Last Spring, we asked members of the I.B.M. to help submit information and ideas for several types of stories we were working on and thinking about. Two of those articles -- one on Magic Summer Camps and another on the Benevolence of Magic -- have been published. The Linking Ring and the I.B.M. Web Portal are both still looking for help in gathering information for several other topics about magic. The following are some of the stories we're still working on, and we would appreciate it if anyone with something to contribute on any or all of them, would get in touch with the person designated.
And, by the way, we're also always looking for writers and photographers and reviewers and graphic designers and artists -- not to mention ideas and suggestions. Please contact Sammy Smith, editor of The Linking Ring, at: linkingring@mac.com, and/or Dennis Schick, editor of the I.B.M. Portal, at crylds@att.net, if you are interested.
1. Brick-and-Mortar Magic Stores: For some time, we have wanted to publish an article on the disappearing walk-in, brick-and-mortar magic stores. We're looking for the names and locations of current stores, stores of the past, stories and anecdotes about such stores, experiences anyone has had in magic stores, how you were inspired by someone in a magic store, photos of and in magic stores, etc. We have some good submissions so far, but are looking for more. Please send any and all information and contributions to Dennis Schick, crylds@att.net.
2. Magic for (Occupations). From time to time we read or otherwise hear about some magician who has focused on magic for doctors or dentists or teachers or some other occupation. We'd like to package as many of these as possible into a single article. If you, yourself, do this, or know of someone else doing this, please send your information and thoughts to Dennis Schick at crylds@att.net, and we'll follow up on all responses.
3. Magic for Grandparents. We have a writer interested in putting together an article on magic for grandparents -- lecturers, books, courses, best tricks to teach, etc. What better way to reach youngsters than through their grandparents, who have the time and interests to teach magic to their grandchildren? If anyone else is interested in this subject, or has information about it, please contact I.B.M. Portal editor Dennis Schick at crylds@att.net.
4. Business cards used by magicians. There are many ways magicians promote themselves. One is the standard business card. But even within those standard 2-inch by 3-and-a-half-inch cards are hundreds of variations -- colors, art, copy, typefaces, front-and-back, multi-folds, vertical vs. horizontal, etc. What do you do? Where do you get your cards printed? What works and doesn't work? How do you use your cards? Send your card and tell us about it, to Dennis Schick, crylds@att.net.
These are only some of the topics someone is working on for us. Please help us with any and all of these, as well as give us any other suggestions of subjects for articles. Want to write a regular column on the Portal? Send us your idea, some writing samples, and any thoughts.
We know you would like to read articles about ALL of the above topices. So why not HELP us make them better? Won't you help?
