"Here Are Seven Key Reasons Why Other Magicians Suck When It Comes to Magic Ethics!"

A Heartfelt Essay About Magic Ethics

By Lee Tieche

Magic Ethics: This is a general opinion that I hope is shared among other Magicians.

Territories: I cover a lot of ground, I even do show in towns where other magicians live. Do I own a region? No! Just because a person hangs his sign up saying he is a magician does that give him certain rights to geographical areas. Who made that rule up? Some jerk I guess.

Undercutting: No magician should purposely undercut another magician. What I mean is if I know Joe is doing a show for $100.00, I will not call and offer to do it for $75.00. But if a person calls me and asks for a quote, I should charge my usual fee, if it is lower than others well “Sorry Joe”. This also tells me that my schedule and prices are between me and my customers, not others.

Customers: In a nutshell I would not solicit work from a customer in trying to get work away from another magician. I also think if I want to submit my credentials to anyone I have that right. I heard of a magician who entered a restaurant soliciting work, after finding out there was another magician already in-house he excused himself even though the manager wanted him for another night the original magician could not work. Now that’s ethical! I would give the manager a quote if they asked first.

Opinions: I share my opinions about shows, tricks, props and magicians with other magicians not my customers. When called I will not bad moth my competitors or would I want them to bad mouth me. I might not just give the customer their name if I was busy. What I may consider “Bad Magic” others may not.

Talent: Just because I did a magic trick for my cousin in Vegas does it mean I have performed in Vegas. Honesty about what you do is best. Yes I have been paid to do a show on a Cruise Ship (on the Ocean not Lake Monroe), not just seen a picture of one. If you promise them the world, you had better be willing to give it to them, else pipe down.

Credits: I give D. Henning credit along with E. Williams and others. There is no harm in being honest as most people would welcome it. Saying you invented this or designed that is wrong. Every one of us is guilty of this, we just need to watch it and correct it as we learn. If you purchase a trick you purchase the “Secret” and “Patter” that came with it, not the patter another magician came up with on his own.

Copying: Just because a magician buys a Pink Cadillac does it mean that I buy one to unless it is a requirement or ritual? Same goes for taking notes at shows on non-commercial routines (routines that are original to a magician that are his own and not shared in print or with other magicians. Talk to a comedian sometime about this stuff.

Thanks,

Lee

P.S. I may not succeed in doing everything I say every minute of the time, but I do try without malice.

Thanks Lee! Magic ethics are important. Most magicians don't consider magic ethics enough. I agree that E. Williams shows us what magic ethics is all about. He is one of the few honest magic dealers.