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edlandau New user 22 Posts |
I used to be really bad... girlfriends... family... etc. all used to want to know how tricks are done. I was soft.
Then I met a magician. I knew that if I was going to learn any more tricks, I was going to have to learn how to keep my mouth shut. I find it hard to do so without offending my best friends... family etc. My excuse: I want this magician I met to respect me (so maybe he can teach me)... and that seems to work. But it is hard. Any suggestions on other techniques to get out of it? -Ed |
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JasonbytheOcean Regular user Washington, D.C. 102 Posts |
Two ideas:
1) Try Humor to diffuse the situation - One of my favorite lines when someone asks is to look at them squarely and seriously, and say, "Can you keep a secret?" When they nod yes, I wink and say, "So can I!" I've never had anyone offended by it, almost always gets a laugh and diffuses the tension. I think this is a gag that's been out there a while, not sure who originated it. 2) The other is to consider that at some level, people know magicians don't reveal secrets. One person really surprised me, after she begged for the secret, when she said that she respected me MORE because I was a REAL magician, because real magicians don't give away their secrets! Unless you're performing with a style that screams "Ha ha, I can do this and you can't," people are not going to be offended because you keep the secret. The other thing you'll probably see over time is that, invariably, as soon as people find out how the trick is done, they get a disappointed look because it turns out to be "easy," even though you may have spent hours or more practicing. Only a few people really like and admire the technique behind the effect, and if they really want to pursue it they'll look later (or maybe, take the opportunity to invite them to an IBM or SAM meeting - we could use more of them in the clubs!). A few more of those looks and you'll probably stop, kind of like snapping a rubberband on your wrist to rid a bad habit. |
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Chappo Special user Bris Vegas 754 Posts |
Humour is a big one for me. One of the best takes on this (that I have ever heard and intend to use a lot more) is that to know the secret the spec must 'buy' the trick. I intend to reference the fantastic Café member who posted that idea as soon as I find where it was. Basically:
"How did you do that?" "Oh, so you want to buy my deck?" "What!?!?" "Well you want to know the secret don't you? I'd be happy to sell you the deck!" "how much" "(Insert ludicrous price)" :D
The rules of a sleight of hand artist, Are three, and all others are vain,
The 1st & the 2nd are practice... And the 3rd one is practice again - 'Magic of the Hands', Edward Victor (1940) |
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edlandau New user 22 Posts |
I agree... if you do tell the trick... they're dissapointed. And Yes, I have had people say they respect the fact that I don't reveal it... but my co-worker... next door to me... won't let me forget that I'm not telling him how the linking rubber-bands work. I guess I'm doing the right thing. Thanks for your thoughts.
-Ed |
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L Trunk Loyal user Australia 207 Posts |
Baffle them with bull.
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edlandau New user 22 Posts |
I'm finding that there's a lot more the magic than just tricks!!
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Father Photius Grammar Host El Paso, TX (Formerly Amarillo) 17161 Posts |
Wild Rube Goldberg explanations both entertain and get the message across, plus you would be surprised how many believe them.
"Now here's the man with the 25 cent hands, that two bit magician..."
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jimhlou Inner circle 3698 Posts |
I have a magician friend who replys, when asked "how'd you do that?"
"Very well, thank you!" Jim |
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Justin Style Inner circle 2010 Posts |
I always say, "okay, take off your clothes and I'll tell you." Most people end it right there. And the ones who did take off their clothes now know the value of keeping a secret...
I am not making this up. Try it. Let me know what happens. |
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edlandau New user 22 Posts |
Oooo.... I've got to try that one
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rikbrooks Inner circle Olive Branch, Mississippi 1317 Posts |
I just smile at them and let my eyes say, "You KNOW I'm not going to do that." Sometimes I'll pat them on their shoulder. I like the intimacy of the touch. It says, "I ain't about to tell you but I still think you're great."
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Jaz Inner circle NJ, U.S. 6111 Posts |
"How is it done? C'mon.... TELL ME!!!"
-------- "Why do you want to know?" "How much would you pay for the secret? $50, $100, more?" "Sleight of hand." |
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Hearttau Elite user New Jersey: Exit 15 E 423 Posts |
Here's another one. " If I tell you, there will be a little less magic and wonder in your life. Do you really want to know?" So far, its always worked for me. Of course, there's always the old standby: " I could tell you, but then you'll disappear." The kids back off with that one.
Lentidigitator: “A magic artist who performs slow motion magic”... Rene Lavand
"Peace and all good"... St. Francis "Hold on to your joy!"... Me http://mysite.verizon.net/hearttau/ |
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Der Magier New user 24 Posts |
Quote:
Of course, there's always the old standby: " I could tell you, but then you'll disappear." The kids back off with that one. I'll have to try that one on my little brother . of course, I'm trying to learn 'stuck to the floor', just in case! |
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Bird Man New user 29 Posts |
funny I know a couple tricks myself.
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Loopback Veteran user Lincoln, Nebraska 359 Posts |
I recently joined up with the IBM and now I just tell them I cant or the magic mafia will come after me for breaking the oath.
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edlandau New user 22 Posts |
What's IBM?
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Chappo Special user Bris Vegas 754 Posts |
The rules of a sleight of hand artist, Are three, and all others are vain,
The 1st & the 2nd are practice... And the 3rd one is practice again - 'Magic of the Hands', Edward Victor (1940) |
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Bird Man New user 29 Posts |
That's funny there is so much reading involved but Im not saying I don't like readind.
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Justin Style Inner circle 2010 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-04-26 10:38, Loopback wrote: Ay, yo! Come on, there's no such thing as the Mafia |
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