i thought i'll just open a topic for ppl to discuss what criterias they will use to differentiate a magician from a magic hobbyist. Is there a difference? If so, what is it?

Magician is quite a general word. It simply refers to people who do magic. But I refer to someone as a magician if he or she does it on a regular basis. Yes that includes magic hobbyists.

Perhaps in many people's eyes they see a magician as someone who is a professional i.e doing it for a living. What do you think?

I read somewhere that you are a magician when other people call you a magician. Otherwise, you're just "that guy who does magic tricks/ card tricks"

just my 2 cents "from this guy who can't even do a good card trick"

i think a magician is one who:

1. is knowledgeable in magical techniques
2. basically understand the history and origin of magic or various ideas
3. is well-practiced and rehearsed
4. entertaining with good presentation

a good magician has high degrees of all of the above, +:

1. knowledge and use of theory/psychology
2. creative mind - original stuff

ok here is the eh-hem 'scientific' mapping of this genus.. pai seh ah, just finished a science report trying to get it off my system.. lolx. here goes !* deep breath

Trickster (Trickitus beginerus)
An individual who has basic knowledge of the procedure to make the trick happen. This species have yet to inherit the skills of basic performance and knowledge of misdirection.
habitat : spotted in some neighbourhood stationary stores ..

Magician (Magicus Intermedia)
This evolved form of Trickster (Trickitus beginerus), has a better greasp of magic and has learnt the skills of performing a trick by instinct . no more errr wait .. lemme see..
Rules of tension and release have evolved to become intertwined into a magic trick. Some species have been seen to be able to master misdirection with ease.
habitat: magic shops like magic castle, streetmagic , magic supreme (just to name a few.)

Performer (Masteral Gurutus)
the highest evolved form of this genus. This species have mastered the way of interweaving magic into an entire routine. The routine has beeninternalised and evolved to speak of the person. in other words, the magic is personalised to have the traits of the individual. The magic no longer entertains, it captures the heart of the person. and the audience goes home with a view of this master's heart..
Habitat : rarely seen, but have been spotted in some conventions and magic extravanganzas.
:g: