Note to Paul + theory11...

[TheatreHead]

the price of the effect has been discussed many times on numerous forums.

surely we don't have to turn an honest apology thread into yet another useless debate.

 

[descartes]

the price of the effect has been discussed many times on numerous forums.

surely we don't have to turn an honest apology thread into yet another useless debate.

This thread hasn't seen much actual debate (at least not yet). Even if there were a debate, I don't see why it would be useless. These are the kinds of questions that many people in magic have, and the answers are not always very simple. I for one would welcome debate on these things if they led to clear answers.

 

[TheatreHead]

This thread hasn't seen much actual debate (at least not yet). Even if there were a debate, I don't see why it would be useless. These are the kinds of questions that many people in magic have, and the answers are not always very simple. I for one would welcome debate on these things if they led to clear answers.

knowing T11, this probably is going to turn into a debate any time soon.
Much of what is being discussed, about how whether the effect is worth the price or not is in the link in Shane's original post anyway.

 

[Jacob]

I'm not even sure how to respond to this.

First off, I get the impression you're thinking of this as a 'card trick.' Ignore the fact that it uses cards. Those are just the props through which the magic is transmitted. Second, keep in mind that a high price tag basically eliminates the YouTube peons from exposing it. Third, tax break as Hankins said. Fourth, when was the last time an effect actually seemed magical to you? Fifth, there was a time when a magical secret could only be learned directly from its creator. That might mean traveling across the world and devoting years to being an 'assistant' to said creator. $1,000 isn't really that much, in comparison. Sixth ... ah, you know what? Screw it. I'm going back to my wine.

For 1000 dollars I would want to learn it directly from the creator. Im not trying to sound naive or disrespect the creator but there are numerous other effects that seem even better than this with a price tag of under a hundred dollars. I said it was a card trick because it is. Honestly, im willing to change my mind. If someone who actually purchased this reads this, please tell me how great this is and how it is worth a thousand dollars.

 

[TheatreHead]

For 1000 dollars I would want to learn it directly from the creator. Im not trying to sound naive or disrespect the creator but there are numerous other effects that seem even better than this with a price tag of under a hundred dollars. I said it was a card trick because it is. Honestly, im willing to change my mind. If someone who actually purchased this reads this, please tell me how great this is and how it is worth a thousand dollars.

This isn't just an effect. It's not just a card trick. This is a complete mind reading routine that uses two decks of cards that goes for ~30 minutes.

 

[Cedric Taylor]

Seems to me any effect actually worth performing for paying audiences would be worth at LEAST a grand, if not more.

I feel lucky to find a trick worth doing these days. I might have to go through 10 or 15 books before I find an idea that is right for me.

Factor in the cost of those books with the time required for research and a thousand bucks is a bargain.

Now, if you want to spend your life doing the same five tricks for your friends that every other magician with internet access can buy, then yes - anything more than what the going one trick dvd rate may be high. (Though, most of the items being released today have not been tested and reworked through thousands of professional performances - they are ideas someone filmed within weeks of coming up with them. That's why so many require special users forums where people actually solve the problems the 'creator' should have considered YEARS before filming his first street demo.)

Now if your goal is to be a magician, someone whose personality and material set them apart, who travels the world with their act then this is a miniscule investment to make.

Comedians will pay a writer several hundred dollars for a single joke.

A 20 minute act that has been honed in the fires of performance, ready to be adapted to one's own style is almost priceless.

sure brad you are so true in what you said..but for a card trick..its not worth it to me....i don't care how exclusive it may be....

 

[Mike.Hankins]

The reality of it is this:

If you are looking to invest $1000 for an effect that lasts 25-30 min, are performing for audiences of more than 30 people, on stage, stand up, or whatever...chances are you are making that much from gigs ANYWAY...

So again...a $1000 tax write off that in turn, will land you more gigs and possibly more $0's at the end of your payday.

Personally it would be silly to purchase a $1000 trick no matter WHAT the effect is, if your ROI (Return of Investment) in magic, is less than that in a year. It would simply NOT be a wise choice to invest in such an effect.

But, if you work as a professional, then every investment you make, (clothes, props, gas, food, travel) will be looked at as either GOOD for the business or BAD for the business. And if along the way, you come across an effect that has been tried, tested and could lead to repeat gigs or gain new ones, then there isn't really a price tag that could be put on something like this.

Mike