Just a quick hello to all. I've been browsing these forums for what seems like ages now and have found them really friendly and useful. So (rather belatedly) I have finally decided to join in.
I am what you would probably describe as an enthusiastic amateur. I bought my first TT and dynamic coins about 10 years ago from International Magic in London and have been accumulating loads of stuff since. I now have a large trunk and several boxes seemingly crammed full of effects, trick decks, sponges, books (Bobo's MCM, RRTCM etc), DVDs, videos (remember them?) etc etc which I sometimes spend a happy afternoon (when I get a break from my wife and kids!) sorting through and trying to organise into some sort of order.
Performance-wise it's only really been to family, friends and colleagues but I'd love to do more if only I could be more confident! I suppose I am known as "that bloke who does a bit of magic" so at least that's something! I've been to the IM convention in London a couple of times and also attended a magic course at the CityLit.
Favourite tricks have to be the ID, colour monte, rising card, twisted sisters, sponge balls, gimmicks such as coin unique, b&w surprise, loads of others, and of course my old favourite the TT. I have owned a copy of Mark Wilson's Cyclopedia for years but have finally started reading it properly so I am now learning "proper" card stuff with flourishes and the DL (finally getting together my own ACR) as I used to get frustrated with myself when handed a pack of cards and asked to "do us a trick then".
Maybe I'm learning magic back to front as most people seem to start with a deck of ungimmicked bikes and RRTCM, then try out other stuff later, whereas I'm the other way around
Anyway, I hope that gives you a bit about me and look forward to chatting on the forums.
