|
|
Go to page [Previous] 1~2~3 [Next] | ||||||||||
1KJ Inner circle Warning: We will run out of new tricks in 4385 Posts |
I also use a spreadsheet to track all of my magic. In the spreadsheet, I have written instructions for what to do should I die.
If you haven't done this, I would suggest you start logging your effects as you organize them. it doesn't have to be a monumental task. All you need to do is log a handful of items each day as you enjoy them. KJ |
|||||||||
James_Lee New user Ohio 33 Posts |
I suggest using a google doc excel sheet, that way you have your list of effects, props, etc at your finger tips any place you go. I especially do it for books, so when I'm looking new or used I always know what I have, I have shared my book list with friends and family that frequent used book stores incase they find something I might be interested in.
|
|||||||||
MAV New user 79 Posts |
We had a local magician pass away unexpectedly and left his widow with a fairly large amount of magic. She was lost as to what to do with it. She contacted the local magic club who sent three members out who sorted through it, organized it and determined a sale value. The club then advertised that it would be sold at an upcoming club meeting. Flyers were put in the local magic shop, they used their e-newsletter, and invited members from clubs within a 100 mile radius. The word got out.
The agreement with the widow was that the club would get a percentage of the generated revenue. This created a real "win-win" for the club as well as the widow. The club was able to help build their war chest and they even picked up a couple of new members because of the publicity. The widow was able to dispose of the magic and even with the percentage cut, the widow probably made more money than trying to sell it herself. Plus I believe she got to write-off the income because it was essentially donated to a non-profit. Even if you have a small amount of magic, why not include a note somewhere that if something happens to you that your magic is to be donated to the local magic club?? Books and DVD's are great for the club libraries and pocket tricks, etc., can be auctioned off to local club members and/or given as door prizes for club attendance. The club could also give some items to the younger, up and coming club members. Support your local magic club........it's a good thing. |
|||||||||
carbone1853 Loyal user RI USA 239 Posts |
"The very worst thing a magician can do is separate the instructions from the prop."
I can think of a few worse things. |
|||||||||
Anatole Inner circle 1912 Posts |
Keeping the instructions with the prop is fine if you are storing the trick rather than actively using it in your show/act. I don't see the point, though, in keeping the instructions for things like a Genii Tube in the suitcase with the tube itaelf when you go out to do a show. Yes, it would be nice to have the instructions with the prop at an estate sale, but if the instructions do get lost, often you can find a magician in your local ring or assembly who can walk you through the routine. Or you can post an inquiry here on the Café asking if anyone has instructions for the trick and with luck they would be willing to scan the instructions and send them to you.
When my heart bypass was scheduled a few years ago, I gave my family the names of some friends in the local magic club who could be contacted about the best way to see that my tricks--and especially my magic library--would find a home where someone would appreciate them if I didn't survive the operation. I do remember, though, the sad story that Will Dexter told in _The Riddle of Chung Ling Soo_ about the sale of William Ellsworth Robinson's magic collection after his untimely death, although I'm sure many of those items found new owners who were members of The Magic Circle who appreciated their value, historically as well as monetarily. If you're cataloging your magic on paper or on a computer file, it might also be wise to attach some kind of price value to the items. Non-magicians would not easily appreciate the difference, say, between a magic book by Joseph Leeming and one by John Northern Hilliard. I'm sure that's why I found a copy of _Greater Magic_ at a used bookstore at the bargain price of $2.95 Apparently neither the person who sold the book to the store nor the owners of the store had a clue about what that book was really worth. ----- Amado "Sonny" Narvaez
----- Sonny Narvaez
|
|||||||||
Bob1Dog Inner circle Wife: It's me or this houseful of 1159 Posts |
I've been very good at keeping all my instructions in alphabetical order in large looseleaf binders. I keep the originals as well as a copy in case I ever wish to sell the trick with original instructions. I'm very organized on this. But that doesn't necessarily mean it's the list of all the effects I own because I've also sold a lot, but always keep instructions. I've actually helped several Café members who needed instructions for certain tricks that I had, even though the prop may be long gone.
On the other hand, my closet (it's a large closet)is totally disorganized. It's one of my new year resolutions; get the closet cleaned up, organized and every effect listed, even with approximate value. I don't want to saddle anyone with having to figure it all out after I'm gone. It's a perfect winter project....now if I could just get off my butt......
What if the Hokey Pokey really IS what it's all about?
My neighbor rang my doorbell at 2:30 a.m. this morning, can you believe that, 2:30 a.m.!? Lucky for him I was still up playing my drums. |
|||||||||
Steve Hook Inner circle Raleigh, NC, USA 1266 Posts |
I hope this doesn't duplicate anyone's post:
Taxes and estate sales aside, the other big issue that MikeDes brought up is insurance. If you're not ready to write all the details down, set aside a couple of hours and video-record (preferably with audio) evidence of your magic books and props. After any disaster (fire, flood, tornado, etc.), you want to be able to put in a claim for everything. That video would help you reconstruct what's damaged or missing. It's also excellent proof that you actually owned the item. Steve H
Like Bonnie Raitt said, "I miss Little Feat more than I miss being 8 years old." Thanks for the concerts + recordings, Lowell, Richie, and Paul!
|
|||||||||
Rodney Palmer Inner circle 1317 Posts |
OK, I must RANT!!!!!!
And this is directed at MAV. A woman lost her husband and did not know anything about the magic effects, props, etc. So your organization helps her out but in her trying and very SAD Times your organization decides to take advantage of her as well by taking a CUT of the PROFITS. There is/was no need to do this especially if she possibly needed the money. Why not just lend a helping hand and have done it for her for FREE? And she can only write this off on her TAXES if she Itemizes. Just because you give a Donation does not mean that you can write it off. The only way to do this is to Itemize your Deductions. Most people who are Middle Income take the IRS Tax Break instead of Itemizing. This is directed at Steve Hook: Depending on where you live depends on if your Homeowner's Insurance would cover any Loss or Damage. Here in the State of Michigan Magic Props and or Effects are NOT Covered under our Regular Home Owner's Policy. I have to add my Magic Props onto my HO Policy and they must be Insured under a Certain Clause. I cannot remember the actual name right at this minute. But is does cost me an additional $ 78.00 per year with a $ 500.00 Deductible. So where you live and I do not know it might be covered under your HO Policy but I certainly would make sure and check. I had assumed that since it was contents in my house it would be covered but they were not. When I built my New Home 7 years ago this is when I found out the my Magic was not covered and quickly added this to my HO Policy. HO=Home Owner's for clarification. Rodney
"Creating Memories That Last A Lifetime"
In order to keep "MAGIC ALIVE" Please become a Mentor to a Young Person. |
|||||||||
Magic Patrick Inner circle Minnesota 1591 Posts |
All,
As for keeping track of my things, I use a system of QR Codes that are taped to the the drawers. They are below. I take out my phone and scan it to find what I want. If I do not put the trick back I scan the barcode on the trick and it tells me where to put it back. Took some time to set up but now it is second nature when I buy something new. As for the insurance information, I use an app called eStorage. I get printouts and it tells me everything from when I bought it, how much, where it is in the garage, where I bought it from, the instructions and the type of show it is used in. Again the set up takes some time but once done it is easy to maintain and you will know where everything is at a moments notice. Patrick Click here to view attached image. |
|||||||||
Magic Patrick Inner circle Minnesota 1591 Posts |
All,
Another one for an example. The link to the two apps are below. eStorage - https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/items-st......t=uo%3D4 Barcoder - Bar / QR Code Maker on the APP Store Patrick Click here to view attached image. |
|||||||||
bkmeyer Regular user Greenville, SC 118 Posts |
I like MS OneNote for storing data. I can scan my original instructions and locate those within a particular section dedicated to that effect. I can also take a picture of the effect and post that in the tab. The program functions much like a notebook with tabs, sections, subsections, and pages. I list routine ideas or even website URLs for materials that I may want to include in a routine. I can type in scripts or even copy and paste them from MS Word or simply paste a link to the file in the tab. There is also an app for mobile devices so I carry the application with me where ever I go so I can record ideas on the fly. I have tabs set up for parlor magic, close up, etc., with pages set up for coin magic or silk magic, etc. I think it is the most useful program that Microsoft has ever developed for research or corporate planning. There are calendar templates that allow the user to link to calendars and emails making booking your shows even easier. The app is extremely versatile so you can set it up as you wish for your needs. Have a look:
http://www.onenote.com/?CR_CC=200061904&......ote_Text Bruce |
|||||||||
djjkarate New user Always Sunny in Seattle 56 Posts |
I think only 1 other person might have mentioned this, but my stuff is stored as such:
I take a picture of every trick (with the name showing) and the picture gets put in a notebook, and the pictures saved on a usb drive that goes in the fireproof safe (for insurance/safety reasons) Then the trick goes in a storage box that is numbered.. Next to the picture in the notebook, the number gets written.. So now, I look in my notebook and see the picture of a trick and the number of the storage box it is sitting in.. Oh, the instructions do stay with the tricks.. I take the tricks out that I want which get put in my "show suitcase" and off I go... I did the pictures as sometimes a trick has different names based on "re-makes", or improvements. Also, I have so many tricks I forget what I have, and over the years it was not unusual for me to buy the trick 2, or 3 times from the local magic shop.. Especially if it's on sale !!!! Or maybe because I'm getting old !!! (insert your joke here) As they say, "a picture is worth a thousand words". That's why I keep a picture of my wife with me at all times. cheers, don |
|||||||||
Wizard of Oz Inner circle Most people wish I didn't have 5150 Posts |
Djjkarate, how do you organize the notebook?
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.
|
|||||||||
djjkarate New user Always Sunny in Seattle 56 Posts |
Alphabetically...... But, since each trick is it's "own" picture, you could group by coin/card/stage, etc, etc, etc..
This could also be done in a power point slide show (instead of printing it out..), or even word..... But the key I think is each page is itself so that it's easier/faster to see.. You could also write the date on the actual page you last performed the trick, and who you performed for.. I'm old school, I like paper !!! |
|||||||||
Wizard of Oz Inner circle Most people wish I didn't have 5150 Posts |
I love the photo reference. I can't tell you how many times I've pictured a prop in my head, but for the life of me can't remember what it was called. Leafing through a binder with photos is perfect.
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.
|
|||||||||
djjkarate New user Always Sunny in Seattle 56 Posts |
In stead of printing out on your own printer, take them to your local discount store and have them print out your 100 pictures and tape to a sheet of paper.. for 10 cents each, it's 10 dollars.. If I've bought a trick 2 or 3 times because I can't remember what I had or what it looked like, I spent that much time and time again !!!!
|
|||||||||
AKMan New user Covington, WA 56 Posts |
Excellent ideas, especially keeping instructions with the trick. Wish I'd done that; I do now. I also make a copy and keep it separate in a binder. I have started to put tricks in numbered, clear plastic boxes that correspond in a database. I've started a database on my library, as well. That way, when I kick it, my survivors will realize how much all that stuff is worth and it won't wind up at the thrift store. If they don't want it they will have a record of what is there to send to an auction house or estate buyer. Oh, and I print out the databases so survivors won't have to look through my computer for them.
|
|||||||||
David Fillary Special user 662 Posts |
I now video myself doing the trick. I have an excel sheet with all the tricks, then the named tricks can be watched and I'll quickly get up to speed.
|
|||||||||
jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
I remember at 10 years of age, talking about the next trick I should buy. Jim Swoger said, he didn't remember what he already sold me.
I had about a dozen tricks. That was a very proud day. I thought I had a lot of magic, at the age of 10. Today I have 8,000 to 10,000 tricks in addition to the items we make, mostly because I love this stuff so much. Anyone want to spend a week helping me clean? Ha, it's going to take more like two months. ------ As for keeping records of my handling, I have several dozen videos of certain effects videotaped from the audience perspective AND from over my shoulder with the setup included.
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
|||||||||
WhoDeanie Loyal user 211 Posts |
Quote:
On Apr 16, 2014, bkmeyer wrote: I second the OneNote....and if you have a routine that you want to drag into a particular show, but with changes...so easy to do. I have mine on my notebook and a tablet....great for making little notes and ideas....links to videos, etc.
Magically yours,
Dean Burgess |
|||||||||
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Where to put it all... » » Do you keep a count of you tricks? (4 Likes) | ||||||||||
Go to page [Previous] 1~2~3 [Next] |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.05 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |