It's phrases like this that I have a problem with, Felix:
I've have often seen topics go off on a tangent arguing over the ethical issues involved regarding certain types of spells and did not wish to see the same happen to my topic.
Since when was discussing the assumptions behind our motives and the impact that we have on wider systems irrelevant to a thread discussing our workings? That's all part and parcel of the magic that we do (probably two of the most important facets), and if you're not interested in that then I question the entire basis of your practise. Therefore I don't care if I've missed the point of your request not to engage in this type of discussion. I considered it and thought it was bobbins, you silly bastard.
But I'll put my money where my mouth is and leave myself open to criticism in a way you've tried to avoid:
I've recently been thinking about using magic to get in touch with an old friend. Last Sunday I met up with my mate Dave from college, and we were both discussing Rob, one of our best friends from when we were lil' teenagers.
Rob moved to another town several years back, and that drifting effect took place, where life moves on and, one by one, all the available means of getting in touch become out of date. No working phone numbers, postal or email addresses. We were close to his Mum, and she's also moved over the last couple of years. So we have no means of contacting him through her, either.
Last time I saw Rob was about two or three years ago, with Dave. We had a great evening, as if no time had passed at all, and parted company on great terms. We've always been close, never fallen out for more than a couple of hours after a heated pub debate (which we both thoroughly enjoy).
When I saw Dave last Sunday, he was concerned that Rob was going through a tough time. He'd heard that his journalism hadn't taken off, that he was depressed, that a relationship hadn't worked out for him. We agreed that it would be great to get in touch, had we any means of doing so. We love the guy, and he might appreciate a some old friends checking in at least.
That's pretty much it in a nutshell. There's tons that I don't know about Rob and his life right now, but we've been mates through some tough times (for both of us), and I'd love to get in touch in case he needs a mate like me now. He might not, but I'd be extremely surprised if he wasn't pleased to hear from me, at least.
So as I say, I've been thinking about using magic to contact him. So I'll throw it out to the board (including you, Felix. I'd appreciate your ideas and challenges).
- Do you have any questions about my motives, assumptions, or the situation?
- Are there any non-magical means that I could try?
- Does knowing more of the context enrich your understanding of what type of magic I could use?
- Have I missed any wider impact that my actions could have should I use magic to get in touch?
I'm not going to be around until Thursday (off to London to study), so I won't be able to respond to anything 'til I get back.
And about your *moral superiority* comment: grow up. This isn't a power struggle, it's about iron sharpening iron, about making sure that the magic we do gets the best results for everyone concerned. I don't give a flying fuck about looking good in debate, because I'm not very good at debates.
I care about people, not ideas. Which is why I might still be very happy to offer you help if you explain more of the context. Just don't expect not to be challenged on your beliefs about that context, because those challenges are just as magical as any working you intend to do. |