Hmmmm I'd have to say I must have first started in more the live performance world and slowly mutated more to the media fandom, though I think there is more crossover with both than one would think.

For one thing, in Japan media like Prince of Tennis or Bleach oftentimes gets live-action musicals which are absolutely horrific, but that is another matter which then propagates out as DVDs and avi files with those people who will never see a live performance. And then there are the live seiyuu events based on a particular series and recordings as such.

I still really enjoy live performances, I like how even if you see the same production more than once even with the same cast, there is different energy and intonation. I ended up seeing the original production of Into the Woods 2x and then the revival 2x as well.

I think for me, I'm more amazed at how the internet really has made things so much easier now. My cousin had to bring me back the Hungarian Les Miserables on record from a trip to Hungary. lol