Catharsis

Recently, a deep-thinking friend of mine asked me something deep.

She has a child who is very interested in magic, and in fact is quite proficient at the art, and has an eye for what fools people and what doesn't. He, in fact, at the age of twelve, has shown me a thing or two about the power of simple effects presented well.
She asked me,
"Is this really a good time for [him] to be getting into magic? I mean, with all the exposure on television and the economy as it is?"

At first, I wanted to scream to the heavens a defiant, "No!"
I realized that it would be a mistake.... Here's why:

I just don't want to fill the world with another layer of talentless hobbyists that claim to be "professionals" because they own nicer props, or because they've "fooled" one person. I want to perpetuate good entertainers that can take people away from their problems and let them know that there is still something magical left in the world.
So, I told the following to my friend.

"I think now is a harder time, but a perfect time to get into this. At this day in age, there is so much magic being exposed, it's pushed the magic community against a wall. We, as magicians, are left to make a decision. Either continue as-is and continue to perform standard 'classics' like coloring books and change bags, or we can rethink the way we design effects and routines to fit this new world style of demand. The populus will eventually catch up and there will be 98% 'common magicians' and the 2% who keep their secrets to themselves and become successful."

Think about it, Willard (one of 'em) the Wizard willed that his notes and collection be burned so his secrets wouldn't escape into the public domain. Would you take your secrets to your grave?
What if you don't have your own secrets? I think it's time you get a few.

Magic thrives on mystery, wonder, and delight. The first one is key: Mystery. "Where did it come from? Where did it go?" (.: hums 'Cotton-Eye-Joe' :.) ---- But, everything in moderation.
Bizzaro once put it best, "I know my audiences aren't stupid. I want to play to their lack of certain knowledge, not insult their intelligence."

This, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, is a Magical Catharsis. It's a necessary evil, if you will, that will bring out the best, and eliminate the worst of the "real world" professionals.
One can only hope that those few of us will still be riding the wave of change, and not be caught beneath it.

Oh yes, and there will be cake.

In the beginning...

...there was magic.
And the people were happy.

Then, in the dark age, there was magic done in hip, flashy and teenage styles.
The people thought it was good.
And the people were fucking retards.

Amen.