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First, you can't pull this "let's agree to disagree" or "all opinions are equal" nonsense. They aren't - for two reasons, one practical and one philosophical. Anyone who claims that "all opinions are equal" is either an idiot or a hypocrite. (This also goes for people who suggest you can't...

Sam the Bellhop is not Bill Malone's, nor has Bill ever claimed it to be. Sam the Bellhop was the creation of legendary bar magician Frank Everhardt. Bill made it into a signature performance piece and added performative elements which were unique at the time.

The issue is not about respecting Jason per se. It's too easy for people to dismiss the concerns as being friends looking out for other friends. The issue is respecting information and the work required in its acquisition, analysis, synthesis, and application. When you've never done any...

Legally everyone is entitled to an opinion, but calling a statement an opinion neither makes it right, nor an opinion. (Having been sued - unsuccessfully, I might add - for libel, I can assure you this is true.) The reason I ask about the books is to establish context for your value judgement...

Is that your rationale? Any idea when the zarrow shuffled first appeared in print and who taught it? Any idea what the cost of that item was in value adjusted for inflation? I presume then any instructional text on the pass or any false deal would automatically be considered overpriced...

You can criticize Jason all you want. But if you are going to make a statement, like a lifetime's experience is overpriced, you need to be able to demonstrate that you have SOME idea of what is involved in making such a value judgment. When everything is handed to you at the click of a...

And you wonder why many 'old timer' magicians seem reluctant to associate or help some younger hobbyists. I remember when one book came out a year and we were thrilled. To learn something like the bottom deal you had to find someone who could do it - you might be able to find a guy a...

Complex flourishes have been accurately described in print (with illustrations) for years. One of the finest examples being a french text from the 1950's. I contend a skilled writer can describe the most nuanced of motions, and there are systems of notations for many other visual/motion based...

Youtube posts are not (at this time) considered when establishing the history and lineage of ideas. If you eventually want credit for it, write it up, shoot photos or make illustrations and submit it to a reputable magic magazine.

Just1pin, I both understand and respect your position. However idealism and tradition are often at odds. What if, is a great question. But it has been my experience that 'it's not broke...' often trumps in practice. I am thrilled the organizers of the conference are sympathetic to your...

Ahhh ... the too good to be true feeling. I can see that. I do believe, knowing many of the people involved, they will deliver up to or exceed expectations. And Just1pin hit the nail on the head. The costs of a live convention can be staggering. Rental on SIMPLE A/V equipment at a hotel...

I understand you more clearly now, but I do not know if I completely agree - and that's a good thing. First, I do not know if anyone should EVER decide to do a trick just like another performer. All tricks learned should go through a personalization process. (in my opinion.) As Weber said...

Ironically, the idea of this particular version is NOT Juan's. Juan is very clear about this in the lecture. It is a great example of how a thoughtful performer took another magician's PUBLISHED trick and made it so personal that people couldn't imagine anyone else doing it. (And if you...

I have been trying to understand why this thread makes me feel the way it does. I think I know. I just returned from 4 days where every magician I met - regardless of age - all shared the same hunger for improvement. Not diversion. Not entertainment. But improvement. Before us now is...

What seems sketchy? One of europes leading magicians is gathering some of the best magicians in one place to share their ideas on the performance and practice of magic. Change the name from 'europe's leading performers' to 'dan and dave and syd' and you basically have magic-con, no? In...

The person putting this on is legit. He is the Copperfield equivalent in Portugal. He knows production at the level required to produce network specials. He is ruthlessly critical of his own work. He truly cares about magic as an art. This is not a group of twenty somethings with an idea...

Pricey?!?! You'll pay $30 for a one trick DVD, and this is just over twice that price for the chance to listen to 33 great magicians share their insights on our art - and you get DVDs of the talks. I do not know how long each talk will be, but if each were limited to JUST 10 minutes, you...

It was a great event. Many mentioned how it affected them not only as magicians but also as human beings. The danger with these experiences is that after the high wears off, we return to our original condition. So, what lessons did you learns (not specific moves or tricks, but things that...

The taom promises to be great: Max Maven Michael Weber Whit Haydn Paul Vigil Dan and Dave Buck Bob Kohler Eric DeCamps Chad Long Lance Pierce John Lovick Alfonso Bill Goodwin Jeff McBride (I think that's everyone.) And an amazing stage magic lecture in the works! The...

Its no secret that I am not a fan of justin miller. However, in our lives there are private matters and public matters. Sadly, in magic, it seems that wrongs are seldom addressed unless issues are raised publicly. I believe that stolen tricks and bad business practices should be addressed...