There's been some buzz online that the woodworking shows are not all they used to be. A lively and lengthy online discussion talked about the good, the bad and the hopeful. Editor

"I just got back from the woodworking show in St. Louis. Even though my weekend was a very pleasing visit with some good friends, the show was a major disappointment. Every year they just get worse." Doug

"I agree with you. There wasn't much to throw your money at. I bought an accessory pack for the Fein and could have gotten it for the same price at my local [woodworking store]." Terry

"We were in the market for a high-end scroll saw for my wife, but prices for almost everything were cheaper online, especially when you consider sales tax. This year, we were going to go, but when the alarm went off, I shut it off and went back to sleep. Don't think we missed anything. That's too bad." Guy

"I go to the shows to see new tools demonstrated, sit in a few classes and spend some money. As far as special prices go, they would be wonderful, too. But I would pay a few bucks more to take it home with me and make dust that afternoon. Before I plop down a couple grand on a new table saw I am going to put my hands on different models, and the shows are the best place to do that. It would be a pity if they stopped having them, but if the vendors are not there I have little reason to go." John

While many agreed that the vendor situation is worse, some pointed out that it is education rather than bargains that they hope to gain. Editor

"As everyone has mentioned, not many bargains anymore. I think the Internet has all but taken care of that. Watching the demos and attending the classes in hopes of picking up something new is what's going to drive future shows." Gary

"Bargains? The bargains are the tons of free classes. I do attend with my shopping list, and if there is something that I can't find elsewhere or is at a better price, then I purchase that, but that isn't my main reason to attend. For me, it is a day to share my hobby with my wife, visit with some old friends and make some new friends, and I am looking forward to the next one." Fred

"I mainly go for the classes, and for a chance to touch and play with some of the tools that I would otherwise not be able to see." David

"I have attended the Indy show now for about five years. Every year it gets smaller and smaller. I still enjoy it, though. Really liked the free seminars and experts there. Where else can you see so many experts for eight bucks?" Jeff

For some, even that was slipping. Editor

"Disappointing. To me, the shows are a learning opportunity. The cabinetmaking course did not follow the format in the promo. It basically just became a bunch of people standing around the presenter who was showing off his stuff. Last year, went all three days. This year, stayed less than four hours. Sorry to blast the show, but it has become less and less each year. Not worth it." Herb

"I went to a woodworking show this year and saw exactly the same classes, with the same instructors and same content, as I'd seen the year before! And the year before that, too!" Scott

Before long, nostalgia reared its head as one reader spoke fondly of a past show. Editor

"The show I miss the most was the old American Woodworker show before they became Reader's Digest. I attended a couple of those in Ontario and thought there were good prices to be had and a lot to see." Brian

At one point, an insider chimed in to add some explanation, perspective and hope. Editor

"I have been on both sides of the fence. I rented booths and tried to sell my tools and have enjoyed going to the shows as a customer. Now, I am a paid trainer for Delta power tools and I am doing shows across the country. The bargain days are over. There is no more room in margins for heavy discounts, and with Amazon and other web companies keeping the prices so low, you will not find any bargains at the shows. Go to the shows and enjoy yourself. Seek and learn. Spend some time with friends and enjoy being with other woodworkers sharing your hobby. The education being offered is a tremendous value; well worth the paid admission. Give the shows a chance and support them, for I believe that they will get better." Mike