talkmagic.co.uk

If it had been my welcome M I'd have gone elsewhere!

Sorry...

Much love

Aza

Welcome Linger, if you're still here.

The thing you have to know about Mr Browning is that he can be very abrupt and, dare I say it, rude with people but that's probably because he's having to type out the exact same advice again for the millionth time in the off chance that someone will pay attention to it. The fact that he still bothers is testament to the fact (and don't let him hear this ) he's secretly a really nice guy who cares about magic and mentalism a whole lot and wants people to be going into it with the right attitude.

Feel free to ignore everything he says (as I used to before realising what a massive mistake that was), just be aware that he does know what he's talking about and when it comes to mentalism (and I mean proper old school, living the persona, could-start-a-cult-around-you style mind-powers mentalism) he's almost certainly going to be correct. Re-read his original post in a years time and you'll realise that he was actually (in his own particular, idiosyncratic style) voicing his concern that you were potentially going to be wasting a whole bunch of your time approaching mentalism from the wrong angle.

Don't let his no-bullsh*t writing style put you off your mentalism, but, more importantly, don't let it put you off listening to what he has to say. At the very least, read through his guide to getting into mentalism found elsewhere as a sticky on these boards, and take the short amount of time it takes to download and read his free e-books on the subject in his signature. It won't be time wasted.

On my part I will apologize to the OP and generally to everyone. I'd hope most can understand how it feels when people make cutting comments such as were made and even finding where the mods had deleted part of a previous post in which tons of unkind retort were issued.

I know I'm hard and expecting of folks and give them a lot to think about. But, as a friend pointed out to me the other day, the biggest reason some folks love to demean me and my words is because I do give it away rather than charging for it like so many others do. People just don't appreciate things they don't have to invest in, which is sad.

I hope this youngster does come back and sticks around but I do likewise hope that he finds his way to American forums (other than the Cafe) where he can get a more culturally familiar sense of perspective . . . we do think differently over here.

I've worked very hard to not blow up on this forum and it was going well (so I thought) until this thread and a couple of people wishing to poke the bear. I guess I was doing too good at behaving myself and biting my tongue.

See Craig is just trying to help!

And he's a clever sod!

Much love

Aza

Welcome, I too enjoy mentalism and hypnosis, it is easy when you believe in yourself although the most important part is getting the person you are hypnotising to believe in you, and to dispell any doubt, as this becomes amplified in the subconscious mind and blocks out any suggestions you are trying to get them to take onboard their subconscious mind. I have seen a few teenagers induce adults into trance, although admittedly it is harder when you are young because authority comes with age, and confidence comes with authority. I believe that you can be proficient in mentalism and hypnotism at your age. I think craig was harsh and I wouldn't take much notice of the criticism if you can, instead focus on the constructive criticism (if there is any) and the positives. From a guy that thinks James Brown, The Professional Opportunist (I have some of his work) is a dead black soul singer, I don't think it is too difficult to dismiss his unnecessary negativity.

Again welcome to TM

I thought James Brown was a hairdresser!

Just kidding

Craig,

Though I do agree with you I would like to point out an anomaly. Have you ever heard of Nathan Thomas? He started learning hypnotism in highschool and made a name of himself globally before graduation. I will admit he had the pleasure of working under some very skilled hypnotists while training, so that definitely helped. The young man has barely broken into his 20's and is travelling the world teaching hypnosis. He is a truly inspirational case in both the business world and hypnosis world. When I first met him he was around 18 and one of the more skilled hypnotists I had met. And, I know some very skilled hypnotists! (And many more handfuls of shysters)

Anyway. I only offer that as a counter-point that is such an anomaly it barely proves against your point.

Welcome Linger! I am the friendliest mindreader you will ever meet!

There is a lot of truth in what Craig says. It is indeed more challenging to present either hypnotism or mentalism when you are a younger age. However, it is not impossible. I do believe it can be done but not easily. And Stage Hypnotism is even tougher to present on stage than mentalism is. But I am not sure if Linger is referring to stage work or not. If he is working in more intimate surroundings either close up or parlour then he will be in with more of a chance. On stage though his work will be cut out for him.

That is because hypnotism or mentalism require a commanding presence and young people generally don't have that. But it is not impossible and the young man should not be discouraged. Merely aware. If he has the determination to succeed he will do so despite the misgivings of old fogies like me and Craig.