Part 2
Chase – Youtube has created a larger magician base – ask any magic shop owner that has had a shop for more than 10 years. With all these new magicians – many are lost as they don’t know what to read, how to learn and have no discipline to follow – as we did with guys like Vernon. It is funny that you are upset that I created “rules” but isn’t the first rule of magic – don’t reveal the secret? Aren’t there rules and guidelines in thousands of books – what make mine so horrible that you “Vehemently disagree with them”? Speaking of that…
I understand. I disagree. Vehemently. I am sorry, again, if it felt personal.
If you re-read your two posts – you can see easily how I felt you went over the top with your responses – if we both play that game – what happens? This thread gets closed and nothing is learnt. I would much rather you share your thoughts how you have in this post – and we can discuss the reasons why you disagree. So far – I will be honest – I know you don’t agree – but I am not sure if I could summarize the reason why. I would love a PM clarifying what exactly you feel you disagree with – so we can discuss those specific points.
Lots of magicians take liberty with the code for good reason. For example anyone who does a gambling sleight demonstration. They are not maintaining the illusion of magic. The code is there to be obeyed in spirit, not letter. To require an excited 12 year old to hold to the same standard as a seasoned performer is unreasonable. Magic malpractice is prescribing a treatment for a condition that is part of natural progression. You don't give pills to a kid suffering from puberty. You help him endure it.
First, I think you mistake magic with gambling – it is a different branch, and I believe the two should not be overlapped, as your claims are different for both…or perhaps should be. And of course…anyone else that is taking liberty with the oath – I would argue…to what level? Vehemently. I don’t think it is unreasonable to ask a 12 year old to strive for that level – as I would not call myself a musician simply because I can strum a guitar…then when asked to play actual notes – say, “look man, I am twelve okay – you can’t expect me to uphold those standards of what you call music”. It’s pretty liberal of you – but honestly Chase – I see nothing wrong with having standards to strive for. As for your puberty analogy – I may not offer the kid a pill – but I do offer solid advice, guidelines and boundaries/rules to a child to prevent him from straying and ending up on the wrong path. Which brings me back to your low blow “Mommy comment” – this post was intended for those with no Mommy that are seeking guidance in making their magic better – and if they want to showcase it – in a way that they will be proud of – you posted a reply Chase….I never asked to be your Mommy – but I would gladly be one if needed. Again, think of those that are not at your level – what advice would you want when you first started?
I felt it was originally worded as a demand. You seem to have softened the wording. I appreciate that.
Jami Ian Swiss gave some great advice – people won’t be bothered to read – if you don’t bother them with what you say. I wrote this for the young audience – which makes me wonder why you even decided to reply. Anyhow, I did soften the words as I did realize that it came off demanding, rather than informative. I guess that is what I get by not taking the time to turn my 15 minutes break post into a legal document that could be dissected by anyone that found fault in my words. Another reason I hate forums – and writing for magicians – I can’t just speak my mind and stand by my convictions – as even my tone is argued. Hell – Strong Magic by Darwin Ortiz…actually has a list of rules in the back – sorry…he calls them LAWS!! Does that bother you? It shouldn’t – as I really feel we need to come together and set some standards.
Yes. Your standard. And, again, I'm not sure it was a request.
I shouldn’t have to pus-sy foot around when I make a post – they are not “my standards” but the standards from those whose shoulders I proudly stand on – and have shared brilliant thinking with me – and if you do not live by the same standards of deceptions, then perhaps we have more to talk about…if you do…then they are not “mine” – just as Christianity is not mine – but it is a standard of living – and if I were to talk about that – I would talk about all the different approaches. Again, this point should be moot because of that thing…freedom of speech. I can state whatever I want – even if it’s not requested – and people have the right to make up their own minds. What I don’t agree with – is bashing my right to speak, or ridiculing my “magic religion” as its personal convictions – and I know in America this may be accepted in the media – as I am starting to feel like a Dixie Chic. We can disagree – but you can disagree with me without undercutting my points.
I sincerely don't remember Tom being crucified by his peers. And neither does he. Several performers questioned whether this effect was too "good" to reveal and Max Maven bopped him in a public way in print. The crucifying came from the hobbyists who wrote letters to the editor. And, incidentally, this piece was exposed and it KILLS now. No one remembers.
Hmm, the IBM went to town on Mullica, and Tom shared this with us at a convention – perhaps peers is bad wording, is Max Maven not one of his peers? I am sure nobody remembers it…but I mailed guy and he said this is how he learnt it…thank you Youtube.
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=msSsjWxS9iY
However, for the most part – you are right – why would anyone remember something so small and trivial…but perhaps they can find something better from the close to 2500 posts that come up when I type Magic trick revealed. Lastly, are you telling me I am going to have to wait nearly 15-20 years before an exposed piece of magic is good to do again? I don’t have that kind of time.
I am willing to stand up and help anyone who is interested in being helped. Ask around. I've given time, advice, props, and bookings to others.
I believe you – but then I ask you to help me help others – include what your standards are and then as a group we can decide how we can stop poor Youtube posts, exposure or whatever plagues magic – while continuing to make our own magic strong.
I think that lists of rules will not help. I think that demands on kids who want to be special by learning some tricks will not help magic.
Let’s agree to call them guidelines – hence the change – however, rules and boundaries have never hurt someone in magic – as long as there is room for interpretation to maintain an art – I don’t’ think my recommendations will prevent anyone from posting – but perhaps give them some help in making solid posts – do you at least see or agree with this?
I'm sorry you feel that way. Many would disagree with you. I would disagree with you. I am very giving and generous. Maybe we can learn more about each other so that we can be secure in disagreeing with each other without feeling personally attacked. I would like that. (No Sarcasm. Promise.)
I am sure you can see that from the tone of your posts and the difference in this one – that if you approached me with your conflicting view we could have easily had a good discussion – which looks like it is developing. I look forward to future posts and hope you come with an open mind, as I will too. I have already bent a little in good faith by changing my original post. Sorry if my response was strong. I just want to state again – as I am sure you know – the Chuck Norris thing was an extension of a Chuck Norris joke – and for certain I wouldn’t wish harm against your family…but Chuck Norris might.
If my original post seems short and flippant, hopefully this one makes up for it. The length alone should assure you that I do take this topic seriously. Don't mistake my passion in disagreement for being ignorant or just hateful.
I appreciate your response and your new approach – I look forward to discussing things with less passion and more mind – as you have done in your previous reply.
Thanks Chase – I look forward to your response.