I don't normally condone exposure but...

Fist off, I'd like to thank all of you who voiced yer opinion on my poll about magic demos. Maybe if we stand up to the people who are trying to screw us, the word will get around.

Regardless, on this TG eve, I find myself a little put out by an ad I saw on the back of a Linking Ring magazine. Here is the first line - "If you have not read and learned the magic contained in this book you have no business calling yourself a close-up magician."

I think this line of thinking is one of the MAJOR issues with magic. Elitist my-way-or-the-highway kind of thinking. There really are people who judge you on the books you have read, the material you do, or how good/bad your double lift is.

I know a lot of great close-up magicians (Notice I said magicians and not performers) who have probably never read nor owned this book. I myself have skimmed it, but couldn't tell you what's in it.

I am sure it's just ad copy meant to prey upon your insecurities much like most modern advertising, but come on... we're magicians. The concept of what you can or cannot label yourself based on what you have read or the material you, (and tons of other people do), is down right silly.

So there is something to talk about around the dinner table kids. From me to you, from you to the turkey, from the turkey to the bathroom.

Don't eat the yams.

Every time I see a bad performer on stage I want to jump up there and say this...

Topeka!!

I was talking to a friend of mine who is in a touring illusions show right now.

While pulling into the parking lot of a Wal-Mart to look for glue, I stumbled upon the inherent problem with most illusions. It's pretty simple and the concept is usually applied to close-up magic. I have talked about it on here before a few times.

Illusions have no Magic Moment™!

When was the last time you saw anyone actually cause the magic to happen with a big box or basket? What causes the girl to not be sliced in two? Why don't those swords pierce her scaly hide? Putting them into that confined space is NOT a magical moment.

My friend says he yells "NOW" when he produces someone in a crystal casket in the show. I can't say I agree that it's a magic gesture or some such, but it's better than nothing.

So to all of you people with big gaudy boxes and badly painted furniture, the next time something happens that is not "prop"erly motivated (get it?), think of something to do that looks cool or furthers the effect.

boo yah!

Speaking of product demos that don't lead you astray... Non-Toxic is now available!

Bow wow, woof woof....

Tonight I was having a conversation with a friend about the various perspectives one might take on magic demos that fake the method to sell the item.

This came up due to an effect released recently called Sleeve Star. I do a lot of sleeving and so when something new involving this technique hits, I like to research it... especially if it costs $150. I was hoping around from message board to message board and made my way over to the big green weenie where I found a post about how one of the demos is misleading.

So I watched the demo in question and I found it suspect as well. I talked with one of our local magic shops about the effect and how it works and have come to the conclusion that they are trying to hoodwink everyone and the demo is indeed faked with duplicate coins.

This pisses me off no end jack.

I believe that if a product you release cannot stand up on it's own merits in real time on camera then you need to not sell it or fix it so it does as advertised. I am against false advertising in the magic world. making a quick buck off the uninitiated is dirty pool and I will not stand for it.

Now there have been various product demos over the years that have omitted details to outright tricky editing to make their product look a certain way. I have heard all of the arguments as well. "It's representing what the spectator sees" or "If we showed them everything, they would figure it out and not buy it." How about this... fuck you. If you have to lie to yourself that much to sleep at night, fine. It's unethical, scummy, and downright underhanded. Just know that there is at least ONE person who is out there looking for you and your false BS. I will stand up and tell you the emperor has no clothes. What the rest of you choose to do with this information is up to you. I suggest speaking up and showing your displeasure at this kind of practice. Send a message to those who would subdue us.

I want to hear what YOU think. Look at the poll box on the right side of the screen. Let me know where you stand. Maybe we can send a small message out into the ether.

Sometimes doing the right thing, means you do it by yourself.

I seldom like demo videos like this with wonky video editing. It says to me that if the creator can't get it smooth in one full take, then what chance does someone who is buying have performing it in real situations?

Just sayin'.