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magic4ewe
Regular user
179 Posts
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Posted: Oct 10, 2006 1:24pm
This is a question that recently came up in a conversation, and I am quite interested in hearing your personal response if you would be so kind as to give one.
If you did not receive the M.U.M. magazine, what value do you feel you receive for your annual dues? If you did not receive the M.U.M. magazine, would it have any bearing on your being a S.A.M. member?
Thank you very much in advance for your consideration of my question. I look forward to hearing your replies and insight on the question. I recently had to answer that question myself and I am just wondering how many people share my own opinion on the question, therefore, I have not posted my response.
Magically yours,
Kristen
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SoCalPro
Inner circle
Southern California
1597 Posts
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Posted: Oct 10, 2006 3:25pm
Honestly, the only reason I am a member of SAM is the liability insurance. I don't have the time or interest to attend any club meetings. Then again, that's just me. Hey...you asked!!!!!! 
JIM
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mrunge
Inner circle
Charleston, SC
3474 Posts
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Posted: Oct 10, 2006 4:34pm
There are no SAM assemblies in my area to attend so the reason I belong is to receive the MUM magazine. Being a member also let's me attend other assembly meetings when traveling. There are other benefits such as the annual convention, the Film and Tape library and, as Jim mentioned, the liability insurance, all of which are available to SAM members.
Great question! Looking forward to hearing other responses as well.
Mark.
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Zazz
Veteran user
California
315 Posts
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Posted: Oct 10, 2006 4:36pm
Jim,
Thanks for your response! I appreciate your feedback and honesty is what I want. What you stated is ONE of the reasons I do find value in being a member and was something I included in my own response when questioned.
I would love to hear others opinions as well!
Thanks again,
Kristen
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MintonMagic
Regular user
South Lyon, Michigan
131 Posts
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Posted: Oct 15, 2006 1:29am
I love the magazine, I really don't have much time to consider the other benefits for the membership!
In Magic,
Roger M.
www.mintonmagic.com
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Skip Way
Inner circle
3446 Posts
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Posted: Oct 15, 2006 9:27am
When I first joined in the '70's it was from a military base in Athens, Greece. There were no assemblies. I joined then for two reasons: The journal and the opportunity to be a part of magic history. Today, I belong to SAM and IBM for the satisfaction of historically connecting to the masters...past and present. The fellowship when I meet fellow SAM and IBM members is my greatest pleasure. The access to Rings and Assemblies in my own hometown, across the country and around the world is a close second. The journals; a rival third. Other benefits fall into line, but for me...it's simply belonging to something great, educational and fun. If M.U.M. and The Linking Ring never found my door, I'd still pay my dues.
The Dreamer,
Skip
Proudly Serving the Magic Community in the Old North State
I.B.M. T.V.P. North Carolina
www.Magic-NC.com
I.B.M. Youth/Magic Youth Raleigh
RaleighMagicClub.org
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Mr. Edgars
New user
Southern Colorado
7 Posts
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Posted: Oct 21, 2006 12:07am
As a recently joined member, here's my perspective: M.U.M. is a tremendous perk, yes, but wouldn't quite be enough to tempt me on its own. There are no assemblies within a feasible distance for me, and I'm not enough of a performer to have any need for the insurance. I was primarily attracted by the sense of fraternity. The acceptance as a legitimate peer, no matter how amateurish and inadequate my skills are for now... the sense of belonging to something bigger and older and grander than I am on my own... Maybe it's a confidence builder, maybe it's the way that forums like this and SAMtalk can help serve as surrogate mentors. But right now, the basic sense of belonging is of incalculable value all by itself.
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Nell
Loyal user
Germany
265 Posts
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Posted: Oct 26, 2006 12:04am
Being a member encouraged me to connect with other magicians, which, until moving away from home, had never occurred to me as a difficult task. I started magic very young and being in NW Indiana, finding area magicians nearby was never a problem. It wasn't until meeting a good friend of mine in college that I realized some magicians never had the honor I had of being surrounded by so many great peers and mentors in the field.
Being a member of the magic organizations has always held an amount of prestige in my book. It shows that you are committed to what you are doing and have a love for the art. So, in that, I believe I have been able to network, make friends all over the world, and meet up at conventions with old friends and acquaintences.
I made several new friends at the SAM convention this past year as a result of being a close-up judge that I ran into later in Stockholm at FISM. It was wonderful to see these people again. I do enjoy the magazines, but mostly I'm a member for the camaraderie.
"A trick may be very good...but...the illusionist must be better than the trick." -René Lavand
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Necromancer
Inner circle
Chicago
2551 Posts
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Posted: Oct 26, 2006 11:10am
To me, the value of my S.A.M. membership is in:
(1) connecting with and building upon the magical heritage of my city, which is home to the third Assembly founded;
(2) having the opportunity to improve the organization for members across the entire enterprise;
(3) interacting with and learning from other members of the magical community, locally and internationally;
(4) attending lectures that I won't find anywhere else;
(5) expanding my horizons through M.U.M.
There is another potential one that I haven't yet explored, but will soon:
(6) going to conventions.
About (2) -- in a short time, we will be unveiling a new section of the Café specifically designed to improve communication among all levels of the S.A.M. It's going to be great! Watch for it....
Best,
Neil
APPEARING WEEKLY IN SUPERNATURAL CHICAGO.
See our promo video and TV montage now!
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