Also if one uses a memorized deck if you punch the cards you can actually do the effect genuinely blinfolded the entire time.

All true.

And I'm happy that you enjoyed this issue.

Since the main focus of this project is the exploration of old effects with the intention of tidying them up and modernization, this means that I try to work within the parameters of the original effect. In this case, that means"normal deck". I did outline a personal preference in the write-up, but it actually makes no difference if it is used or not since the effect can still be accomplished without it - and with absolutely zero changes to the handling or impact. I don't wish to change the methods so dramatically that they bear no resemblance to the original because it is counter to the focus of this publication.

Personally, I think there is a real elegance to being able to accomplish all of this without resorting to such measures. Being "genuinely" blindfolded is a condition that only you, the performer, is actually aware of. So who does this "genuinely blindfolded" condition *actually* please?

That said, if you'd like to go with that approach - by all means do so! Others have PM'd with the exact same ideas you've thought of as well, and I told them the same thing. Either way, I hope that you (and your audiences) have fun no matter what direction you choose to travel with this.

I am not the arbiter of what is right or wrong for others.

One last thing: can we please NOT openly mention methods here since this is a public area.

Sudo,

Of course this can be used in so many different ways. That is why its so nice. Its by adding or taking out things we accomplish what we want out final effect to be.

As in 'there is a real elegance to being able to accomplish all of this without resorting to such measures' You still have to resort to measures like preparation and you can't actually accomplish this with any deck so who is to say where to stop with the preparation and how much is enough or too much.

Like I said I really like the effect as it is as I like everything you shared and the 'punch cards' approached I might never ever do since that's quite a lot of preparation if you don't already have a punched deck..just wanted to explore some ideas and I was pretty sure other people thought of them as well.

BTW I really like the hand movement subtetly that makes the effect work. I don't think I came across it before and now it goes into my repertoire of tools.

Thanks again!

This is only partially true. While it many not be possible with ANY deck, it is designed to be possible with a normal deck with NO preparation....

Since you aren't the only one who had those ideas, perhaps it may be a beneficial feature to include a section in 'Skeletons' where I can add readers' ideas for effects that were published in previous issues - although that would increase my workload considerably. Something for me to think about at least. But then there is the problem in trying to decide which submissions are worth adding to such a section and which aren't - eventually somebody is going to get upset or feelings hurt...it's a delicate thing to juggle.

Another option would be to have a facebook page for 'Skeletons' (uggh - I dislike FB immensely) where readers can simply post their ideas freely. That is probably the best option - as much as I strongly dislike (and distrust) facebook. What do you guys think?

Anyways, glad you didn't take what I said offensively - I certainly meant none. I sincerely do hope that you do as you like with it and have a blast in doing so.

I think a facebook group for discussing the effects in this magazine is a great idea. Even if you dislike facebook you can create an account just for the purpose of posting in that group.

Well, hopefully more readers will chime in and I can weigh the input. I won't do it unless there's enough people who think it's worthwhile...

As soon as I think "FaceBook", I think of people who have to post a billion 'selfies' and pictures of what they had for dinner.

Perhaps I'm just jealous that what they had for dinner is usually better than what I had.

Most of the FB groups I'm in don't see much activity. While it does have the convenience of alerting you to activity pretty much automatically, I think spreading the discussion out between different sites may stifle the discussion in one place or the other.

I'll have to pass on the FB idea. I know some others use it, but it's not enough to get me in there, my plan is to be the last person in earth without a FB account, and then write a book called "The man without friends", the whole content will be about my real friends.

Marc

I still think there should be a medium where other can express their ideas about the creations in this magazine.

I am very pleased with Sudo's first issue because:
1) It is a great trick
2) The presentation / print is very professional (great images - perfect explantions)
3) Excellent advice in the beginning of document (that has nothing to do with the trick itself)
4) Some remarkable and unique background information about where the idea came from and about the magician in question
5) Sudo shares this freely with no strings attached

In short a magical presentation of magical trick

Thank you Sudo

What about starting a thread on Inner Thoughts?

I think that's a good idea.

Personally, I am not a fan of doing this in "Inner Thoughts". Why?

Even though I am sharing this publication freely, I choose to do so with those I choose - which is the vast majority of people who request. But unfortunately, there are some people who are NOT welcome to my work for a variety of reasons. The most common reason for this is that there are repeat offenders of bad manners who simply send me a PM with a simple message such as "Send me the book". Then when they receive it, they can't even be bothered to just say "thanks". Things of that nature irritate me greatly since I put a lot of work into what I do and there is literally nobody else in the art doing what I'm doing. We live in an age where the marketplace is flooded with mediocre material at high prices and the almighty dollar seems to rule everything - so I try to do the opposite and give "good" to "great" material for free. I mean, some people think that using the "Cut Deeper" thing actually constitutes a good method for the "Open Prediction" effect and that it is an original idea as well...

There are a few other reasons as well for why I like to maintain some amount of control over my work, but that's besides the point.

As mentioned before, I'm not a fan of facebook either - so I'm glad to see that there are some who feel that this isn't the place to go. I'm not sure what the solution is.

With his characteristic blend of performance experience and magical acumen Sudo has polished a Bob Hummer subtlety into an impenetrable mystery. It is rare - and so refreshing - to see someone prepared to put so much effort into sharing his ideas with the magical community for the love of the art rather than the search for profit.
Thanks very much, Sudo. Your generosity and creativity is much appreciated.

One day, after many such experiences, I started a list of such people I wouldn't send anything anymore Sometimes, I feel like posting it

Anyway... I'm not a big fan of FaceBook groups. One can only post tiny unreadable messages (or big pictures) which makes it difficult to follow. But I believe you could ask for a private "sub forum" on the Café.
If not (which would surprise me), there are lots of sites where you can open a free forum.

@ Mike Hopley: Thanks kindly for the touching words. I am happy that yourself and others find value in my work and will continue to share as long as there are those who are interested. For me, that is the meaning of "brotherhood".

@Cervier: Thanks for your input. I always appreciate your thoughts on things. Based on what some have expressed here and in PM's - I have definitely ruled out facebook. Seems that I'm not the only one who not only dislikes and distrusts that platform. Perhaps when we chat next you can fill me in on the free forums you've mentioned. BTW - I've twice tried out your re-ordering on that effect we were discussing...the first went over with a direct hit, and the second allowed me to use that procedure I shared with you, flawlessly. So it looks like it may have some real merit.

This is a terrific effect, plus all the thought process around it is really enjoyable. Yes, I listen to directors' commentary tracks on DVDs and attend talkback sessions after plays.

Sharing the biographical info on Bob Hummer was really special. I've admired his ideas, usually as developed by others, because The Collected Secrets of Bob Hummer is not an easy book to come by so his work is hard to experience first hand. (Btw, my understanding is that Karl Fulves wrote the book itself, with Gardner writing only the introduction -- maybe something to revise in the Skeletons manuscript?) Thanks for uncorking that bottle and letting a wider audience drink from it. We should know more of the people who populate the history of magic -- they're often fascinating characters.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Tim. And yes, you're correct - I just went and checked - Gardner wrote only the introduction. Scratch up one more for Fulves! Good catch - I had it written down backwards in my notes as Fulves doing the introduction. Must've been the late-night writing marathon.

I'll amend that straight away. On another note, Gardner has written so many books that the easier question is "What HASN'T he wrote?" Then again, so has Fulves.

I love this! I am always a fan of knowing where our babies come from so this little publication really put a smile on my face! This principle has so many uses...beautiful!

Nathan

I enjoyed reading the first issuer of Skeletons Foem The Closet. Very well written and produced. Though I’m. It a big fan of this type of effect, Sudo put considerable thought into making this a performance piece and a fooler. I look forward to future issues.