How do I join the fellowship of Christian Magicians. If anyone can help me on this, I would appreciate it.

Drkptrs1975
Go to the FCM web site. This should get you started. Its a good decision. I have been a member for a little over two years.

http://fcm.org/membership_services.php

I am going to my third international convention this July.

ChrisG

Thank you all.

What are the real benefits of becoming a member? How do you feel your membership makes you a better gospel performer?

Membership in the FCM in and of itself does not make you a better Gospel performer.

However it will help to provide the tools, i.e. monthly magazine, conventions both local and national, local chapters etc. As well as the network of people you meet at those events.

Tools, support network and a chance to see and hear the routines in action. That's my 2 cents worth. Hope it helps.

ChrisG

Well, if you want to be a better Gospel performer, I'd get that 3 DVD/VHS set from Duane Laflin on the Art of Gospel Magic.

I found out about it through FCM and they are simply the best work on the subject and every Gospel performer should have them.

Mark
That DVD set is first on my list when I get to the convention this year. Duane Laflin was the first Gospel performer I had pleasure of seeing perform. I think he is one of the best. I have spent many dollars in the previous two conventions. I have his palmo tape and silk fountain tape and his book.
ChrisG

All I can say is those tapes/DVD will change the way you think about Gospel magic and how to present it.

Everyone should own them.

I was going to the convention but will be unable to attend, so when you see Duane, tell him I send my love....

Do you have to be an FCM member to attend the conventions?

Andini
No. You do not have to be a member to attend. You do however pay a little higher price.

The first year I joined just because I saved over half the cost of a years membership. Now I continue my membership because I feel it is worth it.

ChrisG

Write2David wrote:

What are the real benefits of becoming a member? how do you feel your membership makes you a better gospel performer?


I do very little Gospel magic. In fact, I really do none. If asked, I can, but I don't advertise because I don't enjoy doing it. That said, the biggest advantage is the number of jobs it gets me each year.

I used to be a member of the Magic Castle. When people called me I would tell them I'm a member of IBM, SAM and the world famous Magic Castle. They would say fine and things would continue on. Things changed after I joined the FCM.

Now I say I'm mamber of IBM, SAM, and FCM. About 15 to 20 shows a year, when the person hears I'm a member of FCM books me with no further questions, once they know what it is about. That one membership brings me more shows than the IBM, SAM, and Magic Castle combined. For that reason alone, I would let every one of my memberships lapse before I let my FCM membership go. (I already said, "Goodbye" to the Castle years ago).

Steven -

Curious. Why would a customer care about what organizations you belong to? How is membership of benefit to your customers, and do you take the time to explain this to them? Do you really know for sure that your memberships are the reason you are booking those shows? Perhaps some just like the fact that you mention you are a Christian.

Again, I am just curious. I stopped using my magic club memberships in my sales presentation, after taking a sales training course. I realized that there were other things that were of more interest to the customer.

- Donald.

Donald,

I can only speculate "why". I had heard from many that once I became a member of the Castle, I would see an increase in my bookings. So I tried it and I really couldn't tell whether or not it worked.

When I became a member of the FCM I never really mentioned it. One day, I was chatting on the phone with a potential client and for some reason she was very hesitant. So I took a chance and told her I was a member and she immediately changed her tone and started asking more questions about my act and then booked me.

I don't use this all the time, it depends on the situation, but it has brought in more bookings. I know with some corporate clients, they have been very nervous about hiring me. Many have told me of some things that have happened in the past that makes me wonder why they are even interested in hiring a magician again. In any event, I talk about the FCM and it has given them peace each and every time.

If and when I mention my membership in the FCM, I am booked 100% of the time. I accept that, but in the end we all know who is ultimately responsible for allowing me to perform at these venues.

Their phone number is 1-800-244-8487

http://www.fcm.org

See also this discussion thread http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......98&4 .

Steven, help me understand your position.
You maintain a membership in the FCM for financial reasons, and you do not care to perform gospel magic?
Hmm.
I find it hard to see where this fits into the values the FCM promotes, you may be better served by finding a different way to promote your bookings.

Hey 61,
Gotta remember, this was an old thread moved over from The Good News to the FCM forum when it was recently inaugurated. Steven's original remarks were made over two years ago. His position may have changed by now.
Cheerio,
Kerry

Re: Steven's clients being favorable towards membership in the FCM.

It may be because so many magicians are, lately, predisposed to use obscenities in their acts -- I've even seen a manuscript which recommends teaching children certain obscenities during kids' shows. I've heard MANY complaints that "we had a magician at our office picnic/company party/chivaree/whatever and he told the most raunchy jokes!"

A client might consider that an FCM member would put on a clean show.

*jeep!
--Gran'pa Chet

I've noticed quite a bit of this myself. If you ever see Criss Angel's Mindfreak series, you will find it quite hard to follow a large number of the conversations between Criss and fellow magi, as he and they seem predisposed to having a rather profane manner of speech. A lot of this has to do with the way of hte world. Watch any of the street magic specials on TV and you'll see that there is a considerable amount of editing (in the form of *beep*) that has to happen for the viewer's reactions. Good point, mormonyoyoman.

BTW....here's a nice link to a handy little device for your television. We've got 2 ourselves. tvguardian.com or cursefreetv.com