Agreed. I have no local model shops or model railway club as a grapevine. I do belong to a national society and so the only way to ask a question is online! My Dad however still prefers to speak to people via a phone even if he can use a computer.
On the other side I miss the presence of shops/businesses for a bargain. I do shop online for groceries but I still go to supermarkets for the discounted items at the end of day/week. I remember when small businesses or shops, on occasion, would chuck in something extra for free.