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MarkTripp Special user Michigan 618 Posts |
There are no experts?
In the words of Nero Wolfe, PHUI! First, let us agree on terms, to wit: Main Entry: 1 ex·pert Pronunciation: 'ek-"sp&rt, ik-' Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, from Latin expertus, from past participle of experiri 1 obsolete : EXPERIENCED 2 : having, involving, or displaying special skill or knowledge derived from training or experience synonym see PROFICIENT - ex·pert·ly adverb - ex·pert·ness noun Now, the key terms here seem to be "experienced" (the root of the word expert), and "special skill" or "knowledge". Clearly there are indeed "experts". There does seem to be a desire to drive them from the boards, more so there than else where. Of course this comes from the silly Houdini fixation that like the Highlander, "there can be only one". Mark Cannon once observed that EVERY escape artist is the worlds greatest. More correctly most claim to be and some even think they are. Frankly it is a fools goal, because such a title doesn't book you a single show, or make you a dime more money. I do not claim to be the "greatest" nor do I claim to have "special skill". However, I will state that I have a GREAT deal of experience. I am positive I have done more paid shows for laymen than 99% of the people out there. No brag, just fact, and yes, I have proven it more than once. Now read carefully cause this can be missed. Expert? In truth, I am an expert on my opinon. No one knows more about my opinion than I do. No one knows more about why I hold that opinion than I do, but I am willing to share. I hold my opinions due to thousands of live shows over the past 30 plus years, and think they have value. Is someone doesn't, great. However, I will ask questions to see why your "experience" (there is that word again) is different from mine. Now, a long time ago a very wise magician, Karrell Fox, told me something at his kitchen table that I want to share with all of you, quote: "Tripper, a man seeks to feed only two things his whole life, his wallet, and his ego. NEVER forget that a full ego feeds only itself, but a full wallet can feed anything you want it to." There my friends and foes is my core belief, and why I do magic the way I do, FOR MONEY. If you are going to do it for money, then the rules are different than doing it for ego. It was ego that drove people like Steve Baker off the boards. Silly comments like "X is 100 times better than Steve Baker" sound like the silly childish rants they are in the context that NO ONE here in this room has been FEATURED on major national network television 10 times, let alone the 20 or more shots Steve had. That man has the "experience" which makes him an expert. Bedroom experience, daydream experience, "I wish I was" experience, that makes you an expert on your dreams. Real world working experience, that makes you an expert on real world working. You kinda have to decide which one you want to be about. Ego or wallet? Today is the setting of the old year, and the rising of a new one. Let us hope, and it is my prayer, that we spend 2005 in here feeding wallets, and starving egos. May you all get everything you want, and never want for anything. Mark Tripp PS The last time the ego's raised their ugly heads in here I posted 4 exciting new escapes, and challenged others to do the same. Did I miss them? Currently I am posting how to put a commercial escape show together and places to book it. Again, why am I alone in this? Chest pounding and proclaiming yourself the greatest who ever lived is ok, I guess, but as the old saying goes; "Don't tell me, show me!" |
drwilson Inner circle Bar Harbor, ME 2191 Posts |
Mark,
This is great stuff to read while we are all struggling with our New Year's resolutions. Thanks once again! Here's to fat wallets in the year ahead. Yours, Paul |
Scott Xavier Inner circle 3672 Posts |
How whiney can we be? Lets drop the constant repetitive tossing of the word experts in our midst.
By the way, I am an expert. I have testified in court and was admited as such. |
EscapeMaster Loyal user 296 Posts |
>the key terms here seem to be "experienced"...
Not at all. As your own definition states, this is obsolete. Small point, maybe. But I presume the reason you posted a definition was to be precise. |
MarkTripp Special user Michigan 618 Posts |
Quote:
On 2004-12-31 09:49, EscapeMaster wrote: Sigh... ...you were sleeping in the back of the english classroom! The problem comes in depending on if we are using the word "expert" as an adjective, a noun, an intransitive verb. For example, Cow Poke in Texas is a noun for a cowboy. In Arkansas it is a verb....... If you don't get that joke, you make my point! : P I think the message was clear...... |
Riley Special user Swansea UK 955 Posts |
An expert, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder!
Or, to re-hash the alternative definition: EX - a "has been"! SPURT - a drip under pressure! Have a great New Year Riley |
EscapeMaster Loyal user 296 Posts |
>The problem comes in depending on if we are using the word "expert" as an adjective, a noun, an intransitive verb.
An adjective, by your suggestion. No problem though; I was only adding my own contribution. |
The Donster Inner circle 4817 Posts |
The problem lies in with people being bull headed. we are here to help each other out not make enemies.
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AJP807 Special user New York City 559 Posts |
Hey!! I have friends in Arkansas Anyway, great post Mark. Put me down for a fat wallet.
Best regards, Tony Parisi |
The Donster Inner circle 4817 Posts |
And I have a friend in Missisippi and the story he told me one time. its like something Jerry Springer would have on.
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Scott Xavier Inner circle 3672 Posts |
I see why people stop posting here...
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The Donster Inner circle 4817 Posts |
I know its No Fun any more. but there are a Few Good Apples Here.
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Wolflock Inner circle South Africa 2257 Posts |
Put me down for feeding my Wallet and Ego!!!
I want both. I know I am greedy but hey. I would not be entertaining if I was not in need of both. Everyone can try to be modest here but I believe that all of us do our best to feed both. Regards Wolflock
Wolflock
Pro Magician & Escapologist Member of JMC (Johannesburg Magic Circle) South Africa |
The Donster Inner circle 4817 Posts |
Wolfie what do you feed your wallet and Ego when their hungry.
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RJE Inner circle 1848 Posts |
I find sitting on a fat wallet gives me a sore back, but what's a little suffering??? Give me the $$$$$ (and a little applause would be nice too!)
Rob |
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