From: ken.laporte@synapse.org (Ken Laporte) 
Newsgroups: alt.magic
Subject: Re: Gimmick problems  2/2
Date: 12 Dec 92 14:38:00 GMT
Distribution: world
Organization: SYNAPSE BBS - GATINEAU, QUEBEC - 819-561-4321
Reply-To: ken.laporte@synapse.org (Ken Laporte) 

>>> Continued from previous message
As for Lay people reading this conference.   Anyone who is not
interested in magic, would by pass this conference after their first
reading.  Not to mention needing a computer, a link to the conference,
an interests in bbsing, an interest in magic, then the patience to read
the messages.   So I believe ninety nine per cent of those reading this
conference have an interest.

One trend that does bother me.  Is the teenagers today who simply have
no interest or use for magic.  This is the audience of the future.  It's
funny because a number of their idols use magic and effects in their
stage productions (Music) but couldn't care less if they were shown a
really neat illusion by a magician.

Anyway, Sorry Michael for blasting on, but theres a number of issues
which can be discussed in this conference.   I think it's important for
all magicians, to help each other.  If someones worried about revealling
a secret, which can be purchased from a shop, read from a book, watch on
a video, then they're probably making money from it.

Magic is not simply doing a trick, it's the performance that counts.  At
the present, very few people in magic, can deliver a high quality, well
rounded performance.   Knowing several hundred tricks doesn't make
anyone a magician.

As it stands.  The suppliers, dealers etc, make a fortune selling items
which are marketed based upon a sales pitch.   "This will do everything"
and their favourite word "Automaticaly".

If we start discussing the tricks and gimmicks, then they have to start
delivering a better quality product with adequate instructions or they
won't be selling products.   Really good high quality products which
lack the financial support will become better known and subsequently
purchased. In the end we get better products to work with.

Lastly, there is a lot of junk gimmicks being marketed as "The best
illusion" you have ever seen.   Sure, watch how fast the dealer say's
will that be Cash or Chargex".  If I'm going to pay $50 dollars for
routine manuscript or gadget, then I'd like the information presented in
the sales pitch to be accurate.  It's like buying something which
claims not to need a thread system, then finding a packet of
invisible thread in with the gimmick.   There might be other ways
suggested to perform the trick, but to get the same results as the sales
pitch you need to use the thread.   It's legal, but dis-honnest at the
same time.

A few messages ago, someone was worried about dis-honnesty in Magic.
It's only dishonnest if you perpetuate the myth that it's real.   Most
audience know that illusions are (tricks of the mind), so honnesty is
not an issue.   As for showing children.   Well it becomes a white lie.
When you entertain children, your creating a fantasy for them.  Children
go through phases and exploring fantasy is a requirement of the learning
process.   If you do a routine, and allow them to explore fantasy, then
turn around and take that away by being honnest, your not allowing them
the opportunity to enjoy the fantasy.   Let them take it with the
message being delivered and allow them to explore and learn from it.

It's like the story of "Winnie the Pooh".   The true legend is very
different than Disney's version of pooh.   But through Disneys pooh,
children are taught good wholesome values.   So it benefits them.

It's a white lie being used as a tool to teach young children.  Magic
can be used in a similar fashion.    To an adult, it might be considered
dishonnest, but your instilling a message within that child that will
never be forgotten.   As a result, it's acceptable to most parents.

As for your message being followed.  The odds are the child will do what
ever other children are doing.   If a neighbors child lies about
something, your child will try the same thing.   It's a process of
the child learning whats acceptable and not acceptable to their parents.
Learning that it's wrong comes with age and experience.   Just because a
magician peforms a trick, it doesn't mean the child will start lieing
because of what he saw.   The child will probably fantasize that he/she
performed the trick, and explore the fantasy of performing for friends
and making them laugh, smile and so forth.  It might be a little lie on
their part, but it allows them to explore and create.  Too me this is
more important than worrying about a little white lie.

Anyway Michael, I would be interested in finding out what magic your
interested in and anything you have found thats really good.

Ken.

                                                     
Newsgroups: alt.magic