Hello! I am new in this forum thread.

When I was 10 or 11, I had a stripper deck, marked deck and a whole box of magic props/gimmick assortments such as sponge ball, cups, magic wand and so forth. I am sure most of us knows what it is like to be intrigued by magic as a kid. This lasted for me until my fascination with the opposite gender. So, for me, puberty and hormonal rages is not so friendly with magic. Eventually, magic was out of my life.

Now, more than 15 years later, all settled down in relationship, studies and career. I have returned to magic. This year I will turn 32 years old, but still a newbie in every sense because of my "short ON" and "long OFF" love affair with magic.

I don't know if I kinda old for this forum thread (or if this thread is even active in the first place). But I am hoping to find some like-minded magician friends whom I can chill with and talk about magic. My magic goodies collection is probably worth about 7k in actual market value. Mostly videos/DVDs, with a very small collection of decks, props and gimmicks.

Besides just chilling and talking about magic, I also hope to trade or exchange some of my collection.

I am looking for Jay Sankey Extremely Ambitious DVD and very interested in getting True Astonishment (box set) by Paul Harris. If you have these for sale or trade, please PM me with your mobile number.

I have enjoyed reading this thread history. Thank you for sharing.

Hello magictrader... seems like this thread is not so active.

So, anyone catching the "Who's the next No.1?" series on Astro channel 315 WATV?

It is aired every Sunday and it's like the amateur magician's version of Britain's Got Talent.

Famous Taiwanese magician, Lu Chen, is the main host.

Astro channel 315 - Sunday - if not wrong, starts at 8pm or 9pm... 90 minutes show.

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Added on February 3, 2010, 11:29 pm

On another separate topic....

What's the best kinda of plastic playing cards out there?

Are there any plastic playing card that can be use for fanning?

This post has been edited by Will78: Feb 3 2010, 11:29 PM

Yes, kind of. Just started recently.

How about you?

Nope, I am William.

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Added on March 1, 2010, 1:49 pmWhy should we shop offline when we can pay less at the online store?

I feel it's ok to pay slightly more at the magic store compared to an online store. It's only fair since the "brick and mortar" store has to pay rental and operation cost such as staff and so forth. In return, we get to "see" the effect through the live demo and in some cases, we even get to see the actual packaging and can assess the built quality before buying. However, the sad part is that most local magic stores are not entirely honest. Fake products are common and sold as if they were originals. The workmanship on most magic products sold off the shelf are also questionable.

Anyway, I have started buying online more recently, which has been "so far so good". But there is practically no 'personal service'. But alot better than the feeling of being "somewhat cheated".

Ideally speaking, the magic store operator is also supposed to provide personal service and guidance. If done properly, it can be very good and mutually beneficial. All beginners in magic feel somewhat lost and are hungry for guidance and people to point us in the right direction. I have always thought that good business are founded on good relationship building. If the magic store operator is genuine and sincere in helping the beginner to grow in their magic, the beginner will eventually become their loyal, long-term customer, simply because a mentor-mentee relationship has begun. As a consumer, I am willing to pay at least 10%-20% more for magic products if it came with a fair, sincere and genuine personal service.

If anyone here knows any really good magic store operator, please share.

This post has been edited by Will78: Mar 1 2010, 01:49 PM

I found a community of magicians at <www.themagicannexe.com>. Very friendly and helpful group. Good place for beginners and intermediates looking to improve their craft and performance.

This post has been edited by Will78: Mar 9 2010, 11:47 AM

Not an official member yet, but have met the group.

I was quite impressed by their sincerity and generousity.

Yes, have we met? I am the new probational member.

- William