I joined a couple back in '99 - '01 and it seemed like more of a community / relationship building device than having any actual impact on my tying or finding a pattern that was useful. Early on, it was less common for all internet users to have access to digital photography, today most everyone reading this would have access to some sort of uploadable digital photography ( phones, ipad, digital camera's the list goes on ).

I see ongoing threads entitled " What are you tying now " sticky posted to the top of tying forums that allow both the everyday tier and the intermittent tier to share the latest creations to come from the jaws of their vise. Threads like those are the modern incarnation of the fly swap.
Incorporating some background info, where, when and why, a little history if the tier wishes too, a clear jpg or two and most importantly a sequential material list. Presto, an instant fly swap that's available to you when ever the mood to contribute strikes.

Thanks, Dave