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Paul h. Special user MINDoverMETHOD 528 Posts |
Dear Mentalists,
It is with great pleasure that I write this review of Jerome Finley's work, 'Guerrilla Q&A'. I will try to cover as much of the outstanding content as I possibly can, but beware what you find may only start you drooling for more. As much as I would like to accomadate you, I will forever remain "tight lipped" about the hardcore content within. And ohhhh, what a great work it is. I will try to be as organized as possible with the review. Here are the items covered: 1. Book quality/layout/Buying information 2. Content by section 3. My personal thoughts 4. Conclusion/Rating 1. Book Quality, Layout, Buying Info The manuscript is pretty well put together, spiral bound, 8 1/2 x 11 (ditto page size), and has a nice plastic cover sheet protecting the "cogs" and "mechanisms" photo used as a background for the title. It has a nice large font for ease of reading, perhaps 14 or 16, and is word processed on heavy bond paper. It contains 156 pages of text, and on the inside cover is Jerome's signature and the year 08'. This page total includes the Sources/References, as well as the "Thanks" and "Credits" pages at the end. The only problem I have with this layout is that there are NO PAGE NUMBERS, which I did not like. The manuscript can be purchased directly through Jerome's web site. Navigate to the Inner Thoughts section of this forum, and Jerome's Ad Banner can be found on the top right of the page. If you are at all serious about obtaining this material, please know that entering this section requires 50 plus posts, and a $399.00 payment for the manuscript. It is a limited edition item, 50 physical units total. Note also, that the site is password protected. 2. Content By Section Introduction, Opening Words from the Author The manuscipt opens with seven pages devoted to an Introduction by John Riggs (he sounds familiar!), and opening words from the Author. The Methods Three methods (main sections of the book) are discussed in depth. 'Method 1' deals with having questions written down, collected, and then openly read by the Psychic. He then goes on to produce entertaining answers. 'Method 2' deals with having people raise their hands, psychic taking his/her pick of questions (not written), and has the spectator ask his/her question. He goes on to answer with mindblowing answers. 'Method 3' deals with Jerome's 'Free Range Q&A'. Audience members only THINK of their questions, and psychic receives these thoughts, and goes on to give detailed answers! WOW! You may already be thinking of something that Jerome has already (just before this section) addressed based on the above "Method Sections". What about the part where you secretly glimpse/peek/steal/switch/etc. to get what is written down? The simple answer, in Jerome's experience, is YOU DON'T NEED TO!!! That's right, over hundreds of performances, he has found no further impact than if you just ask the spectator's their questions outright! Spectators want ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS, they don't care how you got the questions, PERIOD! 'Method 1' Written Messages: Open Faced Q&A With index cards, Pencils, and a collection basket/bowl/etc you are off to the races. Each person is instructed to provide certain items on the card, and hand it in. (If you want the specifics, buy this!) Devious Ploys Section (following 'Method 1') There are some oustanding pieces of kit here. a number of brilliant techniques, systems, ploys, fakes, etc. are offered to enhance the 'Method 1' act. Included here are example uses of each ploy/technique with sample scripts! Great stuff! Multiple systems, one ahead, blinfold, marked cards, and business cards are covered. 'Method 2' Direct Questions & Answers Ultra direct method getting the same results as the written question act, but forgoes the pencils/papers, saves time, and allows performer time to answer more questions. Here Jerome covers using this method of Q&A adding numerology, and the zodiac signs. Let's Dance Putting It All Together Once a person is selected to have a reading done, Jerome outlines the main things he uses to create the content within. Included here is numerology, Zodiac, power animal, main areas of interest, tarot readings, etc. 'Method 3' Free Range Q&A Answering thought of questions and handling 'open readings'. Jerome's personal favorite, and the most jazzy method of the three. This entails a modernized look at 'Dynamite Mentalism' with and edge. The All Important Script & Set-Up Here Jerome sets up his act with opeing words (great advice here) as well as a full script showing how to have everyone on the edge of their seats throughout the show...even if they never get chosen. Gold advice here, gold! Vanilla A technique to help make your performance feel REAL. This will cause some of your spectators to actually believe they have experienced a wide variety of phenomena!! You have to try it to believe it, and Jerome has done it! Some Things You Should Know A section explaining a mnemonic covering 99 percent of all questions asked during readings. This is what you would expect, but with an added streamling by Jerome to simplify matters. Dynamite Mentalism Techniques If you own Dynamite Mentalism, you know what this section includes. Details about every age group's inner thoughts are covered. A great reference for this material, with updated info, is given here. I'll leave this reference a mystery, and use it myself!!!! Drool on! Devious Ploy This section gives absolutely GOLDEN tips on heightening question answering techniques. Additions are given by Bob Cassidy, Alain Nu, Ted Karmilovich, and Paolo Cavalli! High impact additions to your act. Sensational Questions and Fake Answers A great piece of business, and a staple in any Q&A act. This sections outlines 7 awesome sensational bits of business you can plant within your ligitimate questions! How Not To Give Advice 11 'fears' are discussed...by touching on any of them and adding them to a reading, you will always be right! More great additions to make your readings have variety! Show Outline And Structure Jerome actually gives you an outline of how his show is structured! This is to give you ideas as to how you can set up your own Q&A act. Free Association Readings This section covers how to use different systems, and avoid 'canned' readings. Cards, Numerology, Zodiac, Colors, 7 Chakra meanings, Animals, and the Elements are discussed. Common Names A section devoted to how you can expand on a spectators name, and create additional reading material, and hit on other names familiar to the sitter. Excellent ideas here, something I had never thought of. The 'RWR' System Another idea using peoples names to generate numerous different names of people who may bear some connection to them. There are 2 or 3 really good book recommendations here to look into. Projective Dopplerganger An idea from Alain Nu that I will not even talk about. Excellent technique to obtain intimate reading details...nuff said. The Seven Qualities Jerome looks for 7 qualities that help him select the most receptive spectators for readings. A clever technique, one that I can't really describe without giving it away. Always On My Mind A piece that appeard in 'Random Acts of Kindness'. These are simple things we can do to lock ourselves forever in the minds and memories of another person! The Three Major Systems I Recommend Three published works are referenced here for use with the Q&A act...Jerome's 'Thought Dial' being one of them. The rest...well, find them yourself!!!! Reading Primer A 'canned' type basic script that is offered only to get you started with your readings. Jerome admits here that he feels many of these scripts are harder to learn than other systems taught here, and I wholeheartedly agree. Hurling the Headlines Predicting major events to happen in the future Some Guidelines For Predictions What and how to give predictions, allowing for error or re-interpretation. Short Q&A Discussions about strolling readings and Jerome's routine structure for it. I like this idea alot! 3. My personal thoughts I can honestly say that this is the most complete treatise on the propless Q&A act you will ever find. It contains more tips, hints, subtleties, and dodges than you could get through in a lifetime of study. Each and every section of this manuscript offers thought provoking, brilliant pieces of information. This amount of hype may seem over the top, but it reminds me of something you should be warned of. Don't purchase this manuscript if you think that reading it is the end of your path to greatness, regardless of the hard work you put in to it. There are many, many text that are made reference to within. You have been forwarned! 4. Conclusion & Rating I leave it in your hands to decide if this work is right for you. For me, there is no turning back. I feel like this is the best money I have ever invested in a magic item, period! Q&A is the holy grail of mentalism (sorry for using that cliche), and this work contains a very precise recipe to cook, roast, saute, grill, poach, and bake the perfect vision of that effect. I look forward to future releases from Jerome...and I know you do as well. I know I won't make the mistake of missing out on one of his releases again. Never again... 5 out of 5 stars Best Regards, paul h. |
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Jerome Finley V.I.P. SLC 3419 Posts |
Paul,
WOW... What an incredible, in depth review! You've raised the bar quite high and have done most of the work for a lot of people My 'spidey senses' tell me others will chime in now and 'echo' what Paul has said, LOL! Really, thank you so much. I'm honored and humbled that you have enjoyed my work. It will be my pleasure to cater to your mind reading and mentalism needs in the future. Warm regards, Jerome
"Join my update list here!" http://eepurl.com/uE3Jf
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Rick Elite user Va. 452 Posts |
I have to give mine here also. I have been thinking how to better incorperate my Q and A into just a full blown show.For years I thought to myself I was doing it the right way, but After months of deliberating,I finally took the plunge and mustered up the money to buy this..This is the best purchace I have made,plain and simple.Just after reading this now,a second time it's like a light went on in my head and said this is how a real q and a should and does look like.After buying 1000's of dollars of material/effects to duplicate what is given here,I wished this would of been published 20 years ago.I could of saved time and money to keep duplicating what you can do with nothing if you wish as Jerome has outlined in his book..I'm serious when I say this,this has changed my perception to mentalism so bad I don't want to do nothing else but the Q and A..the simplicity,no props,and real answers what else does a person want..
Let's start with method one..Simply just beautifull! I read and re read this..I had to try this method,I went to a bar the other night,got a group to my table,along with the bar owner,began the process,a hit with everyone! I left no stone unturned thanks to Jerome's vision of how to do a correct Q and A..Not to mention,I have a booked gig from the bar owner for a standup night club act Just because I used the tools Jerome laid out in the book!And that was just from using the tools Jerome has laid out for you to learn! Method 2 is just as if not more free because you are just connecting with your audience with no props,at the same time still giving them the most dead on reading to thier questions!You will probably scare the h**l out of people using this because you WILL tell them what thier questions are! Method 3..wow..theres just too much to fathom here,readings and object readings,,this is something I have tried to tacle for many years and I have been doing it the wrong way all this time..This is the way I should of been doing this type of Q and A and would of landed many more gigs if I would of had this book. Not only just readings and how to do them corectly,Jerome leaves no stone unturned and with other input from some of the best mentalist in Jerome's book, you have every tool in the world to give the most honest-REAL-reading for a human being ever imagined. Now as above you can plainly see there is a lot more than what I just spoke from the heart.Jerome goes into so much,may it be what to do and what not to do giving readings..golden in my book. Using zodiac,colors,aura elements is something that is just simply beautifull now I can use the correct way thanks to Jerome. How to get the most out of a reading with spectator's- Pick and choosing them as well. I could go on and on..I tell you I haven't began to give you a review..why? just because there is so much here to list..Paul's review above was great.All I am here is to tell you this is to me the best purchace I have ever made in the mentalism field.Every time I read this I can't believe what Jerome has given to the community..All I can say is I thank you Jerome for the tools you have giving me..I will use this till the end of time! BEST PURCHACE I HAVE EVER MADE! |
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Jerskin Inner circle 2497 Posts |
I'm about half way through a first read through & am quite impressed.
GrEg oTtO
MUNDUS VULT DECIPI |
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Seth speaks Inner circle New Mexico 1249 Posts |
The thing I love most about all of Jerome's stuff that I have is the deeply deceptive psychology behind it all. I have the feeling that some people are sitting on the fence about purchasing because they are worried that his stuff is mainly a recycling of commonly known concepts (one of my fears in the beginning).
Let me put that concern to rest. When Jerome uses older methods, they are always updated and honed to a razor's edge that hasn't quite been seen before. However, so much of his stuff consists of truly devious and cutting-edge perceptual illusioneering from Jerome, and sometimes from other contributors. The "Dynamite Mentalism" and "Sensational Questions" sections are completely updated for the modern age, but the "Devious Ploys" section alone is almost worth the price of the book. I love the methods of literally discovering questions beforehand, and then giving the illusion that you are pulling them directly out of their minds. Yes, as Jheff points out, he does cover some ground in GQ&A that will be familiar to experienced mentalists. Yes, he does have a few sections on various Free Association systems that readers of Knepper or Webster or Browning may recognize. But they are extremely well done, and they are NOT the bulk of the manuscript. Most of it is pure, original Jerome--which means quality, I've come to learn. This is NOT a collection of stock readings, though it contains a few, and it is not a rehash of Anderson's "Dynamite Mentalism," though that is discussed and updated. In this book, Jerome goes at Q&A from every angle, including many different techniques and styles that we can pick and choose from, like Sunday brunch at a 5 star hotel, or that we can use all together to throw off the scent. He teaches how to get actual, specific questions from people without letting them know you've gotten them. He teaches how to point to a specific person you've never spoken to before and start picking out exact questions they are thinking of (not generalizations), while making it impossible for them to deny that you were deadly accurate. He also teaches very simple methods of suggestion that I KNOW work, because I've used a slight variant in my readings for years--simple hypnotic suggestion that take no effort, yet makes the sitter feel the transmission/connection between you even more intimately and powerfully. I think most who've read this will know what I am talking about when I say several sections literally made me laugh out loud at the balls out reality shift taking place in the spectators' minds. (On a side note, Thought Dial gave me several of those moments, too--for instance a brief section where Jerome details how to literally, LITERALLY write down a hidden word on a whiteboard or pad, put it aside, ask the person what exact word they are thinking of, and then instantly reveal that you wrote down that word before any mention of it was made. No gimmicks or secret writing; the spec can turn around the pad. I am not kidding. This is the kind of stuff Jerome does.) GQ&A has plenty of those moments, too. Not just general personality assessments--literally pointing to different people in the audience and answering questions that they have only thought of (or have revealed to you without realizing it). He also discusses exactly how to structure several different types of Q&A act, while leaving the door wide open for each performer to create his own unique take. Admittedly, the manuscript a lot to digest. But with his inimitable and down-to-earth style, Jerome makes it quite easy to learn. You could learn three or four principles from this book, I believe, (or even just ONE) and probably have a powerhouse of a Q&A routine in your repertoire. He discusses how to do quick and accurate readings for a few minutes during your show (or even casual impromptu), or how to structure a full two-hour act of strictly Q&A. This is kick*ss, killer material here, folks. This is stuff that will make you appear to be as real a psychic as they come, and I recommend getting this quickly... Seth |
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Christopher Caldwell New user Scottsdale, Arizona 87 Posts |
Hello, is "Thought Dial" now available again? It is referenced in (Seth's) post above, but a previous post from a few weeks ago implied that Seth had missed out on Thought Dial. I'm interested in possibly purchasing these, but want to make sure I'd be getting the correct manuscripts. Did you mean Thought CHANNEL?
Thank you for clarifying. |
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Seth speaks Inner circle New Mexico 1249 Posts |
No, Chris, it's not; didn't mean to mislead. (I've PMed you a clarification.) But GQ&A is full of equally awesome and similar material, which I recommend to mentalists or readers---and it won't be available for much longer! (Jerome makes it strangely pleasurable and satisfying to send him money...) Thought Veil is next on my wish list, and I can't wait!
Seth |
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Jerome Finley V.I.P. SLC 3419 Posts |
Thought Dial is unavailable.
I was able to part with 2 copies over the last 4 and a half months. I stop sales of my limited items at 45 to allow some 'wiggle room' for special cases. Thanks to all of you for your reviews and kind words for 'Guerrilla Q&A.' Your thoughts are most appreciated! Best, Jerome Finley
"Join my update list here!" http://eepurl.com/uE3Jf
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Natural Mystic Special user Atlanta, GA 509 Posts |
I took the plunge.
"You never change the existing reality by
fighting it. Instead, create a new model that makes the old one obsolete." -- R. Buckminster Fuller |
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Harris0n Loyal user leeds uk 290 Posts |
I've only just come across this thread but would like to echo what others have said (Just as Jerome predicted, of course )
In his introduction to Dynamite Mentalism, George Anderson wrote about his act, "Something better may come along sooner or later, it usually does, but as yet I haven't seen it." Well, something better has finally come along and its name is 'Guerrilla Q&A'. Raw, bold, brave, powerful... This is more than just a Q&A act. This is a manual of tried and tested tools and techniques for connecting with a person or group of people on the very deepest level. With contributions from the likes of Riggs, Cavalli, Karmolovich, Nu and Weber, this book is, in theory, all you'll ever need to read minds, nothing written down, nothing spoken... for real! Superb book. Highly recommended.
"There are times when the truth is necessary and times when myth-making is necessary." Nick Cave
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parmenion Inner circle Switzerland/Zürich 3988 Posts |
I just finished to read it
As usual it's incredible. I have so much to say about his book ! I could write a novel, simply incredible ! more,The jerome's style is clear and easy to follow Now let's go to work
“I love talking about nothing. It is the only thing I know anything about.”
<BR>Oscar Wilde experimentaliste <br> <BR>Artist pickpocket Professional <BR> <BR>Looking for the best book test in French? send me a PM! |
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Jerome Finley V.I.P. SLC 3419 Posts |
Thank you, gents!
I'm honored to hear you love the work. Be strong, Jerome
"Join my update list here!" http://eepurl.com/uE3Jf
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Jerskin Inner circle 2497 Posts |
Now I have to get up the nerve to go do it!
GrEg oTtO
MUNDUS VULT DECIPI |
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cpbartak Special user Mooresville, NC 941 Posts |
I love this book. I've been debating what to say about it for awhile now. There is such a wealth of material contained within these pages that I really didn't know where to begin a review. However, I can see that the above reviews have done a great job of capturing and addressing much of the content/essence of this book. So, I simply want to add my basic impressions.
This book feels encyclopedic and complete in every respect; any miniscule issue one could potentially encounter while adapting a Q & A act of this nature to their personal show is addressed in these pages, and I feel confident that all purchasers who are serious about persuing this type of Q & A act will return to this work again and again and continually gain valuable insights from each experience. As far as I am concerned, knowing that you will repeatedly read a book is one of the best indicators of the book's value. This book was definitely worth the cost to me. I think I can understand why there are just a couple of reviews. Most books have one or two brilliant ideas that really stick out and excite and are easy to discuss, but when a book is as chock full of great ideas as this work is, it's hard to zero in and appreciate them all in a single read. Even though I've read through the book twice, I know that there are several ideas in here that have not yet sung to me, and I think I and others haven't wanted to do them a disservice by failing to mention them. I just want to say that, to me, this is one of the most valuable mentalism books I've ever purchased, and I believe it may be regarded as a classic in time.
Some people hear voices.. Some see invisible people.. Others have no imagination whatsoever.
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Seth speaks Inner circle New Mexico 1249 Posts |
LOL, cpbartak, that is one of the main problems I have with talking about Jerome's work. I've been meaning to write some comments to Jerome about three of his publications, and it is just so hard to zero in on stuff. It's all so incredibly good! Plus, most of his stuff is pretty deep; I mean, really, this is as close to the REAL thing as you can get, and it's hard to be objective about it, and I'd like to write something thoughtful instead of just gushing. (But comments are coming, Jerome--I promise!)
Seth |
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Jerome Finley V.I.P. SLC 3419 Posts |
Thank you, Seth and cp!
I appreciate your kind words, honest reviews and thoughtful posts very, very much. Please let me know if there are any questions I can answer for you regarding the work. As with all my materials, I'm here to assist my buyers in any way possible. I want you to be happy with your purchase and confident while using this material. I still have a few of these manuscripts left. Releasing 'Guerrilla Q&A' right before Christmas was good and bad in some ways. About 10 orders fell through due to the X-Mas crunch and flailing economy, which is completely understandable. I had counted these as 'done deals' before the transactions were complete, erringly. The rest went lightning fast and again I'm honored by all the support, encouragement and feedback from my buyers, peers and friends in the craft. With that in mind, a few copies remain and are available NOW for immediate shipping. Once these are gone, they're gone! All my best, Jerome
"Join my update list here!" http://eepurl.com/uE3Jf
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Waters Inner circle 2508 Posts |
This is really impressive work. I do not perform Q&A (for my own reasons) but I am convinced of it's power. As all of Jerome's work, this has wonderful depth and brilliant thinking. What is so interesting is that he really challenged a lot of my notions about how this should be done (if I was to perform it). It was a bit of a suprise.
What I truly appreciated about this work (and I am only half way done) is that Jerome is taking the reader for a tour of his evolution of thought regarding the genre. This is the type of writing I most enjoy. As I knew I would, I have been learning some great insights into both the presentation of Q&A and the thoughts of our onlookers. This will make me think about some other assumptions I have made in my own performance. I took the liberty of posting half-way, because as Seth mentioned, there is a lot of information here, so managing it in smaller bites will help proper digestion. Wonderful! Sean |
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Jerome Finley V.I.P. SLC 3419 Posts |
Thanks, Sean!
That my work would cause that remarkable mind of yours to think along different lines and reconsider a few things is the best I could hope for. I'm honored to hear you're enjoying the work and please let me know if there's anything I can do to assist you. Best, Jerome
"Join my update list here!" http://eepurl.com/uE3Jf
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AttnPls Special user 554 Posts |
Is anybody looking to part with their copy of Guerrilla Q&A? Please PM me
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rpierce Inner circle New Hampshire - USA 1220 Posts |
How do I contact Jerome to gain access to his site - Please PM me
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