Silly Walter likes to poke people and see if they flinch.

It was always a bit of an "amateur hour" effort, The Magic Menu. It's where guys from the little leagues get to pretend their A-Grade writers and authorities.

Nathan,

That's usually expressed Grade-A. The word you're trying to use is they're not their.

I simply thought your harangue against their writing abilities that had a writing error in it was funny, it struck me as unintentional whimsy.

Apparently you don't see the humor. When I run into a jerk, like myself online, I can't see the humor either.

Correcting other people's grammar or spelling is puerile and beneath even a cheap-shot artist like me. I'll refrain in the future. It adds nothing to the discussion.

You are certainly entitled to your opinion of the writers and the content in the Magic Menu.

I have not made a careful enough review of the material to weigh in with my meaningless opinion. Your carping about the previous incarnation's content while the lads are trying to resurrect a magazine seems, to me, petty. Since they've got new writers why not read the first issue. If it's as bad as you think it is going to be, then post a scathing review.

Again, the spelling crack was out of line. I'm a mean-spirited old man, stuck in Albuquerque for the weekend.

I'm going to buy at least the first issue of The Magic Menu. I subscribe to only one magic magazine these days. Hmmmm . . . which one. Genii, of course. I can affort a copy of the new Sisti rag. If it's any good, to my tinted mind, I'll weigh in again with my meaningless opinion.

PS. If you're going to quote Twain, get the right book. He used the line about chloroform when he was writing about the Book of Mormon in Roughing It. Are you putting this stuff in your posts as a trap for me? WTF.

I know this is like their and they're. But you are not the intellectual you would like people to think you are. I'm not either.

I saw the first of the new issues today in the dealer room here in LA and it looked first-rate to me.

I guess my two cents is that if Nathan or anyone else doesn't think that the Magic Menu is a worthwhile journal---then don't subscribe and/or don't read it but that will be your decision so please spare us the discussion.

I have read the Magic Menu and am a member of this forum.

I think Magic Menu has something to offer.

Charming little amateur publications are fun to read at times, too.

I just don't think the magazine and many of its commentators are in the league of a product like Genii.

I have both of the L&L compilations and they are like the Curate's egg: good in parts.

But many of the advice columns are somewhat sophomoric at times, or simply obvious in their wisdoms and insights.

I am sure the magazine is very useful to a complete beginner who wants to do some bar or restaurant magic. Some of the tricks were excellent in that regard.

If I see it at a friend's house and flick through it and discover it has been elevated to a standard of design and content quality on par with Genii, I will be the first to express that I am impressed.

Enough whining, gentlemen. You are the merchandise and I am the consumer. I'll decide whether you meet my standards.

I mean ... really. How hard is it to have a decent discussion about this magazine without allowing it to get derailed by some twits.

It is amusing that Nathan, with such low standards as to use obscenities in his posts, whines that a magazine he hasn't read doesn't meet his standards. And he whines that everyone is picking on him, trying to "shut down" his "free opinion."

Mind you, being an American, I'm of the opinion everyone is entitled to their informed opinion. I'm also of the opinion that a "free" opinion is worth what one has paid for it. Evidently, Nate-boy feels that a "free opinion" means having no information whatsoever about the magazine other than the names of columnists. And, of course, the fact that it's not titled "Genii."

A magazine which is aimed at the hobbyist in each of us, compared to a magazine with a tight focus towards the close-up magician - with strong nods to the restaurant magician - such a comparison is, at best, ludicrous.

The quality of the Magic Menu speaks for itself. Did the first issue have problems? What first issue didn't? Will it improve? Undoubtedly. Does Nate have the slightest idea what the strengths, qualities, and problems might have been? Doubtful.

What we are seeing is a troll with a desperate need for attention. He's not even amusing. Mark Lewis serves a purpose and keeps us not only amused, but downright jolly. Nate is a pale imitation, who wants to grow up to be someone whose opinion counts.

*jeep!
--your obedient Grandpa

I am sure the magazine is very useful to a complete beginner who wants to do some bar or restaurant magic. Some of the tricks were excellent in that regard.

Dear Silly Walter,

May I ask why the rudeness? Have you read the 1st issue, or are you prejudiced? If you have read it, what don't you like?

Yours, Paul Gordon

Do I have any interest in reading it now with contributors I laughed at?

No.

Why? Because I know it is going to suck.

Do I have any interest in reading it now with contributors I laughed at?

No.

Why? For the same reason I won't go see a movie starring Larry the Cable Guy. Because I know it is going to suck.

I do retract my earlier statement about Scott guinn. He is nice.

Good commercial magic is very rare in my opinion because it has to grow and evolve over the acid test of doing shows over and over again for real audiences.

...
I find it very sad and discerning that there can be people out there in the world who are so close minded that they cannot see past their own level stupidity.

Nathan - Just because you are not into good commercial magic that doesn't say that others are not. There are some magicians out there in the world - that do magic for a living.

I have been in magic for 40 years are more. Good commercial magic is very rare in my opinion because it has to grow and evolve over the acid test of doing shows over and over again for real audiences.

I am working and at this time I am looking for new ideas because I get lots of repeat customers.

Having said that - if it is not your cup of tea - I hope you have fun doing what ever it is that you do.

Just my opinion.

In my mind, as long as the opinion giver has viewed or obtained the product in question, they should be allowed to comment.

However, each of your contributions to this thread and your bullying PM to me have allowed me to make a pretty accurate assessment of whether the new Magic menu is likely to meet my expectations as an experienced magician and magic consumer.

I didn't slam the new magazine. I commented on the quality of the old magazine.

Pay attention.

It was always a bit of an "amateur hour" effort, The Magic Menu. Like reading your great aunt's seasonal bulk letter. It's where guys from the little leagues get to pretend their A-Grade writers and authorities.

Because I have a low but honestly held opinion of third rate magic magazine

Charming little amateur publications are fun to read at times, too. I just don't think the magazine and many of its commentators are in the league of a product like Genii. I have both of the L&L compilations and they are like the Curate's egg: good in parts. I very much enjoyed the Swiss interview, for example. But many of the advice columns are somewhat sophomoric at times, or simply obvious in their wisdoms and insights.

I subscribed to The Magic Menu yesterday before reading this thread. WOW. Glad I did BEFORE reading this thread. I would have second guessed myself a couple of oh nine or ten times.

I'm not sure if I should look forward to seeing it arrive in the post box or go hide in a closet and slit my wrists for spending 10 bucks an issue.

Come to think of it... I've spent more on a burger and beers for lunch than the subscription price of TMM. Reflecting on that I don't feel so bad any more. I Guess I can cancel that therapist appointment.

Congrats to Jim Sisti and company for producing a magic publication. Choices are good. It could turn out to be a great read or to be a total disappointment. I'm willing to take the chance.

[sarcasm](My guess is I'll get some good routines out of TMM then heaven forbid go THANK the author for printing the thing and encourage them to keep doing it.) [/sarcasm]

Thank you, Silly Walter, for the very kind words...and glad you like my website! All the best, Paul Gordon

The clip is located here.