Buying and Selling Stocks/Investments

Im curious who here plays with stocks and investments. Im not talking IRA's etc... Do you prefer to do it online or in person with a broker? I've been looking into this a bit more, but honestly dont know how or where to start and just looking for experience from people that may do some of this type of playing with money.
I use a financial firm that my parents have used for decades. I am invested in diversified funds and both me and parents have averaged over 8% annual return for the past 20 years even through the Great Recession.