While I am still considered fairly new to the underground brotherhood of magic I can still see things from time to time that just aren't quite right.
I don't agree with most people when they say that all forms of exposure are bad. I tried to bring this up on other, non-friendly, forums around the world wide web and needless to say what I had to say went completely ignored. I think that we should, as magicians, share certain things when it is seen fit. I mean, everyone had that one relative or friend who showed them their first effect and from then on they never looked back. How else will the next generation of magicians be able to learn and know more than we do now, or ever will?
I think that there is also too much emphasis on certain things. There shouldn't be any kind of fued between any two magicians who are trying to convince each other that this certain brand of cards are better than another brand. Or that this finish is better than that. Use what you want to use, and be the best you can with them. No one can take choices like that away from you.
People just aren't as patient these days. Somehow, I grew up learning patience all of my life. For some reason, I always chose hobbies that took significantly longer to learn and master than most other people. Be it drawing, playing a musical instrament, or learning the fine art of sleight of hand/magic. You must pay your dues before you go out and try to pull something off that you aren't 100% comfortable with. It just makes no sense to risk a $15-$30 effect. So take pride in your magic, and practice as much as you can stand. Only then will we START seeing some kind of improvement in the horrid youtube.com performances of pre-teens trying to be cool.
We need to also do something that Chris Kenner and Lee Asher were talking about in one of the T11 intro clips. We have to learn to be either ourselves while performing or create our own unique character. There is no need to speak in a monotoned voice like Mr. Blaine or use heavy deep breathing like Mr. Angel...I'm pretty sure that neither of them do what they do on camera during their every day life.
Maybe we need to take things a step back before we can take a couple of steps foward. Remember in the movie "The Illusionist", how Eisenhiem kept a book with all of his secrets in it? Who do you know now that does that same thing? I don't know anyone who does that, but maybe we could take a page out of that movies book...and not just his journal idea either.
I remember reading a thread either here or at Ellusionist that asked everyone to look around at their PC desks and think of five or so different ways your could include the everyday items on your desk into an effect. Everything I read, I must say...was completely obvious. I read things like, "A pen - using a PK or pen spinning effect." Is that truly original? Nah.
It might also help if we didn't do everything exactly how Mr. Houchin or Mr. Christian teaches it. If a certain sleight it too hard for you at the moment and you have something up your sleeve that does the same thing, then do it. During your practice time you can go and practice that move that you were having a hard time with. Add your own flair to whatever effect you are doing.
Once again, let us band together and support each other. It's not going to help anyone if we keep ourselves seperated by cliques of different magic websites. As far as I'm concerned, there is no more Ellusionist only section or Penguin only section...but there is Theory 11 now. Unite.
Sorry about the length...
Shane K.