Websites: Positive or negative influence on acquiring new items for your collection?

[ChrisStufflestreet]

I built my website beginning in 2000 specifically because of what I saw on eBay and elsewhere on the Web. eBay sellers often claimed stuff was rare when it wasn't, other sellers had no idea of what they were offering...and some of the websites I came across were just wrong. So, I decided to build a site describing older cards...and without following up my words with a sales pitch.

To answer your question, my website has indirectly led to me adding to my collection because I have placed a wantlist there. I also have gotten emails from people wanting to buy my cards because they found my site, saw the checklists and just assumed I was implying that I was selling those cards. And occasionally, my simple "sorry, I'm not a seller" explanation has led to some grief.

So my answer is yes and no.