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another guest Regular user .Malaysia. 128 Posts |
I have a question and I don't know which forum should I put in, hope this is the correct place. When we're into magic, is it necessary to join a magic club? What do you think? Work all alone or join a local magic club? Thanks.
House
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Neale Bacon Inner circle Burnaby BC Canada 1775 Posts |
That depends on the individual, and why you want to join. There are ups and downs to any organization. My own local magic club has some great guys and we have intersting meetings and speakers etc.
However there is also a lot of egotism and politicing. Ask yourself why do you want to join. Is it neccessary? No.
Neale Bacon and his Crazy Critters
Burnaby BC Canada's Favourite Family Ventriloquist www.baconandfriends.com |
Dennis Michael Inner circle Southern, NJ 5821 Posts |
A Magic Club, if run right, really helps everyone from trying out new effects to teaching the new old effects.
Expect some poitics, that's in any organization. I've made some really nice friends in the clubs I belong. It's interesting seeing the same faces at different clubs, so we all belong to more than one. It can get expensive, IBM and SAM require $50 each per year plus local dues which are $25-$50 per year. One can easily spend $150-$200 a year just to be a member. Not to mention buying stuff at each club and going to their conventions.
Dennis Michael
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Payne Inner circle Seattle 4571 Posts |
It depends entirely on your local magic club. some are good, some are bad and most in the middle somewhere. I've been into magic for over thirty years but only joined a local club a few years ago. I probably would never have joined but the then president of the club convinced me to attend a meeting. It's a good group of magicians, a nice mix of hobbyists, amateurs and part time and full time pros.
It was an independent club when I joined but they decided a couple of years ago to affiliate themselves with the IBM for some reason. Fortunately I am grandfathered in so I am under no obligation to join the IBM and only have to pay the local club dues. You can save money on the IBM registration if you opt out of getting the house organ. so if money is tight you might look into doing that.
"America's Foremost Satirical Magician" -- Jeff McBride.
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bcookmagic Elite user seattle wa 472 Posts |
Payne, I, lured you into my trap and now you can never leave the club... Muhahahahah! Brian
If your not having fun doing what your doing....dont do it!
WWW.BRIANCOOKMAGIC.COM |
Nando New user St. Louis, MO 74 Posts |
If you have a club in your area, I think it's foolish NOT to join at least one. You wouldn't be here if you weren't interested in magic, so personally interacting with others who share your interest should be a given. Other members can share with you valuable knowledge, and an honest criteque from member can save you a lot of trial and error while working on a routine. Sure there's politics, and quality can vary, but I've seen clubs take a complete 180 with new leaders and members. Both the I.B.M. and S.A.M. allow you to go to a meeting as a visitor, so check them out first. I've seen coutless post on here asking questions and advice that could be easily answered at a local magic meeting. All due respect to DenDowhy, but they're not THAT expensive to join. I.B.M. national dues are only $40, and local dues can vary, but mine are only $14, meaning $54 annually. S.A.M. is, what, $55 annually, local dues are $20 here. Basically joining either club is about the same as buying a good magic book or DVD. Plus, each club publishes a monthly magazine full of effects, advice history and counsel that is worth the price of the dues alone. I hope you find a club and join.
The opposite of bravery is not cowardice, but conformity.
-Robert Anthony |
Tyler_Magician Special user 509 Posts |
It's also a great way to meet other magicians in your area. I didn't know there were so many magicians until I joined the club.
-Tyler |
irossall Special user Snohomish, Washington 529 Posts |
Just go to a meeting or two and see if it suits your fancy then join or don't join, it's just that simple.
I joined a club after two visits and am glad that I did (I just hope most of the club members feel the same) I get a chance now and then to ask for personal help with a sleight that I am trying to master and so far I have never been denied help. Iven
Give the gift of Life, Be an Organ Donor.
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Jake Austin Loyal user Colorado Springs 237 Posts |
When evaluating whether or not to join a club, don't only look at what the club can do for you. Ask yourself if you have something to give to the club. By giving to the club you are contributing to the betterment of magic. For example, the club may be full of "old" guys and you're a youngster. Don't let this deter you. This is a win/win situation. You get to learn from their experiences as well as inject some young blood into the club. This will make you a better magician as well as help attract more young magicians to the club.
Another example would be if you were a coin guy and the club was full of card guys. Don't you think they need a coin guy? This is an opportunity for you to give back to magic. Also, when you commit to giving to the club, you work harder and thus make yourself a better magician (and person). Go join a magic club! Receive and give.
S.A.M Assembly 170, Colorado Springs
170sam.org |
ncsteve Veteran user North Carolina 313 Posts |
I agree totally with the above post but give a warning also. If you come up with something that's unique be careful who you show it to. There's a few things I'll only do once at the magic club.
Steve |
BroDavid Inner circle America’s North Coast, Ohio 3176 Posts |
I attend a monthly magic clucb meeting (IBM), two additional monthly club meetings that are different, and a weekly magic club meeting.
The least productive (for me) is the IBM meeting as we have business to do, and I am an officer. So the meeting time goes pretty fast with club business. I get soemthing out of it, and try to give something back by serving as a club officer. The other meetings are mostly jam sessions, and there is little organizational business, so I like them. And each has a different set of attendees (with some overlap) But I am a busy person, and I don't have time to waste. So the reason I take as much time as I do for this, is that when it comes to honing your performing skills, and getting ideas as to technique and the mechanics, you wont find a better, more knowledgeable group than these folks. I want to improve. So I invest the time. If I felt that I already knew all I need to know, I wouldnt bother. But I don't think I will reach that point, in this lifetime. BroDavid
If you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything.
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another guest Regular user .Malaysia. 128 Posts |
Thanks guys for your comment. Following your advice, I decided to visit the club a few times first before I decide whether to join or not. I'll see first, then I'll decide if it suits me or not. Thanks!
House
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Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
I love the quote from W. C. Fields. When asked what he thought of clubs for women, he replied, "I suppose you may have to use them as a last resort."
Actually, I would encourage you to at least visit the magic clubs in your area. Each is a little different and each club changes a little over time as membership changes. If nothing else, they make great support groups! Many of my life-long friends came from meetings in magic clubs. They are an important part of my life. Enjoy! Bob Magic By Sander |
Bryan Gilles Inner circle Northern California 1732 Posts |
Hey everyone,
I am a young- 24 yr. old looking to start a club locally (Redding Ca.). I am a second generation magician and feel I know enough to keep topics interesting. I need help with formatting the monthly meetings. Does anyone have advice? Can you give me a general idea or outline of how your IBM or SAM meetings go. Such as... first we do announcements for 10-15 mins, next we discuss new products for 20-30 mins., and so on... I have about 7-9 interested magicians. We have a lot of local talent and a wide variety of different styles amongst us. (from gospel to bizarre and close-up to stage). Do you recommend covering specific topics? And last, what have or do you do at your current gatherings that you would change... any advice would help. Thanks for the help... Bryan Gilles p.s.- I submitted a post on this same topic in the "So Happy Together" forum as well. It may better describe this concern. |
Bryan Gilles Inner circle Northern California 1732 Posts |
LOL... I didn't realize I was already in the "So Happy Together" Forum (from my last post). Here is a link to the similar posting:
http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......31&4 Thanks again for any advice or help! Bryan |
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