Support your local magic shop

Tomas and I traversed the Great White North (also known as western Michigan) to visit Grand Rapids IBM Ring 211 for Tomas' lecture. I tagged along, being from Michigan, and had several friends at the Ring with whom I could hobnob and chat with about my move to Chicago.

I learned that one of western Michigan's few magic shops was closing down. With the recent economic "downturn" combined with the surge of Internet magic shops, the ol' fashioned brick-and-mortar shops seem to be going the way of the dodo.

Don't get me wrong, Internet shops are good for finding great bargains, especially when you don't live anywhere near a real shop. But the brick-and-mortars offer many things you can't get through the Internet, like personalized instruction and feedback from experts. No matter how you slice it, Internet forums just can't beat in-person instruction from a real professional.

Plus, the local shop is in tune with any magic clubs that might be in the area, as well as any public performances that might be happening. Often you can find other magic professionals hanging around, ready and willing to share opinions and advice.

So remember, even though prices might be a little higher at a real shop (they do need to pay for rent, utilities, and many other things), the benefits from a real shop are worth it.

FUN Inc. Blog Team on iTricks
Yes, the podcast featuring Gabe, Tomas, and I went up this morning, and if I do say so myself, we rocked. Check us out chatting with Justin Robert Young at iTricks.com, or download the podcast directly.