The Magic Freedom Campaign

“If magic is an art, then you should have the freedom to perform it how you want.”

We’re here to raise an important issue, so sit down, shut up, and listen.

Who are we? We are two 14 year old magicians, and we represent the future of magic. Deal with it.

What is the issue?
Lately the magic community has become a place were magicians do not respect other magicians. Here’s the reality… We are all people, simply people. A lot of magicians seem to think its okay to call other magicians down, and pretty much ruin them. They try and impress other magicians by naming some trick created by a dead magician, and they think they are god just because they have a restaurant gig. We feel this is not okay, and we promote a change.

What do we want to accomplish? We want to raise awareness of this issue, and ultimately make the magic community a better place.

Why do we want to do this? Because we recognize that this is a problem, and we want to find a solution. We can’t do this alone, and this is why we are asking for your help. If you agree with what we have to say please sign our petition.

THE PETITION – http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/magicfreedom/index.html

In our opinion, the magic community could be a better place if we all…

-Weren’t as egotistic.
-Didn’t try and impress other magicians.
-Were honest about our accomplishments.
-Respected each other.

We have created some banners that you can put in your signature. Our goal is to have these as an icon, a sign that reminds you when you see it – you aren’t as awesome as you think you are.



CODE-[ IMG]http://i11.tinypic.com/4xnd7dk.jpg[/IMG]



CODE-[ IMG]http://i16.tinypic.com/63we39i.jpg[/IMG]



CODE-[ IMG]http://i3.tinypic.com/4m290z7.jpg[/IMG]



CODE-[ IMG]http://i3.tinypic.com/2lwaahi.jpg[/IMG]

(Remove space before IMG in code)

Thank you for your time,

-Cory

You are well on your way to furthering the cause of mutual respect and reminding people not to be overly impressed with themselves.

A bit of healthy contradiction doesn't hurt anyone.

It was meant to be written as humour.

Respect is all good, not just for magicians, but for everyone. As for "naming some trick created by a dead magician," however, I would add that "respect" includes a knowledge of and appreciation for those who came earlier. That's not a cheap shot aimed at you, but rather a general observation. There are far too many magicians, particularly young magicians, who perform "David Blaine's 2-Card Monte" and have never heard of Eddie Fechter.

Having said THAT, I agree strongly that the (magic) world would be a better place if people
"-Weren’t as egotistic.
-Didn’t try and impress other magicians.
-Were honest about our accomplishments.
-Respected each other."


While most of us could do with a little reminder as far as giving respect, it's also worth pointing out that there are many things that magicians (and people) can do to increase the amount of respect we get, also, such as being sure to exhibit courtesy toward others, rehearsing as much as is necessary before presenting routines in public, etc.

Generally, ego and attitude get in the way of one of the key components of a memorable magical experience -- relationship with the audience. So working toward the goals you mention is good not only for providing a better environment for magicians, but also for elevating the art in general.

Right to the point, a quote from Abraham Lincoln:

Asked why there were so many criminals in government, ‘You can’t dip clear water from a muddy stream.’

Likewise, the magic community is just a bunch of folks - quite a diverse bunch. And in any such group, jerks abound. End of story - asking them to 'play nice' is futile.

Maybe if we all work together we can change that.

Im afraid you'll always get someone who thinks they're better than someone else just because they've been in magic longer or know more about the history of magic etc'

Yeah it's good to know about where effects originated from and with whom, but when it comes down to it we're all in this for the same thing... performing and giving others an experience like no other.

I won't sign the petition as where the first post started off with saying about magic is an art and we should be able to perform it how we want (which I totally agree with and we all should have the freedom to be ourselves and put that into the magic), it then went on to things which don't affect how we perform ie over egotistical magicians etc.

I agree we should all respect each other and listen to what each other has to say (well for the most part... but there are always some who don't really respect magic and do more harm than good).

Even though it doesn't bother me I can't say I loved being told to sit down and shut up lol, and the whole 'future of magic so deal with it', but then you said it was more said in jest (which is hard to get across in writing).

I don't consider anyone on here better than me or less than me... just different.
There are those who are more advanced, more knowledgeable, have more experience and have greater technique etc... and I respect them and look up to some for this, and I would hope that they respect my opinions and views on magic.
We don't all have to agree as we're all different and have had differing experiences and differing tastes, but there shouldn't be no bitterness or looking down on others because of this.

Anyway that's my piece said.

One social/politically critical issue involves respecting the boundary between self and others. One' language announces ones position on that matter.

Rhetoric comes long after spelling and grammar.

In the mean time would you care to describe how you expect to behave and how that will lead to sufficient good results which may impress others sufficiently to emulate your behavior?

Pledge yourself to Magic Freedom
Fight for Magic Freedom
Report those who trespass on Magic Freedom
Give to Magic Freedom
Submit to Magic Freedom

Magic Freedom double plus good

Got it?

I disagree. Respect is a thing given to those who earn it. Respect is a thing which can only be given by the individual. Respect is something it is very important to learn to live without. If you want to be respected, then be worthy of respect.

Naming a trick by some long dead magician, isn't a very useful ability. My concern is that isn't actually what you are concerned about. You are using some trivial use as knowledge to show the uselessness of knowledge. Change a few of the details in your example and it becomes something different. Maybe instead of naming, they are pointing out that someone is claiming creation of a work unjustly. Maybe instead of long dead, the magician is just dead, but his work is still without the bounds of copyright.

Your crusade is being built on a very slippery slope. Careful you do not end up in the avalanche.

Gosh, I feel old.
A few thoughts:
You can't move forward if you don't know where you've been (an oldie but a goodie).
"Revolution today is taken for granted, and in consequence becomes rather dull" (oops, a quote by a dead guy).
The word 'contemporary' means 'being alive at the same time' as I am with you, and as I once was with Einstein and Elvis. And Slydini.
I agree in principle with your views about art but not your 'campaign' which I don't understand one iota; I'm sorry, but it smacks of a bruised ego to me.
The problem you state will be around for your entire life, not just in this field but in all others, and you need to deal with it on your own terms, not anyone else's.
I hope you have many children.
Gosh, I feel old.

Me too.

You say you want a revolution
Well you know
We all want to change the world...

Or would you prefer:

Hey, you get off of my Magic Freedom!

? ?

I see nothing wrong with magic freedom.Its a really fun,& interesting entertainment for all ages.What I have found out is all that we share magic with enjoy it.Its not a real popular subject as you can see from the media,and what you find at stores on the subject.However they had a magician perform at one of out local gas engine & tractor shows in august.Maybe the entertainment of magic is gaining popularity(I hope) It must be if a little event like this puts on a magic show as part of the entertainment.The only well known store I have found magic kits in is K mart,and they sell the Fantasma line.Not shure why walmart dos`nt carry anny magic kits,or items?The town of Fort wayne only has 2 Magic shops owned by the same person.The main store is very well stocked with many magic items,and also carries gags,and costumes, wich is Stoners fun stores.Dick the owner is very talented in magic.

Our locals in town enjoy seeing magic.The freedom to perform ia welcome here as well as Ohio. I was performing at our local street fair tonight .Many come up & told their kids "look at the magician over there" even received an aplause from all watching

Freedom... wasn't that a Wham song? Or was it just George Michaels?

Cory, the intent is there but the approach is way off; you can't expect to lead with your approach... Diplomacy and tact is obviously not a part of your vocabulary.

Often it's not so much an issue as what you want to say but about how others interpret what you do say.

It might be of use to you and your friend(s) to take some time to learn more about rhetoric and the language of persuasion.

Cory said:“If magic is an art, then you should have the freedom to perform it how you want.”

We’re here to raise an important issue, so sit down, shut up, and listen.

Who are we? We are two 14 year old magicians, and we represent the future of magic. Deal with it.
********************

Don't you realize how silly your statement is?

You initially bring up 'artistic freedom',and in the next breath you start giving out behavioral commands.[Then when you are called on it... you weakly try to 'cover' by saying..your comments were in jest].
By the way...you[and your friend]have no say in who is the 'future of magic'...only the 'public' has that perogative.

Cory,if I remember correctly..you were criticized a while back at the tablehoppers forum for making statements that just did not ring true.I believe you were hurt by that....thus your latest attempt at vindication.

Cory,you probably are very nice young man.Enjoy your precious teenage years.Practice the art you love.'Earn' the respect you desire.

All the best.
Rich

Very weird petition! I'm not even sure what you stand for. I don't think you'll get very far, if you don't make your aims clear. The development of magic and it's marketing is largely based on financial considerations, not on respect.