|
|
Go to page [Previous] 1~2~3~4~5 [Next] | ||||||||||
MichaelCGM Inner circle Oklahoma City 2286 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-07-31 20:01, Tony Razzano wrote: ...there is no reason on earth, at least that I can see, to mention the name of the effect. I am talking about mentalism, not magic, by the way. Two points: First, there is no reason on earth to mention the name of an effect when performing as a magician, either. Second, in the great majority of cases, if you're talking about mentalism, you are talking about magic... just a different preference in presentation. But that's fodder for another thread. |
|||||||||
Dr. Van Van Mojo Special user 570 Posts |
I've gotten through less than a page and this thread is just taking a downward spiral. Egos.....
First off, the word TERASABOS is actually part of the scripting for that effect. It was published years ago before there was widespread instant googling and of course the word should be changed if you are performing it these days. Also, they don't necessarily need a name if they want to figure it out anyway, they could just as easily google a description. Second, those of you that are performing for a large audience...if you think nobody googles anything during your show.....think again. No matter how great you think you are, someone there wants to figure it out. And if it is a large audience, there are probably also a few folks there that are bored no matter how wonderful and engaging you think you are. Some of them may not even really want to be there. If you are sure absolutely everyone in your audience is totally riveted to your performance, maybe your audiences aren't as big as you think. One more thing. If you have a large audience, you can't stop your show from being recorded unless you do a search at the door. If someone wants to record your show, they will. |
|||||||||
Mark Powell Special user UK 504 Posts |
While this is still hanging about, thought I'd just mention a really good article in issue 298 of PC Plus about this very subject. Includes comments from Paul Brook.
Worth a read if you can find it. |
|||||||||
dennper Loyal user 242 Posts |
"First, there is no reason on earth to mention the name of an effect when performing as a magician,"
Back to my favorite point on this subject, some effects are easily identifiable. Such as the WA, which has that name, plus the word 'Dekranom' printed on the cover. Also, if you google 'Cornelius Hobbs' it will lead you in the right direction towards Ipswitch. Has always been my thought that it is just as easy to make certain web pages google proof as others have mentioned. |
|||||||||
Necromancer Inner circle Chicago 3076 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-07-31 14:53, kinesis wrote: :)
Creator of The Xpert (20 PAGES of reviews!), Cut & Color, Hands-Off Multiple ESP (HOME) System, Rider-Waite Readers book, Zoom Pendulum ebook ...
|
|||||||||
insight Inner circle 3095 Posts |
Another thing that can be done to prevent audience members from wanting to google is to engage them in a captivating performance that convinces them of the possibility of the impossible. Sometimes, things just can't be explained...and if the audience member is convinced of that, he or she will be less likely to google to figure how it's done...
Regards, Mike |
|||||||||
alpha alex Special user 774 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-08-02 10:51, insight wrote: yep.. that plus lets keep the names of the effects to ourselves. kids name the effects all the time on youtube, I even remember a past member of the Café flashing the witches almanac and even calling it by name on youtube while he did one of his ¨psychic¨ stunts. (cringe moment) |
|||||||||
Decomposed Eternal Order High Desert 12059 Posts |
Problem sometimes is the name of the trick is the name on the prop used. To make it more real, the real title is used or its written on it. I am using one such item just purchased. Google then picks up if someone does google it. Just like your stage name.
ClICK HERE for HOW TO MAKE TRANSITION FROM MAGICIAN TO MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER WORLD NEW BOOK!
Click here for NEW PROMO TRAILER! 90 seconds of pure laughs without a standing ovation! Click here for Magicians Austin Mentalist Performance https://www.facebook.com/AustinMagicians https://www.speakermatch.com/profile/gianicano/ Magicians Company Entertainers in Dallas, TX https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8sHW_zVuSc https://about.me/motivationalpublicspeaker |
|||||||||
J.Warrens Inner circle Canada 1098 Posts |
I had this problem while performing the Gypsy Thread before.
My presentation has no reference to "Gypsies" or anything remotely close to it, and I most certainly do not mention the name of it. However, that did not stop someone from searching the terms "thread trick". Ouch. I'd love to hear Eugene's thoughts on this. Cheers. |
|||||||||
Christian & Katalina Elite user 407 Posts |
By far the worst offender of the Google the trick are the 25 and under crowd. Katalina and I perform at about 100 colleges a year and we have intimate experience with the idea of googling a trick. There are two reasons for this.
1. They are very familiar with and are at ease using their mobile devices to look things up on the spur of the moment. Even though I have a Blackberry…I would rather wait to get home to look something up on my nice large screen than to view it on my 2 inch by 3 inch screen. However, the younger crowd doesn’t mind one bit. 2. That same age group does not consider it rude to google, text, or even take a call during your show. Katalina and I have had spectators answer their phones while on stage. At times it has been mind boggling for us to observe the total lack of manners/ self awareness of the younger generation when using these devices. Last year during our show we asked for a show of hands, of the amount of people that have broken up with a boy/girl friend via a text message. 50% said they have done that. I called them sissies… and told the crowd should do it the old fashion way and have a friend tell them. (always gets a nice laugh) The point is this . . . there are new standards when it comes to using this technology. Get used to it. About 5 years ago we had to take “Healed and Sealed” out of our show because people would google it right on the spot. Even though no name was given for the effect, they would go straight to Youtube and search for a few terms. Bingo . . . you’re busted. Although I agree that using the Industry name for an effect in your show is CRAZY, if the effect is unique enough, they will be able to find it somewhere in Cyber Space. (and as already mentioned in this thread, the term Terasabos was part of the original scripting. . . ahh before mobile devices) So each year, my wife and I would notice the trend to look up what is happening on stage with a mobile device. If one person in the audience does it and gets even a little information . . . bam! Out come ten more. So what do we do? Scripting becomes extremely important. Once a they become lost in the story . . . the pull to look something up on a mobile device becomes less likely. However, if your story is sold as absolutely true and googlable, they will want to verify what you are saying is true. If you have rearranged the facts or only kinda know what you are talking about….oh-oh. You have to understand certain standard effects in mentalism are easily found via a google or youtube search. Book tests, blind folds, Danger Monte/knife stab, and spoon bending are just a few that are easy to google by just searching for generic terms. So, choose your show pieces wisely and think about the premise of your show. If your whole show’s main point is to show your audience that you have powers . . . prepare to be challenged. I was watching one young mentalist’s show and during the show he used the term “Billets” a few times. Right next to me, I observed a patron pull out their Iphone and look up “billet”. It started to get ugly after that. As far as mentalism is concerned the question will always go back to how you are approaching your show. If your show is merely a “I have powers show” you will have a great deal more challenges than a show with a stronger premise and entertainment value. And finally, if you perform in public for compensation, then your effects will need to be cloaked in layers, have strong non-standard premises, and be unique to your performing personality. Just my take.
Milbourne Christopher Award for Mentalism 2011
The Annemann Award for Menatalism 2016 Author of "Protoplasm" Close-up Mentalism |
|||||||||
bevbevvybev Inner circle UK 2672 Posts |
Spot on
|
|||||||||
DrTodd Inner circle 1976 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-07-31 02:05, marklock wrote: But we never mention Luna when performing....we tell the story complemented with photos, the key box, other books and ephemera, but never say Luna...that makes no sense at all. Same with Terasabos. I just do it as a demonstration of understanding human nature. I never mention the name. I am with Dick Christian on this one... |
|||||||||
J.Warrens Inner circle Canada 1098 Posts |
Great post Christian and Katalina.
I agree with all that you wrote, and for the most part, I've not really had too many problems except specifically with the Gypsy thread. I must be getting old as I find the manners of the younger generation quite disturbing to say the least - and I'm only 36! I'm sure our grandparents felt/feel the same way about us too. LOL Cheers. |
|||||||||
Dick Christian Inner circle Northern Virginia (Metro DC) 2619 Posts |
Christian & Katalina have described a very real challenge that one is apt to encounter when performing for audiences of a particular age range. Other age groups present other challenges which serves to point out the importance of understanding both your audience(s) and -- just as importantly -- yourself. Every age group (or other demographic) has its own unique characteristic(s) and challenge(s) and it is essential that anyone who hopes to successfully perform in public understand what types of audiences are right for his/her performing style and persona in order to select the appropriate material and adapt their presentation as necessary to appeal to each and -- perhaps most important of all -- to know which audiences/situations to avoid.
IMO success is largely (if not entirely) dependent on the right combination of performer, material and audience. Getting any of those disparate factors wrong is to court disaster.
Dick Christian
|
|||||||||
slowkneenuh Regular user After 5,278+ posts, only credited with 133 Posts |
Folks, a lot more professions than mentalists or magicians are worrying about this capability with more serious consequences than a revealed effect! Not sure if it can be resolved, but it sure has to be dealt with in the real world.
John
John
"A poor workman always blames his tools" |
|||||||||
Christian & Katalina Elite user 407 Posts |
Dick,
Your post is totally right on and something I tell young performers all the time. There are different demographics of audiences, different venues, and different entertainment mediums. They do not all work the same.
Milbourne Christopher Award for Mentalism 2011
The Annemann Award for Menatalism 2016 Author of "Protoplasm" Close-up Mentalism |
|||||||||
Christian & Katalina Elite user 407 Posts |
J Warrens.
Wow... see even I'm surprised that they search for Gypsy Thread or variations there of. I probably shouldn't be..but...
Milbourne Christopher Award for Mentalism 2011
The Annemann Award for Menatalism 2016 Author of "Protoplasm" Close-up Mentalism |
|||||||||
J.Warrens Inner circle Canada 1098 Posts |
LOL
Yeah, it's frustrating. Such a great effect too...oh well. I can't lose that much sleep over it, I have much bigger things to worry about... Cheers. |
|||||||||
marklock Regular user 151 Posts |
Christian and Katalina, Thanks for your thoughts on this. While I am labeled a "new user" on this site (I've just recently started posting, but have lurked in and out since 2008), I've made my living as a mystery entertainer. I've been a little taken back by the rudeness of some people to my original post, I'm glad to know real people, performing for real people, have encountered this same issue. Thankfully I've not encountered this problem much, but I anticipate needing to consider it in the future. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.
|
|||||||||
gibby357 Veteran user The Woodlands, TX 344 Posts |
Marklock, we all need to anticipate needing to consider this in the future. Thank you for reminding me of that with your post. Here is my one and only encounter with this type of situation;
I happened to be in Vegas, job related (Military), and found I had a few hours on my hand. I decided to go see a magic show. During the performance, I was getting rather annoyed by the constant whispering of two couples sitting near me. Outside, after the show, I decided to tell them that I did not approve of their conduct. What I saw as I approached them was 4 adults, in their late 30's early 40's. I asked them why they were so chatty during the show and one of the ladies remarked that they had heard about this show from a friend. Before they came, they had googled a few effects that the friend was rather impressed with. They had the nerve to be un-impressed with the show when in essence they had ruined it for themselves. One of the guys even told me, as he beamed with pride, he hated being fooled. A few things to keep in mind, these people were not teens, nor college age. They came to the show already prepared to debunk the Magician. It had nothing to do with how well he performed, how well they were engaged or his saying the title of an effect. It had to do with people and human nature. In the old days, if a Magician stumped someone, they would have to purchase the book, video, effect in order to learn the secret. I am sure there were some who did that because it was in their nature. Well, Magic shops are pretty scarce these days and this type of person only wants the secret. If they can learn it online then all the better and that is easy to do. Age/demographics may to a lesser degree, play a part. However, there are no guarantees with that. My 80 year old auntie text, tweets etc. on her PC and phone. IMHO, it is all about the nature of people. We are naturally curious. Some of us would not even be in this profession/hobby today, if not for that. Some Spectators are able to keep that curiosity in check and are just satisfied with being entertained. Some, unfortunately are not! Different strokes for different folks. Times have changed. Technology has changed. We will have to change too! gibby |
|||||||||
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Penny for your thoughts » » Spectators Googling Trick Names .. Terasabos (1 Likes) | ||||||||||
Go to page [Previous] 1~2~3~4~5 [Next] |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.06 seconds requiring 5 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. > Privacy Statement < |