M&I: What is your opinion on the impact of the internet to the magic industry as a whole, and in your area?
DJ: The Internet has made things so accessible. As far as booking shows, the Internet has helped make my phone ring. As far as selling magic, the Internet has made things much more competitive. A decent magic product at one time had a shelf life of six months to a year. Now you are lucky if it is hot for one month. The best part of the Internet as it relates to magic is the instant access of information. If you don't know where a move originated, or can't find the latest gadget, you can hop into a magic chat room or newsgroup and instantly find the information.
M&I: What can magicians do to promote their work?
DJ: Pass out more cards. Or better yet, grab a business card from someone who seems genuinely interested in your magic. Most magicians aren't aggressive enough when it comes to marketing their talents.
M&I: What should the industry be doing to promote magic performance?
DJ: Simply keep doing what they are doing. Host lectures. Hold magic meetings. Sponsor conventions. Have contests. It's all being done.
M&I: What are you working on these days?
DJ: Owning a magic shop keeps me very busy, as well as performing, giving lessons, working on new material and writing two more books. I just finished a pet project with the release of my new DVD titled MIRRORS. For more information about it or my other original effects please visit www.diamond-jim.com/originals
A special offer to Magic & Illusion readers. If you purchase $30 or more of merchandise from Diamond Jim’s website, and list the word "KOOKAMONGA" in the comment box, he will throw in a free copy of his “Precious Gems” lecture notes (valued at $20.00). “The offer is good until I croak or run out of notes,” says Diamond Jim.
-Wayne N. Kawamoto
