talkmagic.co.uk

Hey all I was wondering if any of you know any websites that would host some of my effects and sell them for me. For instance I let them sell my very magic trick (one that i created) and will pay me a royalty for each one sold. Like right here http://pubtricks.com/submit.php anyone know any other sites like this. Sorry if this doesn't make much sence I am kind of in a rush. Thanks!

Firstly, how much research have you done on these effects that assure you that they are "original" to you?

Even experienced effect designers find themselves replicating existing stuff, so doing the footwork is important if you don't want to have mud on your face.

Secondly, how much of this material is audience tested by real working performers who've put your bits through the paces and give you feedback; tid bits for improving upon the concepts as well as issues surrounding them.

I know from experience that 99.9% of the magic buffs on the planet know that they are the beat all designer of the most awesome holy grail effects to ever hit the magic world each and every time they cut a fart (or actually do a truly "invisible" pass... pick one). I also know that less than 5% of those suffering from this delusion actually do what I have mentioned in the above, most of them learning from real world pros how to best develop and market an effect so as to get it out there and get the kind of support you need from companies like Murphy's, Stevens, etc. for investing into your wares.

I have just one part of an effect I've been playing with for over a year now, that is being tested by several noted personalities just so I can get feedback and get the bugs worked out of that one part of a much larger effect. I'm not saying that you need to get headliners to try your stuff out (something that frequently backfires, by the way) but just the guys and gals that actually work three or more shows a week on a steady basis and who work different kinds of venues as well as styles. This is how you end up with endorsements as well as building a positive reputation around yourself and who you are that encourages people to want to patronize you.

This forum has three Mentalist types who've been very methodic in how they share FREE information and hype each other's materials, the result is they have a strong sense of recognition within the Magic side of things and slowly are developing rapport within the more closed circles of the Craft... these same three can be found on most all of the "open to the public" type forums and they are doing well. My point being, they are sticking to a plan that's been cussed and discussed time and again and its bringing about some awesome results for them. My suggestion being that you weigh what they have demonstrated along side what I'm challenging you with rather than running out and trying to get JUNK on the market that may end up hurting you vs. helping.

The other side of this coin is are you wanting to just sell off the secrets & rights or are you going to supply these outlets? What's your business plan when it comes to this side of your career interests?

We have a member here who develops loads of stuff but sells the rights for a few bucks vs. dealing with the headaches of supply/demand & Inventory. He does well but he's not the "brand label" when it comes to name recognition that others have become.

Marketing Magic... anything actually... REQUIRES a plan that entails research as well as development. In the case of our craft and the social-political front of our present, you must also make certain you've not only given credit where it is due but likewise gained written permission for anything you might disclose that is tied to other people's materials... even if it's a dear and close friend GET IT IN WRITING!

Once you step back and look at effect development as part of your BUSINESS and treat it as such (vs. an ego boost) then you will be able to develop a more credible product as well as personal reputation.

Pardon the lecture but we have far too many wannabes in the world these days that want to throw things into an already overloaded market. If you are serious about this sort of thing, it's worth the time and extra effort... BTW... that's one of the reasons quality magic is so dang expensive

Poor kid, I bet he wished he never asked now!

Only joking, Craig. That was a good answer and should help others who may be thinking about the same thing.

I don't want to sound like I'm licking anyone's boots here, but you would do well to listen to Craig's advice as he knows what he's talking about.

Or he could simply send his effect to people he trusts to have greater knowledge in his particular area of magic to see if they either recognise it or can help develop it further. This "it's really difficult" angle doesn't grab me.

I think the essential point is that, if you want to sell something, it kind of helps if:

a) It's yours to sell and
b) It's good.

It certainly is possible for a relative newcomer to invent something amazing, but many people delude themselves, as Craig says. Tomo's suggestion is a good compromise.

Another possibility is to self-publish a manuscript, using Lulu, but even then, it's worth checking with a few experts to make sure you haven't just reinvented another person's effect.

Thanks everyone. Don't worry guys I wasn't planning to sell it any time soon. I have talked to a couple professional magicians about the effect.

To answer Craig's questions.

1. Only internet research (googling). Also the other magicians haven't found anything about it.

2.It has been audience tested although not as much as I want.

3. Uhh what? I was thinking about just getting a royalty for each one sold. So I suppose I would supply the outlets.

Ya I'm pretty serious (or at least for this effect) I've been working on it for about 5 months. I would tell you what the effect is but I'm afraid someone will steal it. Since this an open forum anyone can look on here so...hey actually do you mind if I PM you the effect Craig? Or anyone for that matter?

PMing the details to Craig sounds like a good idea!