Is it just me or is magic too virtual now?
There have been plenty of beneficial developments lately to the world of magic through the wonders of the internet. Personally I enjoy having an online catalog of magic to browse through; but, if there's an upside, there's a downside. The downside being a decrease in brick and mortar establishments.
Some of my favorite magic memories have been in the local magic shop. It's great to be around other magicians and be able to ask them questions or opinions and to get advice from the owner.
The first time I went into a magic shop, I had been doing close-up magic and was looking to dive into mentalism. I had read good things about Prism online and when I went I asked the owner for Prism. He asked what other material I owned on the subject of mentalism, I told him I was just starting and as soon as I said that he put the book away and handed me 13 steps saying "You'll get a lot more out of this if you're just starting."
If I purchased this book offline, it would have been no questions asked and I would have been stuck with a book whose material would have been way to advanced for me to utilize at the time.
The loss of brick and mortar shops is a tragedy; but, one that appears to be unavoidable with the convenience of online shopping. (yes I am going somewhere with this)
While browsing through the internet I came across this Read Me. This is an online magic convention. I can see why this is offered, maybe someone lives too far from convention and is looking for an alternative but, really, there is no alternative to a live, in person, convention. I've been to only two conventions and both were very beneficial experiences and my fondest magic memories take place at those conventions. The point of the conventions, to me, is not only to learn new effects, but to be around other magicians and to talk at length with them,to share in their experience and stories and to exchange subtleties for effects and performance.
I know some people live to far away to attend conventions but I sincerely hope that this, online convention, is not the future. I hope the new generation of magicians (including myself) is not robbed of the experience of attending a convention in person.
That's it.
