Abstract: A computerized game and physical game piece provide the basis for establishing communication among members of an online community. An individual purchases or trades for a game piece which has a serial number thereon. The game piece also has a design that is representative of a message that individuals desire to convey. The game pieces are carried in a holder that allows for convenient trading of game pieces in the real world. Upon receiving a game piece, the individual registers the game piece on a website and is given access to a game piece profile and member profiles on the systems. Communications between members of the online community are based upon common ownership of the game piece. The online community includes messaging among members and online discussions regarding the game pieces and the messages thereon. The website tracks the series of possessors of game pieces and their real world locations.