Paul Richards - Blog

Your Attention Please

4/23/2020

Recently while reading Jenny Odell’s book How To Do Nothing, I was struck by this passage:

“…what passes for sustained attention is actually a series of successive efforts to bring attention back to the same thing, considering it again and again with unwavering consistency.”

I’ve been thinking a lot about attention lately. Or more accurately – a lack of it. There is a great deal of discussion about the attention economy and who is in charge of what we focus on. This is not a new problem. Aristotle lamented distraction over 300 years before the birth of Christ and we’re still struggling to keep our eyes on the road. But modern technological advancements have put the universe in the palm of our hands.

Unfortunately, they located it right next to Tik-Tok.

Recent events have caused many magicians to shift to some online incarnation of their live performances. This transition requires more than a webcam. It requires a rethink of how we can maintain an audiences attention on devices so perfect for delivering distraction.

In the real world we have the power to physically fill a performance space, to look into a spectator’s eyes, to touch a hand, and engage in a million micro moments that come together to create a complete performance. Even then - it can be hard to hold an audience’s attention.

Moving those moments through a screen is challenging. It’s difficult to maintain audience connection when the means by which the show is delivered is also notifying the viewer of a Pintrest update and message from Twitter. These distractions pull the viewer from the moment just as a cell phone ringing does in the middle of a live show. The difference is that these distractions aren’t occurring just past the footlights – they’re happening in a room across town (or the country) - and the performer often isn’t even aware they’re occurring.

It could be that many magicians are simply not up to the task of crossing this divide. Nor should all magicians feel an obligation to do so. I still believe some mysteries need three dimensions to be truly enjoyed. But if you set off down the virtual road, I would wager that success lies in understanding that the online show is its own unique undertaking. Not a place to simply showcase your live show but the opportunity to present an entirely new one. It requires that we not only master new skills as performers, but also that we educate our virtual audiences on what is required from them. Will it be worth your attention? Only time will tell.

Breathless

3/27/2020

Back in 2016, I wrote a post that started with a quote from Harper Lee. She said, “Nobody loves breathing.” She was referring to the fact that nobody really appreciates breathing – until they can’t. In the post, I drew the connection between that sentiment and the experience of attending live magic events.

I could not have predicted how true those similarities would become in 2020.

When we announced the cancellation of our spring tour of the Real Magic Roadshow on March 11th, I had no idea how many cancellations would soon follow. A few weeks ago, I was standing in Blackpool, England at the world’s largest magic convention and now - for the foreseeable future - there simply are no live in person shows or conventions.

Anywhere.

As someone who has spent a huge portion of my life rallying behind the live magic experience - this is a very strange time. Many magicians have quickly developed some virtual version of their live magic self. There have been some amazingly generous and wonderful magic experiences shared online. But the silence that fills the moment just after some miraculous deed has been done in a web video is somehow more quiet than just a lack of noise. I’m not sure there’s a word for that level of silence – but we may have to coin one soon.

In the grand scheme of things, magic may seem pretty low on the list right now.

But in the midst of all this, I’m reminded of how precious the live experience is and how much it takes from our lives when it’s gone. In all honesty, I can’t bring myself to remove the now cancelled events from my schedule. I’m keeping them there as a reminder that when this is over - the future will have more magic. And with any luck, its temporary absence will remind us how it’s on each of us to nurture it back to health.

Deep breath everyone.

Squash

2/29/2020

A few months back I was on the road across the Midwest and took a little side trip to the town of Marshall, Michigan. Wikipedia states that Marshall has been referred to by the keeper of the National Register of Historic Places as a "virtual textbook of 19th-Century American architecture." It is indeed a charming place, filled with lovely historic residences and buildings.

It's also home to the American Museum of Magic, founded by the late Robert Lund in 1978

The museum is well kept and brimming with fascinating displays for anyone with an interest in magic. The walls are filled with gorgeous colorful posters, large scale props from the magic stars of yesteryear line the floors, and array of magic wonders catch your eye at every turn. But I was drawn back to my own early days in magic by a nondescript box sitting unceremoniously on a glass shelf.

The box was labeled “SQUASH”

As a kid, this little trick was the first thing I recall buying with my own money from a mail-order magic catalog. The barehanded vanish of real shot glass filled with liquid! The catalog made it clear that this was a true wonder of the ages and it could be mine for just $2. I sent my money in and waited for what seemed like ages for this miracle to arrive. When it finally did, I ripped into the package with uncontrolled excitement. I opened the box and all was revealed…

My heart sank with buyer’s remorse.

As I’ve said previously, most magic is - at first - disappointment.

The method behind SQUASH was not one that inspired wonder and the postage stamp sized set of instructions did little to help matters. I will not expose the method here but it seemed really impossible that what was contained within that box could really do what it said. Furthermore, I needed to be wearing a sports coat! Not exactly the common attire for a lower middle class kid from the rust belt city of Buffalo, NY.

Fortunately, the money for SQUASH was purchased with gifts from my first holy communion. An event which also provided me with my very first suit. All was not lost!

I put on the suit and tried my best to follow the instructions. My first attempt resulted in a suit soaked in water. I decided it was best to try the next attempt sans liquid. The second attempt sent the shot glass flying across my room. Closer to the softer drop zone of my bed seemed like a smart location for the third attempt. This time the glass stuck correctly to the gimmick but hung like a tail from my tiny jacket. I had to adjust the gimmick, but the idea of cutting and permanently “destroying” an important component of the device terrified me. So I carefully untied part of the gimmick from the attached pin and re-tied it to adjust the gimmick length. Another attempt - and still too long. So again, I untied and readjusted the gimmick.

When all was done, I had the ability to vanish a shot glass. It wasn’t great but it was bad either.

I immediately went to show my mom - who had traditionally been my first audience. She responded with the only appropriate response:

Why the hell was I wearing my good suit and what was I doing with one of my father’s shot glasses!?

She never did see the trick that day.

As I stood staring at that tiny box in the American Museum of Magic, I realized how much I owed to it. It was one of the first times that I learned that magic requires us to put aside snap judgments. To try and fail - and try again. To think for ourselves and adjust accordingly. And never forget that we need to consider how our actions might be interpreted by the world around us.

That was a lot of value from a $2 investment.

In an age filled with people online endlessly telling us what tricks we should own, it’s easy to miss out on this important magic truth: For those willing to be instructed, every trick offers lessons to be learned.

The Roar

1/14/2020

The roaring 20’s are certainly living up to their old name. The New Year has started out with a rush of activity starting with me putting the finishing touches on two new releases. I’m really excited about both of them and I hope I have the chance to share them with you somewhere along my travels this year.

I’ve also updated my current schedule for the year - but it is by no means complete. I’ll add new dates as they come in – and if you want to be the first to find out what’s new and where I’m heading you can sign up to my email list or stay connected through one of my social media accounts.

Here's a little info on what’s on the horizon for the next few months…

First up this year is the Columbus Magi-Fest! A perennial favorite, especially here in the north east. The convention has new digs this year, so keep an eye out for my booth. My hope is to have a small quantity of my two new 2020 releases ready to go before they have their official debut at the Blackpool Convention.

Speaking of Blackpool, this year’s convention is on track to be the biggest ever! And that’s saying something when it comes to a convention that regularly pushes attendance in the thousands. If you attended last year, you already know there was a bit of a dealer location shuffle due to the continuing renovations at the Winter Gardens. This year we’ve moved again - but our new spot has much easier access. We’re slated to be the first booth as you enter the Horseshoe, alongside a host of really incredible vendors. I’m really pleased with the spot and as always I’ll be demonstrating my heart out. After the convention, if you haven’t had enough magic – perhaps you’ll join me for my lecture at the Manchester Magic Circle. You can get details here.

After I return from the UK, a brief bit of rest before heading out for an appearance at Magi-Whirl (just outside Washington, DC). It’s been several years since I’ve been there and I’m looking forward to sharing the bill with an incredible line-up of talent. I’ve always loved the smaller, more intimate magic events and this promises to be a great one.

Last, but certainly not least…

We just announced the Real Magic Roadshow schedule for this Spring and tickets are going much faster than usual. For the last two years the Roadshow team has been wowing audiences across Europe and the UK - it’s been an awesome experience but we’ve been getting a lot of requests from our friends back here in the United States. So if you live in or around Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, New York City, or Boston - take note, we are heading your way soon! Due to the large size of these cities and limited room space we will not be able to sell tickets at the door. Once we have reached capacity in the room, ticket sales are done. So if you’re thinking of joining us – sign up now. You can get all the details by clicking here.

If it seems like I’ve tried to cover a lot of ground in this post, you’re right. But it’s nothing compared to the actual 13,000 miles I’ll have to cover make the paragraphs above come to fruition. I’m making my best effort to stay connected in the real world, not just the virtual one, so if you see me out there – say hello and let’s share a little magic.

That One Guy

11/26/2019

Two monks were traveling along a road when they came to a river with a strong current. As the monks were preparing to cross - they saw a beautiful, young woman also attempting the difficult task. Wary of the current, she asked if they could carry her. One of the monks hesitated, but the other quickly picked her up onto his shoulders, transported her across the water, and put her down on the other bank. She thanked him and departed.

As the monks continued on their way, one was brooding and preoccupied. Unable to hold his silence, he finally spoke out. "Brother, our spiritual training teaches us to avoid any contact with women, but you picked that one up on your shoulders and carried her!"

The second monk replied, “I set her down on the other side of the river, why are you still carrying her?”

That classic Zen parable has always been a favorite of mine. I suspect it’s because I am bad at putting things down.

Over a year ago I was speaking at a large magic convention overseas. After the lecture, I received many compliments and an enormous amount of positive feedback. I sold out of almost all of my lecture material and I was tidying up, when I suddenly felt someone was standing near me.

That’s when I saw him – and not for the first time.

I noticed him frequently during the lecture. In an assembly of happy, smiling and enthusiastic faces – his was always – well, let’s just say - neither happy, smiling, or enthusiastic.

He asked me a question about one of my items and I answered – trying hard (perhaps too hard) to win him over. He responded almost angrily and dismissed my response – then turned and left in a huff. Honestly, I couldn’t really read where the negativity was coming from.

It shook me.

I think it shook him a bit too. Because the next day, he approached me again and apologized for being abrupt. While I appreciated the apology – the seed was already growing in my brain.

Was it the material - or was it just me?
How could I have turned the situation?
What part did I play in creating it?

I tend to think about these things for far too long. Out of all the positive response I received, that one guy pops up in my head more often than any accolades.

Being a performer of any kind means constantly opening yourself up in front of an audience. Being vulnerable – and sensitive to all incoming feedback. But you can’t know everything. You can’t control everything. Or ever know what is going on in any specific audience member’s brain.

All you can do is your best – and some days, you won’t even be able to do that.

During this time of year when kindness is moved a bit more forward, remember to show yourself a little compassion too.

Reflect.
Improve.
Repeat.

And know when it’s time to put her down.

Back and Go Forth

10/10/2019

No sooner have I returned home from our UK Tour of the Real Magic Roadshow and the Genii Convention than it’s time to hit the road again.

I have just a handful of lectures left to close out 2019 and, if you live in the Midwest, I hope we have a chance to meet up. It’s been some time since I’ve been to these areas and I’m anxious to get back and share a little magic.

Sunday October 20th – Toledo, OH
Toledo Society of Magicians – IBM Ring 68
Location:
Maumee Valley UU Congregation
20189 N Dixie Hwy
Bowling Green, OH 43402
Time: 3:00pm
Cost: $10 for IBM Members and $20 for Non Members
For more information contact Steve Isreal at YourSecretWeapon@bex.net or call (419) 885-1162

Monday October 21st – Grand Rapids, MI
IBM Ring 211
Location:
Brann's Steakhouse & Sports Grille
4157 S. Division Avenue SW
Wyoming, MI 49548
Time: 7:00pm
Cost: $10 for IBM Members and $15 for Non Members
For more information contact Randy VanderWal at randmag@aol.com

Tuesday October 22nd – Chicago, IL
Midwest Magic Magic Shop
Location:
Midwest Magic Shop
9706 Franklin Ave
Franklin Park, IL 60131
Time: 7:00pm
Cost: $20
For more information click here or contact Midwest Magic by email at midwestmagic@sbcglobal.net or phone at (847) 455-4288

Tickets can be purchased at the door and you need not be a member of any local club to attend - but it's always a good idea to connect with the appropriate contact above to confirm space is still available. If you have any questions about the lecture itself, you can get more information here. If you still have questions, feel free to drop me an email. If I'm heading your way, I hope to see you there!

A Most Intriguing Invitation

9/12/2019

In just a few days I'll be heading across the Atlantic for our first ever UK Tour of the Real Magic Roadshow. If we're heading your way, I hope you'll join us. If you don't know what it is...

Imagine you visit a town and hear there is a magic shop. It’s a little out of the way - but you decide to make the effort.

You stroll through the door and see something is different about this place. Behind one counter stands the most famous magic demonstrator in the world. Behind another is a pioneer in the world of card magic. Over there is the creator of some of the most popular effects used in modern magic. And in the corner, is what appears to be an actual wizard – commanding inanimate objects to fly through the air. In fact, everywhere you look – there are miracles being demonstrated and displayed as if you have wandered down some magical alley.

Your questions are answered.
Secrets are shared.
Guidance is offered.

This place exists – but only for one day.
Your invitation disappears soon, we hope you will join us.

The Brother Hood

8/29/2019

For the last five years all of the material I’ve produced has been available only direct from me at live events. I’ve written about this previously and you can get some insight into why I’ve been doing this by clicking here.

I never intended this to be controversial or as disregard for those who could not attend a live event. Between you and me, video was never my strong suit - I’m a live and in person kind of guy. This new approach allows me to share my magic in a way that I feel highlights it best. It also adds a bit more mystery to a business that ironically seems to have less and less.

Not everyone sees it that way.

I try not complain much about theft in magic. I've been a casualty more times than I care to remember. We all know it happens and it’s nearly impossible to police. I can’t think of a good reason to steal someone’s material – maybe there is one. However, I’m positive that not having easy access to it is NOT that reason.

Lately, I’ve seen a large number of my “live event only” items being sold online by a host of dodgy folks. I received an email recently from someone who purchased one and wanted me to replace the inferior copy. The idea that someone thinks I produced a shoddy product cuts way deep. Honestly, it hurts more than the theft of ideas and the loss of income.

Although, all of it combined feels like a solid punch to the stomach.

I assure you I have not authorized these items and I hope you won’t support them. It’s hard to address these issues more directly since I don’t want to shine a spotlight on thieves - which sadly often results in giving them more business.

So just a friendly reminder:

Caveat emptor.

And if you are unsure if you are about to buy a rip-off:

Emptor email me.

The Lightning Farmer

7/26/2019

I’m currently juggling a number of projects.

New product ideas.
A short lecture circuit.
An overseas event strategy.

A new blog post.

I’m failing miserably at all of them. It’s not the first time and it won’t be the last. The thing about doing any creative work is that you will hit walls. Sometimes lightning strikes but more often you have to walk out in a field under a cloudless blue sky holding a long metal rod and ask the gods to send a little electricity your way.

Sometimes it comes, sometimes it doesn’t - but every morning you have to walk out in that field.

In truth, it’s less about attracting those bolts of electricity and more about cultivating them. Farming lightning is no easy task. Here are a few things I try to remember when I’m standing in that field:

Stop thinking there’s a single answer. Problem may equal solution, solution, solution. The realization that there is no one answer to most problems can lift a lot of weight off your shoulders. You’re not looking for the Grail – you’re looking for a place to pour some wine. It might be a glass, a mug, a bowl, or your cupped hands.

Get out of your skull. If you have a tendency to stay in your brain when it comes to looking for a solution, it will get lonely in there. Get up and get physical. Take a walk, ride a bike, climb a hill, get in a boat, chop some wood, dig some dirt. Do something that shakes up the internal knot that can form when focusing on a problem.

Remember, you’ll forget. We’ve all had great ideas and then watched them dissolve into the ether when we tried to recreate them from memory. Albert Einstein said, “Paper is to write things down we need to remember. Our brains are used to think.” Keep a method for taking notes handy. Personally, I use OneNote a lot because it’s convenient - but I try to use physical paper when possible. I like the feel and free form nature of being able to go any direction on paper. Blank paper also never distracts me with a Facebook notification. Unfortunately, organizing multiple streams of information can be hard on paper. If you have an approach, I’m always open to learning.

Unlock some easter eggs. Video game and movie creators often hide secrets within their creations to unlock bonus material or tools for moving forward. I’ve discovered these easter eggs are every where if you look for them. The world is filled with all sorts of “secret” tools for a igniting your brain. You just have to know how to find them. Click here to find them in something you probably have collecting dust in a closet.

All of us need to generate some lightning from time to time and maybe this post will help you find some. As for me, the sun is shining and I’ve got a field to get back to.

Chuffed To Bits

6/26/2019

After countless requests to bring the Real Magic Roadshow to merry old England, I’m pleased to announce that the team is preparing to cross the pond!

This September, the Real Magic Roadshow joins forces once more to bring this incredible one day magic event to six cities across Great Britain! I’ll be joined once again by some of the best in the biz - Mark Mason, Chris Smith, Dirk Losander, and Christian Schenk. We’ll also have special guests in Edinburgh, Newcastle, Leeds, Bristol, the Midlands, and London - just to make it even merrier!

We continue to make these events insanely affordable and during our last tour we added even more value to you admission cost. Not only do pre-registered guests get the admission cost back in the form of a gift card for use with any of the dealers - but we’ve also added a great give away in which one lucky attendee will win a Mystery Prize Package valued at £200! One prize package will be given away in each of the six cities BUT you need to register now for your chance to win.

The dates and locations include:

So make yourself a brew and head to over to www.realmagicroadshow.com for all the details. Space is limited, so get cracking mate and please help spread the word. It’s going to be ledge!

I think I’m finally getting this English stuff down!