I think flourishes are meant for show-off. They do not really look good in real life, as there are no cool music that would play along (like those in youtube videos), just cars and motorcycles moving past you in the
streets down below. In fact, what entertainment does XCMs or flourishes give? Yes, they can amaze to some extend but not much. Compare a 6 pack sybil to a good Ambitious Card Routine, which one would stay in the spectator's mind for a longer time?

I've asked this question before, and what I've concluded is, YES! Flourishes are meant to show off!

Why do the Harlem Globetrotters play basketball in such a flamboyant manner?

Why do some street soccer players have to juggle and display fancy footwork before passing a ball? Why can't they pass a ball simply just by passing it?

These are the little skills that differ from each and everyone of us. Why do a Diving Board Double when you can just do a normal DL?

They are eye-candies and laymen do likes it. I had the opportunity to sit down and watch Kevin Ho worked with a pack of cards and I noticed sitting beside us were a couple watching with their mouths opened! Surely they are impressed by Kevin's skill rather than finding him as a turn-off.

Flourishing should not be compared with magic, flourishing isn't magic in the first place. You don't compare apples and oranges because both happen to be round. So don't compare flourishing and magic just because both uses a deck of cards.

Just accept and respect that it's another form of skill display. You try adding 'cool' music to your ACR performance, and no matter how good your performance is, that ACR performance with Usher's music just feels weird.

For your info, Singapore has some of the best flourishers in the world. ^_^

P.S. I'm not a flourisher, I cannot do cuts for nuts. Above is just my 2cents' worth. Cheers.

bigbadwolf's right.

It's like saying that walking is better than dancing because dancing isn't as good a form of transportation.

Like card magic is to card flourishes, they're two different applications using the same tools. And the same way you can add a little dance step every now and then to your walking, you can throw in a little flourish every now and then to your routines to enhance your magic and show that you're actually proficient at what you're doing, not just some kid who walked out of a magic shop 20 minutes ago with a Svengali deck.

Most times, though, they're better kept separate. If you don't like them, then... don't do them.

-Kev, The Virts

Right, you've changed my entire view on XCM. Thanks.

:off: Hi Kev, I happened to read a comment on your video Punk'd. You mentioned about a new set of notes. Are you releasing anytime soon?

They should be done by next month. I'm currently writing it, and pictures will be taken by some industry-standard friends of mine a few weeks from now.

-Kev, The Virts