I own maybe 10 videos and about 35-45 books. I love the videos, but the books are much more convenient when I want immediate access to a particular sleight.


Rather than just buy everything that's new or heavily hyped, I find myself buying older books that are well reviewed and have withstood the test of time.

I am up there somewhere with Scott in both books and video's. I prefer books though.
I have said this else where but even if I had only bought a book a month for the last 20 years that would mean I would have 240 books so it is not suprising I have so many.
Phillip

21 DVD's, 24 VHS tapes and 14 books. I believe believe it's easier to learn if it's explained visually. Books, however, are definitely the way to go once you know the basics, mainly because you get a lot more materials in a book.

In this hi-tech age wouldn't it be great if we can "swap" videos through the internet--kinda like kazaa.com, napster, etc.

Regards,
Tony

Galloway does ramsay is certainly not an exciting video but it is a good learning tool and I like it because I get to see what all the hub-ub is about regarding Ramsay's misdirection and tricks.

I feel the same about the david roth tapes. I feel like I don't want to get rid of them because they are great but I fall asleep during those all the time.

I believe I answered that to some extent in my previous post. Depends on the book.

But it's not about how much of the material I use--to me the tricks themselves are the LEAST important part of a book or video. The underlying theory, the construction, a simplification or an inspiration--THAT is what I buy books/videos for.

I have written 9 books on magic. If I didn't have my library, I never would have been able to write one (not one decent one anyway). It is often one little thing in one routine in a fairly obscure book that will inspire me to take off in a totally different direction and end up with something I otherwise would have never even thought of.

I've been actively learning magic for about 3 years.
so far 27 videos, 17 books/lecture notes and way too many commercial tricks.
I just did the inventory and was somewhat suprised it was that much
My name is Paul and I'm a magic junkie!
Don't anyone tell my wife!! Actually, she's very understanding. She seldom raises an eyebrow anymore when the UPS guy shows up..


Paul

Let's see... the last time I sat down and calculated exactly how many magic videos I have, I extimated the total number to be about.... one. *runs away sobbing* :b Just kidding.

The only magic video I own is Jerry Andrus's "A Lifetime of Magic"

Looking back on this purchase it seems like sort of a strange "First Video," but I have actually enjoyed watching it quite a bit.