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I tried learning the guitar,I tried learning the piano, then I had a go at Italian. Basically I discovered that when my wife was watching soaps, reality TV or some other mindless soul-sucking pap, I had to find a distraction other that alcohol. Three years ago I read a book called 13 steps to mentalism and it changed my life. I then did what I guess most people in my position do - I spent a fortune on trying to buy success.

Of course, I soon learnt that most dealer items lead to misery. Undeterred, I decided that (not unlike a mechano set) I was interested solely in the METHOD and not the trick itself. I then became obsessed with method rather than the effect. For the last three years I've been lying to myself saying that eventually I'll go semi-pro and eventually offer myself for coprorate do's/weddings etc. I haven't practiced enough to be any good. What I have done is to read an innumerable amount of material to the point that I feel I can watch any magic show and reverse engineer it without too much effort.

That doesn't make me a good magician, it just makes me a bit of a tool!!! And a geeky tool at that!!

Yesterday, I was tinkering with some cards and I thought of (what I think are) two completely new effects. I realised that magic being what it is, some other sod would have thought of it already and I really needed a group of like-minded people to talk to so I didn't make a complete ass of myself. I searched the internet and I stumbled across TM. I'm late to magic (I'm 34), but over the last three years I've only done a three day week so I've studied it to the point where I think my wife is trying to leave me??

I love billet switches, and all things mentalism. I also love spending about £1oo per month on disappointment. Having become obsessed with magic/mentalism, I know I'm in the right place!!

Pip-pip

Kevmundo

Welcome to Talk Magic

Hi and welcome!

No doubt you've seen Switchcraft, the ever expanding definitive work on billets? Check out ftopic15147.php for some discussion, tips, hints 'n stuff.....

Yes indeed! I've read Elliot Bresler's work and he's become something of a hero of mine. His explantions are clear, concise, and what I would always call 'stripped of method.' I recently bought his 'Mind blasters USA' which I thoroughly recommend to any any other billet obessessed individuals.

What my personal issue is (and I'll search it lest I repeat a post) is pocket management. I feel that I am literally bursring with effects and could happily do a two hour show! But I am really struggling with pocket management in trying to construct a decent stroll around mentalism demonstration for a corporate/wedding presentation? I'm confident with most billet/envelope work, basic card sleights etc. I like minimalism, but I don't want to turn up with a missive case and 15 packs of cards? I hope this make sense. Any suggestions welcome! I have an idea for a forty minute set if anyone is intereted in listening to it?. I'm lucky in that I know I could get a regular forty minute gig with one phone call - I just have very small balls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pip-pip

Kev

Welcome, fellow Corinda lover!

Great intro!

Welcome to TM.

Dr Todd

Hiya Kev, welcome along to TM

Hi Kev. I feel I have taken the same road as you (that is, reading tons of material on methods and wasting money on disappointment), but I am far behind you (I have started only a few months ago). Welcome to TM, likeminded one

Many thanks for your welcomes, and Miko, I wish you all the luck in the world - and a bottomless wallet to go with it!