Being "inspired" by other performers is one thing, mimicking them is another. Sadly, most of us will mimic more than not; even seasoned pros find themselves doing routines exactly as someone they either learned from or watched work and enjoyed, not because of deliberate theft but simply because that's how human nature works most of the time and it's difficult to be critical enough of one's self, to step outside its influence.
One thing 99% of my magic heroes did and encouraged however, was EDUCATION and cultivating (and using) EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION SKILLS... and yes, I bring this up because of how the original post was "worded" (if you can call it that) and how such antics reflect upon us in the real world (not well when it comes to the folks controlling who gets hired and works steadily for a corporation and who doesn't). However, our first poster isn't the only one in this forum that can't seem to use a spell & grammar check (or else they ignore them).
I bring this up for another reason; when I was younger and doing traditional magic Harry Blackstone Jr was one of my biggest influences and education as well as presenting one's self as Intelligent, skilled and in command of language was one of his biggest "points" when working with young people. Harry was an amazing man when it came to making that kind of imprint on a person's life as has been Max Maven when it comes to the Mentalism side of things.
Granted, Mumbles the great made a sensation early on, but look at how he (David Blaine) evolved and because a bit more "Mature" in how he speaks and even dresses. Look at how he is enjoying quiet success working for major corporations while the 40 year old Goth child's career is dwindling. One listened, the other refuses to... go figure.
As to my present day persona I've not been influenced by ANY magician or mentalist when it comes to the character or style and yet, I have been influenced by several when it comes to their philosophy and way of looking at things; Bob Cassidy, Jerome Finley, Ron Martin & Larry Baukin are just a few. But the persona came from a pinch of Barnum, a cup of Robert Ripley, a smidgen of Vincent Price and a dash each of Edgar Allen Poe and Jules Verne... but then many a StemPunker can say the same...