Utility device and a gimmick.

[KeoSilver]

Utility device or not, that is the question.
*Has a seat at the round table of discussion, which anyone is able to join*

When I think of a utility device in general not specific to magic, I think of a tool in which may be used for multiple applications. Now using that definition in the context of magic and trickery, I would consider a thumb tip, a pull, reel (not meant for one specific trick such as a ring flight.), swami writers, and double backers/facers utilities because they may be used in multiple effects to accomplish multiple different effects.

I would consider a gimmick a single action prop. Gimmicks being things like, changing pips, trick cards that have only one use, some trick coins, etc…

What are your views on the subject of a utility device and a gimmick?

 

[James Smith]

I agree with you.

I thought you wanted to have meaningful discussions though. I don't consider this a good topic. Do you? Everything that you have bumped was worth bumping, but this? Not so much.

 

[KeoSilver]

I agree with you.

I thought you wanted to have meaningful discussions though. I don't consider this a good topic. Do you? Everything that you have bumped was worth bumping, but this? Not so much.

I was opening an opinion thread; it is healthy to encourage positive debate. Some people may believe that they are the same; some people think it is completely different.
If you actually start to think about this not saying you didn't because I know your smart kid, would you rather have threads that have one lined posts like, anyone else has jerry's, or the ever popular drama threads. “All work and no play, makes Johnny a dull boy”

This could be turned into a very beneficial thread when and if people start posting well thought out opinions

 

[James Smith]

I was opening an opinion thread; it is healthy to encourage positive debate. Some people may believe that they are the same; some people think it is completely different.
If you actually start to think about this not saying you didn't because I know your smart kid, would you rather have threads that have one lined posts like, anyone else has jerry's, or the ever popular drama threads. “All work and no play, makes Johnny a dull boy”

This could be turned into a very beneficial thread when and if people start posting well thought out opinions

Alright then, I'll try:

I would agree with you in the sense that utilities are gimmicks that can achieve multiple effects. However, maybe all gimmicks can be used that way.

For example, Michael Ammar's Moving Pips Gimmick was originally a gimmick for a "magician failure" routine. However, Wayne Houchin turned it into a gimmick for a two-card transpo routine.

So, really if you put your mind to it, maybe any gimmick can become a utility.

Then again, let's take the rising card gimmick. The gimmick achieves a simple action, the ascension of a selected card. That would seem as if it is the only effect the rising card deck could accomplish. However, I've learned that a slight change in presentation, can drastically change the effect in the spectators mind.

One example of this would be David Stone's new effect "Window." There are many possibilities with this illusion. You can use it as a Card Through Window, a Color Change, a prediction, a transpo, the possibilities are endless.

Let's take another effect, this one without a gimmick. Dai Vernon's classic routine, "Twisting the Aces." I've seen many different kinds of patter with this effect, I've seen ones that involve making a spectator think the laws of physics are being broken, but I've also seen versions where the effect is presented as a gambling routine, and how con men use sleight of hand.

Presentation is a powerful tool, a slight (or sleight) change in presentation can create an entirely new effect.

This topic could be interesting, I would like to here what other people have to say.

One thing to mention though, is that I'm not saying I'm right about this, I could be totally off. Tell me what you think.