to also quote "That 70's show" BURN!
and while i do agree with you Steerpike completely im more interested in hearing what else you have to say on the topic at hand. as for building tough skin and trying new material, the problem i run into is living in a small town and having everyone already know me. i was wondering if anyone had any idea's on overcoming that?
Get yourself a disguise. And call yourself... Batmagicman!
If I can be more serious for a moment, I would agree w/ some of the other voices from this thread by saying: steer away from busking, except during festivals or events and such. Otherwise, you might not find the hours worth the money you will make. Hopefully, you live in a touristy area, where they have a handful of events every summer.
Last thing is, I really think you should try getting a more conventional job. It'll help more when you start looking at your career. You can't really write: Busking ~ 2008-2009 in the experience section of your Resume. Last summer, I worked at a day camp as magician/counsellor. Great experience. children are tough crowds for three reasons I can think of:
1. In their minds, the world is already full of magic, so a few tricks from a magician aren't as impressive. (Although they're much more gullible)
2. They never listen to you. They turn cards over all the time, they always duck around to check what you're doing and often forget cards.
3. They get very upset when you don't repeat tricks.
This summer, I'm doing an internship at a well known tech company as a software developper. My co-workers LOVE magic. My boss especially loves it and I do a couple routines every time we go out to lunch. Most people here are professionals and are fairly intelligent... but the methods they imagine up are sometimes so hilarious. One of my co-workers never reacts and always keeps a plain poker face. One time, I hurt my wrist, so I didn't do any magic that time we went for lunch. He goes: "Isn't there any magic you can do without your hands?" Me: "You like my magic? I thought you never watched!" Him: "No No, I watch very very carefully and then I think about it for the rest of the day"