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michaelmystic2003 Inner circle 3062 Posts |
On Tuesday, I started my first year of high school at Westmount, the best high school in the district. I quickly made a huge reputation among 1250 students and have even been told by seniors that I am officially the most popular 9th grader in the school. All because of magic.
Anyway, a young short boy recently introduced himself to me with a Ghost Deck in his hand. He is also a magician, and a terrible one at that. Not that he is a waste, he is simply just starting out with only 2 months of experience under his belt. He has also been showing a few tricks during lunchtime, simple stuff like 2 card transpos and the Two Card Monte... I have tried to nonchalantly take him under my wing, but the kid is getting way ahead of himself here. For instance, I showed a routine I have been trying to master for over 3 years (Richard Sanders' Hardcore Packet... a real gutsy knucklebuster) wih him watching, and the next day, he was showing a TERRIBLE rendition of the exact same routine! He flashed everything, and did a very sloppy rendition. This guy can't even do a proper double lift let along a 7 Card Turnover, Ascanio Spread, AFTUS Move or even an Elmsley Count! Afterwards, he said he looked it up on Youtube and found tutorials of the effects I've been performing! My question is: How to I politely handle the situation without making a fellow magician angry? I mean, I do like the guy and it is fun talking magic with someone at school, but he is in the Ellusionist and Youtube Tutorials phase, as well as the "I am a sleight of hand master with 2 months experience" attitude and it is already starting to get out of hand. Sorry if I sound like I am bashing the guy, I am just venting my stresses. Please help! Your reply is greatly appreciated!
Learn more about my upcoming book of close up magic and theory SYNTHESIS & SECRETS: A Magic Book in Four Acts: https://www.michaelkrasworks.com/synthesis-secrets
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sibbie Special user East Coast 525 Posts |
First, quit performing anything around him. This will solve part of your problem - at least for the time being with what you perform.
Second, have a talk with him and be very to the point. As long as he is willing to listen (if not you have no hope in talking anything with him) explain your position and offer to answer any questions he may have. |
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
I got two ideas also.
1. Do simple tricks when he is around you. That way he might keep his simple and easy. Perform the expert tricks when he is not around. 2. Perform expert tricks around him. It may scare him away from being around you because he will not be able to compete. |
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fallingblood New user North Dakota 98 Posts |
Don't worry about making a fellow magician mad. Sometimes people need to hear the blunt truth, without all of the sugar coating. That's what a fellow magician did to me (I was just a cocky little guy) and it straightened me up quite quickly.
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Jaz Inner circle NJ, U.S. 6111 Posts |
Don't tell him the names of tricks if you don't want him to ruin it for you.
As Sibbie said. Warn the guy about performing before he's absolutely ready. If he don't heed your words then don't show him anything. |
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michaelmystic2003 Inner circle 3062 Posts |
Thanks guys! That was extremely helpful, especially the bit about keeping the advanced stuff out of his sight. Thanks again! Your help is always appreciated.
Learn more about my upcoming book of close up magic and theory SYNTHESIS & SECRETS: A Magic Book in Four Acts: https://www.michaelkrasworks.com/synthesis-secrets
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
You are officially the first kid in the history of the world to be the most popular kid in school, because of magic. LOL.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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Christopher Williams Inner circle Portsmouth, UK 4464 Posts |
Sounds a familiar problem I had here at College about 5 years ago. I was known around college as the Magic guy, and I had a friend who had a keen interest in Magic. As you say, it is nice to talk to someone else about Magic and show them new ideas etc and see what they think. I showed him some of my prize effects that I had created, and as we were good friends, I taught him. Two days later, I had people come over to me and asked me to show them some Magic. After the first 30 seconds of the effect, before I had properly began to get anywhere, they told me they had seen it that morning by the other Magician... though nothing of it, and went into another, as soon as I started that they stopped me and said they had seen that already, and that the other guy had shown them and said he had created them and wanted their feedback. Needless to say I was fuming, and I won't mention names on here, but I didn't talk to him for a while. Not because he performed my Magic, but because he had said he created it. Also, if I performed an effect, he would have to show one straight after, and he turned it into a competition...but only he entered I think. I wasn't going to compete, if that's what he wanted to do that was his choice, I wouldn't stoop that low. But I did, just once. When I actually saw him performing another of my routines, it hurts to see that. So I did a routine I hadn't done in a while, and still haven't til this day...card on ceiling. Still to this day I believe the card is still there and for the 2 years I was at college, it and I was all people talked about in the room with the card on the ceiling. I never knew how strong it was, but still refuse to perform it, personal reasons, and I think that retired that effect for me, priceless for me.
That was one way to stop him a little, people kept asking him if he could do it, as I refused to do it again. He couldn't. I also wouldn't perform any Magic when he was around, then no competition could start. It also became boring for him because I wasn't doing anything. Though it was cool performing in college etc and being known for it, it wasn't what I was there for, so that was my excuse for not performing when he was around and he said I should perform. Or I would just keep putting it off politely and he got the message I guess. Then about 6 months later, my brother said he saw him performing some of my newer material after I caved in and showed him some new stuff, not wanting to ruin my friendship and thinking he had learned a lesson. He hadn't and was caught out as he didn't know what my brother looked like. One day I was sat there playing with a deck and he asked me to perform and I bluntly said no, and he asked why. I told him the truth, that I wasn't happy with him performing my material without asking and telling people it was his, not on! He apologised and stopped...as far as I know. So, my advice, stop for a bit, leave people wanting more as well Let them wait And tell him politely what you think, he will respect you in the long run |
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Magicusa Elite user 478 Posts |
What I use to do is tell them the wrong name for a trick to see if they can find it.
I know, I'm bad. |
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Silly Walter the Polar Bear Special user 506 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-09-06 18:24, Dannydoyle wrote: You beat me to it. I wonder if it is the same school that banned tag during recess last week. |
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Magic_Steve Inner circle Maryland 1476 Posts |
Seems some good advice has been given. Me personally, I just don't really perform in school. I do occasionally, but then when they ask for more, well...here;s what I say.
"Why don't you come to Red Robin one night...I'm there performing every Friday night from 6:30-8:30pm. Then you can see a full show..." Good business for me, shows I'm a pro, and brings 'em in the restaurant to see the magician. Let the GM hear that, and it's smooooooooooth sailing. Well, for the most part. LOL! Best. Steve |
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Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-09-06 18:24, Dannydoyle wrote: Another solid piece of evidence to support the theory of generation gaps. Magic was a guarantee of nerd status when I was a kid. We might as well have been lepers. It's not surprising why so many of us went underground. LOL
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
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MagicSanta Inner circle Northern Nevada 5841 Posts |
Believe me, the kid is a nerd but doesn't realize it yet. Little Michael let me give you some very good advice. Do not do any further magic at your school. It is far better to be thought of as a great magician than to prove you do tricks. Find out what cheerleader is the most over responsive to things then show her, and only her, a good trick. She'll tell everyone and you will grow in reputation, but still refuse to perform. Blow it off like you are too cool to do tricks for them. Chances are you are just a bit more experienced hallway hitman than the other kid (funny you described him as young, what is he, two months younger than you?) and he'll catch up in a couple months and you'll be asking him for tips. Happens all the time.
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RicHeka Inner circle 3999 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-09-06 21:58, Magic_Steve wrote: Steve,I like your style[you already knew that ] You are more like 17 going on 23.LOL.Stand tall,walk proud,but be nice...and they will flock to you. Rich |
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Magic_Steve Inner circle Maryland 1476 Posts |
Thanks Rich!
Have to say though, this is all stuff I've learned from here because of you, Danny, Santa, and a whole bunch of people. If Michael wants to learn anything about magic, he'll start paying attention to the heaps of great info found in here... Best. Steve |
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bsears Inner circle Cincinnati, Ohio 1040 Posts |
I don't know about anyone else, but reading this made me glad I'm not in highschool anymore.
Hang in there Michael. When two magicians of differing skill levels interact there are often problems, especially if there are big egos involved. |
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Review King Eternal Order 14446 Posts |
This sounds nothing like the school I went to: You got a good repuation by being able to give or take a beating.
"Of all words of tongue and pen,
the saddest are, "It might have been" ..........John Greenleaf Whittier |
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Magic_Steve Inner circle Maryland 1476 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-09-06 23:00, Christopher Kavanagh wrote: It still is like that in many highschools! LOL! |
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Christopher Lyle Inner circle Dallas, Texas 5698 Posts |
Ok...so here's my take on your problem. He's excited about magic and he's anxious to begin to impress. Weren't we all at that young age?
HOWEVER... He needs to be told right out. Screw his feelings. Should he get upset, consider it one of many lessons that the Entertainment Business will teach him. He needs to learn that after he gets a kick in the teeth, that life goes on and he'll be better for it...even if he doesn't realize it currently! With that said, I would stear him away from the Ellusionist stuff and try and get him to READ. For the Beginner in Magic, Bill Severnson's Materail is a great start. Easy for the novice to work into the craft at an easy pace...then work his way up to the harder stuff.
In Mystery,
Christopher Lyle Magician, Comic, Daredevil, and Balloon Twisting Genius For a Good Time...CLICK HERE! |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Lyle I don't want to argue here as it is odd that you agree with me. BUT was it not you just a scant few months ago that was telling me to be nice when I gave advice?
Lord knows I'm not one to spare feelings for the truth, but I find your change of position interesting. I agree with it mind you, but would like a bit of clarification is all.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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