The Magicanada Project

Michael Kras · Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 7:30 pm Post subject:

I'm willing to bet that, sometimes, he really doesn't have a back-up argument... which is why he acts so secretive Razz

_________________
Michael Kras
Forum Administrator

Reuben The Great · Joined: 11 Sep 2007 Posts: 245

Haha totally agreed! Razz

_________________
"I lost a bundle of hundred dollar bills in an elastic".

"I found the elastic."

Ben Train · Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 268

Ah, you of little faith.

I ALWAYS have a reason- even if it's wrong. There are many threads I haven't posted on, just because I have nothing I feel I can add (or, frankley, it's not worth my time).

So, first thing- the answer "pulse stop" is a good one... or WAS until you begin to realize EVERYONE does it. Think about it- it's EVERYONE'S go to revelation, because it's believable and easy. The problem is it's a) not magical (it's possible- though unlikely. That makes it not impossible and NOT magic) and b) it means you are the SAME AS EVERYONE ELSE. How can you hope to separate yourself from the pack if you're all doing the same thing?

Second, the whole QUESTION is flawed. You stated/asked: " I'm sure we've all had sudden performance requests and blank out somewhat, and in a pinch many of us would perform some sort of selection and revelation effect. But the question is, HOW do you reveal? What is your preferred method?"

There are so many things wrong with this. First, it implies that we need to think up, after having a card selected, a way to reveal it. If this is the case you haven't established an interesting premise, or created a "moment". It's just a crappy amateur card trick.

Second, the "what is your preferred method" is ALSO a poor question- it's like asking what's your favorite note to end on, or favorite background color for an image. Doesn't that depend on a TON of other factors?

If you want to discuss go to TRICKS that's a different situation- and one that we could AGAIN find fault with because once again a variety of factors would need to be addressed first (size of group, age, venue, etc). We also risk becoming to "cafe" like.

There are other issues we could address- but those will suffice for now.

Booyah. Let it rain.
Ben
p.s.
You REALLY think I don't have reasons? Psh. You don't know me very well then!

Michael Kras · Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 12:20 pm Post subject:

Ben Train · Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 268

Michael Kras · Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 9:49 pm Post subject:

That's what I meant, yes.
_________________
Michael Kras
Forum Administrator

BrianMillerMagic · Joined: 14 Aug 2007 Posts: 543 Location: New York State

Ben Train · Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 268

Hey Brian,

My mind is hardwired to think magic- I've trained it to do that. I cannot look at an effect without asking certain questions, pertaining to routining, impact, practicality, etc.

The same applies, possibly even more so, with magic theory. My goal, and I'm even working on writing up a thesis paper on it, is to make magic an art. And, in my mind, for it to BE an art it has to be expressive, deceptive, engaging and ultimately resonate with an audience. Anything that falls short upsets me (much of my material for instance doesn't meet these lofty goals, but I WANT them to- and am working on it).

I also wasn't going to hardcore this, until people suggested (as a joke I hope) that I didn't actually have a reason for not liking the question!

Ben

Michael Kras · Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2009 9:46 pm Post subject:

It was indeed a joke Ben. Smile

Those are some difficult criteria to meet all at once. Most of what I perform falls short of the criteria as well and you pose an interesting challenge.
_________________
Michael Kras
Forum Administrator

Ben Train · Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 268