talkmagic.co.uk

Just some idle thoughts about the term "reputation maker". I see it used to describe effects fairly often but to me their seems a little confusion as to what counts as one. These are the differing definitions that I think are out there. I'm just throwing them into the ring because I suspect that a lot of disagreement and disgruntlement arises through misunderstanding.

1) the real-world throwaway impossible effect. These are your street levitations, and your "psychic paper" bus passes. Effects that would never end up in routined work, but might be brought out with friends, in special ad hoc situations, or better still when meeting potential clients. They're there to close on bookings or kickstart word-of-mouth - even if it's just to transcend from "he's not going to do any tricks, is he?" to "will he do that trick?"

2) the signature effect. In terms of marketed effects you're onto a bit of a loser. This is a trick that is associated with a particular performer - he's had great response and work from it, and now he's tipping the method for some mo' money. Yes, it's a reputation maker, but it's not something that'll likely make your reputation.

3) the routined ultra-impossible effect. Generally a big overlap with definition two, but particular to effects of the calibre of Bang On, or the mentalism work that approaches real magic.

My feelings are that many effects are marketed as "reputation makers" under the first definition, and are generally pooh-poohed by people expecting something more. I'm not saying any of this is right or wrong, or RM1 is better than RM2, even, just that it strikes me this is the source of some confusion.

A 'reputation maker' is an effect with which you can earn a reputation. I think it could be both a one-off effect or stunt that is done at the right time and a signature effect that you perform regularly, to the extent that you might get bookings on the basis of that routine and/or become known for performing that piece.

Mr_Grue wrote:Yes, it's a reputation maker, but it's not something that'll likely make your reputation.

Correct! It is likely, however, to be a really good piece. Of course, it is unlikely to make someone else's reputation, because:

a) The creator did it first.
b) Once the creator tips it, lots of people will be doing it.
c) Because they (probably) won't spend the time developing and tailoring the effect to their own needs and personality, it will never be as good for them as for the originator (although this won't always be true).

Then again, another performer might still manage to use it to carve a niche for himself, at least at local level. You never know!

I've seen the phrase overused massively. Especially on websites like Ellusionist. I think people just throw it in because they think it sounds good - like reviewing a book and calling it a "page-turner" or "un-put-down-able".

It's a silly concept, too, if you really think about it; no effect is a guaranteed reputation maker unless it's performed well, and equally a relatively simple ACR or coin routine has the potential to be a reputation maker if it slays the spectators.

Yup, 'reputation maker' tends to mean 'new and over-hyped' these days.

Personally, I consider the real 'reputation maker' to be an engaging persona.

But then I'm just weird like that...

Are there any other hype phrases which annoy? My list would start with:

Mind blowing
A Killer effect
It Slays the specs
This will fry them

All rather violent and quite unnecessary IMHO

I've developed an impromptu bullet catch where the bullet is caught in the spectator's teeth! The effect literally blows them away.

There's nothing better than to totally freak your spectator

I consider the real 'reputation maker' to be an engaging persona

I agree, doesnt matter if your effects are poop its being able to wrap poop up in a nice wrapping paper and deliver it to the spectator with them wanting it!

Mandrake wrote:Are there any other hype phrases which annoy? My list would start with:

Mind blowing
A Killer effect
It Slays the specs
This will fry them

All rather violent and quite unnecessary IMHO

How about that most over used and now meaningless word - CELEBRITY!

Being a magician in highschool, I'm pretty much require to have a least a few heavy reputation makers for use on certain occasions. Blaine-esque stuff in other words. I feel Flow really fits the bill, it's something that can gather a huge crowd in a matter of seconds, and it's something that can make people SCREAM. I'm not into the whole Elllusionist scene, but wow, was Flow ever the best choice for a reputation make to have on hand.

Michael Kras wrote:Being a magician in highschool, I'm pretty much require to have a least a few heavy reputation makers for use on certain occasions. Blaine-esque stuff in other words. I feel Flow really fits the bill, it's something that can gather a huge crowd in a matter of seconds, and it's something that can make people SCREAM. I'm not into the whole Elllusionist scene, but wow, was Flow ever the best choice for a reputation make to have on hand.

Flow is just a marketed version of an effect that has been around for ages. I saw footage of Zennon performing it in the early 90s. I don't know how Brad Christian sleeps at night.

I can't wait for the next Ellusionist effect: "Ready to take card magic to the next level and fry your school friends?! Get ready for... the DL!!! Only $29.95!!"

pcwells wrote:Personally, I consider the real 'reputation maker' to be an engaging persona.

exactly, look at Tommy Cooper

Mr_Grue wrote:I've developed an impromptu bullet catch where the bullet is caught in the spectator's teeth! The effect literally blows them away.

When and where are you next performing, I'd love to see that.

Lownatic wrote:

Mr_Grue wrote:I've developed an impromptu bullet catch where the bullet is caught in the spectator's teeth! The effect literally blows them away.

When and where are you next performing, I'd love to see that.

Pending a psychiatric evaluation I have been prevented from performing any kind of magic. I'd love to demonstrate the effect, but I have these pesky bail terms...

What I dont get is the Magician foolers.

What a foolish thing, broadly teach something to magicians that will fool other magicians, yeh , cos thats logical!

*Rant over*

I agree with RM1, a reputation is built like a good house with foundations from the bottom.

Not like a sandcastle with lots of pretty sand hammered onto the ground in the blink of an eye.