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salsa_dancer Inner circle 1935 Posts |
I have got to a stage now where I have so many effects in the books that I own I could probably perform for a year never repeating the same thing twice. I am even creating my own effects.
Why is it then that I am always looking out for the next new book and DVD? The problem that I have also is that when I do eventually get hold of the next one, I continue to perform the effects that I already own. I think I am well and truly a knowledge junkie! My biggest obsession at the moment is with book tests, I want more and more of those babies! I guess I am not alone, but it would be nice to hear from some of the more experienced guys where they are up to, and where does it end? |
Nicholas Special user I predict that I now have 900 Posts |
I don't know whether or I'm more experienced or not and, I don't know where it will end. I hope it never does. I think that one reason why I am the same way you describe is because I am always looking for an idea that leads to the cleanest possible magic experience. There are so many ways to skin a cat. For example, I was initially satisfied with Knepper's Kolossal Killer. Then, by reading one of the magic forum posts, I realized that I could, in one easy step, reduce my outs by half. Wow!!
But...then...along came Greg Arce and his Scorch routine (from his Deep Thoughts ebook). Well, now I don't need any outs and I really do only have one card to reveal at the end of the routine. It can't get any simpler than that...but...who knows? Another reason I continue the quest is that I never know who will express something (whether a new idea or old), in just the right way, that it unlocks the doors to my own creativity. It seems that the creative process itself is very satisfying. So, I just keep looking, reading, sharing ideas and thinking about all this stuff... and, I have a sneaking sense that there is no end to it. But, one thing is for sure—it's a great trip! |
Richard Allen New user 66 Posts |
I have books upon books in my closet... all unread.
I don't know where it ends really. As for me, I'm going to read all of these things and then go back to the ones that interest me and study them. Sadly, I have yet to read a bad magic book... looks like I have some studying to do! Until I finish reading, no more buying... unless it's some kind of kid's show prop because I plan on doing a few of those in the future. --Richard Allen |
dbiderman New user 82 Posts |
I'm kinda feeling the same way...although I do read pretty much everything that I have, I have some solid effects that I do not like getting rid of...while reading a good ace/king transpo is fun, I prefer sticking to my solid stable of effects; I do however, ocasionally find something that I love to perform: john bannon's play it straight triumph for example, gets awsome reactions...lazy man's card trick from lorayne is the same way...unfortuanately, I'm afraid that the 5 or 6 effects that I've actually used consistently don't make up for hundreds upon hundreds of dollars spent
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Jonathan Townsend Eternal Order Ossining, NY 27297 Posts |
Why are you looking for others to satisfy your need for self expression?
...to all the coins I've dropped here
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Avrakdavra Loyal user The Pine Tree State, USA 224 Posts |
The spiritual sickness of the modern world: to assume that more is always better than less, that new is always better than old, and that money can be used to buy ourselves a sense of satisfaction.
Of course, there is a legitimate place for expanding one's knowledge and materials, but I find that magic lends itself particularly well to the impulse for boundless novelty and accumulation. Better to be the master of ten effects than the slave of a hundred half-neglected ones... |
Richard Allen New user 66 Posts |
Quote:
On 2004-07-27 10:40, Avrakdavra wrote: I hope to master eleven effects myself. I just had a lot of money on me at one time and I decided to drop a lot on magic books... now I wish I could go back and keep the money. However, I've found a few gems that I might not have purchased if not for my larger purchases. Now I need to go to Ebay and sell all this stuff. --Richard Allen |
Steven Steele Chief of Staff 1868 Posts |
Maybe, some of us are just "collectors". The joy is in the collection of things, whether it be books or knowledge. Some may buy because they believe they have to stay on the cutting edge of magic. I guess it's like having the greatest and fastest computer, and you have 20 video games, but really haven't played them all and mastered none.
I used to amass many books and effects to acquire knowledge of our art. Today, I purchase very very little. Just what will go into my act. And if it doesn't work out, it gets sold ASAP. Overall, it depends on your view of magic. As a hobbyist, you can 'collect' all you want and have fun doing it. You can read whatever and get pleasure from seeing what's out there. As a full-time pro, I can't afford the time or money, anymore than a farmer can buy every new tractor that comes out, and still remain profitable. It all depends on your point of view, but neither are inherently bad (unless of course, you just don't have the money).
Coram Deo
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Rob Johnston Inner circle Utah 2060 Posts |
The answer is ADDICTION.
I am addicted to magical texts, as well as most people here in the Café.
"Genius is another word for magic, and the whole point of magic is that it is inexplicable." - Margot Fonteyn
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Jonathan Townsend Eternal Order Ossining, NY 27297 Posts |
Re: addicted to magical texts, as well as most people here in the Café
Please get cured of any addiction to me. What would you do if my PC broke down for a few days?
...to all the coins I've dropped here
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Rob Johnston Inner circle Utah 2060 Posts |
LoL.
I guess I would suffer from withdrawls Jon. I may have to be entered into a DeTox program.
"Genius is another word for magic, and the whole point of magic is that it is inexplicable." - Margot Fonteyn
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ALEXANDRE Inner circle 3024 Posts |
Knowledge is power and I believe it only helps to know as much as possible about our business as this will generally shed some light on how to perform your own effects better and in a slightly different way, or perhaps even spark a totally new idea.
I think it's healthy to want to learn as much as possible as long as it is not getting in the way of "life" and your "business".
HERE'S A SECRET ...
http://www.lybrary.com/mystic-alexandre-m-354.html |
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