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fib Inner circle 1535 Posts |
Hey gang,
I'm relatively new here so I could use some of your advice. If you think you've come up with a marketable idea for a "trick" that's a very visual form of mentalism -- and I have -- who do you contact to sell it... a dealer, a known performer? Can you generally trust that you'll be credited and compensated? I mean, if it's really good, and this idea of mine is really good. Thanks, fib |
JudgeBean Regular user 125 Posts |
What is the effect?
JudgeBean |
fib Inner circle 1535 Posts |
The effect is a new way to reveal a thought of word, letter, number, even a drawing duplication. I have never seen anything like this. But it is so simple that if I tell you, you will probably catch on. Thing is, I think the idea is so novel, I should get some credit and sell it. But it's also so simple that anybody can think of it. So like an old gold prospector, I want to be the first to market it. fib
Mentalism is generally not visual, and to make it visual, performers often use props -- that, paradoxically, may ruin the effect. This involves a prop that is ordinary and innocent. |
GaryW Veteran user HSMagic 317 Posts |
Fib, my advise is if it's good keep it to yourself. Perform it and make a name for yourself with it.
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Ian Rowland Special user London 889 Posts |
Fib - you have three choices.
1. Just keep it to yourself and make it a 'signature' piece when you perform, and don't publish it. You will build word-of-mouth reputation as the originator over time. (Although there is always someone who will claim they had the idea before you!) 2. Publish and market the idea yourself. There's a steep learning curve, but it can be done, and is one way of trying to maintain control over your intellectual property. Don't expect to get rich because you won't. If I can help you with this, feel free to email me via my website. 3. Do a deal with someone who already publishes booklets or tricks and can market the item for you. Despite occasional cynical humour to the contrary, and the odd exception, most dealers and publishers in the magic trade have good integrity and will abide by the deal - including giving you due credit and sharing the revenue howesoever you agree to split it. People like Peter Nardi (Alakazam) and Carl Fraser (Magictricks.co.uk) are very reputable and honest guys who are good at bringing fresh ideas to the market. So are most of the others, too. All you have to do is approach them, share your idea under terms of strict confidentiality, and they will discuss whether they think it has market potential.
www.ianrowland.com . Working Magic.
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fib Inner circle 1535 Posts |
Ian, thank you very much. Is it appropriate to ask who you'd recommend to talk to here in the U-S? A major dealer like Hank Lee? My sense is I'll be told to come up with a few more effects and put out a booklet. But I strongly feel this can't wait; somebody else's going to come up with the same inspiration.
fib I'd like to share it with you in the strictest confidence -- if you have the time. Fib |
Muggy New user Scotland 54 Posts |
Just a note of caution, share your idea with someone you can trust who has expert historical knowledge in the area of 'marketed' effects and gimmicks.
I have had one or two eureka moments that a little research soon revealed were not firsts. I like to take it as a good sign, "Great minds think alike" afterall. Good luck with your idea! I hope it's the best thing since the CT! Muggy |
Necromancer Inner circle Chicago 3076 Posts |
Quote:
On 2004-04-02 18:37, Ian Rowland wrote: Don't forget option 4: If you'd like to build a name for yourself but find that this isn't a very marketable effect on its own (owing to its "any magician could figure it out" simplicity), consider submitting it to a magazine. You won't make any money from it, but the reputation you gain could aid sales of any marketable effects that you come up with later. Best of luck, Neil
Creator of The Xpert (20 PAGES of reviews!), Cut & Color, Hands-Off Multiple ESP (HOME) System, Rider-Waite Readers book, Zoom Pendulum ebook ...
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Ian Rowland Special user London 889 Posts |
Quote:
On 2004-04-03 03:30, fib wrote: It's entirely appropriate to ask, but I'm not a good source to consult because I have a much more limited awareness of the American dealers. I'm sure the same is true of them as the British guys - almost all trustable, hard-working guys who will help you all they can and provide honest and confidential feedback. Personally, I would be inclined to suggest you consult my friend Rick Maue, of Deceptions Unlimited in Pittsburgh. Rick knows all or most of the dealers and can recommend who might be good to deal with. He also knows a lot about publishing one's own stuff. And he's just the most helpful, generous guy in the world. I also know Bob Kohler in Vegas, who is another great source of advice and information about who is, or is not, good to deal with. You could also consult Tom Cutts, who is a Mod here on the Café. Again, knows lots of people and who can be trusted, and is just so generous and helpful it's absurd. I've always found Kenton Knepper to be very helful, informative and courteous, and he can either evaluate your idea or give advice or help you bring it to market. He helped my fellow Brit Luke Jermay when he was taking his first steps into marketing his own ideas. All of these people know the US scene much better than I do.
www.ianrowland.com . Working Magic.
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Lee Brown New user 65 Posts |
I would contact the people at Hocus-Pocus. They have a lot of exclusive items. I know that they sell a lot of Mark Striving's products.
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