Actually, Mindpro, I've always bought a lot of props -- even when I was going to magic conventions. I DO have reasons.

First: I think performers who can afford to need to support the designers of props wherever they can. Support's key. They deserve it. If they can't make a living, then they stop producing wonderful stuff. Purchasing their props is an investment to me.

Telling people when you find an awesome prop is also an investment. Too many people purchase props or books and keep them a secret. How does that help the guy who produced it? At MagicPendulums.com, for example -- we get lots of email from people who are happy with our pendulums or our books. I ask them to post on-line but very few do. Fair enough -- that's their choice...and I still love hearing they were happy. But their kind words would actually help us of they would post something about how happy they were. This is why I always make a point of letting people know when I've found something wonderful.

Second: I learn from every purchase I make. Some of what I get, I won't use. Not that the prop's bad -- it just doesn't suit me as well as I thought it would. So that stuff gets sold here or on the Big Auction Site...so it can go to someone who WILL use it. Either way at the minimum...I've learned something...and then passed it onto someone who can use it.

Third: Props really aren't that expensive when you look at the overall scheme of things. The going rate for close-up is $350 for the first hour and $250 for the second. Most trade shows pay even better. Corporate stage shows go for anywhere between $900 to $2500. So what is that stacked up against some prop purchases?

Third (A): Here's an example. I've order my own copy of Mother, based in large part on Bob C's recommendation. It cost me $405 shipped. How many shows do I have to use it in before it pays for itself? Less than half of ONE. That's about fifteen minutes. What is that compared to a prop used over a decade of shows?

Fourth: Sheree (my wife) was completely on side -- and did her own share of credit card heating...so we're happy all around.

Fifth: I like new toys.

David

:) Who not? Jan

Got max krause's supreme serial killer. Vey unique and invisible "gimmick". Great companion to go with finders keypers. Really love it

David, I didn't get to chat much with you, but I had a nice chat with Sheree. I saw her in a corner of Jack's with her pendulum kit out working on new one's. I was a little surprised she was left alone, but I made good use of a nice one to one chat. Glad to hear you both enjoyed the convention.

Sheree will often just stop and make a pendulum. It's not unusual. She feels the mood and she makes one. She really likes to capture the moment. I've seen her do stop and start building them in restaurants, on benches in shopping malls -- and now at MindVention in Jack's. She is all time favorite person.

I believe that was probably the last night? I was talking with Bob...and he was telling me about many many things. This I suppose is what Jack's is all about?

David

Bob certainly knows many things... Might say he is full of it. couldn't pass the line up. And Shirley, that one was for you.

Parooom-PAH!

(A drumroll/rimshot for you, Tom.)

:) Champagne Comedy my friend!

I bought a few things from Patrick Redford.. all of it is great. Bought Probe from the psychefx guys.. LOVE IT. And... got a copy of Bobs 'The Art of mentalism' SCORE!!!

Looks like probe is a winner. I have that on my want list.

Jamie

I have been traveling since Mindvention and only got in last night, so I am a little slow to reply.

Here on the Café, I usually hang out in the Spooky forum, but I really love Mindvention. I had a great time as always, and I really appreciate those of you who stopped by to take a look at the bizarre props. Some of this stuff was only available there until Halloween night, when Alchemy Moon goes live!

It was great getting to meet so many wonderful people.

Personally, I got Paul Carnazzo's card tests and some products from Tony Chris. I have not had the opportunity to pull any of this out and play with it yet, but I look forward to doing so soon!

I Spent a small fortune at the promystic booth but it was fantastic and I believe money well spent. Having never met Craig before and shared emails and calls over the last three years it was great meeting him. The dealers room was small but great and the guys from down under were terrific. This was my first Mindvention, but certainly not my last. Also having bought stuff from Max Krause before and meeting him at the show convention was also a treat. Well done Danny Archer.

So, at Mindvention this is what I picked up:

Alchemy Moon's "Fate and Free Will", "Hypno-Card", and "The Witch of Glastonbury". All of the Alchemy Moon props are awesome!

Paralabs "Picture Cards" with the routine book...these cards are great, and Thomas and Rainer are geniuses!

Jan Forster's lecture notes are full of fantastic ideas!

Walter Davis' Monkey Wallet...such a cool little wallet!!

I also picked up a dispenser of IT by Mesika...gonna try to tie my own l***s.

David,

I'm so glad that you liked Lecicology! I hope you are using it!

Paul's stuff is really good! If you have not looked at his stuff, I encourage you to do so.

Jamie Salinas

Hi Anyone pick up supreme serial killer form Max Krause? looking for presentation ideas?