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Latest promo of James More, who will be appearing at the Southern England Magic Convention Jan 31st 2009 at Lakeside in Surrey.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2ZZBjwa ... re=related

Best Wishes

Mike Danata

Hi it's Mike Danata again. Many people are asking about the "Offending Letter" from Carl d Rome, that was published on the SEMC forum page.

Collin Richardson (main SEMC Convention organiser) has asked me to put on the following statement as his server is still down at the moment, & can't do it himself.

"There is a lot of confusion over this, because photo copy's of OTHER letters have been sent by BMC to all the dealers. Many of those dealers are assuming that ALL those letters were published on the SEMC website, I would like to state categorically, that THEY WERE NOT!
We published one letter from Carl D Rome, with a disclaimer that the views expressed were not necessarily those of the organisers.

(Note from Mods: Sorry but Carl's first letter was deleted from TM because of the content, the second version wasn't much better and this version is still not in accord with TM policy of not publishing such defamatory comments. Honest comments are fine but when they become personal then they have to go. Carl himslf was banned for his lack of respect for TM so can we just leave the matter as is, if anyone really needs to see Carl's comments I'm sure they can be found elsewhere.)

Carl has a "Colourful" (to say the least!) way of expressing himself, & after much deliberation, we decided to publish the letter. Looking back we probably made a mistake, because it seems that letter gave the excuse for all the events that followed. Both Geoff & myself NEVER saw the SEMC as a "Threat" in any way to Blackpool, we are organising a much smaller conventiion down South, for the people down this neck of the woods, & had every intention to attend Blackpool as well (prior to being banned!!)

Collin Richardson

What a great promo video from James and RSVP.

Thanks for posting that Mike.

James gets better & better all the time. He is currently working on something very special for the SEMC Gala Show next Jan.

I can't say any more............

Mike

I know. James is good. I tried to book him for the Ipswich Convention this year, but sadly (for us) He was alreay booked.

Maybe next year.

Not sure if anyone noticed that the ongoing saga between Derek Lever and the SMC made the National press today on page 25 of the Daily Mail

See here:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1051141/Wizards-war-tale-magic-meetings.html

Who's going to be the first to comment on the Mail web site

I notied that the South Shields convention is around 4 weeks after Blackpool and will they be banning any dealers and artists that display or perform at the earlier convention?

hi there I understand these things continue but come on lets get on with it SEMC can be a great convention there will be enough dealers for the 1500 people there andenough southerners to buy products blackpool can be too intense at times and not fun some people have said its a rush but has always been a gr8 convention its horses for courses

With Simon Cowell & Co. slagging Magic & Magicians off on TV, surely articles in the National Press like the one in the Daily Mail, CANNOT be good for Magic ?
And involving the Board of Trade, possibly other Goverment Offices is probably dangerous for Magic as anything even remotely connected with 'political' areas is chancey!

What is puzzling me and others, is WHY couldn't the the SEMC be held at another date in the year. I'm sure Surrey in May would be delightful. ? :

Then magicians everywhere would have one in Feb.(Blackpool) one in May(SEMC) one in Sept.( British Ring) & one in Dec.(International) and everyone would be happy.

It's a puzzlement

Allen Tipton

it wouldnt make a difference DL would still throw toys out of pram regardless May or June would be good, Performers at showzam next year need to beware showzam is within five weeks of blackpool.

my guess is, the venue have slipped this in to fill the apre` christmas lull.

In jan and feb magicians are restocking and looking new stuff so its the best time, freedom of choice is agreat thing and magicians are like anyone else only have a small budget it appears that some people want ALL that budget most of us have new and innovative products some dealers have the same second hand packet tricks everytime

Allen Tipton wrote:With Simon Cowell & Co. slagging Magic & Magicians off on TV, surely articles in the National Press like the one in the Daily Mail, CANNOT be good for Magic ?
And involving the Board of Trade, possibly other Goverment Offices is probably dangerous for Magic as anything even remotely connected with 'political' areas is chancey!

What is puzzling me and others, is WHY couldn't the the SEMC be held at another date in the year. I'm sure Surrey in May would be delightful. ? :

Then magicians everywhere would have one in Feb.(Blackpool) one in May(SEMC) one in Sept.( British Ring) & one in Dec.(International) and everyone would be happy.

It's a puzzlement

Allen Tipton

The reason is quite simple, it's a question of ecomomics! Venues are cheaper to hire "Out of season" (Probably the same reason why Blackpool convention is in FEB!!!!)

Best Wishes

Mike

I would attend this convention as it is not far from me. Unfortunately the no trainers policy excludes me. My wardrobe consists of either suits and dress shoes or jeans and trainers. If I'm not working i'll stick to the jeans and trainers, I guess I'm just not a "smart casual" type of person.
Hell, I'm not complaining. If I put on a convention the first thing I'd do is ban ties and waistcoats adorned with playing cards, seriously people, not a good look.
Anyhow, a dress code policy of this nature at a convention seems a bit daft to me as I'm sure it will exclude a few youngsters who know no other footwear but trainers, as well as a few wannable youngsters like myself!

The reason for the Trainers Ban, is to do with the flooring at Lakeside. The owner (Bob Potter) has nothing against Trainers (or indeed the people who wear them!) It's just that they mark the floor............ simple as that.

It's a very very nice complex, & will be an A1 Convention, with all the facilities that are sometimes lacking at other conventions.

I'm looking forward to it immensely (I'm putting the Gala Show together, plus the After Show Party, which will be a REAL PARTY!!!).

I've NEVER worn trainers in my life, never understood the appeal to be honest, some trainers (most I think) are more expensive than a decent pair of shoes.......................

Best Wishes

Mike

I've got a few people who want to go to the Jan show so any idea if I can get group booking cheap rates at all?

Thanks (Paul smiles that cheeky grin which used to work in the sweetie shops)

Paul