Mordecai's Journal

On SAMTalk, Christopher Bontjes, RVP-Midwest, compiled 10 benefits of SAM membership, some of which you may not be aware.  Herein are quoted those benefits.

1 M-U-M Magazine.  This has been an excellent magical publication that has only improved over the years. Each issue of the magazine covers a variety of magical topics and includes new effects as well so that we can continue to grow in our knowledge of magic and our magical repertoire.  Some of the brightest and most creative minds in magic contribute to our magazine on a regular basis. Michael Close has done an outstanding job with his first issue (as we have already discussed here) and I look forward to seeing what else he has in store for us. I have one request relative to M-U-M: the magazine is supported by the ads it contains.  When you look into an effect, or visit a magic store or website as a result of something you saw in M-U-M, please say so!  Let all our magic dealers know the value of advertising in M-U-M!

2 The SAM website.  The website contains breaking news from the world of magic, detailed information on SAM sponsored programs and benefits, access to the SAM gift shop, contact information for the members of the National Council, and the ability to pay your dues and register for conventions online.  The site also contains a members-only section that provides movie clips of effects in M-U-M, downloadable tricks, advice on writing effective press releases, SAM graphics downloads, a magic calendar and more!

3 The ability to network with other magicians.  Local magic clubs give you the opportunity to network with magicians locally, but membership in the SAM gives you opportunities to network on a national and even international basis.  These opportunities begin with our national convention.  Attending our national convention gives you the opportunity to attend lectures and shows—both stage and close-up—presented by some of the top names in the field of magic.  You can also attend close-up and stage contests to see new innovations and new, young talent in our art.  You can meet and

4 SAMTalk. SAM Talk membership gives you daily opportunities to share ideas with magicians around the globe; to ask for help or advice from thousands of other magicians; and to give help and advice to other magicians in need.

5 Our Media Library of films, audio discs and DVDs.  This is a video and audio resource of the history of magic and magicians worldwide.  The SAM owns literally thousands of DVDs of magic performances by artists such as Houdini, Dai Vernon, Blackstone, Thurston, Tarbell, Slydini, Karrell Fox, Jay Marshall, and Mac King.  All that is necessary for members to borrow these tapes is to ask for them.  You do need to pay a small fee to cover shipping of the tapes, but otherwise, they are free for the asking.  A listing of available discs and the contact information needed for borrowing a copy are available in the “members only” section of the SAM website.

6 The Hall of Fame and the Magic Museum.  The SAM has spent many years building them.  Many of the items are not currently available for viewing due to damage resulting from a fire in the building next door, but we hope to reopen this facility to members in the very near future. (Money is being raised to support the cleaning of the damaged items and the opening of a new museum.  To donate, visit www.magicsam.com.)  The Occult Investigation Committee is now open to all SAM members.  The OIC is charged with continuing the work of Harry Houdini to ensure that the techniques of magic are never used to exploit or mislead the innocent, or as the basis of a claim of the possession of supernatural powers.  If you are interested in joining the OIC, go to www.magicsam.com and find the OIC link under “Special Programs” for more information.

7 SAM-sponsored funds.  The SAM sponsors the Magic Endowment Fund. This fund was established to promote interest in the magical arts. It supports youth development programs such as the Society of Young Magicians.  It provides hospital benefits to help magicians pay their medical expenses; and it provides scholarships for magical education.  Since its inception, the Magic Endowment Fund has distributed over $250,000.00 in grants in support of magic and magicians.
The SAM also sponsors the Houdini Fund.  The purpose of the Houdini Fund is to provide help for magicians who have been injured or have fallen ill (whether they are SAM members or not).