YouTube tutorials usually look like they were filmed by a neanderthal with an extra chromosome. And the majority are made by dudes with no performing experience who show their face less than the Man in the Iron Mask. Stick with the library. At least the books there come with more recommendations than the creator's mom.
Let me clarify what I was saying because apparently my message was misconstrued in some manner or any other. My general impression was that this gentleman had no background in magic which is why he needed some sort of foundation. Youtube obviously shouldn't be the single handed thing which teaches you effects, but knowing the simple motion of various classical motions is important. Obviously there are plenty of other great places to find basic mechanics of magic, but no one can honestly criticize anyone's ability to teach when they are putting their own pride and knowledge out on the line to only be made fun of as seeming to be "inexperienced magicians". Many of the magicians who post their stuff on the Wire and the media section use Youtube as a medium to spread their own tricks,tutorials, and knowledge. I think it's unfair to criticize any source of knowledge aslong as this young magician gets a foundation from SOMEWHERE. It's a technological revolution for the spread of information. I think it's unfair to tell him to not use it... That being said
YES there are plenty of older magicians who will take you on out of the 6 billion humans on the planet, but the chances of you finding one due to the fact that many brick and mortar magic shops are declining and finding someone who will teach a random person without knowing whether they actually have a foundation or a passion for magic is RARE. Can you honestly say that for young magicians who do not have access to local S.A.M.'s or IBM's will have the luxury to learn magic will find someone who is older and has experience in magic to teach them?
Let me clarify once more about my point: Youtube is a great place to start, so are books, so are dvds. In this technological age you should use any source of knowledge you can to get as much information as possible. As an occupational mech engineer anytime someone criticizes one source of knowledge over another is appalling to me in the fact that knowledge is knowledge its medium of travel shouldn't be the sole piece of criticism it is judged on. Yes there are those videos out there which are halfassed and not very good
OBVIOUSLY, but there are just as many decent if not good ones that get a decent amount of important information across. If someone is willing to post a tutorial on a pass, shift, color change, then ill watch it. I think some forum readers thought i meant "Information on Youtube is the BEST PLACE TO LEARN". I was merely saying he has multiple outlets for information. Trying to find an older magician to learn from isn't the only way to learn because there are PLENTY other places to go to and gather information from without stressing out about finding a mentor.
"Trust me, I've watched Vernon shrug people off and at the same time, give certain people more than their fair share of his time. You'll see this with many of the guys older than me in that they are tired and havent' time for wannabes. You have to prove yourself first and that takes us straight back to what I said and where I was pointing you to initially. " This was the exact point i was trying to get across as well. Some older magicians don't have time for people who don't know ANYTHING and want to learn from an experienced person you have to have a foundation first which is why I referred various sources which are great places to start.