My dear Brothers & Sisters In Christ,

I want to address something with you that has been on my mind for quite some time, but recently has prompted me into action. Please indulge me.

I have been looking around for a copy of "Greater Gospel Magic" by Duane Laflin. Obviously, this is an OOP resource for the gospel magician. Yesterday I received an unsolicited PM from a magician (who does not appear to be a member of the FCM, according to his website) who addressed my desire to obtain a copy of this book. After detailing for me the book's scarcity, original selling price ($40), the selling prices listed on ebay, etc ($260, etc) he offered to sell me his copy, before listing it on ebay, for $120.00.

Fellow believers, I am appalled by this for a number of reasons. I am an intelligent man, who understands the notion of supply and demand, and the commodities market. However, as I relayed to this particular person, I pray that, if I am ever in a situation where I have absorbed the value of a particular piece (trick, item, book, etc.) PARTICULARLY in the arena of a ministry whose primary purpose is that of sharing GOD'S LOVE, that I participate in my directive to "equip the saints" by throwing off my worldly desires of profit.

I contacted Duane about this, and I hope that this particular resource will once again be available to those who desire to learn from his mentoring. Meanwhile, I implore all of those who desire to perpetuate the truths of the scripture to share with the brothers and sisters (i.e,the FELLOWSHIP). None of what we do is for ourselves, but for HIS edification.

God Bless you and your ministry,

Steve Templeton

What a shame to read about this unscrupulous seller.

I'll sell you mine for $115.

Terry

"Unscrupulous" is not a term I would have ever suggested. An opinion can be offered without malice, although it is sometimes in the minority based on many examples here on the Café.

By the way, the gentleman did notify me that, his listed website notwithstanding, he is indeed a member of the FCM.

Steve

Based on this reasoning, Gutenberg Bibles should be cheap, right? Just because something is of spiritual significance, doesn't make it immune from supply and demand.

I don't think the seller was being unscrupulous. If he were, he'd have offered you a photocopy of the thing for fifty bucks. :o)

Dan Wolfe, aka. "The Amazing Earl"

First, Dan, I love your avatar. You truly look "magical."
Secondly, I tend to disagree with your premise. The Gutenberg Bible may be rare, but not the information that it contains. It is rare because of its printing method. Finally, I never used the term "unscrupulous." And the work in question is not my focus, nor is any particular individual. From routining to inspirations to publications... what is our ultimate goal here as believers called to spread the Word through our particular chosen craft? If your point were taken to the extreme, then all developers/manufacturers/writers of "gospel" magic effects and presentations would give it away for free. Not my intentions at all. Our motives for what we do (and that is a large umbrella, I admit) is at the heart of my original post... and not at all out of line with the spirit of what the FCM is all about.

I have an autographed copy from Duane, it is a terrific resource. But I do hope Duane re-issues it, but for him, no doubt it is a matter of finances. A reprint probably would cost him a small fortune, then he is left hawking the books for years to come (is my guess)to the same "crowd" who may already have it. I know Duane had it for sale for many years, and had many copies of it at his FCM booth. I remember when Harbin came out with his Zig-Zag book years ago, it was advertised like crazy. Now you can't get one for less than a house payment...

They sell it here but as a back order...I am not sure if you are willing to give it a try:

http://www.magic.org/store/product_info.php?products_id=281

I do think Supple and Demand is at work here. Especially anything on Ebay. I've been reading a book lately called "Basic Economics" and it is a awesome book! anyways, I am off topic. But I would love a copy of this as well. Hopefully, it will be available again.

Reserve Item Notice! As a convenience, you can reserve this item even though it's out of stock. It may be discontinued or just temporarily sold out. Reserve items do not qualify for a refund. If we can't ship it within one month, you'll receive a store credit for the full purchase price!

This sounds more like "unscrupulous" to me, especially when the dealer knows it's out of print with no intention in the near future to produce more. Unless you want $56.00 in store credit, this would not be the way to go.

Further note: I don't know what the consumer laws are in the USA but here in Canada they would have to refund the money. In fact, trying to sell something that you don't have leads to bad business practice.

After doing a search I found the book for sale here.
http://store.fastcommerce.com/magicmart/......d73.html

You'll have to scroll down until you come to it.

I was lucky. I had been looking for Duane's book for a number of months. Many magic stores and other sites actually had it listed but when you actually called them they admitted it was out of stock - they had just never changed their web site to reflect that fact.

Then miraculously I found a listing at Frankel's Costume Shop in Houston, Texas. I called them and they actually had a copy (hardback) which they sold me for the listed price of $45.00 plus shipping.

I agree it would be a fine resource if it could be printed again, but as was mentioned, that can be an expensive proposition.

M. Reist

I ordered a copy tonight from the link I provided. They have them in stock. Not sure on how many, but mine is being shipped.

I just went and checked the link I provided and noticed that the book isn't there anymore. I think I might have bought their last book.

As I told another, I missed purchasing a copy of this book from the "Let's Make a Deal" section by THAT MUCH (as Maxwell Smart would say!) for $45. Thanks, Gospel Dan, for grabbing that up.

Hmmm...I wonder if we might be on the brink of creating an "honor system library" amongst ourselves

I'm not sure I'd let anyone out of state borrow my copy, it would be harder to track them down and get it back if their honor wasn't as good as it should be. =]

I was very lucky in the way that when I was looking for it, none of the stores had it, and every copy on the Café was $100+, but when I posted a wanted add, I found my copy for.... $65 ? On the condition that when I no longer needed/wanted it I would sell it for less then I paid for it, to another new Gospel Magician. So far, I've only read it twice, and think I need a bunch more times through before I let it go...

I hope you find one Steve, for now, if you would like to borrow mine until Advance, I'll bring it when we get together, if you just bring it along to the convention so I can get the man Duane's autograph. =D


Cheers,
Collin

Dan, you need to be careful of what you say in here concerning dealers. You could hurt their business, especially if you've never personally bought from them. I have bought from The Magic Store and Aaron Smith is a great guy to work with. He states up front that it may never come in, but if you want to take that chance, you can do so. Nothing wrong with that.

I even had a problem and they made it right...

You're absolutely right Terry! Thank you for setting me straight. I appreciate that very much. I apologize to The Magic Depot and Aaron Smith. My comments were very ignorant and truly out of line.

I know, the puppet made you do it...lol

Lol. I wish I could use that excuse. If you look at my aviator, I can use it as evidence that the puppet is actually controlling me. Look where his hand is.(lol)

However, the truth be told, I have this sort of habit of shooting from the hip. At times I don't realize when my joint is out of place and some of my old self shows. I wish I would of caught myself first, but it's nice that you did. Well, I gotta go now and finish eating my humble pie.

By the way, I just got my copy of the Christian Conjurer yesterday. I don't know if you know this but...there's a really good article in their about you and your wife. You guys even got the front cover. Sweet! I enjoyed reading about how God has been using you, and it gives me spiritual goosebumps.

Steve
PM me your address I'll send you mine. You can return it when your ready.

Thank you for your kind remarks Dan...wow, the mail must be slow in Canada...We're excited to be featured. I also have an article coming out next issue too.

Dick Stoner, a professional magician and owner of Stoners Magic Shop, had the magazine and the article framed for us. That was such a wonderful gesture on his part. He and his wife are such sweet people. I learn a lot just hanging around him...