Michael,
While other members have already chimed into this thread with correct response, you make some very serious, unfounded accusations that I do not take lightly. Let's take it from the top. Your post begins with a complaint that you figured out another artist's creation based on watching it in a teaser video, I suppose planned to perform it based on that partial assumption, and didn't see any reason why you actually needed to respect the artist and purchase their creation. The flawed logic and spinning moral compass there speaks for itself.
If you were truly dissatisfied with your purchase, you need not fret, but instead click two buttons and request a refund, as we stand behind our products - unlike any other company - with a 100% guarantee. There is no quick sale, we stand behind what we do and if you don't like it, we're not happy. We aim to please, and you'd be surprised how much joy we get from reading reviews and seeing what people think about our products. It's what keeps us moving.
Your accusation of misleading advertising on Pressure is completely unfounded. You wrote "Saying the spectator can rip it out of the balloon is a complete lie." I urge you to take another look at every street performance in the Pressure video. In each, the spectator takes the cell phone out of the balloon. That is what they do, that is what they see, that is what they remember. What we wrote in the description is exactly what the effect appears to look like to every spectator that sees it. Exactly. If you misunderstood that description, or read between the lines to assume what was not there, we do apologize, but the description stands and the
reviews speak for themselves.
Regarding Control - I honestly have no clue what you were referring to. In sincerity, it isn't even necessary to HAVE a preview video for Control. The spectator feels your pulse. It slows down. It stops. What else is there to see? What was left out? Absolutely nothing. We even posted a full performance in the Media section. We could not have BEEN more transparent, complete, and truthful. You are grasping for straws that are not there.
Regarding TNR - while your post at numerous points claims that you raise your concerns with respect, this showed the polar opposite. You refer to Mathieu Bich - one of the most prolific and respected creators of our time - a "one hit wonder." In addition to sounding ignorant, misinformed, and disrespectful, it takes a lot of experience, brilliance, and ingenuity to create like Mathieu does, year after year. From
eXile to
SympathINK to
TNR to
Spreadwave to
Stretching to
Eject. One hit wonder? A humorous accusation, at best. In truth, it's offensive. With all due respect, with all of your talk of advancement, artistic criticism, and innovation, the only thing I have ever seen you create in the past year is forum avatars. I mean this not in offense, but one must practice what they preach.
To downplay the creations of Mathieu Bich and the other creators that work night and day to support themselves and their families entirely based on their creations is disrespectful, regardless of your intention. TNR is not an easy effect. It's not labelled as such. It's also not the most walk-around friendly effect that we have produced. But the reviews speak for themselves, and even if it isn't your cup of tea, there are absolutely ZERO false advertisements, let alone the "granddaddy" thereof.
In summary, I do hope that the other members' responses have helped clarify your concerns. This is a site and a team that is more transparent than any other company out there. Should we hold ourselves to a higher standard with so many respected artists on our team? Absolutely - and we do. But we are not perfect. We will mess up from time to time. And we will fix it when we do. And we welcome feedback on it every step of the way.
But with product descriptions, these are always and will always be a clear description of exactly what the
spectator sees, not what a magician would see nor what goes on in the mind of the magician. For that, you'll need to buy the product.
And if you're ever disappointed thereafter to the point where you regret your purchase with every fiber of your being - don't sweat it. But at least give us the chance to make it right. We've offered that guarantee since launch if need be, and we continue to stand behind everything we do.
I do appreciate your candor and feedback, and we take every grain of it into account. However, with the persistent negativity, extreme vulgarity, quite frankly racist remarks (even if made in jest - we deleted), and unprofessional conduct that has been present in many of your posts in the past few weeks - it is hard not to believe you are looking for a reason to frown on the mission, objectives, and intent of this team. If so, I would encourage you to take a step back for a moment, look in the mirror a little bit more, and see the bigger picture - we are making a difference, and we would love your help to continue doing so.