On Magic Ethics

Magic thrives on creativity, secrecy, and respect for originality. While magicians often

draw from shared techniques like levitations, transformations, appearances, and

disappearances, ethical performers infuse these elements with personal style and tone

to create something uniquely their own.

Magician and writer John Lovick wisely asked, “Why be a second-rate Mac King when

you could be a first-rate you?” That sentiment lies at the core of magic ethics. When

others imitate your take on a published effect, and not by reading the original but by

mimicking aspects of your performance, they diminish your creative contribution. Over

time, your version becomes diluted, even unrecognizable.

There’s an unspoken rule among magicians: don’t perform someone else’s signature

routine, especially in the same venue. And please don’t mistake it as a tribute. It’s

identity theft. Take Mike Caveney’s coffee-juggling act at the Magic Castle. Though the

routine is published and technically fair game, performing it there and intentionally or

unintentionally infusing some of his personal inflections, where it’s inextricably linked to

him, crosses an ethical line.

Some justify this behavior by pointing to the routine’s printed origins, as if that excuses

copying someone’s unique interpretation. It doesn’t. In the magic community, respect is

enforced not through lawsuits, but through quiet disapproval.

Magic isn’t just about secrets; it’s about the time, thought, and individuality invested in

them. Without ethical boundaries, magic risks becoming one big bland imitation of itself;

a recycled PowerPoint deck instead of the powerful, personal art form it’s meant to be.

Originality matters. Because when you copy someone’s trick, you’re not just stealing

their method or style. You’re erasing their story.