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Alright, I'll admit it....
I love magic.
I've been a magician for about 20 years, performing at least semi-professionally for the last 13. It's been the best paying gig of my life, at times, and has always been a lot of fun.
I've gone to the meetings, hit the conventions, and try to see a good show any chance I can. Though a lot of people may despise him, I love Copperfield and have seen him five times (actually got to go on stage twice). It's been great watching masters at the craft doing what they do best, and often getting a chance to meet with them and discuss the art.
Unfortunately, I think you're correct when you say that the art is largely dying. In our reality-obsessed entertainment culture, it's tough to sell an artform that benefits largely from elaborate presentation and well-thought staging. True, there are new performers that have embraced a stripped-down aesthetic, but they certainly don't have the aura and pump of the great performers of years past. And I'll agree with what's been said, the idea of using camera tricks is appauling.
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it's all about self-indulgence
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