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Dr Spektor![]() Eternal Order Carcosa 10599 Posts ![]() |
Quote:
On 2013-03-14 19:19, Adam Hince wrote: Yay some complaints - I am so happy I bought it...now to await it arriving
"They are lean and athirst!!!!"
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Mind Guerrilla![]() Inner circle Queens, NY 2661 Posts ![]() |
“NIX4” promises that you “get to have a running joke/theme through your show that can help bring disassociated effects together... The fact that disparate effects can be bound together to form a more cohesive performance is, in my opinion, worth the price of this book alone.”
Except the “running theme” relies on your making no mistakes in any of your earlier effects. If you mess up early on, you now have to deal with an elephant-in-the-room which takes the form of "2nd Chance" envelope staring down at the audience from an easel. The book does not address this scenario, despite the author's claim “I give you everything and leave out nothing.” So, unless you can guarantee the rest of your act will come off flawlessly, I'd say you're asking for trouble if you attempt to use this running gag idea. As a practical matter then, NIX4 is reduced to a standalone effect. Although described as “virtually self-working” with a skill level of “easy,” the effect relies on five spectators following your instructions. What could possibly go wrong? ![]() The ad says the effect is suitable for parlor or stage. Because of the method employed, I would think you would want to limit performance to one before a very large crowd- to minimize the possible harm of volunteers discussing their experience after the show. Even better if you can select audience members who came alone/purchased a single ticket (to cut down on the number of people they might blab to). So much for the parlor. The key to the effect- what's written on the cards inside the envelopes- is clever. If this idea is the author's creation, he's to be lauded. I assume it is his own, since no credit to any predecessor is given. The effect is as good as any that may have been featured in Bascom Jones' MAGICK back in the day. It might even have had an entire issue devoted to it. But a copy of MAGICK never cost $150. The way “NIX4” has been fluffed up to a 226 page hardcover limited edition business is worth discussing. What do I mean by “fluffed up?” Well, it's a 226 page book only technically. Books traditionally start numbering their pages after the foreword and introduction. Here the numbering starts from the first page. The book proper actually starts on page 19. Also, books traditionally don't continue their page count for the back page advertisements. This one does- 24 pages worth. The book also has many blank pages. Purely for aesthetics, I'm sure. Each chapter title gets a page all its own and this is followed by a blank page. In total there are 40 blank pages. That's almost enough to turn me into an environmentalist. ![]() Let's look at some of the other artistic choices that were made to contribute to the 226 page count. Entire sections are devoted to material another author may have been able to present as a single sentence or paragraph. For example, by listing 8 required items as bullet points, three sentences become an entire section called “Preparation.” Of course, the very next page is blank (presumably to allow the reader to catch their breath after reading a Staples shopping list). This is followed by a section called “Preparation: Envelope Words,” in which the reader is essentially told to write 5 words on 5 envelopes. In case the reader is unclear as to what a word looks like, there are five separate illustrations: each individual word in block letters inside a rectangle. Taken together with the preceding section, that makes 6 pages dedicated to, essentially, 4 or 5 paragraphs of material. After seeing how careful the author is, going so far as to remind us what words look like, the reader might feel confident that he/she will be taken by the hand and will have every step exhaustively illustrated. However, while there are many illustrations (including pictures of chairs, in case the reader has never encountered such a sophisticated apparatus), there are none devoted to the one piece of “tomfoolery” in the effect. That's right- the number of illustrations for the “one deceptive move” “at the very heart of NIX4” is zero. One section is dedicated to describing the construction of a thick card- due to concerns over strong stage lighting and chairs “that have holes in the lumbar section of the back rest.” Are there pictures of these types of chairs, which so vex the author? You're way ahead of me. No, there are not. All the chairs illustrated are of the non-lumbar-hole variety. Speaking of chairs, no concern is shown for one of the more common types you're liable to run into- the folding chair whose backrest has a curved or rounded top. Why should this be an issue? Because the instructions call for placing a rubber band around the backrest. With a rounded top, there's more of a chance of the rubber band sliding up and popping off (I think a lot of time and effort would have been spared by eliminating the chairs altogether or by instructing the reader to just tape the cards to the underside of the seats.). I'll also mention that there are four pages devoted to explaining how to rip a sheet of paper off a pad (fully illustrated, of course). We have clearly entered You-Have-Got-To-Be-Pulling-My-Leg territory at this point. Until now, I had avoided hopping on the “limited edition” bandwagon. Because of the positive reviews on this thread, I decided to take the plunge with this book. Thanks, guys. ![]() ![]() |
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JanForster![]() Inner circle Germany ... when not traveling... 3878 Posts ![]() |
I have the book (and at least one of the mentioned you didn't go for) and you still make me laugh... Of course you are right, but your criticized points were no surprise for me anymore... I still think the routine is well constructed, but I saw your concerns as well. There are solutions. It is not a problem for me as I never expect anything to be perfect. On the other hand I know that I perform some routines of my own which I consider being almost perfect. But I would not put them in print as long as I still perform them - but that's me. Jan
Jan Forster
www.janforster.de |
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phillsmiff![]() Inner circle UK 1684 Posts ![]() |
New downloadable supplement:
Page to be inserted between pages 72 and 73 in NIX4 I hope this clarifies things. Phill Click here to view/download attached file.
Now available to preorder, the incredible new DMC ELITES V5 deck, our biggest leap yet.
-+: https://store.dmcmagic.com/products/dmc-elites-v5 :+- |
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kinesis![]() Inner circle Scotland, surrounded by 2701 Posts ![]() |
I've read Mind Guerrilla's post and take on-board what he is saying but have to disagree with most of it.
Just in case Mind Geurrilla's post put's you off NIX4, I'd like to reply to many of his issues The running gag - If you screw up elsewhere during the show you should have already considered potential 'outs' so that your screw-up is invisible or appear intentional. Or introduce the card specifically for the routine explaining that there is great potential for things going wrong during this segment and that you have brought in an escape clause. Or just don't use the running gag at all. ADAPT the routine to suit your style which is what you should do with all routines. Working with people - The routine, like any chair routine, requires that participants are involved. If you are performing on stage you should have good audience management skills and script the routine so that you have several checks in place to ensure that every participant FULLY understands what is required of them. I think Paul does a good job in covering many possible scenarios Number of pages - I don't buy books based on number of pages, quality not quantity. Yes there was padding. There was also a heck of a lot of detail from Paul. He covers what is essentially quite a simple routine in great detail. Paul covers a lot more than most when writing up a routine. You won't find the words "using your favourite method" written in this book. The Deceptive move - It's not even a move! It's explained and doesn't require any further explanation. This is an expensive book that is priced for experienced performers. If you are struggling with this then rethink your occupation. Tearing paper from a pad, chairs and card construction - Mind Guerrilla, really, is this a point of contention you find worthy to include in your review. I use double thickness card stuck to the back of my chairs with velcro dots. I hope this helps. I like NIX4, so does Bob Cassidy but what would he know ![]() Derek |
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JanForster![]() Inner circle Germany ... when not traveling... 3878 Posts ![]() |
Quote:
On 2013-03-19 05:10, phillsmiff wrote: :) Thanks, Phill, that was an important missing piece in the book, now I understand... ![]() Nevertheless - as I wrote before - I would prefer to do it without chairs anyway... Jan
Jan Forster
www.janforster.de |
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eric6![]() Regular user 177 Posts ![]() |
Hi Phill,
How can I get the download update ? Thanks Eric |
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phillsmiff![]() Inner circle UK 1684 Posts ![]() |
The link is on my post but please brace yourself for massive disappointment.
Phill
Now available to preorder, the incredible new DMC ELITES V5 deck, our biggest leap yet.
-+: https://store.dmcmagic.com/products/dmc-elites-v5 :+- |
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Steve Suss![]() Inner circle 1193 Posts ![]() |
While I'm sure Mind Guerrilla's review is not 100% perfect I would respect his reviews any time. You can sense they are unbiased and honest. Thanks for a great review.
Steve |
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the Sponge![]() Inner circle Atlanta 2573 Posts ![]() |
Yes, thank you Mind Guerrilla for an entertaining review. And thank you Phill for an amusing, yet appropriate and helpful reply.
s |
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mastermindreader![]() V.I.P. Seattle, WA 12589 Posts ![]() |
In case it's not obvious, what I wrote in the forward to the book was based on the content, not the ultimate layout.
I stand by what I wrote. |
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Dr Spektor![]() Eternal Order Carcosa 10599 Posts ![]() |
Quote:
On 2013-03-18 22:42, Mind Guerrilla wrote: Well you made me feel better about my purchase... As now I believe it has good material it versus total strart a new religion etc baloney... Thanks!!! I haven't gotten it yet - but that was the one thing I was waiting for - a review that showed there is cool stuff in it but it isn't perch. And please don't mention limited editions - gives me a headache ![]()
"They are lean and athirst!!!!"
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Dr Spektor![]() Eternal Order Carcosa 10599 Posts ![]() |
Mine arrived - and the corners are all pristine... must be the commonwealth countries connection - initial glance is its really detailed!!!!! Nice pics Phil! Now to figure out how to turn it into some nightmare evil presentation of dark inner chaos... fun fun fun!
"They are lean and athirst!!!!"
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parmenion![]() Inner circle Switzerland/Zürich 3992 Posts ![]() |
Mine is not arrived!
Ok, in the same time, it's logical as I don't buy it.
“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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brehaut![]() Inner circle kentucky 2529 Posts ![]() |
Quote:
On 2013-03-23 16:12, parmenion wrote: Look forward to your review regardless |
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Michael Clifton![]() Loyal user 212 Posts ![]() |
Well the power of auction, seems to have elevated this work to double its price. Don't know whether it's because its Mr
Royles copy..lol But the fact that you can still pick this up from Paul has made me scratch my head and probably his too. Current bid £190 with postage on your friendly auction web site. So after this post all remaining copies will be snapped up and then resold...probably by Mr Royle himself.. ![]()
Whether you think you can or you can't, you're right!
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Mind Guerrilla![]() Inner circle Queens, NY 2661 Posts ![]() |
Quote:
On 2013-03-14 04:47, kinesis wrote: Actually, I think it's the script that is causing the confusion. Near the end of the routine when the performer approaches volunteer #5, he says, “Obviously, you're a liar.” Why say “obviously” if no process of elimination has taken place? Quote:
On 2013-03-19 05:22, kinesis wrote: Some recoveries from screw ups may be invisible to your audience, some may not. It's the latter variety that will may have audience members wondering “Why didn't he use his 2nd Chance?” I guess you could pull out a marker and change “2nd Chance” to “3rd Chance” but I'd think it best not to tempt fate and leave NIX4 as a standalone final effect. Quote:
Working with people - The routine, like any chair routine, requires that participants are involved. If you are performing on stage you should have good audience management skills and script the routine so that you have several checks in place to ensure that every participant FULLY understands what is required of them. I think Paul does a good job in covering many possible scenarios I was addresing the author's claim that the effect is “self working.” I suppose our definitions of that term differ. Quote:
The Deceptive move - It's not even a move! It's explained and doesn't require any further explanation. Perhaps I didn't communicate my point clearly. I was discussing the number of imo unnecessary illustrations. By not showing the move- but showing us what chairs and words look like, how to tear a sheet of paper off a pad, etc.- it makes one wonder to what extent the illustrations are provided to be helpful and to what extent they are there simply to take up space. Quote:
This is an expensive book that is priced for experienced performers. If you are struggling with this then rethink your occupation. Then you agree it isn't “easy” and “self working.” Glad we've found some middle ground. ![]() Quote:
Tearing paper from a pad, chairs and card construction - Mind Guerrilla, really, is this a point of contention you find worthy to include in your review. Absolutely, as I was trying to convey how padded this book seems to be. Quote:
I like NIX4, so does Bob Cassidy but what would he know It's a fine effect if you're playing in a theater to a large crowd of people who don't know each other. Owing to the method and number of volunteers used, this is not the type of thing to do at, say, a business luncheon, before members of a private club, at a party, banquet, corporate show etc. |
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magicman29![]() Inner circle hertfordshire 1229 Posts ![]() |
Nice review mind guerilla
![]() Kieran |
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celebrity![]() Inner circle 1676 Posts ![]() |
I've read hundreds of books on both magic and mentalism and yet I've never come across anything that is as meticulously explained as this.
Paul guides you methodically through each and every step of this multi phased routine providing the reader with in depth knowledge that could only have resulted from countless live performances. The routine itself is beautiful, a true work of art. Each revelation building upon the last to an amazing climax fit to close the show of any serious mentalist. The fact that this requires almost no skill whatsoever is a good enough reason to purchase this in itself but combined with the fact that this packs into an A4 folder makes this a must! I yet again take my hat off to Mr.Brook for yet another first class product, you my friend are a genius!
As a mentalist you must always ask yourself what if! And throughout your life you should seek to ask and answer this question over and over again, only then will your wildest dreams become a reality!
Visit - www.mindfx.co.uk to learn more! |
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Pete Legend![]() Inner circle Ireland 1360 Posts ![]() |
Tom : Thanks for the review!
"I like NIX4, so does Bob Cassidy but what would he know ![]() Negative reviews should be encouraged and treated with the same respect as positive ones. I often think people persuade themselves that what they purchased is actually good as they don't want to think that they have wasted their money ( I used to fall into that bracket). Person who offers a negative review as detailed as Tom's shouldn't have to defend it. I myself do a fair bit of corporate work, colleges and presentations to smaller groups so I appreciate the review. Ok I'm off now to buy the next genius effect that will make my audience heads explode with extreme methods that fuse cutting edge technology with old school know how! ![]() P.S. Maybe I'm just cranky today ![]() |
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