Why do they do it? Because it looks so cool, so dangerous and they feel it will make them the next cris Angel. I just do not get it. It is a good effect but to me, I find there is just too much risk factor involved with it. For myself personally, I would never do a trick with even a slim chance of it really hurting myself or a helper. I just know that I can do an effect and get a great reaction without having to go that route.

Kyle

The beautiful lady in the video is a friend of mine, Julie and all I can say is the guy is luck it wasn't me. Julie is so lovely, sweet and gentle that she didn't kick up a fuss about it, however she still has a scar. I don't think it affects her magic but it does still cause her a few minor problems. If you're going to do it, do it to yourself, up on stage you would feel pressured to participate, personally I don't think people should be put in that position,

Diane

Diane,

I am so sorry for your good friend Julie. I hope she is doing better and such. I would never ever think about putting an assistant in risk such as that. It is just not right as I consider anyone on stage a guest as if they were in my own home. I think too many magicians allow themselves to get into this idea that they are performing the effect not so much for their audience but more for them. I have seen magicians fall in love with an effect and have to perform it just because they think they need to.

I am sorry this happened to your friend and I hope she is doing better.

Kyle

This just makes me mad to see that someone is so irresponsible to do that!

:mad:

I'm OK with the magician playing the danger role if he so chooses but putting a spectator in danger is pure idiocy. You heard Julie speak of her uncomfortable anxiety even before the mishap, instilling fear and/or anxiety in a spectator is just not entertainment to me.

That's very kind of you. Julie says she get cramp and loss of feeling when she's at the gym, however the spike didn't go through any bonse, tendons or nerves so it could have been a lot worse. I think you are so right Kyle in saying that some magicians perform this more for themselves rather than the audience. It's a great effect, I can't deny that. Just wish sometimes it hadn't been invented.
Anyway, great job in warning people of the dangers, something we magicians sometimes over look,

Diane

Diane,

Thank you for your kind words. I just feel magicians need to take a step back and really make sure that what they are doing they are not doing just for themselves or for their own ego boost. What you present to your audiences needs to be entertaining for them and fun and enjoyable. You can never let a piece of magic grab ahold of you so strongly that it effects the way you normally think. You can not let it be so strong that it overpowers your own common sense. And, if their is any real risk at all in harming yourself or a helper, then you really need to reevaluate whether or not it is even worth performing in your show. I am glad your friend is doing much better.

Kyle