talkmagic.co.uk

I have, however, gained respect for Mr Beard, for his spirited defence of himself.

thanks sir!

Derren Brown has, I believe, no real background in psychology and no recognised qualifications. He's clearly read books on the subject, and worked as a stage hypnotist (when quite young), but I don't think he has any degrees, or diplomas.

he has a law degree though

I think ultimately, in summing up, you can only do your own thing...you can't wear anyone else's pants can you...

*takes Abraxus' pants off...*

Blapsing_Beard wrote:

Derren Brown has, I believe, no real background in psychology and no recognised qualifications. He's clearly read books on the subject, and worked as a stage hypnotist (when quite young), but I don't think he has any degrees, or diplomas.

he has a law degree though

Tsk, I was talking about psychology, and said "on the subject".

*takes Abraxus' pants off...*

*Wrong image...then, an even more wrong image...*

Part-Timer wrote:

*takes Abraxus' pants off...*

*Wrong image...then, an even more wrong image...*

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeew

Good on you Mr Beard for your well conceived response.

You will find that the most arrogant, condescending 'magicians' and 'mentalists' are the ones that blow their own trumpet about how experienced and well-reknowned they are but they are little know outside of the forums they spend most of their time on.

If you are truly great you don't have to keep telling the world and his parrot. This delusion of grandeur style of posting stems from these people's insecurites and thinly hidden low self-esteem.

Some experienced magicians pass on sage like advice. The ones that never made it are bitter towards the younger ones who still have time to make a success of themselves.

Lord Freddie wrote:Good on you Mr Beard for your well conceived response.

You will find that the most arrogant, condescending 'magicians' and 'mentalists' are the ones that blow their own trumpet about how experienced and well-reknowned they are but they are little know outside of the forums they spend most of their time on.

If you are truly great you don't have to keep telling the world and his parrot. This delusion of grandeur style of posting stems from these people's insecurites and thinly hidden low self-esteem.

Some experienced magicians pass on sage like advice. The ones that never made it are bitter towards the younger ones who still have time to make a success of themselves.

Do you wish to compare resumes?

I can lay money on it that 99.9% of you can't touch mine. So when I blow my horn or speak of my background, it's something I can back up... the PROS know that and see it.

Yes, I have some "insecurities" as you might put it... the fact that I may never be able to work in my craft at the level I'd like... not because I haven't the chops but because of how my health interferes. Right not I'm looking at 3 major surgeries over the next six to nine month period that were not part of my plans, this includes loosing a kidney. So yes, I live in a world filled with uncertainty and on line I have at least three pricks, most all of whom came from the same forum, that have been stalking me (not my words but that of others that have noticed) slowly turning folks against me by telling people what they want to hear vs. the FACTS of life, which is something most run from.

Magic is not a game to me, it is my entire life and has been for forty some odd years. Catch is, I grew up in show biz during an era when the elders could slap the c*** (not the best) out snot nosed pleebs that thought they knew better vs. this "do as thou wilst" attitude of today. I was taught to not only respect the craft but OTHER PERFORMERS as well and to recognize how my haphazard handling of things can and will create a detrimental affect for them.

Old, out of date ideas it would seem. Standards that are being tossed to the wind in exchange for self-will gone riot.

Now as to the dramatics around things and how someone that was gone from here for several days/weeks only to return with a smart-assed "Reintroduction" -- well, said individual is simply trying to stir the proverbial pot and I refuse to play such a childish game... obviously others have decided otherwise two of which don't surprise me in the least given recent events and the fact that one is constantly prodding in hopes of stirring reaction.

Fact of the matter is I'm a very lonely person and my only sense of a "social life" are these forums. I've always been seen as a teacher and guide in these forums and someone that comes from a solid background. Unlike many, I've not had many "other jobs" outside of what I do and have done these past 35 or so years. No, I'm not a millionaire and you wont' find my face in Genii or Magic... I'm one of the working guys you rarely hear about but who are known of, not a "White Collar" success story that most would rather shmooze with.

I am what most in show business are or will become and that's a reality that scares the hell out of the optimists and those that don't know better.

It's not a "your Dad's bigger than my Dad" competition. You do know your stuff and have a lot to offer, but it's always coated with an "I know better than anyone else -PERIOD!" attitude which takes some of the credibility away from what you are saying.

Don't get me wrong, a huge amount of your posts are valuable to this forum and when the arrogance is left in the bag, you seem a charming fellow, but boasting and not acknowledging there are other magicians out there, all with their own styles, some very talented, is what rubs people up the wrong way.

Everybody like to believe that they are right and everyone else is wrong, but sometimes you need to show a little humility and learn from each other.

I have no doubts that you are a good - nay great - mentalist, but that does not mean you have the right to shout down anybody else who is interested in your game. A little encouragment to the younger ones would gain a lot of respect and you may even be able to start your own cult!

...

...

Yes, I have some "insecurities" as you might put it... the fact that I may never be able to work in my craft at the level I'd like... not because I haven't the chops but because of how my health interferes. Right not I'm looking at 3 major surgeries over the next six to nine month period that were not part of my plans

Craig if you aware you have insecurities then why don’t you do something about it? It’s never to late I know I’ve been there, however TM is not the place to discusses our insecurities unless it’s to do with magic or mentalism. Find a message board in the USA that deals with your problem I am sure there are plenty around. The only excuse you have for being like you are is because your unable to take control of yourself. I would suggest you don’t challenge me over this because I would take you on a psychological road you have never been down and I hope no other person on TM has never been down the same road or ever will.
Get help I think you need it.

TC All
[/quote]

I wasn't discussing my insecurities, merely pointing out that I have some and why... as to Michael Jay... don't care. My first impressions of you were proven to be correct. I let down my defenses only to get screwed; not only in your actions on the Bunny but the fact that you and that fat red-faced drunk from the hutch and two or three others went to other forums to air your laundry and to perpetuate the harassment. I've even had three individuals notice how one person in particular seems to be a stalker when it comes to me and no, that's not my paranoia it is how others have seen things unfolding in this past year and who have laughed at how cunning and sly this intellectual smart-ass ISN'T.

Now I don't believe I've ever set my foot down and said that Mentalism MUST BE PRESENTED MY WAY... in fact I know I haven't and I seem to have five or six books out there that back that up as well as numerous talks, lectures, etc. As to the issue in this thread that somehow got misdirected and "twisted"... I haven't a clue what I've said that got everyone so hot and bothered... I merely encourage people to look at what has worked and why... I encourage people to step back and look at what they do and ask critical questions based on proven formulas... if that is wrong then someone needs to tell the Theater Professors of countless Universities as well as those dealing with art, writing, etc. Critical questions and finding logic and viability in what we are trying to convey is a prime ingredient in being more than someone that just does tricks or writes words on paper or putzes around with a blob of clay... it has to have cohesion and reason behind it and that is ALL I've ever encouraged or "insisted" on... if that is arrogant, out of bounds, rude, contemptuous, etc. then I am sorry... I thought this was a place where serious minded enthusiast gathered to discuss and look at things.

Yes, I will figuratively slap down someone for being stupid and dealing with self-will vs. listening and trying something "new" (though it may be old)... Vernon used to slap you up side the head or crack your knuckles with his wand and I've had other teachers that weren't quite that kind when it came to explaining the facts of life to a novice. If you wanted to learn you buckled down and LISTENED rather than argue and insist on doing your way... When you were ready in your mind to do something your own way, then you did it and allowed the teacher to critique it.

When I was doing big illusions I knew I'd come into my own when I could enchant my teacher with his own equipment and illusions he'd made famous. As a mentalist I have three indicators; the results seen by my reluctant students when they finally follow through with what I've encouraged -- the reactions and "belief" I gain from my audiences -- and when my fellows smile wryly and nod, confirming that I've done very well.

Knowing what I've EARNED in life and hearing the rebellious statements some make or having those that have gained from me AT ABSOLUTELY NO COST TO THEM... it wears thin and fast. But I've been warned for years about giving away too much and that I need to find more larceny in my heart, write more books and charge you b******s an arm and leg for it time and again just the way Docc, Kenton, Luke and everyone else is doing. But I'm a fool, I love magic and I love teaching and the only thing I ever ask is for a bit of respect. But at the same time, I rub people wrong because I don't consign the current commercial rally cry of mixed and meshed garbage and I've deliberately raised questions in the mind of folks that follow a manipulating angry old reprobate -- questions most of them have never considered on issues said gent and his cronies keep well hidden and of course "spun".

Recently I have had to prove to people that I really am dealing with several chronic illnesses because someone within these forums has planted the rumor that I am not and it's all part of a con... I have dealt with more Piracy on material that belongs to a few of my friends and am still working with local authorities in an investigation on a local Psychic Scam operator. Then I come in here a few days ago to see MichaelJay's childish post and then this little hurrah...

Thanks for helping me see the light guys...

...

Tune in next week folks for another episode of....dun-dun-DAH!

Battle of the Rabbits!!!!!!!!!!!!

Though i am midly entertained, can you two fellas either duke it out somewhere and post it up on YouTube, or best bet, both agree to not snipe at one another...please? pretty please with sugar on it?

Nah let it run. This thread has given me the best 10 minutes of Saturday morning entertainment I've had in ages. Including the fantastic label of Super Mentalist which really needs to be adopted by someone.

bronz wrote:Nah let it run. This thread has given me the best 10 minutes of Saturday morning entertainment I've had in ages. Including the fantastic label of Super Mentalist which really needs to be adopted by someone.

I'm going to side with Bronz on this one. It's entertaining to sit down with a cuppa and read the rather illuminating rants, but I also think it also poses fundamental questions about approaches to mentalism that a lot of people could benefit from.

actually...yeah...what was i thinking?!

go at it boys...go at it like a dog eating hot chips...

maybe slip in veiled acronymns on your online vision articles?

i still say you shout fight though, mano y mano kinda thing...and i look forward to the impending Oprah Winfrey show "Super-mentalist showdown"...