Rocky:
I dont think it is the effects, but your presentation. A mere color change isn't an effect - it is a sleight. That is like expecting Fido to be impressed at a double lift. Your performances need to have a well developed plot that draws the audience in.
The ultimate question you have to ask in magic, is why should the spectator care? Nobody is going to care if your performance doesn't reflect you character and is merely a narration of what you are doing.
Josh:
It seems that your presentation is bordering on challenge magic. Best case, the spectator is focused on the methods, worse case, someone loses a finger.