The Magic Café Forum Index [ Register ]  [ F.A.Q. ]
[ Magic Café Donations ]
Username:
Password:
 
  
  [ Lost Password ]
  [ Forgot Username ]
 Go to page (Previous)  1 ~ 2 ~ 3 ~ 4 ~ 5 ~ 6 ~ 7 ~ 8 ~ 9 ~ 10  (Next)
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Latest and Greatest? » » Scott Alexander "The Blades" Printer Friendly Version
Dan Bernier

Inner circle
Canada
2299 Posts
Posted: Jun 5, 2010 4:18pm    Reply with quote   View Profile of Dan Bernier  

Quote:

On 2010-06-05 15:38, polygonsmagic wrote:
"As to polygon's position:"

31 paragraphs later, my position is still the simple same. As I stated: "I could name many, many great performers that never borrowed iota one from anyone....and those would be my favorites."

I see your points. If you are in a hurry or have a hard time creating your own routine from a standard plot, then $800, or in your case with the spirit table.. $1800, is a bargain for someone to do all the work for you. For your imformation, that is NOT what I was talking about.

"Just because you don't know where they get their ideas from, doesn't mean they aren't getting their ideas from somewhere."

And I'll quote myself again in case you weren't following along. "A professional performer is usually someone who can create and perform original material on their own, or with minor inspiration from existing material. In other words, they make an effect their own by adding their own personal touches, just as Scott has done here."

"Magicians believe they are entitled to everything. They get upset when they are told "no." It even makes some of them say silly things, like they know plenty of magicians who never borrow one iota from anyone."

Since this is also directed at me, let me quash it too: I don't believe, nor have I ever had the notion that I am entitled to everything. Where did that come from? I'm not upset, no one has told me "no". Where did that come from?. And those 2 false accusations make me say silly things? Hmmff.

I've seen others in this thread state that some are upset because of the $800 price tag. I really believe there are zero people reading this that are upset because of the price tag. Guys like truthteller think it is a bargain. Guys that look at this and say this is not for me are not upset. The only people that would be upset about this are guys that are saying, boy I want that more than anything and it is priced out of my price range. That is redundant because all the scenarios I am seeing here are that this routine is aimed at, and is a bargain for professional performers, who most likely would have the means to pay for it.



Very true. Can't logically argue that either.

Just one innocent question. What was the point of starting a thread in the, "Latest and Greatest?" on the Café where the rules clearly say,

"Latest and Greatest? - FORUM RULES

OVERVIEW:

It's inevitable that not a week goes by that we don't hear about the next great trick, book or DVD that is about to be released into our magic community. Naturally, we are curious and usually have a question or two floating around in the back of our collective heads. Given all that, It is perfectly normal that we can easily imagine what such a product might be like, and what it might do to improve our own magic performances. But, until the item is actually obatainable for purchase, we can only use our imaginations and speculate.

That is the purpose of this forum. To provide a place where folks can discuss the latest rumors, read announcements and speculate about the obvious hyperbole surrounding many of the upcoming products that are released into magicdom. Will they be genuine miracles or mere rhetoric? We ponder the question...

FORUM RULES & GUIDELINES:

Curious about an upcoming product? This is the forum to post your thoughts. THIS FORUM IS NOT FOR REVIEWS. Reviews imply that you actually own and have used the trick, read the book or watched the DVD. Such posts should be made in the appropriate forum located in our The Good, the Bad, and the Garbage category. This forum is all about hype and speculation - nothing more, nothing less.

SPECULATION -VS- EXPOSURE:

It is , after all, only natural to speculate the possible method to a new trick or effect. Comments as to possibilities of a method are just that - Possibilities. One person may say; "I think it might use a piece of velcro" while another may comment; "No, it probably uses a magnet". Either scenario is okay.

However, If someone knows for a fact what the method is and posts it, then we have exposure and the post will be deleted with NO EXPLANATION given.

Finally, those individuals who come to this forum expecting to receive free advertising, think again. Obvious commercial posts (e.g, Now taking pre-orders, Our new product will ship on ..., We are offering a special if you order now, I accept PayPal, etc) will be removed and the offending member may be banned at the descretion of management. You have been warned. For complete details concerning our advertising polices, Click here!. Happy posting."

and then be upset with those who ask questions, make speculations. This forum is all about hype and speculation is it not?

Why are a few being ignorant and quick to be defensive, while making wild accusations of their own?

If this topic is not allowed to be discussed by anyone other than those who are serious professional magician's without them being chewed out for particapating in the discussion, (even if they don't have any interrest in buying it), maybe it shouldn't be here then?

"If you're going to walk in the rain, don't complain about getting wet!"
truthteller

Inner circle

2589 Posts
Posted: Jun 5, 2010 4:26pm    Reply with quote   View Profile of truthteller  

Dan,

My interest is not in the specific trick but the issues and reactions surrounding it.

I ask, why can't scott and bob (or any creator) charge what they want or put whatever restrictions they want on their work?

Apparently this has upset people.

We see a lot of sound and fury and arguments that lead to nowhere - arguments that have nothing to do with the trick.

We know what the trick is. We have all the information we will get.

People are upset.

Why?

I think because for some reason this is pushing buttons hotter than 'I wonder if this trick will be any good?'

So, I ask - why are people upset?

They have all the information they will get. They know the terms. Pretty much the thread - as a prereview thread- has done all it can.

So why are people upset?

I put forth my theory. Any others?
truthteller

Inner circle

2589 Posts
Posted: Jun 5, 2010 4:29pm    Reply with quote   View Profile of truthteller  

Quote:

On 2010-06-05 16:16, polygonsmagic wrote:
Truthteller, here is an expample of what I would deem an original performer. Maybe it will help you.

Sylvester the Jester.

Did he borrow a couple iotas? Yes, let's see, off the top of my head he uses the muscle pass, a modified retention pass, some sound and visual effects to accompany his actions, and probably some other gestures that sleight of hand guys use.

Would you consider his act totally original? Entirely.

Could I name 4 more? Have your money ready.



You spoke like these completely original performers were a dime a dozen.

I figured I would have a list of 10 from you by now.

B

Ps. Most of sylvesters gags were taken directly from the work of fleischer, avery, jones et al. All he did was make them performable on the stage as opposed to the screen.

I don't know if that exempts him from never having 'borrowed one iota' as his whole act is about replicating someone elses work - albeit in a different media.

See, this is fun.
polygonsmagic

Veteran user

358 Posts
Posted: Jun 5, 2010 4:46pm    Reply with quote   View Profile of polygonsmagic  

"So why are people upset?"

You seem to be the only person upset at this time. Who is upset?

"You spoke like these completely original performers were a dime a dozen.
I figured I would have a list of 10 from you by now."

Where in my statements did I say original performers were a dime a dozen? It never ends with you. Why would I give you a list of 10 original performers? This is insane. But I'm not upset.

I'm out of here. Have a nice discussion in the thread where no one is allowed to promote or advertise, and we are supposed to....well, you can read above......

"That is the purpose of this forum. To provide a place where folks can discuss the latest rumors, read announcements and speculate about the obvious hyperbole surrounding many of the upcoming products that are released into magicdom. Will they be genuine miracles or mere rhetoric? We ponder the question..."

and...

"Finally, those individuals who come to this forum expecting to receive free advertising, think again. Obvious commercial posts (e.g, Now taking pre-orders, Our new product will ship on ..., We are offering a special if you order now, I accept PayPal, etc) will be removed and the offending member may be banned at the descretion of management. You have been warned."
truthteller

Inner circle

2589 Posts
Posted: Jun 5, 2010 4:53pm    Reply with quote   View Profile of truthteller  

I'd be happy with 5. But you said all of your favorite magicians never borrowed one iota from anyone.

That just seems like a gross generalization hoping to masquerade as something which could support someone's position.

Nice chatting. Catch you around.
polygonsmagic

Veteran user

358 Posts
Posted: Jun 5, 2010 5:05pm    Reply with quote   View Profile of polygonsmagic  

"But you said all of your favorite magicians never borrowed one iota from anyone."

No, and this is the umpteenth time you've misquoted me. I simply said....the most original performers would be my favorite. Which is a far cry from what you perceived. You seem to continually ignore, or have the inability to perceive my original thoughts.

If you think that taking cartoon characters and making them into a real life stage act is not original, all you are doing is fudging to make yourself right. Clearly you can see the difference between Sylvester's contributions and buying someone else's routine for $800 and performing it word for word, sleight for sleight. Can't you?
truthteller

Inner circle

2589 Posts
Posted: Jun 5, 2010 5:49pm    Reply with quote   View Profile of truthteller  

You wrote:I could name many, many great performers that never borrowed iota one from anyone....and those would be my favorites.

Now, that reads to me like you are saying there are many great performers (present tense - they exist) who never borrow one iota. Those non-bowering performers are your favorites.

I realize 'would be' can be read in a future tense. As in, if non-borrowing performers existed, they would then be my favorite.

But that contradicts your assertion that you can now name many non borrowing greats.

Now, I can imagine someone trying to do all original material - but I don't know if that condition would make them great or even allow them to book shows.

Even the single magician you named was asked to no longer perform in the palace of mystery because the lay audience response was so negative to his act.

Just because it's original, does not mean it is good.

(And in fairness to sylvester, I think other elements were in play).

So, based on YOUR words, it seems that you can name many MANY magicians (5? 10?) who 'never borrowed one iota'. It also seems that these are your favorites but maybe you were speaking in a future tense.

And yes, I think sylvester had a great idea. We can even bandy around the word original, though I think that would require some clarification. Would Maskelyne consider his act high art by the definition set forth in Our Magic?

Again, worthy of discussion.

But that's not the same as saying 'never borrowed one iota' is it?

See, you drew a hard line - one I don't think that can be defended.

I called you on it.

Now, if we want to talk about original or different or commercial or artistic - then we get into shades and gradiations.

Is it ok to borrow a line but not a script? A trick but not a line?

I think that is an important discussion. And it becomes interesting once we move outside of theory into practice.

Is blaine a professional? What about the cruise ship act doing whit's rings and martin's cardrise?

I know a master machinist who can make the smallest of screws and any bolt in the world.

But when he builds something, he buys those from the store because its a better use of his resources.

There are many reasons a magician, a professional magician, would want to acquire a ready made routine.

Because they do is no reason to claim they can't also come up with their own or they are less than a professional.

So, still standing by the one iota claim?

You sure do write a lot for someone who left.
Kamal

Loyal user

253 Posts
Posted: Jun 5, 2010 8:30pm    Reply with quote   View Profile of Kamal  

I just put my order in.

For those that are wondering why I bought it:

Full-time magician - Check
Cruise ship performer - Check
Am too busy with shows to F-around, and just want something that works - Check


To me, the cost of an effect is irrelevant. Just so long as the price represents it's value (to me).

I have several Bob Kohler produced items, including the Goose, Slashed and Human Phone Number. I've found all of them to be fairly priced for what you get, and I'm expecting the same value from The Blades.

I'll be sure to add some thoughts to the review thread after I receive the package (about a week to Australia).

Melbourne Comedy Magician
http://www.kamal.com.au
truthteller

Inner circle

2589 Posts
Posted: Jun 7, 2010 5:25pm    Reply with quote   View Profile of truthteller  

A search of Poly's Previous Posts Proves Productive.
Potty the Pirate

Inner circle

4235 Posts
Posted: Jun 8, 2010 11:32am    Reply with quote   View Profile of Potty the Pirate  

I agree with you, Truthteller, in fact, it brings to mind the famous quote: "All art is theft."
Sylvester the Jester stole most of his ideas from cartoons. Of course, he's an "original" performer, inasmuch as before him this type of stage presentation of cartoon comedy had been limited to individual gags. I'm sure Sylvester has studied Laurel & Hardy and other comedy greats too.
"Blades" isn't original at all if you look at it one way - because the Razor Blade trick already existed, and Scott admits he studied other methods to create his own.
The originality is in the particular sequence of gags, the specific method, etc. And any working professional knows that to get a solid, audience tested routine of quality for a few hundred bucks, is a good deal.
David Blaine, who has been slated in a post (above) is one of the few who I consider to have truly original thinking. Not his close-up work, but some of his endurance feats. For that, in my opinion, he has proved himself at least an equal to Houdini. I particularly liked Standing on a Big Pole for Three Days - brilliant!
Potty

Potty the Pirate
Sussex Magician
the Sponge

Inner circle
Atlanta
1194 Posts
Posted: Jun 8, 2010 3:07pm    Reply with quote   View Profile of the Sponge  

Quote:

On 2010-06-08 11:32, Potty the Pirate wrote:
David Blaine, who has been slated in a post (above) is one of the few who I consider to have truly original thinking. Not his close-up work, but some of his endurance feats. I particularly liked Standing on a Big Pole for Three Days - brilliant!



Yeah, being frozen in a block of ice... oh, wait.
Yeah, being buried alive...oh, wait.
Yeah, staying under water longer than...oh, wait.
Yeah, standing on a pole..oh, wait, Ace Ventura movie.

mumford

Special user

607 Posts
Posted: Jun 8, 2010 6:01pm    Reply with quote   View Profile of mumford  

Pole sitting/standing was an often performed publicity stunt back in Roaring Twenties America.
Potty the Pirate

Inner circle

4235 Posts
Posted: Jun 10, 2010 6:39am    Reply with quote   View Profile of Potty the Pirate  

Quote:

On 2010-06-08 18:01, mumford wrote:
Pole sitting/standing was an often performed publicity stunt back in Roaring Twenties America.


Now you remind me, I do recall other that other folks have done that. In fact, I seem to recall this happened millenia ago. Oh well, maybe he isn't original either. I still love his stunts, though!


Potty the Pirate
Sussex Magician
Bob Kohler

Special user

663 Posts
Posted: Jun 11, 2010 10:21am    Reply with quote   View Profile of Bob Kohler  

Interesting discussion.

Most of the working professionals I know have a mixture of great ideas from other performers and some of their own routines in their act.

The way I think about my act is I first consider effect. What effects do I want to present to the audience that fits my style and personality. For instance I've been performing the Bill In Lemon for close to thirty years.

I love the effect and I know its power and effect on an audience. Right now I'm very happy with my routine.
It's me. I've worked long and hard to get it to where it's at today.

But I'm a believer in that if someone creates a better mousetrap I'm certainly going to consider it. Especially if if it's going to make my life a little better.

I know from experience that it really doesn't matter if the material is your creation or not. The world is not going to know or care if you created a routine or not. Mostly they are going to decide if your performance was good or bad and if you were entertaining or not. The caveat is of course effects that are famous and are linked forever to a performer like David Copperfield vanishing the Statue of Liberty. But these are the exception not the rule.

If you are capable of creating all new material so that your show is 100% original and great, my hat's off to you. It's a really tough job. I expect you will soon be famous.

www.bobkohlermagic.com

Home of the BK Pro Line
Tim Ellis

V.I.P.
Melbourne, Australia
1194 Posts
Posted: Jun 12, 2010 5:22am    Reply with quote   View Profile of Tim Ellis  

Just came across this thread and notice my name mentioned a few times.

Yes, my 'Ultimate Blades' is available on our DVD 'Ellis in Wonderland' for $35 (with a dozen other effects) but due to demand we recently released it as a stand alone video download for $10.

http://www.australianmagician.com/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=15

Or you can get it as an eBook

http://www.australianmagician.com/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=21

(We couldn't justify a higher price as it's just one trick on a $35 DVD).

Why do I feel I've priced it way too cheap!

www.MagicUnlimited.com
www.timellismagic.com
Visit our online shop for instant downloads and ebooks
http://www.australianmagician.com/store

Blog - www.magicunlimited.typepad.com
mmreed

Inner circle
Harrisburg, PA
1431 Posts
Posted: Jun 12, 2010 11:11am    Reply with quote   View Profile of mmreed  

That's awesome Tim.

If the Café had LIKE buttons like facebook, Id be clicking it!!!

Mark Reed aka Marc Mayhem
http://www.marcmayhem.com
Kamal

Loyal user

253 Posts
Posted: Jun 15, 2010 6:14am    Reply with quote   View Profile of Kamal  

OK - fist the disclaimer: I have only watched the instructional DVD, and have not performed this. Having said that, the live performance on the DVD proves that this works.

First of all, I really like Scott's character and stage personality. It's very similar to my own, which is one of the reasons I felt comfortable buying his routine (more disclaimer: I also own Slashed).

The quality of the instructional DVD is, like every other Bob Kohler product I've purchased, first-rate. Scott goes over everything in detail, and having watched the DVD through, I found it to be totally thorough, leaving me with absolutely no questions (a rare thing in today's magic world).

I'll admit, I was terrified that I wouldn't like the presentation. But I love it. It's cute, clever and is exactly what I'm looking for.

Full credit to Scott's father for coming up with a cracking line. I laughed a lot at that one.


I don't know what else to say. Is it worth the $800? To me, most definitely.

I know a lot of people have baulked at the price tag - which I totally understand. Make no mistake, this package was designed for working professionals - both in it's price and it's value.

If you can't afford to pay for this in one show (ie, if you're not getting $800 per gig), then you shouldn't buy it. It's that simple.

If you can, and are looking for a performance hardened razor-blade routine, then this is definitely worthy of your consideration.

Thanks Scott - I'm literally jumping up and down with excitement about performing this.


I'm happy to take questions.

Melbourne Comedy Magician
http://www.kamal.com.au
Scott Alexander

V.I.P.

874 Posts
Posted: Jun 15, 2010 11:37am    Reply with quote   View Profile of Scott Alexander  

That's great Kamal. Thanks!
Hearing feedback like that really reaffirms the choices we made in our approach with this release.

Glad you got it, and even more glad you "get it."
;-)

-Scott

Visit my PRO MAGIC SHOP
http://scottalexander.bigcartel.com/
Website
http://www.scottalexandermagic.com
check out my blog...
http://themagicjuice.blogspot.com
Cody S. Fisher

V.I.P.
Austin, Texas
969 Posts
Posted: Jun 15, 2010 5:25pm    Reply with quote   View Profile of Cody S. Fisher  

Name of Product: The Blades
Creator: Scott Alexander
Distributor: Bob Kohler Magic

A few weeks ago I was considering purchasing “The Blades” from Bob Kohler Magic. I was curious after reading the ad copy so I decided to contact Bob in order to ask a few more questions so that I could determine if this was “right for me” and the venues where I normally perform. After a very informative e-mail / phone call in which all my questions were answered, I decided to make the purchase.

Why am I mentioning all this before I get to the actual review? I guess in hopes to encourage others to do the same. Not just with this product, but with any investment you are ‘on the fence’ about. Instead of reading endless pages of speculation on various forums, why not just go directly to the source? I simply sent an e-mail to Mr. Kohler asking some genuine questions and he responded back within a few hours. One conversation later and all my questions / concerns had been addressed.

My point is this; don’t be afraid to contact magic dealers directly if you have an honest inquiry about their product. I am always willing to speak with individuals who contact me concerning my products, and I am sure that most dealers are too.

Onto the actual review!

The Effect:

For a complete description you can read the ad copy on Mr. Kohler’s website (www.bobkohlermagic.com), however for the sake of completeness here you go: The entertainer apparently swallows sharp razor blades and a length of thread. For the finale the performer is seen regurgitating the thread with the razor blades tied at intervals to the thread.

What You Receive:

When you open the box you will be looking at several items plus a nice little carrying bag to store all the props. Besides the various threads and blades you will need for the routine, you also receive a few gimmicks and an instructional DVD. I am intentionally being vague on the nature of the gimmicks as they are directly related to the actual method behind the routine. It’s a little difficult to rate the overall quality of ALL the items you receive as some are fairly common objects. How does one really rate the quality of the thread? ;-) In any case, everything you will need to perform is included in the package (minus a drinking glass). If I were to comment on quality, it would primarily pertain to the gimmicks that you receive and suffice it to say they will last a VERY long time.

The DVD Instructions:

The included DVD is professionally produced and contains a live performance of the routine and detailed instructions. Those who have purchased items from Mr. Kohler in the past will see the same high quality and standards as his previous releases with Mr. Alexander. Even though I had a fairly good knowledge base for this type of effect I still found myself learning new things. For example, Scott’s method for setting up the blades for the final reveal is quite ingenious. The wrapping procedure he teaches keeps the blades from becoming tangled and ensures that they exit the mouth in the proper orientation.

The Set-Up / Performance Notes:

The basic set-up is fairly easy. Once you have done it a few times you will be able to get everything ready in a matter of minutes. You will not have to make up a new set for every performance as one gimmicked blades packet will last for MANY performances. Once everything is set-up, the main gimmick will easily fits in an inside jacket pocket. This could be performed entirely out of the pockets; however it would be a little easier if you had a small table on stage to hold a few of the props. (i.e. the glass of water) The only item not included in your package is a drinking glass. I would recommend one of the unbreakable plastic wine glasses you can find at Wal-Mart or Target stores. They are only a few dollars, look like a real wine glass, and are impossible to break.

Performance Venues:

If you have your own national TV special or you are considering getting your own live show in Las Vegas, then you may not want to purchase this as those rights are reserved. However, for ‘the rest of us’ you can pretty much perform this at all your normal gigs.

Video Restrictions:

You are not permitted to upload any video of this to the internet. I personally do not see a problem with this. If this bothers you then you may not want to purchase this. After speaking with Mr. Kohler about this I now understand where he is coming from. The video restrictions that have been set in place are for the buyer’s protection. Mr. Kohler and Mr. Alexander want to keep the routine, the method, the jokes, the lines, the gags, the bits of business, the music, and the choreography of the routine exclusive to their buyers.

Angles / Costume:

No issues here; could be performed completely surrounded. There are no clothing restrictions either.

The Actual Routine:

Other than the secret and the gimmicks, you are also purchasing an audience tested routine. When I initially watched the performance part of the DVD I was very impressed by the routine itself, I laughed at several of the original jokes and gags, and yes I was completely fooled by the method.

The routine itself is structured so that is has a defined beginning, middle, and ending. The routine begins with a well scripted introduction to the effect along with several funny lines that help set the tone for the routine. This is also the part of the routine where the performer can have the blades examined for authenticity. The opening joke of this section of the routine is very funny, one that I had never heard before, gets a BIG laugh from the audience, and fits the routine perfectly. (Mr. Alexander credits his father for the joke.) From here there is a very funny (and original) segment where Mr. Alexander demonstrates just how sharp the blades are. I have always found that this was the most boring part of any routine of this nature, but Scott has added a little something extra to it that makes it an absolute gem to watch and even gives you an extra added effect that will get a laugh.

I should mention that the routine from here on is wonderfully choreographed to music. The choice of music is absolutely perfect and will be recognizable by most audiences. The music allows for a little comedy byplay in the beginning as the performer eats the thread and then builds to a dramatic finish as the blades are removed from the mouth. I personally found the routine easy to learn as the music gave me audio cues as to what I should be doing at each stage.

Upon the completion of the routine and after the applause level dies down, Scott has one more VERY funny gag that brings the routine to a logical conclusion and has the audience in stitches once again.

Note On Music:

The music is NOT included in the package but you are given the title, album, and artist and it can be easily found on iTunes for 99 cents.

Final Thoughts:

Overall I am VERY pleased with this purchase. It is definitely something that I will use.

Cody S. Fisher

www.CodyFisher.com/store For DVD's, Lecture Notes, Unique Tricks, & Instant Downloads!

Cody's Comedy Confabulation / Silk-2-Egg / Killer Prediction / Tossed Out Deck / Restaurant Opener DVD / Counterfeit Money DVD
takeachance

Inner circle

2150 Posts
Posted: Jun 15, 2010 11:40pm    Reply with quote   View Profile of takeachance  

Well there's a hell of a recommendation, great review Cody, many thanks, and to Kamal as well.
Bob Kohler

Special user

663 Posts
Posted: Jun 16, 2010 9:58pm    Reply with quote   View Profile of Bob Kohler  

Gentleman, thank you both for taking the time to review The Blades. As time goes on hopefully more of the pros who have invested in The Blades will let us know their thoughts and experiences.

The routine has already been sent all over the world from Australia to many countries in Europe, Asia and of course the US. Scott and I are thrilled by the reviews and the private emails we've received.

If you are considering The Blades and have questions please contact me.

www.bobkohlermagic.com

Home of the BK Pro Line
Scott Alexander

V.I.P.

874 Posts
Posted: Jun 17, 2010 7:21pm    Reply with quote   View Profile of Scott Alexander  

Wow, another great review. Thanks so much Cody!!!

A few who have The Blades and want to remain "off the radar" have also contacted me personally and I am delighted to hear the direct feedback as well. Any questions, ideas or thoughts are welcome. I'm more than happy to consult with you one on one. I haven't gotten to answer everyone yet, as I am traveling quite a bit, but I will asap. Thanks again for all your support.

This goes for folks on the fence too. If you feel this piece may be for you but are not sure, feel free to contact us and we'll address any of your needs or concerns to help you make an informed decision.

With magic,

Scott

-Scott

Visit my PRO MAGIC SHOP
http://scottalexander.bigcartel.com/
Website
http://www.scottalexandermagic.com
check out my blog...
http://themagicjuice.blogspot.com
truthteller

Inner circle

2589 Posts
Posted: Jun 18, 2010 10:50pm    Reply with quote   View Profile of truthteller  

I'm sick and tired of seeing all of these Kohler lackeys regurgitate praise for everything he puts out. What do these guys know about MY performing needs? Have any of them even BEEN to my local magic club?

And it's not even a NEW idea. Scott admits he has been doing this for years. YEARS!!! That much money for an OLD idea?

Heck, I can go to the dollar store and buy some cheap razors and thread and save $798 dollars. And who wants to use some one elses script and jokes? I would much rather write my own. And I tell you what, it won't be something I've done thousands of times like Scott's. It will be something I come up with on the way to the show. I believe we should keep our performances fresh!

And this agreement - if I can't put a video of me doing this on youtube, whose ever going to see it?





(Hey, someone was eventually going to say it - thought I might as well beat them to it!)
Voldemort

Special user
Florida
563 Posts
Posted: Jun 18, 2010 11:42pm    Reply with quote   View Profile of Voldemort  

I'm going to make a prediction that the above post won't last to long.

But at least someone said it.

I'll do one better. I 'm wondering how much Cody actually paid for this effect. I'm betting it wasn't list. Not that I expect an honest answer to that at all. In fact I'm sure there will be numerous protests and scandalized sounding responses.

"Flight from death"
Buy the WILD AT HEART e-book to help Rachael Columbini here: http://www.lybrary.com/wild-heart-p-76110.html
truthteller

Inner circle

2589 Posts
Posted: Jun 19, 2010 12:13am    Reply with quote   View Profile of truthteller  

I love magic.
Kamal

Loyal user

253 Posts
Posted: Jun 19, 2010 12:33am    Reply with quote   View Profile of Kamal  

Quote:

On 2010-06-18 22:50, truthteller wrote:
I'm sick and tired of seeing all of these Kohler lackeys regurgitate praise for everything he puts out. What do these guys know about MY performing needs? Have any of them even BEEN to my local magic club?

And it's not even a NEW idea. Scott admits he has been doing this for years. YEARS!!! That much money for an OLD idea?

Heck, I can go to the dollar store and buy some cheap razors and thread and save $798 dollars. And who wants to use some one elses script and jokes? I would much rather write my own. And I tell you what, it won't be something I've done thousands of times like Scott's. It will be something I come up with on the way to the show. I believe we should keep our performances fresh!

And this agreement - if I can't put a video of me doing this on youtube, whose ever going to see it?

(Hey, someone was eventually going to say it - thought I might as well beat them to it!)



I can totally appreciate your opinion on this. But I need to clear some things up.

Firstly, I'm not a Kohler lacky. I don't own everything Bob Kohler has put out, just a few select items.

Are all of Bob Kohler's releases a winner? I don't think so. And I think it's healthy to disagree with something you don't like.

Whether you or anyone else here buys The Blades is irrelevant to me. I couldn't care less.

Who wants to use someone else's script and jokes? That's easy - I do.

I applaud you, and anyone else who has the time and creativity to come up with their own stuff - I really do. But I'm not a creative person. I wish I was, but I'm not.

Is Copperfield any less of a performer because he has someone else write his scripts? Does Lance Burton write his own material? I doubt it.


Youtube is a marketing tool for professional performers. I honestly couldn't care less about putting The Blades into a youtube clip. Why would I want to? Is The Blades the only thing worth seeing in my show? Is it the one thing that's going to get people to book me?

I'm putting The Blades in my show for private and corporate performances. Am I ever going to perform a ticketed show in Vegas? I seriously doubt it. I have ambition, but I seriously doubt someone is going to offer me a multi-million dollar contract with a proviso that I have to perform The Blades. You'd have to agree, it's a ridiculous scenario.

And your argument about a "fresh" performance is a fallacy. Actors recite other people's lines and make them "fresh" - that's their job. It's my job to entertain, and deliver the same lines (whether I wrote them or not) every night to a different audience and make them sound fresh. "Fresh" is in the delivery, not the creativity.

And I can't believe you're coming up with lines "on the way to the show". I don't know what the definition of unprofessional is, but that would come close.


Here's a crazy idea - how about we all stop whining, and go and entertain some people. Or is that not what we do any more?

Melbourne Comedy Magician
http://www.kamal.com.au
Kamal

Loyal user

253 Posts
Posted: Jun 19, 2010 12:34am    Reply with quote   View Profile of Kamal  

Oh, and I don't know how much Cody paid for this. And I don't care.

I thought the price was reasonable, and am happy to have paid it. I got my money's worth. What Cody, or anyone else paid is irrelevant to me.

And before anyone asks - yes, I paid the full list price, plus express shipping to Australia.

Melbourne Comedy Magician
http://www.kamal.com.au
Voldemort

Special user
Florida
563 Posts
Posted: Jun 19, 2010 12:41am    Reply with quote   View Profile of Voldemort  

And... Here...We....Go.....

"Flight from death"
Buy the WILD AT HEART e-book to help Rachael Columbini here: http://www.lybrary.com/wild-heart-p-76110.html
Dan Bernier

Inner circle
Canada
2299 Posts
Posted: Jun 19, 2010 12:47am    Reply with quote   View Profile of Dan Bernier  

Am I the only one to get what truthteller was doing? I think truthteller wasn't being serious but rather being sarcastic in a humorous way. Trying to beat the naysayers to the punch.

"If you're going to walk in the rain, don't complain about getting wet!"
Voldemort

Special user
Florida
563 Posts
Posted: Jun 19, 2010 1:00am    Reply with quote   View Profile of Voldemort  

Quote:

On 2010-06-19 00:13, truthteller wrote:
I love magic.



You should. It does give you many things. For example a nice forum such as this to make yourself feel important. You are truly a legend in your own mind.

Ahhh yes... We are all important here. Sitting behind our screens typing away... What an accomplishment. Especially for you oh great teller of "Truth". I expect your a shoe-in for a nice certificate and bozo badge. Keep checking that inbox.

"Flight from death"
Buy the WILD AT HEART e-book to help Rachael Columbini here: http://www.lybrary.com/wild-heart-p-76110.html
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Latest and Greatest? » » Scott Alexander "The Blades"
<<< Previous Topic   Next Topic >>>
 Go to page (Previous)  1 ~ 2 ~ 3 ~ 4 ~ 5 ~ 6 ~ 7 ~ 8 ~ 9 ~ 10  (Next)

[ Top of Page ]

All content & postings Copyright © 2001- 2013 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved.
This page was created in 3.245208 seconds, requiring 9 database queries.

The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café
are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic.