talkmagic.co.uk

I just thought that I'd spark a debate on this topic. It seems to me that the growing number of free video sites such as youtube have little or no quality control. This means that any trick, regardless of standard or quality can be posted. For example, I was able to learn the "jumping gemini" trick entirely from a botched video featuring a performer who had obviously gone through the routine once or twice at the most. I believe that this is an insult to the original creator of that trick and every other performer who is able to perform it well.
On the other hand, I have posted 4 or 5 short magic tricks on youtube. These videos give the unknown magicians the opputunity of recognition and acclaim if their performances are done well. Also, these sites offer free advertising to magicians. For example, Michael Kras advertises his website through youtube.
So to close, I am still uncertain of wether these sites are of benefit or hindrance to magic in the long run, so I invite a debate and include a poll also. Please leave your opinions as they will be of great interest to all. Thanks!!

I'm also unsure as there are some quite entertaining and constructive video posts about magic which are all the better for being shared. It's the few that get remembered for the wrong reasons which is in itself a bad thing - or is it?

I'm currently reading Wizard School by Eugene Berger and Jeff McBride - a most interesting and enlightening read. Eugene says (not quoting here - but attempting to translate)that it's not something that magicians should be that concerned about. If you perform your magic as it should be performed, then your audience will see your magic as being something completely different and on another level.

Don't worry about how others are performing it, put the thought into how you should be, and want to be performing it instead.

Once I've finished the book I'll post a review but I already recommend it (even at £65)

We've debated yooftube and similar sites many times before - a swift Search should find most of the threads including the one petitioning to shut these sites down.

You missed "irrelevant" as a neutral option. See other posts on the same topic.