On Feb 24, 2016, magicbrady wrote:
I am very intrigued by this and really want it to make enough sense to purchase it. I actually added it to my shopping cart yesterday and backed away. Those that like it, seem to really like it. I'm just not convinced that it will do anything for me that Psypher or Informant is not already doing. My understanding is that the cool factor is there, which makes me want it, but in the end, I think I'm doing the same thing I already am doing. I think I need to pass. I wish somebody would make a you tube or something showing a logical way of using this that differs from the other awesome peeks that are already on the market.

On Feb 24, 2016, chrismatt wrote:
With due respect to all who have worked with this principle, I feel I must weigh in here. Ten years ago, I performed extensive tests of various types of markers, paper, card stock, etc. In my trilogy, which I privately published and sold back in 2010, on what is now generally known as the Steam principle, I gave a detailed history of my research and reported my findings. Included with my manuscripts (as a "kit" option) were not only the best marker and imp material I had discovered, but my own specially-designed card stock. I had tested a variety of different weights and types of card stock and sent out kits that included my own fabricated 3" x 5" lined index cards, which worked perfectly with my Sub Rosa Book Test, published in the book of the same name.

Recently, I have received several inquiries about my trilogy, probably because of the renewed interest in the principle with the recent release of the new trick. I will not disparage or criticize the work of other creators. However, I will say that the principle on which all these tricks is based is wonderful, but I continue to be surprised by how limited the applications have been, and continue to be, for this remarkable mentalist's tool. In my own work on this principle, performed over the course of several years, I discovered many applications that go way beyond the "attached to the bottom" and "Performer touches the card" methods I've seen in the tricks published to date. Those discoveries were set forth in my three manuscripts, from which I hoped further extensions would develop.

As far as I am concerned, most of the applications in which the card the S writes on is handled or touched by the performer are headed in the wrong direction. (Almost all of the applications in my trilogy are "hands off"--the performer never touches the card written on.) As described for my Mind's Eye Pad, one of the many applications described in my manuscript, Thought Reader's Secret Weapon:

Quote:

To be clear, the Spectator never even writes on the pad (although she could).  She writes her thoughts down on a card or paper held in her own hands—and she doesn't use the pad as a backing to write on!  The Eye Pad is incredibly clean and very reliable. What users seem to appreciate the most is the fact that the Performer never touches the spectator's writing and the spectator's writing never goes into any wallet, envelope, pad, etc.—it is kept in the spectator’s personal space or possession at all times! Also, there are no switches of any kind, nor any sleight of hand involved!

[I've excluded a section in which I talk about the cardstock to be used.]

Thank you for allowing me to add to the discussion here. I hope I have been able to help or guide you as you delve deeper into this marvelous method.

Good luck!
CM

P.S. Before I get requests for the special card stock I manufactured years ago, please know that it is nearly gone. I had a few recent requests and have sent out most of my remaining "kits." (I'm still using whatever stock I currently have left!) Fortunately, my trilogy explains exactly the type of card stock that works best with the principle (and why) and how to go about fabricating your own business and index cards. (Business cards, 3" x 5" lined and unlined index cards, and even large 4" x 6" index cards were included in each of my kits.) Each of my manuscripts also contains helpful trouble-shooting information for those who've had difficulty working with this principle.

PP.S. Please send any inquiries to me at chrismattx@gmail.com.

On Feb 24, 2016, Nicolino wrote:

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On Feb 24, 2016, 1KJ wrote:
If you don't like writing on the envelope, then don't. Figure out a routine that doesn't involve the envelope.

There you have it!
And that's the reason why Steam 2.0 does not deliver more than there was before.

On Feb 26, 2016, 1KJ wrote:

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On Feb 24, 2016, Nicolino wrote:

Quote:

On Feb 24, 2016, 1KJ wrote:
If you don't like writing on the envelope, then don't. Figure out a routine that doesn't involve the envelope.

There you have it!
And that's the reason why Steam 2.0 does not deliver more than there was before.

I don't own Steam 1.0. Perhaps you are right. If the only difference is the envelope, then I agree, no point in purchasing 2.0.

All I know is that with or without the envelope, Steam 2.0 is awesome!

KJ

On Feb 27, 2016, magicduro wrote:

I'm interested to hear about how the bill is used as cover.

On Feb 27, 2016, J1MB0 wrote:
Where in the UK can refills be purchased for Steam? Also is there larger
card and envelope material for to do a stage version?

On Feb 27, 2016, Dominic Reyes wrote:
Merchant of Magic plan to be stocking the refills in the UK, as soon as they are released. They will also post updates on their newsletter for Steam 2.0 as soon as an ETA is published.

Hope this helps

Dominic

On Feb 27, 2016, goshawk wrote:

Quote:

On Feb 27, 2016, Dominic Reyes wrote:
Merchant of Magic plan to be stocking the refills in the UK, as soon as they are released. They will also post updates on their newsletter for Steam 2.0 as soon as an ETA is published.

Hope this helps

Dominic

Dominic, also as well as the refill - are you going to stock the "special" pen too? I have googled for the same type- and can't believe the price!! -