This is just going to be a quick little blurb about how I have grown thanks to this site and its members.

When I first began performing, I was completely alone in my pursuit.  My parents watched and were polite, but they considered it a fad hobby that would die out.  They were right for awhile, but the fire always burned.  Junior High (7th and 8th grade, in particular) was when the fire was lit ablaze once again.  This was when I started doing paid gigs at birthday parties.  High school came and I got too busy to perform, but I continued to practice.  My parents were not huge fans, still, but they were beginning to accept magic as a lifetime hobby.

When I stumbled upon an ad for TMN on Facebook, I first thought it was some scam ad.  A few weeks later I decided to click on the ad and see what it was.  Although the community was small, I figured it would be good to try it out.  I was really impressed with everything that was going on, but it took me awhile to get comfortable as a member.

Now to the real stuff.  TMN has helped me grow as a performed.  Since we do not talk sleights, I have really needed to focus on the presentation end of my magic.  With the emphasis on routining, patter, and composure, I have become a much more well-rounded performer.  I have learned much theory (and some history, too!).  Explaining my style has helped me find weak points in my work that I can improve.

I don't want to drag on too much about all of this, but I'll throw a thread up so we can all reflect on this idea.

-Gregory