by seige » May 5th, '03, 22:59
Performing sleights is a preference, as made clear by MagicDiscoMan.
As quite rightly stated, there are many effects which don't require you to have fingers and hands like Meir Yeddid. In fact, lots of the effects one sees advertised recently actually state 'no palming or sleights required'.
I'm one of the 'purists' you speak of... I've always been fascinated by flourishes, shuffles and sleights. But that's just me. I crave to learn more, and I love being able to pick up a regular deck of cards and do amazing things at parties.
But today's magician can be more resourceful and use the arsenal of tricks out there.
I must admit, I'm quite adept at palming using various one and two hand methods, but to be honest, I use them so infrequently that they could fall by the wayside quite easily.
On the other hand, I rely on card and coin magic in my little shows, so palming and the like and the necessity to keep my hands healthy and tuned is quite important to ME... but as MagicDiscoMan states, why have a dog and bark yourself?
There is such a broad spectrum of magic which we can perform, and we all find our little niche.
If tying your fingers in knots is getting you flustered, stop. Life's to short. Concentrate on something you ENJOY. If, like me, magic does not provide your main income and is more of a 'paid hobby', it makes sense to enjoy it rather than sweat for hours perfecting something that is essentially a burden.
It's a free choice. Use your concentration to better your strengths, and try and bluff your way through your weaknesses!