talkmagic.co.uk

Its disgusting ! what utter b*lls, how can they do this...

Ive seen several adverts for Magicians in the Magic Circle and other litertaure in Wedding Magazines that say "Make sure when hiring your magician that they are a member of the Magic Circle"

So pretty much trying to nab all the work for themselves!!!! they surely cant do that! thats like nikey saying "make sure your trainers are nikey if you join this gym!"

Im outraged....

So? if your punter asks if you are a member...Lie.
No.. but seriously,
How are they going to know? ( the punter that is)


I always say im a member of the IBM, And show my card if need be.

and besides, since most bookings are gained by word of mouth, this wont really make that much difference will it.

D

So? if your punter asks if you are a member...Lie.
No.. but seriously,
How are they going to know?

Lol if I was gonna tell a lie why the hell would I say i was in the Magic Circle lol I would at least lie about something worth lying about lol....plus thats dishonest and wrong! and Im a proffesional and dont do that....I dont think its fair they should not be able to do it!

This is not an unusual scenario Chris you'll find it with most of the magic societies and even local magic shops (back in the day), who would send performers out on gigs. It's just a branding point in that from the marketing world's point of view, it is known that the average consumer buys into the lie of a label. Brand X that has no association with any reputable organization that is "known" to the general public will not be used nearly as much as Bran A that carries with it "endorsement" by this and that organization.

Networking is the key to any business and within show biz, if you have the logos of the Magic Castle, IBM, PEA, etc. all on your web page people are more inclined to buy you. You'll also notice how some performers work in the name of the schools they've attended and even the Fraternity or Sorority they belonged to... it's so as to create (and exploit) kinship connection and stimulate the old idea of "supporting one's own".

These membership alliances can go much further, including the local Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Associations, and civic groups such as the Jaycees or Lion's clubs (or those evil Free Mason's groups).

It's all business! Literally a means by which to direct the "drive train" (consumer) your way. It's a horrid part of life and reality.

I've only ever had a few people ask if I was a member of the circle before booking me. Not being a member has never resulted in me not getting the booking.

In my literature I sometimes warn the punter against booking someone just because they're a "member of some magic club or cirlce or similar". I tell them that being a member of Equity is the most important thing.

Swings and roundabouts. Turn what you have got into your advantage and stop worrying about what the competition is doing. Not being a member of the circle won't harm your bookings, honestly.

Not being a member has never resulted in me not getting the booking

Yes I know it wont harm my bookings...Im gonna start my anti-advertising shceme, if they can do it ill do it better lol.....Rito now lets take a look at what societies schools etc I belong to ...first things first...My Bronze Swimming Certificate is goin on there...lol

Thatsmagicchris

BSC
BA Hons
Member of MC (magicchris club)
Member of MCGB (Magic Club Of Great Britain)
Winner of his own life achievement award for best Magician.
Voted most likely to succeed (by his parents)

lol

Qualifications etc. should be secondary to your actual entertainment/skill level.

When employing someone, you are employing them for their skill, not their certification (unless it's a Corgi registered plumber you need!!!).

If it's a prerequisite that you are a 'member', then as discussed—lie. No businessman would ever forfeit a mistruth to gain a contract.

There's no fear about lying... if they ask "Are you a member of the Magic Circle", simply say "We're not supposed to mention that but... yes, I am a part of a Magic Circle". (Let me stress the 'a' in 'a magic circle'). That should shield you from guilt.

Elton John sang about it...

I suspect that they're just stating the obvious.

Anyone can say that they're a magician (Hell, I do), so if you want to get some kind of assurance that they're any good, then membership of the MC at least shows that they've been good enough to pass an audition.

Short of asking them to send a demo tape then I can't think of any other way of getting your magician to prove that they know what they're doing

It doesn't mean that anyone who isn't a member isn't a good magician (cos a lot of them are) but if you're shelling out X hundred pounds for an entertainer, then it gives a degree of comfort to know that they've proved themselves to a degree

proved themselves to a degree

Proved to who! other magicians who think its their place to say who is good and bad, who appointed them? Who made them governing body! they did!!!As long as muggles are entertained let them be our judges!

I dont need to prove I can perform to anybody, the proofs in the pudding, I wouldnt put myself out there if I doubted myself and if I was gonna look like a tit.....

Labels are what causes the worlds problems...dont be dictated by them or endorse them, by all means get help from people but dont look to them for selfbelief, you can only provide that....be an individual cos the world is losing them at a rapid rate........People are sheep.

Thing is, Chris, for some people at least, it's quite nice to have a little bit of pride in an acomplishment such as being accepted into the Circle.

...I don't really think it's either fair or polite to brand them as 'sheep', whatever your personal views on the subject.

We don't have members of the Circle on TM dissing those who aren't interested in joining, so perhaps it's best if you kept any potentially inflamatory comments to yourself?

Each to their own

Rob

Regardless of how you view these organisations on a personal level - it does add some kudos to you as a performer, from the viewpoint of a potential customer, if you are a member of a club, society, body, organisation, whatever.

Part of the advertising I use for my DJ business is that all my DJs are members of the AA or RAC, so if we break down we can still get to the gig. You would be surprised how many people have actually commented on that when booking us!

As for saying "make sure you hire a member of xxxx" - so what??? It is promoting themselves and giving themselves an edge.

Make sure you put Calgon in your washing machine!

Being a member of a professional organisation is always going to put you one step ahead in any business and magic isn't any different. I think that for a client, hiring a Magic Circle member gives them a certain piece of mind that they're getting someone who's half decent. If I was a member, I know, I'd flaunt the fact at every chance.

to brand them as 'sheep'

I meant people not the MC !

And Im not dissing them, cos their Magicians so we share a common interest I was just saying to start with its shudnt be allowed...If my posters and business cards said

"dont hire a Magician if he/she is in the MC"

I think youd find they would be the first to complain!

Maybe we could lock this now please Mods x