blank boards do have an impact on actual pro board sales, but i think single handedly that it it the zumiez, pacsuns, ccs,and all the other major chains/mail orders that are actually hurting skateboarding. sure they make money because they have the capital to buy in huge quantities thus getting major discounts which allows them to actually make money. its a no brainer if i was a kid,id buy the cheaper board, which brings you to them purchasing blanks......