I personally don't think there is such a thing as "going from newb to amateur." If there is, and anyone can pinpoint the time it happened to them, I doubt it would be when they picked up a magic book!
Could just be my opinion. I think you're still of the naive newbie mindset if you use EITHER as a crutch. I think a smart magician will use all possible options to learn as much as they can. A lot of outstanding material has come out on dvd. A lot of this material can't be found in books. The same can easily be said about books. Think about all you'll be missing out on if you only choose one. I remember buying books as often as I did dvds. I can't imagine going without either. My suggestion. Learn everything you can and never limit yourself otherwise you'll have a very hard time progressing. The knowledge in this industry is almost limitless. enjoy yourself.
Agreed, and instead of editing my previous post...it really is a gradual process.
Everything in magic is. Fans got it right (not uncommon) there is no one point in magic where a 'newb' is now an amateur. Nor is there a point where an amateur is now intermediate in anything, and the intermediate becomes 'expert' only after someone else realizes that they are an expert. It isn't something you readily recognize.
...the professional is someone who shows up on time (hopefully even a little early), who takes care in dress and appearance, and who does his or her job well. Any amateur with a little sense is capable of that much, right?
People often talk about the difference between amateur and professional magicians --and it drives me nuts. If there's a distinction to be drawn, that certainly isn't it. Before becoming a professional, you have to be an amateur! Many of my friends are excellent amateur magicians, and I know some frankly dreadful professionals.
I don't think there is a "point" but I do believe that there is a time when you say to yourself, "wow, I am far greater now than I was- I have a changed mindset." and I think that is the point when, even if we don't categorize it as whatever, that you become a more mature performer, even if it's just a realization.
I won't quote my signature, but you're free to read it down there
That's my stand on the matter.
When you've got one good effect and you can't fail at it whatsoever, then you've gone from Newb to Am, in my opinion.
Foolzsight,
Great post about the David Stone book. That is one of my favorites and packed full of valuable info. Everyone should read this or have it in their library.
As a teacher we have a saying, "Be a lifelong learner." This can be applied to all areas of life. Do not stay stagnant or others will pass you by.
I don’t see why there is importance is on either. Why do we NEED to know where we place this? Anyone can call themselves any of the three but it doesn’t mean anything it’s just a label that has little to no meaning behind it. As said earlier I know some people who call themselves professional who are terrible and I know some people who call themselves amateurs who rock.
I know a lot of magicians who seem to place a lot of important but what does it matter if we are any of the three as long as we are progressing?