[Kipp Sherry]

Magi,

I would just like to pass on a word of concern. I am not proposing censure, but I am proposing professionalism.

We do not want this site to end up like others that you have left before, therefore I would like to suggest that we don't turn this forum into a slam fest. Differences of opinion are healthy but slamming other magicians just isn't very professional.

We have invited a lot of professional magicians to this site to help each other out, not tear each other down. We should, as professionals, grant each other professional courtesy. Also, we should set the example for the younger magicians on how we would want them to behave. Professionalism is caught, not taught.

If we really want this site to set a new standard, then it begins with each one of us setting that new standard. If you fall back into old habits that were practiced on other forums, then we will just end up like other forums.

Where is the line between "voicing your opinion" and "destructive commentary"? That is best left up to you to decide. Where is the line between "exposing rip-offs" and "exposing secrets"? That is best left up to you to decide. I just hope our decisions are better than we have seen on other forums.

Please help us make this forum a unique experience of magicians helping magicians in a professional matter. Don't tear down others so that you rise to the top. Instead, rise to the top on your own accord and take others with you. That is the true spirit of mentoring.

Personally, I can think of a lot of bad things to say about Criss Angel, and I can think of a lot of good things to say about Criss Angel. I try to follow the old rule of thumb "If you can't think of something nice to say then it is better to say nothing at all".

I too have had people ask me to do something that Criss Angel has done. My reply is: "Pay me what Criss Angel gets paid and I will do it for you". Most people are not willing to cough up that kind of money, so my second reply is: "Let me show you something Criss Angel can't do." then I floor them with one of my own. I am building my own reputation.

Until we appear again,
Kipp Sherry