(Close Window) Topic: MOST DISAPPOINTING TRICK OF 2011
Message: Posted by: tvbobby (Jan 10, 2012 2:19am)
Rarely had I been so excited to buy a trick as I did when I purchased RATTLED. I must've checked outside my front door to see if a package had arrived five times a day. I felt like a little kid waiting for Christmas. After all, the demo was incredible. And the WPR review said it was a gimmick "as indispensible as the thumb tip!" And then it arrived. I ripped open the package... watched the DVD... marveled at the simplicity and genius of the device... and then tried to put it into use. And it never worked as promised. There was NO WAY IN HELL the gimmick would EVER work in someone else's hand (as promised). The truth is, it was hard to make it work in my own hand without a certain about of unnatural looking exertion. Paul Harris was kind enough to replace one of the gimmicks... but sadly, it was EXACTLY the same. Of course, threads were filled with complaints... and RATTLED now takes its place at the bottom of my drawer along with many other disappointments. This was my big one from 2011.

What was yours?
Message: Posted by: emyers99 (Jan 10, 2012 5:29am)
My Rattled works fine bur I agree it got a ton of hype and, I'm guessing not many are using it. Your post made me wonder, has there been a PH Presents trick yet that has lived up to the hype? I cant think of one off top of my head.
Message: Posted by: Stucky (Jan 10, 2012 5:54am)
Gut Buster was pretty straight forward I thought.
Message: Posted by: KyleMacNeill (Jan 10, 2012 8:03am)
Quote:

On 2012-01-10 05:29, emyers99 wrote:
My Rattled works fine bur I agree it got a ton of hype and, I'm guessing not many are using it. Your post made me wonder, has there been a PH Presents trick yet that has lived up to the hype? I cant think of one off top of my head.

HAUNTED, IMO is brilliant.
Message: Posted by: Chris Piercy (Jan 10, 2012 8:14am)
Don't use Rattled at all, was really disappointed.
Message: Posted by: nowyoucme (Jan 10, 2012 8:45am)
Prue smoke.
Message: Posted by: saysold1 (Jan 10, 2012 9:53am)
I agree 100% on Rattled.

The gimmick I thought wss pretty clever - but my initial set would lock properly either.

Even with the replacement the routines just didn't grab me. So I thankfully sold mine pronto. Just didn't rock my boat either.

Speaking of Paul Harris releases... Justin Miller's Freedom Pack was also just "meh."

Posted: Jan 10, 2012 10:03am
Also Shin Lim had a couple of doozies in 2011

I didn't care for "Think" - certainly not the Best ACAAN ever for my taste.
Message: Posted by: Andrew Zuber (Jan 10, 2012 10:32am)
I actually really like Rattled, and my set works perfectly. I just haven't found a place in my set for it and haven't work on it much for some reason, though I'm not really sure why.

I too found Freedom Pack to not really be my thing. Again, it did exactly what it was supposed to do and worked, but just didn't excite me as I initially thought it would. However, I can't say any trick this year thoroughly disappointed me. Then again I didn't buy a ton since I was living overseas and knew I had to cart it back with me to the states.

While I don't believe it was released in 2011, Pro Flite was a total dud for me. I was incredibly underwhelmed.
Message: Posted by: emyers99 (Jan 10, 2012 12:53pm)
This could be a great thread. I love my Pure Smoke, Freedom Pack and ProFlite. So it's interesting to see the trash/treaure comparisons. I do have to agree though on Think. Very weak in my opinion. Same goes for the rubber band dvd Touch. Now that I think about it, I bought Touch, Think and Rattled all based on glowing reviews Penn and Petty gave them on the Wizard Product Review and all three have been complete duds in my book.
Message: Posted by: ted french (Jan 10, 2012 1:05pm)
EVERYTHING put out by www.papercranemagic.com LOL
Message: Posted by: Prager (Jan 10, 2012 1:13pm)
PaperCrane had some of the best releases of the year.
Message: Posted by: The great Gumbini (Jan 10, 2012 1:24pm)
Mental Delivery---what a waste.


Good magic to all,


Eric
Message: Posted by: fbnc (Jan 10, 2012 2:28pm)
I bought Rattled based on all the hype and the reveiw on WPR. My gimmicks worked great and thought it was a good effect......but the caps just don't look right,there huge compared to any other cap.
Message: Posted by: shadowman (Jan 10, 2012 7:27pm)
Rattled
Think
Message: Posted by: motown (Jan 10, 2012 8:46pm)
Postage Matrix

Worst product I've bought in a long long time.
Message: Posted by: TonyPorter (Jan 10, 2012 9:26pm)
The confetti shooter from Vernet. Absolute rubbish.
Message: Posted by: yin_howe (Jan 10, 2012 11:53pm)
Dave & Craig of the WPR try to give a fair review and what they think of a product, but they are also human/magic geeks like us, no fault of theirs.
Message: Posted by: Sammy J. (Jan 11, 2012 12:00am)
For me it was Nathan Krazo's "No Smoking Zone". I guess I may be able to see it working for some, but not for me.
Message: Posted by: tvbobby (Jan 11, 2012 12:58am)
How funny - Think has worked very well for me. The ONTOLOGY PROJECT is just far too complex. Great tricks. Too much work.
Message: Posted by: Zombie Magic (Jan 11, 2012 1:10am)
Anyone remember buying out of catalogs after reading the amazing description? 6-8 weeks later your package arrived and....it was a box of junk. lol.
Message: Posted by: roblane (Jan 11, 2012 1:44am)
Quote:

On 2012-01-11 01:10, Zombie Magic wrote:
Anyone remember buying out of catalogs after reading the amazing description? 6-8 weeks later your package arrived and....it was a box of junk. lol.

Oh yes!
Message: Posted by: Roger Kelly (Jan 11, 2012 1:54am)
Quote:

On 2012-01-10 23:53, yin_howe wrote:
Dave & Craig of the WPR try to give a fair review and what they think of a product, but they are also human/magic geeks like us, no fault of theirs.


I'm not too sure about this. I've fallen for their BS hype before and read too many disagreements of opinions that I don't even watch the programme any more. Dave's 'acting ' on some of the 'reviews' is an insult to one's intelligence!

They are in a prime position to inflate sales of anything they choose. Just sayin!
Message: Posted by: Failed Magician (Jan 11, 2012 2:28am)
Quote:

On 2012-01-10 13:24, The great Gumbini wrote:
Mental Delivery---what a waste.


Good magic to all,


Eric

Wow, I almost bought it from a promo in website. Didn't get the chance but I'm glad I didn't, I guess.
Message: Posted by: Xiqual (Jan 11, 2012 2:29am)
Absolutely Tony. Rubbish. Really let down on that one.
James

Quote:

On 2012-01-10 21:26, TonyPorter wrote:
The confetti shooter from Vernet. Absolute rubbish.
Message: Posted by: Nicolino (Jan 11, 2012 3:04am)
What a great and informative thread!
Why couldn't it have been published at the BEGINNING of 2011? Then we would have saved a lot of dough....! :D
Message: Posted by: Roger Kelly (Jan 11, 2012 5:46am)
Quote:

On 2012-01-11 03:04, Nicolino wrote:
What a great and informative thread!
Why couldn't it have been published at the BEGINNING of 2011? Then we would have saved a lot of dough....! :D


Ha! Nice one Nicolino - maybe we should ask the question NOW for 2012 and post it in the "Penny For Your Thoughts" section? :)
Message: Posted by: magicgettogether (Jan 11, 2012 9:38am)
The most disappointing trick of 2011 for me was my Little Man routine. Most of it was my fault though, I had wanted to create a miniature Frankenstein made out of clay, but the small props I bought looked silly with the clay guy (who never looked like Frankensteins monster no matter how I molded him) and although I thought the gimmicks were ingenious I could never get the creepy effect I wanted. Add to that the somewhat complexity of the routine, trying to make Frankenstein boots out of 2D material, it just did not work for me.

But more had to do with my application for it than the prop which I though was pretty creative
Message: Posted by: Nicolino (Jan 11, 2012 9:42am)
Quote:

On 2012-01-11 05:46, Roger Kelly wrote:
... maybe we should ask the question NOW for 2012 and post it in the "Penny For Your Thoughts" section? :)

Indeed, that's the only logical consequence, Roger! :D

My first entry for "The most disappointing trick of 2012" would cover all those tricks that will be sold as pre-order, then delayed and a little prolongated until - after another minor time lag - it finally shows in 2013 that they are.......rehashed crap!
Message: Posted by: GaryLee (Jan 11, 2012 9:50am)
Little Man was the most unethical advertised piece of garbage ever. The false advertising, claims that no strings or magnets were used, then change the ad to remove no magnets used. "YES, HE'S MOVING FORWARD AND ACTUALLY WALKING... ONE ASTONISHING STEP AT A TIME!" As we know it glides using magnets, just like everyone suspected right from the start. No mystery to how it's done because it's the first thought that comes to many minds when they see the demo.

Then, a few people came on the Café to say they bought it and give it a review. Those few people gave wrong and misleading info about Little Man, and it was suspected that PhP had something to do with getting false reviews out becaus of all the bad publicity Little Man had got. One dealer claimed they were almost sold out, another dealer who worked with PH on Little Man also lied when telling people that there was only a few left at PHP and once they were gone, the price would go up. A few other members who did purchase Little Man came on to correct the false reviews and did not seem impressed with it. There was a lot of dishonesty in regards to Little Man, and I don't ever trust Paul Harris products anymore. No presales especially. By the way, Little Man can still be bought from several dealers who seem to not be able to sell them. Gee, I wonder why?
Message: Posted by: Zombie Magic (Jan 11, 2012 11:06am)
In reading these pages, it seems pre-ordering never works out the way we think it will. You never get it first and never save money.
Message: Posted by: davidandstuff (Jan 11, 2012 11:39am)
Rattled started out as something promising... and never really left that starting point for me. I want to like it and use it, but it just does not seem to connect the way I had hoped. I have not completely given up one er' yet, but I am close. Hype + reality = disappointment.
Message: Posted by: saysold1 (Jan 11, 2012 11:45am)
Quote:

On 2012-01-11 11:39, davidandstuff wrote:
Rattled started out as something promising... and never really left that starting point for me. I want to like it and use it, but it just does not seem to connect the way I had hoped. I have not completely given up one er' yet, but I am close. Hype + reality = disappointment.


David-

As I said earlier I just didn't groove on Rattled. I think the gimmick when it works is pretty slick, but the routines and overall presentation just never captured my imagination and didn't fit with the way I like to do magic. Rattled seems to be a love/hate relationship it seems based on the others chiming in here - it certainly is not a complete dud by any stretch and some people have it on their best list for 2011.
Message: Posted by: Paul S Wingham (Jan 11, 2012 12:11pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-11 11:06, Zombie Magic wrote:
In reading these pages, it seems pre-ordering never works out the way we think it will. You never get it first and never save money.


Very wise words and yet (myself included) we still do it!
Message: Posted by: Saturn Magic (Jan 11, 2012 12:32pm)
Gustav Raley Rubic cube was the worst for me!
Message: Posted by: surryhills (Jan 11, 2012 12:48pm)
Rattled, Holely and Haunted - nice tricks but they do not work for me at all.
Preordered this year Ultra Gum and Haunted - I was disappointed in Haunted but Ultra gum is a very good trick.
Message: Posted by: VernonOnCoins (Jan 11, 2012 1:10pm)
Rattled... BLAH
Holey... BLAH
Message: Posted by: tvbobby (Jan 11, 2012 3:10pm)
Based on the constant negativity that pervades the Café, I thought this post was going to EXPLODE was people dishing. Please, please warn us if you feel screwed! Important.
Message: Posted by: Zombie Magic (Jan 11, 2012 3:11pm)
I don't have Rattled, but the Wizard product review liked it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sM0MscpJdKk

Craig says the caps are very well made. Could the caps some people have be faulty and just need to be replaced?

Clarke
Message: Posted by: tvbobby (Jan 11, 2012 3:17pm)
Even thought PhP kindly replaced the caps, I still haven't experienced a good one yet - one that actually closes tightly with the slightest bit of pressure (meaning in SOMEONE ELSE'S HAND, which was promised on the trailer, and the DVD). Even when I used undue force to close all three caps I've tried, people pick up the caps (which is part of the trick) and shake them... hard. Inevitably, the gimmick dislodges and the trick is exposed. Blows.

Posted: Jan 11, 2012 3:17pm
Based on the constant negativity that pervades the Café, I thought this post was going to EXPLODE was people dishing. Please, please warn us if you feel screwed! Important! It's a service.
Message: Posted by: Zombie Magic (Jan 11, 2012 4:17pm)
I didn't think the Transformer Card by JB Magic was very good. Did anyone like it?

Clarke
Message: Posted by: tester2006 (Jan 11, 2012 6:47pm)
Tie for me for worst of 2011. Bending the Real and Eureka ACAAN.
Message: Posted by: shadowman (Jan 11, 2012 6:57pm)
Rattled and Think.
Message: Posted by: saysold1 (Jan 11, 2012 6:58pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-11 15:11, Zombie Magic wrote:
I don't have Rattled, but the Wizard product review liked it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sM0MscpJdKk

Craig says the caps are very well made. Could the caps some people have be faulty and just need to be replaced?

Clarke


Many of the original Rattled caps were made incorrectly and could not be reset properly. Janet immediately said dealers and PH would replace the defective ones and they did... at least for me.
Message: Posted by: immr1drfl (Jan 12, 2012 1:14am)
Another vote for Rattled..
Message: Posted by: Craig Petty (Jan 12, 2012 2:06am)
I actually really like Rattled. I have a whole coin routine I do which kills. It works great at tables. It might help that my caps always have worked fine. I find rattled allows me to do something with coins I could nOt replicate with sleight of hand or a coin gimmick. Also it's very cool that it fits nicely into my pocket without taking up any room

Craig
Message: Posted by: Stucky (Jan 12, 2012 3:37am)
Quote:

On 2012-01-12 02:06, Craig Petty wrote:
Also it's very cool that it fits nicely into my pocket without taking up any room


That's scientifically impossible isn't it? :)
Message: Posted by: brainman (Jan 12, 2012 6:23am)
I also like rattled very much - just make up your own routine ; )
Message: Posted by: magicgettogether (Jan 12, 2012 8:18am)
I also liked Rattled but mine came after the "recall" so I never had to send it back or get it corrected.
Message: Posted by: chappelly (Jan 12, 2012 8:27am)
Quote:

On 2012-01-12 03:37, Stucky wrote:
Quote:

On 2012-01-12 02:06, Craig Petty wrote:
Also it's very cool that it fits nicely into my pocket without taking up any room


That's scientifically impossible isn't it? :)


Quite funny ;-)
Message: Posted by: Astrocity (Jan 12, 2012 10:57am)
Another vote for "Bending The Real" or as I like to refer to it as, "Bending Me Over Really!". At least it absolutely cured me from ever buying an item via pre-order ever again...thanks for that Mr. Sankey.

Hank
Message: Posted by: montanna40 (Jan 12, 2012 2:25pm)
Sign Off by Damien o Brien
Message: Posted by: matt.magicman (Jan 13, 2012 3:07am)
Quote:

On 2012-01-12 14:25, montanna40 wrote:
Sign Off by Damien o Brien


I or got about that one!
Mine was on eBay within hour of it arriving
Message: Posted by: billmarq (Jan 13, 2012 4:32am)
I was really disappointed with 3 Dominoes Monte. The gaffed dominoes SCREAM "fake." I am afraid to even try them out. The advertisement photos were blurred out to hide the gaff methodology.

I complained on the Café earlier about Transcendence. The ads implied that the coin gimmick was included when all that came with the package was a small roll of I.T. and instructions on a DVD. The coin gimmick would have to purchased separately. Another member then told me it is childish to expect to actually receive what is advertised. Maybe so, but it takes a lot of gall to sell a simple idea on a one-trick DVD with deceptive advertising.

Lesson learned. I will never again buy a one-trick DVD from anybody.
Message: Posted by: Rus ANDREWS (Jan 13, 2012 4:44am)
That's strange because I received the gimmick and the I.T all together?

Where did you buy transcendence from?

All the best

R
Message: Posted by: pegasus (Jan 13, 2012 6:17am)
Quote:

On 2012-01-10 02:19, tvbobby wrote:
Rarely had I been so excited to buy a trick as I did when I purchased RATTLED. I must've checked outside my front door to see if a package had arrived five times a day. I felt like a little kid waiting for Christmas. After all, the demo was incredible. And the WPR review said it was a gimmick "as indispensible as the thumb tip!" And then it arrived. I ripped open the package... watched the DVD... marveled at the simplicity and genius of the device... and then tried to put it into use. And it never worked as promised. There was NO WAY IN HELL the gimmick would EVER work in someone else's hand (as promised). The truth is, it was hard to make it work in my own hand without a certain about of unnatural looking exertion. Paul Harris was kind enough to replace one of the gimmicks... but sadly, it was EXACTLY the same. Of course, threads were filled with complaints... and RATTLED now takes its place at the bottom of my drawer along with many other disappointments. This was my big one from 2011.

What was yours?

I can't believe anybody bought rattled. I thought it was terrible just from the demo, which must have included actors.
Message: Posted by: Paul S Wingham (Jan 13, 2012 6:29am)
I found rattled a bit odd. No one got quite as excited about that little brass trick with a stack of 10p or 25c which seemed to do much the same thing in the main part. Although the brass prop could not be described using the buzz word of 2011"organic"

Fair play to those that liked it and made it work for them.
Message: Posted by: Floyd Collins (Jan 13, 2012 7:00am)
I too was disappointed with Rattled, I did routine it and gave it a hardy go just never paned out, I do plan to re-visit it when I have the the time to re-routine it. The Bending the Real release has to be the worst every for Jay in my opinion, however I was sent a copy in the post for review and well I refused to write one it was that bad.
Message: Posted by: Exitmat (Jan 13, 2012 7:36am)
Glad I stepped out of the magic hype machines a while ago and stopped pre-ordering and/or buying new magic without reading handfuls of reviews first. What few purchases I made this year I was very happy with, Exact Change by Greg Wilson topping the list. Brilliant effect I've gotten a lot of use out of. I think that's the only new release I bought this year. The rest of my purchases were effects or books and DVDs that had been out for years.
Message: Posted by: billmarq (Jan 13, 2012 11:01am)
@Rus Andrews - I assure you that the original version did not include the coin. The instructions explained it by saying the trick was aimed at professional magicians who already own the gimmick coin. The ad did not say that.
Message: Posted by: Failed Magician (Jan 13, 2012 11:06am)
Quote:

On 2012-01-13 03:07, matt.magicman wrote:
Quote:

On 2012-01-12 14:25, montanna40 wrote:
Sign Off by Damien o Brien


I or got about that one!
Mine was on eBay within hour of it arriving

Is it really that bad? I thought the demo was visual. Even one of the guys on the demo gave a look that he suspected something with the card :D
Message: Posted by: nowyoucme (Jan 13, 2012 3:57pm)
Rattled works great for me. Love using this in bars.
Message: Posted by: Zombie Magic (Jan 13, 2012 4:45pm)
So many people like Rattled. Could the ones that say it doesn't work have faulty caps? I mention it because I don't think Craig petty would use it professionally if wasn't reliable.

Clarke
Message: Posted by: gaffed (Jan 13, 2012 7:02pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-13 16:45, Zombie Magic wrote:
So many people like Rattled. Could the ones that say it doesn't work have faulty caps? I mention it because I don't think Craig petty would use it professionally if wasn't reliable.

Clarke


Have Rattled....NEVER used it (yes...it works fine). Craig mentioned that this was the most hyped and purchased tricks of 2011, but one that most, not all of course, NEVER use! Somehow I have the distinct feeling that even Craig no longer uses it regularly albeit I may be wrong.

As for the worse purchase I made this year I'll have to give that some thought as I just had to address this "thing" with Rattled although I certainly don't consider it as a "bad" purchase, but simply one that left me a tad disappointed. Yep....I certainly fell into the hype as we all do, and will more likely that not, do so again! ;)
Message: Posted by: Zombie Magic (Jan 13, 2012 7:25pm)
I don't always buy things just as they are released, so I'm not all that sure when something was released. I didn't care for The Corner Project at all. Seemed like all filler. I didn't feel right about selling it so I gave it away with something else.

Clarke
Message: Posted by: MarcLavelle (Jan 14, 2012 9:48am)
I wasn't overly enthusiastic when Rattled first came out, but found a nice place for it to do a ring vanish for Interlace or as part of Ringmaster.

I think my least favourite trick of the year was Wonderland. A DVD I ACTUALLY fell asleep 10mins in. Pile of Bantha droppings. Shame I bought it before craidg and Dave reviewed it.
Message: Posted by: Jamie Ferguson (Jan 14, 2012 12:44pm)
Haunted - too unreliable for professional use.
Message: Posted by: karlito (Jan 14, 2012 4:14pm)
Hmm I can't actually think of one bad trick I purchased last year....which is lucky for my first year being into magic. And I spent a lot of money..damn C.U.P.S
Message: Posted by: Magikbob (Jan 14, 2012 9:43pm)
My two disappointments last year were Slo Motion and Electro Magic Squeaker. Too much noise from Slo Motion and not enough noise from the Squeaker (difficulty finding a "sweet spot" for the trigger mechanism). I was lucky that last years "wins" outnumbered the "losses" though.
Message: Posted by: gaffed (Jan 15, 2012 1:15pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-14 21:43, Magikbob wrote:
My two disappointments last year were Slo Motion and Electro Magic Squeaker. Too much noise from Slo Motion and not enough noise from the Squeaker (difficulty finding a "sweet spot" for the trigger mechanism). I was lucky that last years "wins" outnumbered the "losses" though.


Strange how you happen to name two tricks and I'm on the opposite end of the pole on both.
I absolutely love Slomotion (mine is extremely quiet) and as for Electro Magic Squeaker, mine is extremely LOUD! lol

By the way, Electro Magic Squeaker was released in 2010.
Message: Posted by: puggo (Jan 15, 2012 2:06pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-14 21:43, Magikbob wrote:
My two disappointments last year were Slo Motion and Electro Magic Squeaker. Too much noise from Slo Motion and not enough noise from the Squeaker (difficulty finding a "sweet spot" for the trigger mechanism). I was lucky that last years "wins" outnumbered the "losses" though.


I changed my switch to a toe switch (retaining the same switch). Works 100% now.
Message: Posted by: J-Mac (Jan 15, 2012 2:57pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-15 14:06, puggo wrote:

I changed my switch to a toe switch (retaining the same switch). Works 100% now.


I know you are talking about the squeaker and not Slo-Motion! :D

Jim

BTW, Slo-Motion was a very "so-so" purchase IMO. At first it didn't work at all - the wooden stirrer supplied with it was not suited for this at all. It was actually almost exactly ass wide as the hole in the LifeSaver, causing the LifeSaver to be stuck in place. I shaved it down and tried to smooth the edges, which were full of splinters, but to no avail. Any straws I tried didn't work well enough to ever show the effect to anyone. No one seemed to have wooden stirrers around here, instead having those little thin straws for coffee stirrers. I finally order a box from Amazon and then the device worked pretty good! However it isn't really an effect I ever bothered to use in front of spectators. Just seems to be a non-starter; not an effect that fits in with anything else I do.

Thanks!

Jim
Message: Posted by: michaelmystic2003 (Jan 15, 2012 4:13pm)
Rattled is my personal trick of the year.... I LOVE this thing. I've worked a small, nice little routine with it that works beautifully and the audience management skills are surprisingly minor considering what the gimmick is. I've never had a spectator pick up the cap prematurely, shaking it and hearing/feeling the coin inside is enough to please them. In terms of people shaking the cap too hard, I can honestly say it's never happened to me.
Message: Posted by: Zombie Magic (Jan 15, 2012 5:01pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-15 16:13, Michaelmystic2003 wrote:
Rattled is my personal trick of the year.... I LOVE this thing. I've worked a small, nice little routine with it that works beautifully and the audience management skills are surprisingly minor considering what the gimmick is. I've never had a spectator pick up the cap prematurely, shaking it and hearing/feeling the coin inside is enough to please them. In terms of people shaking the cap too hard, I can honestly say it's never happened to me.


Dan Hauss gave an online lecture last night and performed Rattled and explained the workings. It looked like a wonderful close up trick so I ordered it.

Clarke
Message: Posted by: gaffed (Jan 15, 2012 6:30pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-15 17:01, Zombie Magic wrote:


Dan Hauss gave an online lecture last night and performed Rattled and explained the workings. It looked like a wonderful close up trick so I ordered it.

Clarke


Wow....that's a real shame as there are many for sale (including mine) here on the Café at a VERY good price. Nothing against Rattled, but it's just not for me, but you should always check to see what is on sale here first. ;)
Message: Posted by: donny (Jan 16, 2012 1:50am)
Industrial Revolution
Message: Posted by: saysold1 (Jan 16, 2012 1:56am)
Quote:

On 2012-01-16 01:50, donny wrote:
Industrial Revolution


You gotta be kidding right?

Maybe your posting in the wrong section perhaps?

Looking to rock the boat a little?

What's your reasoning if I might ask please? IR is about to win best trick of the year. Not everyone's cup 'o Joe granted, but IR is definitely considered by many to be something special and a beautiful work of art.
Message: Posted by: keeblem (Jan 16, 2012 2:01am)
Quote:

On 2012-01-10 10:03, saysold1 wrote:
Also Shin Lim had a couple of doozies in 2011 :)

I didn't care for "Think" - certainly not the Best ACAAN ever for my taste.


Oh dear. I've just ordered this. I really should do a bit more research before I part with my money... :(

Mark
Message: Posted by: davidandstuff (Jan 16, 2012 3:00am)
Quote:

On 2012-01-16 01:50, donny wrote:
Industrial Revolution


wow... I cant believe this. I am very interested to know your reasoning as well.
Message: Posted by: sketchomagic (Jan 16, 2012 3:24am)
Quote:

On 2012-01-16 03:00, davidandstuff wrote:
Quote:

On 2012-01-16 01:50, donny wrote:
Industrial Revolution

wow... I cant believe this. I am very interested to know your reasoning as well.

I too am hanging in suspence to know why? IR is on its way in the mail...

Posted: Jan 16, 2012 3:31am
In the mean time I will say "Shawn Farquhar's - MATRIXPRESS" was very disappointing.
Message: Posted by: MattSconce (Jan 16, 2012 4:28am)
Quote:

On 2012-01-16 03:24, sketchomagic wrote:
Quote:

On 2012-01-16 03:00, davidandstuff wrote:
Quote:

On 2012-01-16 01:50, donny wrote:
Industrial Revolution


wow... I cant believe this. I am very interested to know your reasoning as well.


I too am hanging in suspence to know why? IR is on its way in the mail...


IR is one of the best tricks ever. Have no fear, you will love it.
Message: Posted by: joseph (Jan 16, 2012 5:54am)
Quote:

On 2012-01-16 03:00, davidandstuff wrote:
Quote:

On 2012-01-16 01:50, donny wrote:
Industrial Revolution

wow... I cant believe this. I am very interested to know your reasoning as well.


Maybe it's different than Industrial Revel-A-tion .. :) ...
Message: Posted by: Zombie Magic (Jan 16, 2012 6:34am)
Quote:

On 2012-01-15 18:30, gaffed wrote:
Quote:

On 2012-01-15 17:01, Zombie Magic wrote:


Dan Hauss gave an online lecture last night and performed Rattled and explained the workings. It looked like a wonderful close up trick so I ordered it.

Clarke


Wow....that's a real shame as there are many for sale (including mine) here on the Café at a VERY good price. Nothing against Rattled, but it's just not for me, but you should always check to see what is on sale here first. ;)


Gaffed, I was on the Penguin site watching the free lecture and just didn't think about checking the Café section. Thanks for the reminder to use this wonderful resource!

Clarke
Message: Posted by: dan the man (Jan 16, 2012 2:54pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-16 03:24, sketchomagic wrote:
Quote:

On 2012-01-16 03:00, davidandstuff wrote:
Quote:

On 2012-01-16 01:50, donny wrote:
Industrial Revolution


wow... I cant believe this. I am very interested to know your reasoning as well.

I'm sure he ment it as the best product of 2011 or something like that..

I too am hanging in suspence to know why? IR is on its way in the mail...
Message: Posted by: RNK (Jan 16, 2012 3:06pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-16 03:31, sketchomagic wrote:
In the mean time I will say "Shawn Farquhar's - MATRIXPRESS" was very disappointing.


Agree- another vote for MATRIXPRESS- very disappointing for the price.

RNK
Message: Posted by: Jamie D. Grant (Jan 16, 2012 3:57pm)
I spat my coffee all over my keyboard when I saw IR, lol. But it raises an excellent point:

I am always- 100% -available for questions, concerns, or tips. I stand behind all my work- whether it's art, writing, or creating. So if you ever feel like there's something you need a hand with- please let me know! My goal, at the end of the day, isn't to only make moohlah (which is great outcome if you can do it, I'll be honest) so much as providing us with magic that we can actually use. It does me no good, or my reputation, to make something that will go in a drawer. I hope IR stands that test of time as well for everyone who's purchased one as it has for me.

My 2 cents!

~jamie
Message: Posted by: DanHarlan (Jan 17, 2012 2:45pm)
Well, since donny never returned to explain what he didn't like about IR, he probably made a mistake in listing it here. I think it's great! If he really doesn't like it, I too would like to know why.

On the subject of Disappointing Tricks, now might be a good time to remind everyone that I've started a collection to honor these oddities. If you haven't heard, I call it "Harlan's Museum of Misguided Magic" or HMMM for short. Here's the info on how to contribute something you don't want... and get something in return:

A Message from Harlan’s Museum of Misguided Magic (HMMM)

As you know, one man’s trash is another’s treasure. With that in mind, I’m asking for donations of your “trash” to add to my museum… Harlan’s Museum of Misguided Magic (HMMM). I’m talking about that “lousy piece of junk” that you wish you never bought… it’s just sitting on a shelf or hidden in a drawer collecting dust. It’s happened to all of us. It might be a trick, book, DVD (no VHS please), notes, whatever, but it must be complete (not broken). It doesn’t matter what the original cost was, just make sure it’s worthless to you, because you are not going to get it back.

To thank you for your donation, when you send your Misguided Magic to me I will send you my critically-acclaimed “More Than Meets the Eye” notes on show structure and creativity. These are yours FREE for any item donated. If you already own “More Than Meets the Eye” you can request any item from my site of equal value as a substitution. Thanks, in advance, for helping make HMMM a success!
--Dan Harlan

Please send Misguided Magic donations to:
Dan Harlan Magic (HMMM)
P.O. Box 26
Fremont, OH 43420
Note: If you include your email address with your package, I will send “More Than Meets the Eye” as a PDF. Otherwise I’ll use your return address to send a printed copy. Thank you.
Message: Posted by: Astrocity (Jan 17, 2012 4:21pm)
Careful Mr. Harlan,

you may just end up with a dozen copies of "Bending The Real" by the end of the week LOL :)

Seriously, very nice offer, I would love to see pictures of that museum display and I'm sure I'm not alone!

Hank
Message: Posted by: Rafael The Master Hypnotist (Jan 17, 2012 8:46pm)
"little man"
Message: Posted by: dan the man (Jan 17, 2012 11:57pm)
To me Rattle too didn't really work as well as expected
Message: Posted by: Devious (Jan 18, 2012 12:54am)
Quote:

On 2012-01-16 01:50, donny wrote:
Industrial Revolution

I will gladly pay you your full purchase price for your unit Donny!
Send me a pm with your paypal address. I don't even care as to your
reasons.
Message: Posted by: Failed Magician (Jan 18, 2012 2:27am)
I'll be second in a row after Devious.
Message: Posted by: Merc Man (Jan 18, 2012 7:00am)
Without doubt the biggest pile of trash I bought in 2011 was Bazar de Magia's 'Cash Flow' by Juan Pablo. Poorly constructed prop and woeful DVD instructions.

Unfortunately, this purchase was the same old story (that many of us have fallen for) - looked very good on the clip via the internet but with a live dealer dem over a magic shop counter, they'd have trouble giving it away.

Oh for the days of Ken Brooke................ :(
Message: Posted by: BatsMagic (Jan 18, 2012 9:27pm)
Sankeys "Bending the Real" and "Slyder" really SUCKED! I expected more from "Slyder" than a flat and bizarre looking paper clip. Listed both of mine on eBay within an hour of opening it up. (Yeah, I bought 2 of them- I was expecting the clip to have a hidden compartment that the gimmick rolled out of! Boy was I a fool!) Rich Ferguson taught me a much better method to achieve the same effect using just a business card- I should have stuck with that! I will NEVER order from Sankey again! Someone please shoot me if I do! I also hate "PH's "Little Man". Another guy that I used to respect but am now very wary of! I pre-ordered, believing all that was said in the ads. What a waste of a lot of money! I also won't order another of his products again- at least not before I read the Magic Café and get the low down first! I could consider it if it gets unanimously good reviews from people that I trust before I order.
Message: Posted by: rockwall (Jan 19, 2012 12:13am)
Quote:

On 2012-01-17 14:45, DanHarlan wrote:
Well, since donny never returned to explain what he didn't like about IR, he probably made a mistake in listing it here. I think it's great! If he really doesn't like it, I too would like to know why.

On the subject of Disappointing Tricks, now might be a good time to remind everyone that I've started a collection to honor these oddities. If you haven't heard, I call it "Harlan's Museum of Misguided Magic" or HMMM for short. Here's the info on how to contribute something you don't want... and get something in return:

A Message from Harlan’s Museum of Misguided Magic (HMMM)

As you know, one man’s trash is another’s treasure. With that in mind, I’m asking for donations of your “trash” to add to my museum… Harlan’s Museum of Misguided Magic (HMMM). I’m talking about that “lousy piece of junk” that you wish you never bought… it’s just sitting on a shelf or hidden in a drawer collecting dust. It’s happened to all of us. It might be a trick, book, DVD (no VHS please), notes, whatever, but it must be complete (not broken). It doesn’t matter what the original cost was, just make sure it’s worthless to you, because you are not going to get it back.

To thank you for your donation, when you send your Misguided Magic to me I will send you my critically-acclaimed “More Than Meets the Eye” notes on show structure and creativity. These are yours FREE for any item donated. If you already own “More Than Meets the Eye” you can request any item from my site of equal value as a substitution. Thanks, in advance, for helping make HMMM a success!
--Dan Harlan

Please send Misguided Magic donations to:
Dan Harlan Magic (HMMM)
P.O. Box 26
Fremont, OH 43420
Note: If you include your email address with your package, I will send “More Than Meets the Eye” as a PDF. Otherwise I’ll use your return address to send a printed copy. Thank you.


Great offer Dan! What if I send you multiple pieces of junk .....er treasures???
After all, I've got a few drawers full!
Message: Posted by: DanHarlan (Jan 19, 2012 1:32pm)
Well... I'm basically giving you something for "nothing" regardless of how big or small the "nothing" is. Yes, I know you paid for your junk, but I don't want anything that you still consider valuable. Either it's just gonna sit there taunting you with its worthlessness, or you can try to sell it off to another unsuspecting magician (bad form), or you can throw it out, or you can donate it to HMMM. I'm offering something in exchange to thank you for taking the time to send it (and to hopefully offset your shipping costs). As much as I'd love to give more, it's just not feasable. Perhaps if your shipping costs are excessive, we can work something out.
--Dan Harlan
Message: Posted by: gaffed (Jan 19, 2012 4:25pm)
Holy crap! If I got rid of all the magic junk I let myself get sucked into buying I'd have another room in my house! Actually, I was just thinking of bricking up the doorway and the windows of the room in hopes of getting a break on my real estate taxes.
Message: Posted by: dooblehorn (Jan 19, 2012 10:55pm)
Rattled without a doubt, hyped and marketed well, yet extremely disappointing
Message: Posted by: gaffed (Jan 19, 2012 11:54pm)
It's no wonder that Rattled is always being sold on the "Tricks & effects for sale or trade" forum....including mine. Can't seem to give the freaking thing away for free! By the way....does anybody want to by a Hoola-Hoop? ;)
Message: Posted by: sketchomagic (Jan 20, 2012 12:02am)
Quote:

On 2012-01-17 14:45, DanHarlan wrote:
Well, since donny never returned to explain what he didn't like about IR, he probably made a mistake in listing it here. I think it's great! If he really doesn't like it, I too would like to know why.

On the subject of Disappointing Tricks, now might be a good time to remind everyone that I've started a collection to honor these oddities. If you haven't heard, I call it "Harlan's Museum of Misguided Magic" or HMMM for short. Here's the info on how to contribute something you don't want... and get something in return:

A Message from Harlan’s Museum of Misguided Magic (HMMM)

As you know, one man’s trash is another’s treasure. With that in mind, I’m asking for donations of your “trash” to add to my museum… Harlan’s Museum of Misguided Magic (HMMM). I’m talking about that “lousy piece of junk” that you wish you never bought… it’s just sitting on a shelf or hidden in a drawer collecting dust. It’s happened to all of us. It might be a trick, book, DVD (no VHS please), notes, whatever, but it must be complete (not broken). It doesn’t matter what the original cost was, just make sure it’s worthless to you, because you are not going to get it back.

To thank you for your donation, when you send your Misguided Magic to me I will send you my critically-acclaimed “More Than Meets the Eye” notes on show structure and creativity. These are yours FREE for any item donated. If you already own “More Than Meets the Eye” you can request any item from my site of equal value as a substitution. Thanks, in advance, for helping make HMMM a success!
--Dan Harlan

Please send Misguided Magic donations to:
Dan Harlan Magic (HMMM)
P.O. Box 26
Fremont, OH 43420
Note: If you include your email address with your package, I will send “More Than Meets the Eye” as a PDF. Otherwise I’ll use your return address to send a printed copy. Thank you.


OUTSTANDING DAN!! I will definitely be donating my worthless "MatriXpress" to you for sure!
Along with anything else I can find I won't be using. Thanks!
Message: Posted by: Zombie Magic (Jan 20, 2012 12:04am)
Quote:

On 2012-01-19 23:54, gaffed wrote:
It's no wonder that Rattled is always being sold on the "Tricks & effects for sale or trade" forum....including mine. Can't seem to give the freaking thing away for free! By the way....does anybody want to by a Hoola-Hoop? ;)


gaffed, I bought it from Penguin after Dan's lecture. Please stop reminding me I could have gotten it cheaper. Impulse buying gets me again! lol.

Clarke
Message: Posted by: The great Gumbini (Jan 20, 2012 12:21am)
Well I for one AGREE with Donny IR is the worst effect ever. Horrible! Stinks! The worst effect ever! So Donny if you want to get rid of this piece of junk---PM me I'll buy yours!


Good magic to all,


Eric
Message: Posted by: gaffed (Jan 20, 2012 11:46am)
Quote:

On 2012-01-20 00:04, Zombie Magic wrote:


gaffed, I bought it from Penguin after Dan's lecture. Please stop reminding me I could have gotten it cheaper. Impulse buying gets me again! lol.

Clarke


Whoops....totally unintentional Clarke! ;)
Message: Posted by: Zombie Magic (Jan 20, 2012 12:21pm)
Gaffed, if anything, I'll have bottle caps for the cats to play with

:wavey:

Clarke
Message: Posted by: jimesw (Jan 20, 2012 12:34pm)
I purchased very few effects this year. Speak Easy was probably the most dissapointing considering the price. My grandma taught me pretty much the same principle 20 years ago. The DVD did however provide a couple of additional thoughts and routines. I'm sure people will disagree with me and I hope people did enjoy it, learnt something new and use it. I know I've been using similar things for years.
Message: Posted by: DCV (Jan 20, 2012 12:51pm)
Industrial Revolution. It was bad right from the start.
Message: Posted by: Brian Lehr (Jan 20, 2012 12:55pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-20 12:51, Hasidic Top Hat wrote:
Industrial Revolution. It was bad right from the start.


Please clarify. Why was it bad?

Brian
Message: Posted by: DCV (Jan 20, 2012 1:00pm)
You'd have to ask the creator about that...
Message: Posted by: Brian Lehr (Jan 20, 2012 1:17pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-20 13:00, Hasidic Top Hat wrote:
You'd have to ask the creator about that...


Well, the creator ain't tellin' -- and he kinda says it's good. :)

I have IR, and have enjoyed using it with no problems. So, I'm really curious why you think it's no good. I realize that every effect or trick doesn't fit everyone's personality or performing style, but your post seemed to indicate the problem was with the trick itself. Since I haven't encountered any problems yet, I'm interested in learning something new about this item that I haven't discovered it.

So, again, could you please elaborate on why you didn't like IR?

Brian
Message: Posted by: GaryLee (Jan 20, 2012 1:37pm)
LOL, no one is asking why those who didn't like Rattled and didn't explain why to please explain why they didn't like it. Why hound the guy for having his own opinion. A few of asked him now to explain himself, but why? He didn't like it, oh well. One guy says he doesn't like IR and it's like a little bomb went off. It even brought the guy who sells it on here to defend it. It's the same thing as the matchbox penetration block but it is larger so it can be performed in card boxes and anything of size. It is well made, and is undetectable most of the time. There can be a slight chance that someone will tug on it the wrong way, or right way depending on how you look at it. LOL but all in all it's a nice upgrade from the original.

Carry on!
Message: Posted by: Magiguy (Jan 20, 2012 1:38pm)
I'm so in love with my IR that I actually bought a second one. :)
Message: Posted by: DCV (Jan 20, 2012 1:50pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-20 13:17, Brian Lehr wrote:

So, again, could you please elaborate on why you didn't like IR?

Brian


Again, it was bad from the start.
Message: Posted by: Brian Lehr (Jan 20, 2012 1:51pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-20 13:37, GaryLee wrote:
LOL, no one is asking why those who didn't like Rattled and didn't explain why to please explain why they didn't like it. Why hound the guy for having his own opinion.


No one's hounding him. As "Lauren" (from the UK Catherine Tate show) would say, "I was just axing a question". :)

I don't have Rattled, or any of the other "bad" items on this thread, so I'm not asking about them. I do have IR, and would like to learn as much about it as I can. If I'm missing something about it that this gentleman has discovered, then I'd like to know about it. Simple as that. No big deal, no hounding; just curious.

Brian
Message: Posted by: Zombie Magic (Jan 20, 2012 1:54pm)
People are passionate about what they like and don't like. Vive la différence!

Clarke
Message: Posted by: saysold1 (Jan 20, 2012 2:32pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-20 13:50, Hasidic Top Hat wrote:
Quote:

On 2012-01-20 13:17, Brian Lehr wrote:

So, again, could you please elaborate on why you didn't like IR?

Brian


Again, it was bad from the start.


I think I know what you are talking about - some people believe strongly that the gimmick is perhaps too obvious - that a clever or very sharp spectator would see the working or gimmick in a heartbeat.

And if that is your opinion then you are certainly entitled to it.

Real world testing with over 600+ of them sold (IR) has shown that not to be the case. I have had great results - only 1 person in over 100+ performances has caught the workings in my personal experience.

Powerful magic sometimes means taking a few reasonable risks and a little boldness. Even usng a TT entails a certain amount of boldness which needs to be combined with a good presentation.

What Jamie created is really something special - a hand made beautiful steel block which decends from the classic Matchbox Penetration.

I'm guessing like any purveor of goods Jamie has had to deal with some customers that just - for whatever reason - just could not be made to be happy. That is ok.
Message: Posted by: DCV (Jan 20, 2012 2:45pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-20 14:32, saysold1 wrote:
[I'm guessing like any purveor of goods Jamie has had to deal with some customers that just - for whatever reason - just could not be made to be happy. That is ok.


Oh I am happy. Still think IR is the most disappointing trick of 2011, but I'm happy. I'm guessing on public boards like this we have to deal with unwitty attempts at sarcasm (pssst...IE unprovoked attack). That's OK too...
Message: Posted by: FrenchDrop (Jan 20, 2012 2:56pm)
Top Hat, I think all people want are some specifics from you about why you say IR is the most disappointing trick of 2011. IR has been so well received, people are bound to be curious when someone calls it the biggest disappointment of the year. Seems like you could satisfy that curiosity without much effort.
Message: Posted by: DCV (Jan 20, 2012 2:59pm)
Actually the beauty is I don't. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. It's mine, I stand by it, and nothing will change it.
Message: Posted by: FrenchDrop (Jan 20, 2012 3:07pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-20 14:59, Hasidic Top Hat wrote:
Actually the beauty is I don't. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. It's mine, I stand by it, and nothing will change it.

The beauty is you don't what? :confused:

You're certainly entitled to your opinion. But an opinion you're unwilling (or unable) to back up with specifics is worth so little to anyone else that I have trouble understanding why you would bother sharing it.
Message: Posted by: DCV (Jan 20, 2012 3:11pm)
And under what law does an opinion require an explaination? If you're having trouble understanding, I suggest moving on. I don't owe you or anyone an explaination. Now if the title of the thread was "Most disappointing and why", well that would be a different story. But if it helps you sleep at night let's just say I didn't like the color. Night, night...
Message: Posted by: FrenchDrop (Jan 20, 2012 3:39pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-20 15:11, Hasidic Top Hat wrote:
And under what law does an opinion require an explaination?

:confused:

I never suggested you were required to explain your opinion -- by law or anything else. I only pointed out that an opinion like "IR was bad from the start," absent any specific reasons why it's bad, is essentially useless to anyone who reads it.

I don't understand why anyone would bother post an opinion on a discussion board if they're dead set against discussing it. What's the point? Unless it was simply to stir things up a bit. I want to believe you're not just trolling, Top Hat -- but posting a controversial opinion, then showing a complete unwillingness or inability (I strongly suspect the latter at this point) to discuss that opinion is pretty much the definition of trolling.
Message: Posted by: Jamie D. Grant (Jan 20, 2012 3:45pm)
Hiya Hasidic Top Hat!

You don't have a PM option, but I'd love to send you one to see if I can help/understand. (Not defensive, but just trying to offer proper customer service).

Thanks!

~jamie
Message: Posted by: DCV (Jan 20, 2012 3:46pm)
A) I gave an opinion.
B) Never insulted the creator.
C) Never exposed the secret.
D) Controversial would be only in your head .
E) Stiring things up? really? Two word put you at arms? Let me tell you what I think of SOPA...
F) I really don't care what you think. Call me a troll, goblin, ghost or witch. Maybe if people would RESPECT other people's opinions I would post more.
G) Insulting me will not accomplish anything except possibly getting posts or this topic deleted or locked.
H) Move on...I am sure, or at least hope you have better things to do.
I) I have to stop because I am not sure I know the entire alphabet...
Message: Posted by: Jamie D. Grant (Jan 20, 2012 4:08pm)
I guess I should provide an alternate method, lol:

SendWonder@gmail.com

I'd love to hear from you~

(And I to have to say, "Thanks!" to everyone for the defense. But after all the accolades, wonderful reviews, and kind comments- I can totally handle a few people who might not like it. My major concern is an unhappy customer.)
Message: Posted by: FrenchDrop (Jan 20, 2012 4:09pm)
Top Hat: I also don't understand why anyone would post an opinion if he's going to get so very upset about being asked to discuss it.
Message: Posted by: DCV (Jan 20, 2012 4:13pm)
I'm not upset. not at all. I actually argue for a living (really). What did I not include enough :) :) :) :) :) :) s for ya?

I don't understand why you care so much about my opinion. I'm flattered actually.
Message: Posted by: saysold1 (Jan 20, 2012 4:19pm)
Oy vey - I give up :)
Message: Posted by: FrenchDrop (Jan 20, 2012 4:19pm)
Okay, Top Hat.
Message: Posted by: Ruppenthal (Jan 20, 2012 4:49pm)
It's not your opinion that anyone really cares about, Tophatter. I certainly don't, and value your opinions less after this exchange. It's your vague, somewhat threatening original post "It was bad from the start" followed by "Ask the creator" which come across as an insinuation that there's something defective with the product and that the creator is somehow implicated. If you don't like the effect, that's one thing. If you have an issue with Jamie or had problems with your purchase - which your posts imply - why not explain the situation and let others know so they can decide themselves whether to purchase the product. Doing so would be helpful to a community which is here to support each other. Otherwise, why post at all?
Message: Posted by: DCV (Jan 20, 2012 5:24pm)
Ruppenthal, why beat a dead horse?
Message: Posted by: boxjumper (Jan 20, 2012 5:54pm)
I don't have this trick yet but based on the scores of detailed informed opinions here, it sounds like a winner. Hasidic Top Hat, you are entitled to your opinion, and if you wish to keep your reasons to yourself (if there are any) please do, since I could care less what impoverished reasoning is behind your opinion.

Please don't feed the trolls!!!

BJ
Message: Posted by: Devious (Jan 20, 2012 6:40pm)
I will purchase your IR Hasidic Top Hat.
Message: Posted by: saysold1 (Jan 20, 2012 6:45pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-20 18:40, Devious wrote:
I will purchase your IR Hasidic Top Hat.


Now that's the spirit! :)
Message: Posted by: DCV (Jan 20, 2012 6:53pm)
Alright alright...

Reason I'm not saying = exposure.

HOWEVER...

With all the posts I revisited the effect and immedately realized I WAS WRONG!!! Jamie call off your minions! :)

Seriously I sat and looked at the thing and thought to myself, "What was I thinking?!?" Maybe it's because I knew what I was looking for? Who knows...

I'm sorry and as an apology let me leave an idea I've been toying with (why I bought it in the first place): Using a plastic sword like the cocktail toothpick and a sword in the stone patter. It turns a wow moment into one of motivation.
Message: Posted by: Chance Wolf (Jan 20, 2012 6:54pm)
Good for you :)
Message: Posted by: FrenchDrop (Jan 20, 2012 6:58pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-20 18:53, Hasidic Top Hat wrote:
Alright alright...

Reason I'm not saying = exposure.

One wonders why you didn't simply say that nine posts ago, instead of persisting with the "I don't like it, and I don't have to say why" stuff.... :rolleyes:
Message: Posted by: DCV (Jan 20, 2012 7:05pm)
Why would I? :)

Probably because I was revisiting IR, but too stubborn to admit I could be wrong...

I feel like I just had a magical intervention. Time to hit the bar. :)
Message: Posted by: gaffed (Jan 20, 2012 7:05pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-20 18:58, FrenchDrop wrote:
Quote:

On 2012-01-20 18:53, Hasidic Top Hat wrote:
Alright alright...

Reason I'm not saying = exposure.

One wonders why you didn't simply say that nine posts ago, instead of persisting with the "I don't like it, and I don't have to say why" stuff.... :rolleyes:


Yes, a tad odd to say the least and somewhat puzzling. However, it would seem as though Top Hat has somehow miraculously "seen the light", so let's let it go shall we. ;)

I'd hit the bar also Top Hat, but it would seem as though I'm suddenly snowed in! lol
Message: Posted by: Brian Lehr (Jan 20, 2012 7:20pm)
Glad to hear you're taking another look at it, Top Hat. I think you'll enjoy it. But, and it's a big BUT, if you don't like it (for whatever reason), that's ok too. You can always take Devious up on his offer. :)

Brian
Message: Posted by: Devious (Jan 20, 2012 7:21pm)
!@@#$%%^,
Now everyone's happy but me. Hasidic, first round on you?
p.s. I'm messianic
Message: Posted by: saysold1 (Jan 20, 2012 7:22pm)
All good Top Hat...

Nice of you to wave the flag - no hard feelings.

Differing opinions are always welcomed here...

As far as exposure, through the bowels of those 55 endless pages of thread (which I have followed with many of you guys since day 1) there are some exposures on the gimmick's workings - no question.

Not to say that is a good thing, but sometimes the talk got a little too cozy (and there has been a LOT of talk lol).

However the methodology is well known to anyone who has ever owned the classic MP. Jamie's genius is in the way he re-booted this classic with a new material (steel), updated presentations, superior precision of the gimmick (many of the old MP are absolute cr@p), and a MUCH heavier object with higher impact - all wrapped up in a delightful collector's box.

Pretty cool stuff, but different strokes/folks.
Message: Posted by: dooblehorn (Jan 21, 2012 11:46pm)
I must say I like matchbox penetration, but don't love it...really seems to be more of puzzle than a trick...
was considering buying IR, unil I realized its just a larger version of MP; I guess everything old really is new again
Message: Posted by: Andrew Zuber (Jan 22, 2012 11:00am)
Quote:

On 2012-01-21 23:46, dooblehorn wrote:
I must say I like matchbox penetration, but don't love it...really seems to be more of puzzle than a trick...
was considering buying IR, unil I realized its just a larger version of MP; I guess everything old really is new again

It's all in the presentation. I would argue that ANY trick could be viewed as a puzzle, and vice versa. How did the ball get under the cup? How did my card get to the top of the deck? How did the woman that was sawed in half get put back together? All of these things are puzzles to be solved, or tricks to be enjoyed.

Personally, I've never done the matchbox penetration and have no idea how it works. It's just one of those things I've never had. I know a lot of people have heard of it. Does that make it any less entertaining to an audience? Absolutely not.
Message: Posted by: saysold1 (Jan 22, 2012 12:38pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-22 11:00, Andrew Zuber wrote:
Quote:

On 2012-01-21 23:46, dooblehorn wrote:
I must say I like matchbox penetration, but don't love it...really seems to be more of puzzle than a trick...
was considering buying IR, unil I realized its just a larger version of MP; I guess everything old really is new again

It's all in the presentation. I would argue that ANY trick could be viewed as a puzzle, and vice versa. How did the ball get under the cup? How did my card get to the top of the deck? How did the woman that was sawed in half get put back together? All of these things are puzzles to be solved, or tricks to be enjoyed.

Personally, I've never done the matchbox penetration and have no idea how it works. It's just one of those things I've never had. I know a lot of people have heard of it. Does that make it any less entertaining to an audience? Absolutely not.


Exactly.

Well said Andrew - the presentation is really what makes all the difference.

The far larger size and massive 1.5 lb weight of Industrial Revelation - along with placing it in such an ordinary card box - takes this classic to a new level.

But the presentation of course is the key.

Who carries match boxes around these days? Few I would guess.

Who carries a box of playing cards around?

Just because some who have the old MP & know the workings ...doesn't mean that this is your Grandpa's effect.
Message: Posted by: FrenchDrop (Jan 22, 2012 3:26pm)
I agree on the matchbox vs. box of cards thing. These days, a box of matches is an anachronism. Not even smokers carry 'em around. But nobody's going to be surprised if a magician has a box of cards on him.
Message: Posted by: dooblehorn (Jan 22, 2012 9:41pm)
Looks like I'm outnumbered by people who own it, and wish to justify their purchase...I'll not pursue any further, .but after all, its the same effect as mp, except with a card box
Message: Posted by: FrenchDrop (Jan 22, 2012 10:07pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-22 21:41, dooblehorn wrote:
Looks like I'm outnumbered by people who own it, and wish to justify their purchase...

I don't own it; I just agree with the reasoning that says a card box is less suspicious today than a matchbox.

I also think you should make room in your world for the possibility that people who don't share your opinion of IR really do like it -- and aren't merely trying to "justify their purchase." When you come to understand that people can hold an opinion that differs from yours without either of you being wrong, you'll realize it's not necessary to ascribe ulterior motives to those who disagree with you.
Message: Posted by: Merc Man (Jan 23, 2012 6:54am)
Blimey........this Top Hat bloke makes me look 'a little ray of sunshine'!

I just moan because I'm becoming a miserable old git but he says he argues for a LIVING! I was going to ask him to explain what he meant but on second thoughts...........;)

I've been firmly relegated to the 2nd division!
Message: Posted by: nowyoucme (Jan 23, 2012 8:38am)
I don't own IR but I think it looks great. I had the match box so I know how this works but I would love to own IR. Just don't have the money right now. Soon I hope.
Message: Posted by: tvbobby (Jan 23, 2012 11:51am)
How the hell did this thread become a referendum on Industrial Revelation and some Hasidic cartoon attorney named Top Hat?

This is about the most disappointing tricks of 2011 - warning Café members what NOT to purchase. Come on, kids. Let's get a life.
Message: Posted by: Andrew Zuber (Jan 23, 2012 12:08pm)
I too don't own it. I just think it looks fantastic and because it's an old concept certainly doesn't mean it isn't brilliant. Not trying to justify anything.
Message: Posted by: CarlEJones (Jan 23, 2012 12:32pm)
The look on the face of the spectator when that steel block hits the table is priceless.....
I love seeing it!
Message: Posted by: gaffed (Jan 23, 2012 1:22pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-23 06:54, Merc Man wrote:
Blimey........this Top Hat bloke makes me look 'a little ray of sunshine'!

I just moan because I'm becoming a miserable old git but he says he argues for a LIVING! I was going to ask him to explain what he meant but on second thoughts...........;)

I've been firmly relegated to the 2nd division!


By God Barry.....me thinks you have indeed been royally outdone!
Top Hat makes you look like Elmo the muppet! :lol:
Message: Posted by: Harv (Jan 23, 2012 2:26pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-23 11:51, tvbobby wrote:
How the hell did this thread become a referendum on Industrial Revelation and some Hasidic cartoon attorney named Top Hat?

This is about the most disappointing tricks of 2011 - warning Café members what NOT to purchase. Come on, kids. Let's get a life.


Agreed...the thread on IR is 58 pages...enough awreddy!!
Message: Posted by: FrenchDrop (Jan 23, 2012 3:23pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-23 06:54, Merc Man wrote:
Blimey........this Top Hat bloke makes me look 'a little ray of sunshine'!

I just moan because I'm becoming a miserable old git but he says he argues for a LIVING!

Just remember this, Barry: A guy who argues for money can never match guys like us, who still do it for the love of the game. :lol:
Message: Posted by: Jamie D. Grant (Jan 23, 2012 3:34pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-23 11:51, tvbobby wrote:
How the hell did this thread become a referendum on Industrial Revelation and some Hasidic cartoon attorney named Top Hat?

This is about the most disappointing tricks of 2011 - warning Café members what NOT to purchase. Come on, kids. Let's get a life.


Agreed!
Message: Posted by: deliveryman (Jan 25, 2012 10:36am)
I have to agree completely. Misrepresented from the start, never did what was expeected, and, worst of all, when some small parts went missing (my fault) Paul Harris does not even return my numerous contact attempts making this an expensive and useless hunk of clay. Worst product, worst sevice, worst magic purchase I have made in 30 year career.

Quote:

On 2012-01-11 09:50, GaryLee wrote:
Little Man was the most unethical advertised piece of garbage ever. The false advertising, claims that no strings or magnets were used, then change the ad to remove no magnets used. "YES, HE'S MOVING FORWARD AND ACTUALLY WALKING... ONE ASTONISHING STEP AT A TIME!" As we know it glides using magnets, just like everyone suspected right from the start. No mystery to how it's done because it's the first thought that comes to many minds when they see the demo.

Then, a few people came on the Café to say they bought it and give it a review. Those few people gave wrong and misleading info about Little Man, and it was suspected that PhP had something to do with getting false reviews out becaus of all the bad publicity Little Man had got. One dealer claimed they were almost sold out, another dealer who worked with PH on Little Man also lied when telling people that there was only a few left at PHP and once they were gone, the price would go up. A few other members who did purchase Little Man came on to correct the false reviews and did not seem impressed with it. There was a lot of dishonesty in regards to Little Man, and I don't ever trust Paul Harris products anymore. No presales especially. By the way, Little Man can still be bought from several dealers who seem to not be able to sell them. Gee, I wonder why?
Message: Posted by: BatsMagic (Jan 25, 2012 3:28pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-23 15:34, Jamie D. Grant wrote:
Quote:

On 2012-01-23 11:51, tvbobby wrote:
How the hell did this thread become a referendum on Industrial Revelation and some Hasidic cartoon attorney named Top Hat?

This is about the most disappointing tricks of 2011 - warning Café members what NOT to purchase. Come on, kids. Let's get a life.

Agreed!

Well, IR is fun to talk about, and if somebody is going to knock it, we have to un-knock it!
Quote:

On 2012-01-20 16:13, Hasidic Top Hat wrote:
I'm not upset. not at all. I actually argue for a living (really). What did I not include enough :) :) :) :) :) :) s for ya?

I don't understand why you care so much about my opinion. I'm flattered actually.

And if he truly argues for a living he would know that opinions are worthless without facts. And he offered no facts! Just snappy retorts!
Message: Posted by: Sean Giles (Jan 25, 2012 3:48pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-19 23:54, gaffed wrote:
It's no wonder that Rattled is always being sold on the "Tricks & effects for sale or trade" forum....including mine. Can't seem to give the freaking thing away for free! By the way....does anybody want to by a Hoola-Hoop? ;)


Hey Gaffed,

I thought you were quite keen on rattled when it came out. What happened? I'm genuinely interested to know if you have the time...

all the best

Sean
Message: Posted by: saysold1 (Jan 25, 2012 4:12pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-25 15:33, BatsMagic wrote:
Quote:

On 2012-01-20 16:13, Hasidic Top Hat wrote:
I'm not upset. not at all. I actually argue for a living (really). What did I not include enough :) :) :) :) :) :) s for ya?

I don't understand why you care so much about my opinion. I'm flattered actually.



And if he truly argues for a living he would know that opinions are worthless without facts. And he offered no facts! Just snappy retorts!


Attorney client privilege right?
Message: Posted by: freewayh (Jan 25, 2012 9:45pm)
I would like to add psifer one,i really liked it but I had it stored and when I tried to use it again I couldn't get a nice impression maby I need find a way to recalibrate it.
Message: Posted by: drphil (Jan 27, 2012 1:53am)
I was disappointed wthTool not the effect or the props but the DVD it seemed rushed out and I had problems getting it to play. I hated the format with French English and no written instructions. Tedious,uninspired booring. No chapters for individule effects to learn a specific trick you would have to watch repeated viewings. This will dull your sences or cause deep depression at the thought of having to watch over.
Message: Posted by: EricDraven (Jan 27, 2012 2:13pm)
Eureka was quite bad...
Message: Posted by: dooblehorn (Jan 27, 2012 10:56pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-23 12:08, Andrew Zuber wrote:
I too don't own it. I just think it looks fantastic and because it's an old concept certainly doesn't mean it isn't brilliant. Not trying to justify anything.

Good grief! It IS an old concept, And it's boring...I own matchbox, and just don't understand the excitement about IR
Oh, well
Message: Posted by: Andrew Zuber (Jan 27, 2012 11:54pm)
I think it's because you're thinking too much like a magician. The beauty for me is that I genuinely don't know how IR is done, so it baffles and entertains me. The impossibility of it is incredible. Old or new, it's a fooler and having seen it done, I can attest that lay people really enjoy it.
Message: Posted by: surryhills (Jan 28, 2012 3:56am)
Guys! Stop it - this thread is not about IR!
Message: Posted by: alivevitamins (Jan 28, 2012 3:19pm)
I actually really like rattled, but I didn't really do any tricks similar to it already, so it works for me.

I'd have to say INK disappointed me like crazy. It broke right away and though it includes instructions on how to use it, it's still incredibly flimsy. The effect is just so hard to sell to people in the real world. :(
Message: Posted by: Jamie D. Grant (Jan 28, 2012 4:12pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-28 03:56, surryhills wrote:
Guys! Stop it - this thread is not about IR!


Seriously, lol! Agreed! I love all of you guys to bits; but when people Google "In******* Re*******" they're going to come to this thread, lol! So let's not mention it again! (Please don't even respond to this post, lol)

____________________________________________________

~Back to your regularly scheduled programming~

And, to keep this thread moving along, let me ask all of you this?

What's the most money you're willing to gamble on a magic effect? I think around $100 is my cutoff point. After that, I want to KNOW that it's already awesome.
Message: Posted by: Stucky (Jan 28, 2012 8:33pm)
Quote:

The effect is just so hard to sell to people in the real world.


This is quite true about a number of effects released in the last 5 or so years. Send a message to these people and DON'T BUY THEM!! We can change the market if we want to.
Message: Posted by: SPONGE KONG (Feb 8, 2012 3:56am)
HAUNTED for me! Really wanted to like this idea but it's to hit and miss, besides I already had this trick with out knowing it with STATIC!!
Also PHOTOSYNTHESIS again great idea but very hard to pull off clean loading .
Message: Posted by: David Klass (Feb 8, 2012 4:20am)
Am I the only who thinks it's odd to have a "Most Dissapointing Trick of 2011" thread in the "Latest & Greatest" section? :)

Not latest & not greatest then...
Message: Posted by: lhookway (Feb 8, 2012 5:18pm)
Haunted.

But...

After 2 months I still can't stop fiddling with it trying to make the effect more consistent.

Regards,

Laurence.
Message: Posted by: reignofsound (Feb 8, 2012 5:23pm)
Agreed on the Tool DVD
Very badly produced
Message: Posted by: Dacodakid (Feb 8, 2012 8:02pm)
Quote:

On 2012-02-08 04:20, David Klass wrote:
Am I the only who thinks it's odd to have a "Most Dissapointing Trick of 2011" thread in the "Latest & Greatest" section? :)

Not latest & not greatest then...


How about "Fairly Recent and Awful"?
Message: Posted by: gr81disp (Feb 8, 2012 10:04pm)
Definitely Holely for me. I love the look of the effect but find it too anglely to use professionally.

And I cant remember who but somebody mentioned Touch. I have to vehemently disagree. I only do two tricks from the DVD but combined with the classic CMH and band through pen, it makes a crowd pleasing miraculous 3-5 minute close up routine (length depends on patter).
Message: Posted by: GaryLee (Feb 16, 2012 10:19am)
I'm not saying anything negative about I.R. I think what disturbs some people is the fact that it's nothing new. It's not a new concept in magic. All it is is a large version of the smaller one. There is absolutely nothing added to this effect. I'm not sure who the original designer is, but that person is the one whose name should be attached to it. James, I bet is an extremely nice guy, but he doesn't own the rights to the design, or the effect. But I'm sure he knows that. I have to admit that with all the talk about I.R and James getting all the credit as if he just reinvented the wheel gets tiresome.

I suppose the hype is far more than what hype was given to the smaller version, and it seems the original creator's name has got lost in the hype.

Posted: Feb 16, 2012 2:30pm
I should explain my last post. I was making an assumption as to why some didn't like I.R.

I personally have no problem with I.R. I think what James did with the idea by making it bigger so it can go into something more commonly used by us is brilliant.

I admit that all the super hype of I.R gets tiresome to me, but that's because even though I think it's a brilliant new idea for something old, the overhype overshadows the actual product.

I wasn't assuming that James stole the idea, or that he has never researched or credited to where the idea came from.

Sorry about any confusion.
Message: Posted by: Fire Starter (Feb 19, 2012 9:29am)
Rattled I think is not very good because you can not find a bottle in the UK which the lid fits on my second least favorite trick is Note ,the gimmick they say to use is useless.
Message: Posted by: Andrew Zuber (Feb 19, 2012 11:26am)
Gary - I think you are referring to Jamie...not James.

As for nothing added, I think what he has added is incredible and truly sells the effect. I did a strolling gig yesterday and the other performer there was doing IR, and even though it was a huge room with 300 people and music going, you could hear the audible thud every time that block of steel hit the table, followed by gasps and applause. You don't get that with a matchbox.
Message: Posted by: Sammy J. (Apr 29, 2012 8:30pm)
Quote:

On 2012-04-29 17:37, MR Effecto wrote:
Anyone that let me down.


Now that was helpful!
Message: Posted by: Magicsquared (Apr 29, 2012 8:52pm)
Quote:

On 2012-04-29 20:30, Sammy J. wrote:
Quote:

On 2012-04-29 17:37, MR Effecto wrote:
Anyone that let me down.


Now that was helpful!


He's attempting to get 50 posts so he get into the For Sale section (he mentioned this the other day).
Message: Posted by: daffydoug (May 1, 2012 8:35pm)
OK. I have little money to spend on magic this year. I want to make all my purchases wise purchases. So I would really like to see this thread continue with several more suggestions on effects to wisely avoid. I will not purchase "Rattled." I.R. is in. (If I could come up with the bucks.)

Somebody mentioned "Ink."

Can someone tell me more about that? Is it really bad? I think the effect looks great in the demo, but they all do, right? I hope someone can further enlighten me, because I had my heart set on purchasing that one.
Message: Posted by: algebraic (May 1, 2012 8:51pm)
Avoid Outlaw's Re-Animator. I paid in full for this item over two and 1/2 years ago and I still haven't received it yet!!
Message: Posted by: mndude (May 1, 2012 9:13pm)
Quote:

On 2012-05-01 20:35, daffydoug wrote:
OK. I have little money to spend on magic this year. I want to make all my purchases wise purchases. So I would really like to see this thread continue with several more suggestions on effects to wisely avoid. I will not purchase "Rattled." I.R. is in. (If I could come up with the bucks.)

Somebody mentioned "Ink."

Can someone tell me more about that? Is it really bad? I think the effect looks great in the demo, but they all do, right? I hope someone can further enlighten me, because I had my heart set on purchasing that one.


Well, I doubt it's 2011, but I'd avoid getting Super Coke.
Message: Posted by: Steven Leung (May 1, 2012 9:49pm)
Quote:

On 2012-02-08 04:20, David Klass wrote:
Am I the only who thinks it's odd to have a "Most Dissapointing Trick of 2011" thread in the "Latest & Greatest" section? :)

Not latest & not greatest then...


Better have a new section, we need to ask Café staff to open this new section.
Message: Posted by: ralphs007 (May 1, 2012 11:45pm)
Quote:

On 2012-05-01 21:49, Steven Leung wrote:
Quote:

On 2012-02-08 04:20, David Klass wrote:
Am I the only who thinks it's odd to have a "Most Dissapointing Trick of 2011" thread in the "Latest & Greatest" section? :)

Not latest & not greatest then...


Better have a new section, we need to ask Café staff to open this new section.

Not a bad idea !
Message: Posted by: Magicsquared (May 2, 2012 2:11pm)
Quote:

On 2012-05-02 12:11, MR Effecto wrote:
Quote:

On 2012-04-29 20:52, Magicsquared wrote:
Quote:

On 2012-04-29 20:30, Sammy J. wrote:
Quote:

On 2012-04-29 17:37, MR Effecto wrote:
Anyone that let me down.


Now that was helpful!






He's attempting to get 50 posts so he get into the For Sale section (he mentioned this the other day).


Not true. I ask how to go the for sale fourm and someone emailed me and said you had to have 50 posts. that's not why I left that comment. I was trying to leave a funny comment. I guess it did not work. But being new here it would be nice if my piers would not put up comments like you left.


Oh, you misunderstood me. I wasn't making a judgment. I just thought people might be confused by your posts which have -- so far -- been 100% content free.

I'm sorry to hear about the harassment you're feeling from your piers. To be fair, those things extend past the buoys and are completely wobbly. So what do they know?
Message: Posted by: cardbiker (May 2, 2012 4:42pm)
For me the top two worst tricks would be Drift and Aura.
Message: Posted by: saysold1 (May 2, 2012 11:37pm)
Quote:

On 2012-05-01 20:35, daffydoug wrote:
OK. I have little money to spend on magic this year. I want to make all my purchases wise purchases. So I would really like to see this thread continue with several more suggestions on effects to wisely avoid. I will not purchase "Rattled." I.R. is in. (If I could come up with the bucks.)

Somebody mentioned "Ink."

Can someone tell me more about that? Is it really bad? I think the effect looks great in the demo, but they all do, right? I hope someone can further enlighten me, because I had my heart set on purchasing that one.


Doug-

As I recall the feedback on Ink was generally just fair - and comments that the gimmick was somewhat visible. Don't have it - just recalling the thread.
Message: Posted by: bsears (May 3, 2012 11:24pm)
Rattled is soooo clever, and yet it's been in a drawer ever since I bought it. Why? I was disappointed by the conditions required to use it, a misleading demo, and issues of reliability, so it gets my vote as well, which is sad because it had so much potential.



ps - I knew that the Sliding Clay Man was very misrepresented the first time I saw it. I feel terrible that anyone paid so much money for that thing.
Message: Posted by: brehaut (May 4, 2012 9:02pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-14 21:43, Magikbob wrote:
My two disappointments last year were Slo Motion and Electro Magic Squeaker. Too much noise from Slo Motion and not enough noise from the Squeaker (difficulty finding a "sweet spot" for the trigger mechanism). I was lucky that last years "wins" outnumbered the "losses" though.


Agree Slo motion to loud
Message: Posted by: J-Mac (May 5, 2012 12:48am)
Slo-Motion for me.

Mine isn't loud but it is very finicky. IOW, I must have just the right size stirrer and it must be very smooth or I get little or no motion. And it shipped to me with a couple stirrers that didn't fit in any size LifeSaver. Straws? We were told it would work on them but mine won't. Had to buy a box of stirrers and then sand each one lightly to get the right smoothness.

The effect is seriously not worth the effort! To most it looked "cute", but not very magical.

Jim
Message: Posted by: Atom3339 (May 5, 2012 11:49am)
Love this thread! You guys have saved me a LOT of money! Sooooo your disappointing purchases of 2012 so far?
Message: Posted by: Sammy J. (May 5, 2012 4:14pm)
Quote:

On 2012-05-05 00:48, J-Mac wrote:
Slo-Motion for me.

Mine isn't loud but it is very finicky. IOW, I must have just the right size stirrer and it must be very smooth or I get little or no motion. And it shipped to me with a couple stirrers that didn't fit in any size LifeSaver. Straws? We were told it would work on them but mine won't. Had to buy a box of stirrers and then sand each one lightly to get the right smoothness.

The effect is seriously not worth the effort! To most it looked "cute", but not very magical.

Jim


Wow, Jim. Magic is a Strange Mistress!

Mine works perfectly every time. I just grab a handful of stir sticks at Starbucks, a bag of lifesavers at Walgreens, and I'm good to go. I never test them. They just work, in both directions, on command.

I worked a Quatro de Mayo party last night. I performed this 5 times, leaving the lifesaver and stick at each table. They unwrap the lifesaver, they draw the arrows, they put it on the stick. My hands are completely empty. All is good.

To each their own, but I find this to be one of the strongest, easiest to perform things I currently do, and I have been doing close up for 33 years. The reactions are very strong. In a number of cases people are talking about it days after the performance.

Sorry to hear you have had a poor experience with this. Mine has been superb.


Cheers!
Sammy
Message: Posted by: edh (May 5, 2012 6:26pm)
I guess it's hit and miss with this effect.

If you get a good working one it's great. If you get a bad working one it's terrible. Not worth the gamble for me. :(
Message: Posted by: J-Mac (May 6, 2012 1:24am)
Even when it is working OK, it just doesn’t translate as "magical" IMO. Kinda cute but it doesn’t really "Wow" anyone - in my experience anyway.

Jim
Message: Posted by: TheGreatNancini (May 6, 2012 2:03am)
I vote for Slo Motion. Matthew and I bought two of them so we would each have our own. They are both equally as finicky as one person noted, and I really don't think anyone (spectators) thinks that it is all that magical.

I really felt like we wasted our money.

~Nanci
Message: Posted by: Fire Starter (May 6, 2012 6:38am)
Aura, Rattled ,Note, insider and Holey are ones I don t care much for and are in my draw.
Message: Posted by: daffydoug (May 6, 2012 1:06pm)
I am enjoying this thread, (and no Braco's floating ball!) but I am still in the dark about the effects on Paul Harris website.
Message: Posted by: NFW (May 7, 2012 2:22pm)
I found slo motion way too noisy also.
Message: Posted by: Zombie Magic (May 7, 2012 2:38pm)
Quote:

On 2012-05-06 02:03, TheGreatNancini wrote:
I vote for Slo Motion. Matthew and I bought two of them so we would each have our own. They are both equally as finicky as one person noted, and I really don't think anyone (spectators) thinks that it is all that magical.

I really felt like we wasted our money.

~Nanci


Nanci, I had it in my cart. And now...it's out. THANK YOU for posting!

Clarke
Message: Posted by: takeachance (May 7, 2012 4:34pm)
I can see it is definately different strokes for different folks when it comes to Slo Motion. When I bought this I never imagined it to be played as a feat of magic. I basically use it to show an unusual skill. I offer the kids $5 to who can do it after I demonstrate blowing gently on a fruit flavor life saver and straw then hand them out to all. Then whoever is the birthday kid, I say, look they almost have it and just take hold of one end of their straw to make it happen. It goes over a treat. Its a party type game. Mine is quite as well so I luv this little marvel.
Little man is another item that gets slammed that I'm absolutely delighted with. If you bought that for some sort of voodoo or bizarre magic then of course it would fail. There was much talk from people wanting it for those areas of magic. I bought it to entertain my grankids in the 2-5 age group. What a beautiful little piece of theatre this is. When the little heart is placed on the playdough man and he travels to the little women the kids eyes light up, its priceless and something special they always ask for when they come around. It gives the opportunity for a great little story, and its playdough, what young child doesn't relate to it. When I'm long gone those kids will still remember and by then embellish the story of how Pop made the playdough come alive.
Message: Posted by: Dellor (May 8, 2012 1:20am)
Like a lot of people said rattled was a huge disappointment. It was so painfully obvious
Message: Posted by: mndude (May 8, 2012 9:02am)
I can't believe someone wouldn't love SloMotion! Maybe mine is the exception, but it's really quiet. It's definaetly my best $40 gadget that I have. Zombie Magic... I thought you made this gimmick?
Message: Posted by: mahucharn (May 8, 2012 10:51am)
I quite disliked Vertigo.
Message: Posted by: Andre Hagen (May 9, 2012 10:32am)
My vote for 2012 (at least so far...who knows what other duds I will purchase) would be Shift Key. I wonder who, if anyone, can keep this key straight for any length of time. I couldn't even get mine completely straight.

It took some back-and-forth emails, but I finally got a refund.
Message: Posted by: bsears (May 9, 2012 1:32pm)
I almost bought Slo-motion but fortunately got to see (hear?) another magician do it before I made the purchase. In a crowded hotel room, it sounded like a radio controlled helicopter taking off with an electric toothbrush strapped to it.
Message: Posted by: WARD.GS (May 9, 2012 5:09pm)
Must admit to being very disappointed with timeless due to the prep. being lost very easily. I thought it would be exceptional but can't get past this flaw. Happy keep working with it tho.
Message: Posted by: brehaut (May 9, 2012 10:21pm)
Quote:

On 2012-05-09 17:09, WARD.GS wrote:
Must admit to being very disappointed with timeless due to the prep. being lost very easily. I thought it would be exceptional but can't get past this flaw. Happy keep working with it tho.


My problem with timeless is after using it a couple times, it seems obvious to me that a spectator can look at the watch and see whats going on. I won't say more due to exposure
Message: Posted by: gabelson (May 9, 2012 11:22pm)
Not even close to obvious. It's about as perfect an illusion as there is (if your prep is decent). I must have performed Timeless on at least 100 occasions so far. The spectator sees nothing except what they expect to see. Everything looks as it should.

(Early on) I showed it to a couple of well-known magicians at the Magic Castle, they looked quite closely, and had no CLUE as to method. Be bold. No one will catch you out. Reactions are superb. I present it purely as an influence routine.
Message: Posted by: Piz (May 10, 2012 6:21am)
Quote:

On 2012-01-10 13:05, ted french wrote:
EVERYTHING put out by http://www.papercranemagic.com LOL


LOL


They do come out with killer stuff, maybe this year was not there year? :(
Message: Posted by: WARD.GS (May 10, 2012 5:31pm)
" I must have performed Timeless on at least 100 occasions so far. The spectator sees nothing except what they expect to see..."......Gabelson please let me know how you get round the problem I mention above. If u've performed 100's of times you must have a way round this. Pm me if ok ? Thanks.
Message: Posted by: MagicSteve84 (May 11, 2012 2:10pm)
I'm intested as well Gabelson. Please post or PM if you have a solution. Thanks!
Message: Posted by: DougNicols (May 11, 2012 3:18pm)
Quote:

On 2012-05-09 17:09, WARD.GS wrote:
Must admit to being very disappointed with timeless due to the prep. being lost very easily.


Use a watch box (the type you receive when buying a new watch). Or roll up your sleeves.
Message: Posted by: kusoyon (May 11, 2012 11:39pm)
I really enjoyed Rattled and worked very well....no problems
Message: Posted by: equivoque (May 13, 2012 1:29pm)
Quote:

On 2012-01-11 09:50, GaryLee wrote:
Little Man was the most unethical advertised piece of garbage ever. The false advertising, claims that no strings or magnets were used, then change the ad to remove no magnets used. "YES, HE'S MOVING FORWARD AND ACTUALLY WALKING... ONE ASTONISHING STEP AT A TIME!" As we know it glides using magnets, just like everyone suspected right from the start. No mystery to how it's done because it's the first thought that comes to many minds when they see the demo.

It looked like unpratical garbage in the Demmo!
Quote:

On 2012-01-14 12:44, Jamie Ferguson wrote:
Haunted - too unreliable for professional use.

And when it does work, it is so unimpressive.
Message: Posted by: WARD.GS (May 13, 2012 7:11pm)
Hi all. Just a word to say I have to disagree with the haunted feedback. In my experience it is a reliable and fairly dramatic hands off effect. I use it almost as per the card on box demo and it works well. Maybe just persevere and give it another go. Always worth it when you know other( s) have success with it. Regards, ward.
Message: Posted by: The Mighty Fool (May 14, 2012 11:23pm)
I wasnt quite stupid enough to buy little man, so my two are

Sidewinder: all-time most agnly effect ever

Cash-flow: after 2 uses it either breaks or becomes permanently creased.
Message: Posted by: jugglestruck (May 15, 2012 4:59am)
I was really disappointed with Haunted, unreliable performance on different surfaces that I could not overcome.
Message: Posted by: Gordothemagicguy (May 15, 2012 10:23pm)
I pre-ordered "DRIFT" from "The Merchant of Magic" and thought it could be pretty cool. Boy was I duped!!! It took quite a while to arrive with the DVD case all broken. There were Two "elements" included and most of the time when you receive two elements you are to mix them (which I did) It just ruined the thing. I contacted Dominic at Merchant of Magic, who simply said "Sorry Buddy, you're out of luck!" Even after offering to pay for another set of the "stuff" He said the Ukranian dudes who came up with this idea would not send me another. I opened a dispute with Pay Pal and immediately got an email from the Merchant of Magic saying if I would close the dispute he would have one sent out right away. That was two months ago!!! I think he just wanted to shut me up. Now I can't reopen a dispute and my Bank say's they can't do anything after60 days. First of all The method of this effect is more than Lame! It is just super angular and doesn't even work most of the time! You have to use a hard surface and the "clean up" as well as the set up are pretty obvious. Don't waste your money and Certainly don't do business with this VERY Unhelpful company!!! The WORSTE COMPANY I have ever dealt with!
If you want to do the effect just buy a stick of gum. It's a whole lot cheaper than the $60.00 I paid!
Message: Posted by: Rory111 (May 16, 2012 2:31pm)
I agree... DRIFT is a wasted purchase for your magic dollars... save your money!
Message: Posted by: zmagicleez (May 17, 2012 7:53am)
This has been a great thread! Unfortunately we live in an age now where dvd production is so good, the effects can look incredible. Be careful!
Message: Posted by: Vick (May 17, 2012 10:51am)
Has anyone noticed .....

NO BOOKS ARE MENTIONED HERE AS MOST DISAPPOINTING TRICK OF 2011!!

What does that tell you?
Perhaps consider what you are wasting money on ... and make the investment in good books!!

but then again, most of the "tricks" being discussed here ... will never see the light of day in performances

and go to lectures so you can actually se the effects performed and speak with the creators
Message: Posted by: GaryLee (May 17, 2012 12:27pm)
Do they even make books anymore? (lol)
Message: Posted by: DougNicols (May 17, 2012 1:11pm)
Haunted. Was terrible. Hocus Pocus just recently posted it for half price during their weekend sale, I would avoid it until they start clearing it out for $49 or less (IMHO), which is only a matter of time considering how bad it is.
Message: Posted by: FrenchDrop (May 17, 2012 2:46pm)
Doug, what Haunted are you talking about? Peter Eggink's Haunted appears to be selling everywhere for $35...hasn't it always?
Message: Posted by: DougNicols (May 17, 2012 3:05pm)
HauntING, not HauntED. Sorry:

http://www.taylorimagineering.com/products/haunting.php

Quote:

On 2012-05-17 14:46, FrenchDrop wrote:
Doug, what Haunted are you talking about? Peter Eggink's Haunted appears to be selling everywhere for $35...hasn't it always?
Message: Posted by: Miraclemakers (May 18, 2012 11:20pm)
I like rattled, but Haunted, yes... never use that trick..
Message: Posted by: gabelson (May 19, 2012 4:05pm)
Quote:

On 2012-05-10 17:31, WARD.GS wrote:
" I must have performed Timeless on at least 100 occasions so far. The spectator sees nothing except what they expect to see..."......Gabelson please let me know how you get round the problem I mention above. If u've performed 100's of times you must have a way round this. Pm me if ok ? Thanks.


Not quite sure what "problem" you're referring to. The illusion works perfectly, even up close. I've had people stare for a few seconds to make sure they 'got it right', and nothing has ever aroused suspicion. If your prep work is good, no one will ever be the wiser.
Message: Posted by: daffydoug (May 20, 2012 8:58pm)
Quote:

On 2012-05-02 23:37, saysold1 wrote:
Quote:

On 2012-05-01 20:35, daffydoug wrote:
OK. I have little money to spend on magic this year. I want to make all my purchases wise purchases. So I would really like to see this thread continue with several more suggestions on effects to wisely avoid. I will not purchase "Rattled." I.R. is in. (If I could come up with the bucks.)

Somebody mentioned "Ink."

Can someone tell me more about that? Is it really bad? I think the effect looks great in the demo, but they all do, right? I hope someone can further enlighten me, because I had my heart set on purchasing that one.


Doug-

As I recall the feedback on Ink was generally just fair - and comments that the gimmick was somewhat visible. Don't have it - just recalling the thread.


I'm holding back on getting it, so far. I am beginning to think it's just a pipe dream.
Message: Posted by: manipulator (May 23, 2012 2:55pm)
I vote for Clutch by Oz Pearlman.
Message: Posted by: brehaut (May 24, 2012 1:44pm)
Quote:

On 2012-05-23 14:55, manipulator wrote:
I vote for Clutch by Oz Pearlman.


You are certainly entitled to your opinion but I can tell you when I use to perform card magic I got amazing responses using this. Also, it taught me a method to locate a card that I still use today. I highly recommend it.
Message: Posted by: Burf (May 24, 2012 7:51pm)
Quote:

On 2012-05-23 14:55, manipulator wrote:
I vote for Clutch by Oz Pearlman.


Maybe you performance is not up to scratch?
Clutch is an excellent effect with the right presentation.
You start clean, end clean, can use a borrowed deck, no gimicks required, easy to lean, easy to perform.
If I paid twice as much for it, I would still be happy.
Message: Posted by: Burf (May 24, 2012 8:02pm)
My vote would have to go to Slyder by Jay Sankey.
This was bad for so many reasons, the gimicks received did not match and were poorley finished.
All the hype about using a common object... really who has seen paper clips like that before? Certainly not around my home or office, bring out one of those bad boys and the heat is on immediately.
An old trick with a different object, very disapointing.
Based my purchase on Mr. Sankeys older products, most of which were very good, but his recent stuff seems like he is just going for the quck buck and tunring out rubbish.
Message: Posted by: slyhand (May 24, 2012 9:23pm)
Quote:

On 2012-05-23 14:55, manipulator wrote:
I vote for Clutch by Oz Pearlman.


Yup, no problem with Clutch. I need to do it more often. It kills.
Message: Posted by: bsears (May 25, 2012 4:00pm)
Had no idea what Clutch was until I googled it. I was shocked at how many kids are teaching the trick on-line. I suppose that is due to the ease of the method.

Anyway, as far as the effect goes, it certainly isn't something I would buy. It's very old. The method is in Tarbell. Seriously.
Message: Posted by: brehaut (May 26, 2012 9:53pm)
Quote:

On 2012-05-25 16:00, bsears wrote:
Had no idea what Clutch was until I googled it. I was shocked at how many kids are teaching the trick on-line. I suppose that is due to the ease of the method.

Anyway, as far as the effect goes, it certainly isn't something I would buy. It's very old. The method is in Tarbell. Seriously.


Yeah, the method is old but I can tell you there is much more to the effect than what the method is. Oz does an amazing job of going beyond the method. Clutch is a bargain. Anyone getting it for free off the internet is not only doing something immoral but getting an inferior version of the effect.
Message: Posted by: brehaut (May 26, 2012 10:02pm)
Quote:

On 2012-05-25 16:00, bsears wrote:
Had no idea what Clutch was until I googled it. I was shocked at how many kids are teaching the trick on-line. I suppose that is due to the ease of the method.

Anyway, as far as the effect goes, it certainly isn't something I would buy. It's very old. The method is in Tarbell. Seriously.


One other point---don't think you should be critcal of an effect that you did not buy or even watched---but based on what some kids posted online and that you found after you googled it. Not right
Message: Posted by: daffydoug (May 27, 2012 7:35am)
Quote:

On 2012-05-17 07:53, zmagicleez wrote:
This has been a great thread! Unfortunately we live in an age now where dvd production is so good, the effects can look incredible. Be careful!


Glad I have read this thread, because that effect certainly looked pretty cool on the video.
Message: Posted by: Zuke (May 27, 2012 10:28pm)
Quote:

On 2012-05-17 10:51, Vick wrote:
Has anyone noticed .....

NO BOOKS ARE MENTIONED HERE AS MOST DISAPPOINTING TRICK OF 2011!!

What does that tell you?


It tells me that people have read the topic of the thread and responded accordingly. I'm sure if there was a 'worst book' thread, you'd find posts about books but not about props.
Message: Posted by: bsears (May 29, 2012 2:43pm)
Brehaut - I actually did watch Oz's demo of it. I think he does a fine job of it, for what it is. Just my personal opinion that it isn't worth buying. Perhaps I would feel different if it were included on a dvd with other material. It's not strong enough (or unique enough) to stand alone, imo.
Message: Posted by: Bardo (May 30, 2012 3:09am)
Quote:

On 2012-05-15 22:23, Gordothemagicguy wrote:
I pre-ordered "DRIFT" from "The Merchant of Magic" and thought it could be pretty cool. Boy was I duped!!! It took quite a while to arrive with the DVD case all broken. There were Two "elements" included and most of the time when you receive two elements you are to mix them (which I did) It just ruined the thing. I contacted Dominic at Merchant of Magic, who simply said "Sorry Buddy, you're out of luck!" Even after offering to pay for another set of the "stuff" He said the Ukranian dudes who came up with this idea would not send me another. I opened a dispute with Pay Pal and immediately got an email from the Merchant of Magic saying if I would close the dispute he would have one sent out right away. That was two months ago!!! I think he just wanted to shut me up. Now I can't reopen a dispute and my Bank say's they can't do anything after60 days. First of all The method of this effect is more than Lame! It is just super angular and doesn't even work most of the time! You have to use a hard surface and the "clean up" as well as the set up are pretty obvious. Don't waste your money and Certainly don't do business with this VERY Unhelpful company!!! The WORSTE COMPANY I have ever dealt with!
If you want to do the effect just buy a stick of gum. It's a whole lot cheaper than the $60.00 I paid!


Sounds like you have really been duped. I guess the lesson learnt is to only close the paypal dispute AFTER you have received the replacement.
.
Message: Posted by: Magicman52 (May 31, 2012 8:52pm)
For me two trick stick out #1) The Perfect Nail Bend Kit came with very little directions and did not work 99% of the time. #2) Blower (balloon inflator) no written directions, website provide did not provide any spoken word. Exchanged it for a new one which did not work any better.
Message: Posted by: Boat (Jun 1, 2012 9:44pm)
The worst trick for me was little man. There were a few others also by Php that were duds. For me the Ben Franklin thing with the glasses was way to finicky. I used to really respect PH as a creater and performer and person. But now I have second thoughts. Not just because of the effects that he as come out with lately but because of his attitude. A member of his team asked my friend to send him a copy of a trick he created so that possibly Php would put their name on it. They never got back to my friend either way. My friend emailed several times, but still no answer. That's not the way to make friends or customers. So now my friend and I as well as a few other disillusioned customers have formed a pact that we will never buy Php products again.
Message: Posted by: daffydoug (Jun 2, 2012 8:28am)
Ben Franklin thing with the glasses?
Message: Posted by: jerrydb4 (Jun 2, 2012 5:05pm)
I think he might be talking about the George Washington thing with the glasses, UV Nightshades by PHP?
Message: Posted by: daffydoug (Jun 3, 2012 4:58pm)
Oh! UV nightshades! It was the Ben Franklin part that threw me off. Yes. I purchased UV nightshades. It is kind of picky to learn. To tell the truth, I have never got it down pat enough to have confidence to perform it in public.
Message: Posted by: algebraic (Jun 4, 2012 8:03am)
Items paid for in full in 2011 and still not received. Tired of the excuses.
Message: Posted by: Zombie Magic (Jun 4, 2012 12:56pm)
Quote:

On 2012-06-04 08:03, algebraic wrote:
Items paid for in full in 2011 and still not received. Tired of the excuses.


Where from?
Message: Posted by: algebraic (Jun 4, 2012 3:07pm)
@ Zombie Magic,

I'll just say that I now order "in stock" items.

The worst offender was OUTLAW. After almost THREE YEARS of waiting, I finally received Re-Animator from OUTLAW.

NO, I WON'T be doing a review on Re-Animator.

I learned my lesson(s) well.
Message: Posted by: Keith Atkinson (Jun 5, 2012 3:22pm)
Quote:

On 2012-05-17 15:05, DougNicols wrote:
HauntING, not HauntED. Sorry:

http://www.taylorimagineering.com/products/haunting.php

Quote:

On 2012-05-17 14:46, FrenchDrop wrote:
Doug, what Haunted are you talking about? Peter Eggink's Haunted appears to be selling everywhere for $35...hasn't it always?


??? Everyone to their own. I have this, and love it. I use it at ever ygig I do, and it gets stand out reactions.
Amongst one of the better effects that I have bought.
Keith.
Message: Posted by: Xcath1 (Jun 5, 2012 3:57pm)
Actually UV nightshades was very effective for me but I kept lossing the little piece and mxxx and of course if you carry around trick with a m??? it is hard to work out the pocket space for carrying others.
Message: Posted by: daffydoug (Jun 5, 2012 9:11pm)
Very true. I have also found that to be so.
Message: Posted by: Xiqual (Jun 5, 2012 11:26pm)
Those custom items are slow for sure, but you certainly have something that others don't. Do you like the Re-animator? Looks so cool.
I am currently waiting on:
Hobbs box
Relic
Carnie Tarot

it's been about three months, but that's ok. The quality is incredible. Excellence takes time.
James



Quote:

On 2012-06-04 15:07, algebraic wrote:
@ Zombie Magic,

I'll just say that I now order "in stock" items.

The worst offender was OUTLAW. After almost THREE YEARS of waiting, I finally received Re-Animator from OUTLAW.

NO, I WON'T be doing a review on Re-Animator.

I learned my lesson(s) well.
Message: Posted by: NFW (Jun 6, 2012 6:46am)
Three years !!!!
Message: Posted by: algebraic (Jun 6, 2012 9:56am)
@ NFW,

Yes, almost three years to receive an item that I paid for in full.

It was very frustrating to watch OUTLAW come out with more and more NEW products and reading about how people received their items from OUTLAW, while I was waiting for YEARS to receive my item.

The fact that OUTLAW had the time to make and deliver many new products while they put my paid in full order on the back burner, was extremely unprofessional. I will not review or comment on the item, except to say that I finally received it after almost three years of waiting.
Message: Posted by: Steven Leung (Jun 6, 2012 10:46pm)
Quote:

On 2012-06-04 15:07, algebraic wrote:
@ Zombie Magic,

I'll just say that I now order "in stock" items.

The worst offender was OUTLAW. After almost THREE YEARS of waiting, I finally received Re-Animator from OUTLAW.

NO, I WON'T be doing a review on Re-Animator.

I learned my lesson(s) well.


I saw someone do the Re-animator in a close up magic competition. The result was definitely -

Hilarious!

That climax made a mentalist become a comedy magician is the highlight of his act.
Message: Posted by: NFW (Jun 7, 2012 7:04am)
Well Algebraic that's bizare..glad you got the effect in the end, guess you wont be using them again ??
Message: Posted by: BatsMagic (Jun 7, 2012 1:23pm)
I had to wait over a half year for a book (Lillian's Diary) to ship from Outlaw, and even then I never got it.
Message: Posted by: Magicmike1949 (Jun 10, 2012 10:31pm)
Well there must be a wide variance on the quality control of Slo-Motion. Mine is like many others have reported: noisy and unreliable. I' m sure others haven't experienced this, but I assure you the rest of us aren't crazy.
Message: Posted by: NFW (Jun 11, 2012 11:36am)
Mine was very loud.