenance for me to continue on a regular basis. But as a hobby goes, its growing in popularity - and could in some cases be recognized as sport. New markers are constantly being released along with other new accessories and equipment and one can follow the game by reading one of several publications, much like we do. This hobby relies greatly on community as it is VERY difficult to play paintball by yourself.....
There are certainly hobbies out there that I don't know any one personally participating in but that doesn't mean they are 'dead', just means I'm not looking in the right places. I only know 'personally' 2 modelers other than myself, one of them is my father, so that's not saying much. As long as there are people looking to fill their spare time, then hobbies will continue, whatever they may be. And as long as that hobby brings that person enjoyment, than that's really all that matters.