I think it would also be nice to get the magazine montly. If that means raising dues 5 or 10 bucks that's ok with me! I would aslo think it would be a good idea to have longer articles and another article or two on making a trick. I like the way the conjuror is now but theres DEFINETLY room for improvement.

P.S. I enjoy your reading your articles every issue Kerry!

Ethan the Emazing

Hi again gang,

Ethan, thanks for your kind words. I enjoy writing the column so it's a win-win!

It's been awhile since I've chimed in on this topic. I appreciate all of your comments. They have not gone unnoticed. Here are some actions that have been taken in response to your input.

1. I have let Mike Stenberg, the editor of the Conjurer know about this thread. I believe he is keeping tabs on it. But again, Mike only prints what comes in to his office. Which leads me to...

2. Every time I speak with an FCM member I gently twist their arm on this contribution theme. As Steve Hart has encouraged - share your best stuff and encourage others to do the same. This is so important. The magazine withers without contributors. And, from the input I've gathered on this thread people would like to see more usable magic ideas - more hot new props with gospel applications, more close-up, more stage illusions, etc. Me too! So crack open those vaults and pry those tight fingers off your pet effects and send 'em in.

Good friend and fellow Salvationist Doug Kornwolf is a genius at taking current magic props and dreamin up wonderful gospel applicatons for them. He's among the best I have ever known. Problem is, he doesn't fancy himself a writer. Maybe this situation describes some of you too. Well, I'm no Pulitzer prize-winning writer either but feel free to send me your rough drafts/ideas and I will try to polish them up for inclusion in my Magic Beans column (with proper credit of course). Or just let Mike take a crack at it. That's what editors do.

3. Hey, if you don't want to submit a whole routine yet, start here with something small. If plans work out, I will be running a small contest within the framework of the Magic Beans column. It may be something like "Submit your best original comedy line used with an audience volunteer". Such as:

"How old are you? Wow! 7! How long did it take you to get to be 7?" (NOT original with me)

I'll be asking for submissions in an upcoming issue. Or submit "early bird" style and PM me. I will include as many of the submissions in my column as I can (with proper credits). Bruce Johnson has even donated an autographed copy of one of his books as first prize. Rumor has it that there may be a much larger creativity contest in the Conjurer later this year.

4. I have several articles simmering now for 2007 that deal with commercial magic props, stage illusions, close-up, promotional material and stage craft. But, I'm only one guy and there are only six issues a year, so... (sound of arm twisting), bless the Fellowship and help build the kingdom by sharing your best gem today.

Cheerio,
Kerry

I would like to see more on the business side. Setting up a ministry, touring, pricing and booking churches.

I do enjoy the spot light. I like to read about others and what they do and how they do it.

I would like to see it each month but if they are looking for stuff now, it may be hard to add another 6 issues.
How and who should we send in articles?

"How and who should we send in articles?"


Send to "mailcenter@fcm.org"

ChrisG

Chris is correct.

But, I would email Mike Stenberg at that address first to see what format he likes best. I send my articles in Word format but there are others he likes better.

Same goes for photos and art. He likes higher resolution files - stuff pulled off the net gives him a fit if they are lower quality jpegs.

In fact, I will email him and ask if he would mind posting the info right here in this thread.

Cheerio,
Kerry

I emailed a routine over to Mike and he said he is going to put it in March April. I just wanted to encourage everyone else to send an routine in and help. I did thanks to this post.

Hey Gang,

Earlier in this thread, the discussion revolved around how the cost of FCM membership doesn't provide much more than the Christian Conjurer magazine. The question came up, "What value added perks could be added without increasing annual dues?" Here's good news for those of you keeping track of such things. Mike made these announcements in the last "Editor's Corner" of the Conjurer:

"One of the goals is to have a two-part website [www.fcm.org]. The first part will be for public access, to gain information about the FCM and the opportunity to join. The second part will be for members only. It will have features only current members can take advantage of."

"One of the objectives will also be to put our membership directory on the [secure side] of the website."

"There are so many things we can add to our website to make our membership more valuable. We hope to have all back issues of the Conjurer available on the website. Searchable for an article, trick, person or most anything."

I think this is great news and anticipate enjoying these future benefits. If you like this new value-added direction email Mike and give him a bit ATTABOY!

Cheerio,
Kerry

I have just started my membership in FCM. I am glad I did. I was disappointed in the magazine, but understand the overwhelming task of doing one. I did a magazine for and about kaleidoscopes for a very short period of time, I have such horror stories to tell. First of all the Christian Conjurer magazine, regardless of frequency, needs input. Anyone who can write decently should help by submitting something. If they can't write decently, find a friend, a relative, or another FCM member to help put your ideas into words! Don't be afraid!

I would love to see it go monthly. I would also like it to have generic sections for all members and then either have a specialized section or edition for magic, juggling, clowning, etc. Perhaps something as simple as an icon in the table of contents to show what field of practice the article is about, instead of us magicians having to read a few paragraphs of a clowning article before we realize it is not something we need to read.

I think it would benefit from more advertizing, thus keeping the costs down, and opening the opportunity to see what is available for the Christian conjurer/juggler/clown/balloon artist/etc. on the whole. Maybe there needs to be some people out searching for potential advertizers?

I think it is good, but it can be much better. No, it won't fit everyone's needs of wishes, but any and all help that can be given to those who work on it should be given. And in this light, I will be glad to do what I can. I hope I will be able to submit some ideas or articles in the future. If I decide to sell anything appropriate to the FCM and its members, I will consider an ad. This reminds me, maybe you could have a classified ads section every so often or in the back for those who are selling items or offering services appropriate to the cause of the FCM?

I want to say keep up the good work and may we all help you make it better!

Thanks,
Brett Bensley

I would also like to suggest a BEST OF CCM. By this I mean going through all the back issues and finding articles that are specific for specific purposes. I would love to see a special edition that just includes tricks, or just patter for tricks, or if there is suggestions and ideas in one of the other areas of outreach, doing an issue on that.

Thanks,
Brett Bensley

Brett
I understand what you are saying. I am presently going through the last six years of of the Conjurer. Many of the things I didn't really think I could use at the time now seem to jump out at me.
A "Best Of" series might be a good fund raiser for the FCM. Something to sell through the Conjurer and at FCM events.
ChrisG

With the suggestion of this thread I submitted a rounte. I just recieved my Conjurer and it is on page 12. If you guys have not done so please submit this is our club we make it or break it.

Bill
I just got my Conjurer today. Good article. I look forward to hearing more from you in the future. Will you be at the FCM Internationalin July?
ChrisG

No I am fulling booked with libraies during the INT. I submitted another article I hope Mike runs it. I am sure your feedback to him would help.

Hey Bill,
Thanks for your article. The photo illustrations are a nice touch and very helpful too. Thanks for going the extra mile. I'm already looking forward to reading your next contribution.
Cheerio,
Kerry

I haven't gotten home to read my CC, but I look forward to reading your article, Bill.

What was the last issue of the CC magazine? I got the one from January/February but not the March/April issue. I was so hoping to read the article mentioned here.

Brett Bensley

Brett
The last one that I received was mid March Vol. 51-2 March/April. It has the McGilliard family on the cover.

ChrisG

Thanks. Definitely didn't get it. I have contacted FCM about the missing magazine.

Brett Bensley

I just wanted to say I got my copy within a few days of letting them know. I also had time to read the article and wish more members would submit such work. It was very well done and I also liked the pictures. It was a great benefit.

Thanks to all,
Brett Bensley

Grettings, Brett,

Welcome back to the FCM!

I just came across this thread and realized who you were.

Have you considered submitting any articles?


Andrew