talkmagic.co.uk

I think that's the "spectator" in all of us. What I mean is that no magician will know how *every* effect works so, for some, (s)he is approaching the effect from the point of view of a spec, albeit with inside knowledge of what's possible in terms of sleights, misdirection etc.

I've had the same response myself when I've either worked out how an effect is done, or I've made the effort to buy a book/DVD etc. to explain it to me. My own response is based upon the idea "I'm an idiot for being taken in so easily!". Yes, I know that's the basis of magic - illusion, trickery etc. but it doesn't take away the sheer delight we experience when we perform an effect for someone or a group who's reaction is to have their mouths fall to the floor.

In some ways, I try to resist the temptation to find out how an effect works but in other ways, I like to know. I am, after all, a man and we all know that men like to take things apart (clocks, washing machines ....) to see how they work. It must be in our genes!