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magicman02 Veteran user 304 Posts |
I had a friend tell me recently that he was reading a mentalism book in public, I think it was a cold reading book at borders, and a couple people saw what he was reading and came up to him and asked him what he was reading. Well my friend said the truth about how he was reading a book about how psychic do their work. With all the talk on exposure recently, what do you guys think of this? Is it a good idea to read magic/mentalism books out in the public in front of laymen?
Adrian |
Crippen New user Washington, D.C. 79 Posts |
Adrian,
I err on the side of caution, by not reading books with our "secrets" in public. I fly around a lot for my work, and I would really like to take advantage of the time in airplanes and airports by reading or re-reading books on mentalism. But I figure that if even one person sees me reading a book about mentalism, that that one person might either or ask me about it (and then I'd be in a spot) or they might just remember they saw me doing it. Then the next time they saw a "mystery performer" of any sort, there is a chance that their perception of the performance would be lessened. So, I read other stuff in public. Even though I doubt my actions will affect anyone that sees my work, I like to think I'm potentially helping out other performers. In the end, I've decided to be sure that I am not responsible for the possible degradation of any future audience member's enjoyment of a show. Saludos, Crippen |
Turk Inner circle Portland, OR 3546 Posts |
If I want to take a good magic book with me to read in a public venue because I have lots of down time (like my car is being repaired or I'm at a doctor's office or even on a week long camping trip), I take the precaution of making a book cover with an ordinary brown paper grocery bag and then I don't have to worry about people reading the title and/or asking me questions about the book. If they ask me what I'm reading, I make up an answer such as a school text book on applied mathematics, hydraulic flow dynamics, or some other weird esoteric subject. Or I just apologize and say that I'm a proof reader reviewing a manuscript that has not been released for publication and I am not at liberty to reveal the title or author because of a confidentiality agreement.
I've only had one person ask about a book I was reading and he was completely satisfied with the "applied mathematics" answer. Mike Mike
Magic is a vanishing Art.
This must not be Kansas anymore, Toto. Eschew obfuscation. |
ScottLeavitt Special user 730 Posts |
Just downloaded my Conversations with Mentalists rp3 files onto my iPod, and now I can walk around 1) without giving away "secrets" and 2) without letting everyone know how nerdy I am to be walking around listing to conversations with mentalists....
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johne Special user 960 Posts |
If you'll replace book covers for book tests, why not do the same for public reading
J |
PaulPacific Special user Yes, I used my toes to type all of my 907 Posts |
My friend Richard Webster told me the story about one bookstore somewhere that was selling both his cold reading books for magicians as well as his "shut-eye" books for the public!
Horrors! Paul Pacific
Blessings on thee, little man,
barefoot boy with cheeks of tan... Outward sunshine; inward joy, Blessings on thee, barefoot boy! :-D |
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