Wednesday, February 18, 2015

magicScript...

I created a new effect the other day and while I was trying to figure out some pieces of the puzzle, I hit upon a weird concept that might be familiar to some of you.

Creating magic is kind of like javascript.

For those of you who are fortunate enuff to have had more of a life than some of us, allow me to explain. Some javascript works on a language that uses if/then/else statements.

When I was working out a method for this effect I had to narrow down my options and what had to happen. In other words if (this), then (this) but if (this) else (that); Basically, to make the effect happen the way I want, a certain thing has to happen and to make that certain thing happen this OTHER thing has to occur. Do you see what I mean?

One thing leads to another and one idea triggers another. To get from point A to point B certain criteria have to be met or else I have to go another direction. It might seem silly but sometimes the creative process very much is.

function myFunction() {
    document.get("myDrift?");
}

Sunday, February 01, 2015

The Hypocrisy of it all...

I want to preface what I am about to say about the Wizard Wars TV show. Just because I am close to the source doesn't mean I don't see/know it's flaws. It's not a perfect animal but very few things ever really are. That said...

You know how I can tell magicians don't hate Wizard Wars? They all aren't up in arms about it. They aren't singing it's praises from the rooftops either but the complaining has been at a minimum and that in itself is an achievement because let's face it... you magicians LOVE to bitch.

The small rumblings I have seen are very hypocritical however. Let's look at some of the statements I have seen online.

"I don't care for magic being in a competition format" All I have to say to these people is I bet dollars to dog nuts that you have sat thru your fair share of magic competitions at a magic convention. Most of the magic on that show is far better than people who work for years on a competition act. (no not all of it but you get my point)

"I don't like the concept" The concept they are referring to is taking objects and, in a short amount of time, making magic with them that might not be as polished as other time tested stuff. The problem is these are the same people who laud the magician who can perform magic impromptu. Picking up objects they have never handled and, using the skills they have honed for years, doing magic with those items. There are whole competitions at magic gatherings doing just this and THAT seems fine.

"I miss the days of Copperfield/Henning/Carson/etc" Holy shit this one irritates me. This is why magic is so far behind most other performing mediums. We can't let go of the past and accept the evolution of a medium. I mean, I don't like the way most magicians dress like they just put on whatever was clean that morning but it is modern dress. (Who cares if they want to look like everyone else and not stand out.) I might not like it but I can accept it. At least this show is taking magic back onto the stage and in front of a live audience.

So while you are entitled to your opinion, in the future please spare me your duplicitous bullshit.

"I don't care for it."