In the past years, the SO (standing ovation) seems to have become a „regular“ at magic conventions. The most recent example is the FISM in Busan. Wittus Witt remarked on his blog that maybe this FISM-convention will enter history as the „convention of the standing ovations“.
A thoughtful and very interesting article on this phenomenon (which spreads throughout almost all art forms, not only magic) is this:
Is it a „mob activity“? Is it a way for modern audiences to move more freely in showing their appreciation of a performer? Is it a sort of fitness craze, making sure the audience gets enough workout?
Personally, I share the opinion of the article’s author: the SO is devalued, because it is done too many times (and so often thoughtlessly). It seems to me it degraded to a mere habit. But probably we have to accept and live with all these new things and trends the modern time and its audiences surprise us on stage with.
