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jbadman Special user London 983 Posts |
Further to this, 3 hours in my pocket and the wallet folds flat. If I had an inclination to toss the wallet onto a table, I would not have a problem doing so. There's no way it'd be questioned.
This is with the wallet configured for 'Psycho Killer' - if set for a different routine, of course, this might not hold, depending on the requirements of the method. As for the 'sticking', dab your finger in some Talc (or since you're a magician, a pot of fanning powder (NOT Flash Powder!). Run your finger along the sticky parts. No more sticky bits! Jamie. Jamie.
http://www.underground-collective.com - check out our new DVD now!
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John Clarkson Special user Santa Barbara, CA 749 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-11-04 01:27, Scott F. Guinn wrote: Scott, I wasn't "slamming" you and respect your opinion. Actually, my sarcasm was not seriously directed to you or even to the question that you answered. It was offered out of frustration with the lengths to which a few people have gone to find something negative to say about this prop. And, as you point out, you certainly have not been one of the naysayers. So, let's get all remaining further objections to The Predator out in the open once and for all:
I hope this clears things up for those of you who have not yet purchased The Predator.
John D. Clarkson, S.O.B. (Sacred Omphaloskeptic Brotherhood)
Cozener "There is nothing more important to a magician than keeping secrets. Probably because so many of them are Gay." —Peggy, from King of the Hill (Sleight of Hank) |
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Simpatico New user 4 Posts |
John and Dan:
While it is possible that my particular wallet is an anomoly, I am more inclinced to think that we simply differ in our opinions concerning the Predator. I think that my critique is fair, particularly in relation to Mr. Wilson's advertisements. A fair reading of the ad would not leave the the potential purchaser with any concern that the wallet could not be handled freely and could not be used on a daily basis as the performer's everyday wallet. For example: "The Predator is designed to look like an ordinary hip wallet. The attached image is a picture of the wallet I have been using for some time. IT HAS BEEN IN MY POCKET EVERY DAY WITHOUT WEAR AND TEAR." I certainly do not read this to suggest that, due to the wallet's "delicacies," one would not want to carry it in their pocket on a daily basis. My reading is the exact opposite--and is fortified by this kicker: "The Predator wallets in production now are being professionally cut and assembled. The process required and the materials used are reflected in the price. The LEATHER used is designed to serve the functions of the wallet WHILE WEATHERING THE PERILS OF YOUR PANTS POCKET!" I don't think it unreasonable for the purchaser, having read and responded to this ad, to expect to receive a durable, leather (not eelskin or lizardskin) wallet that could be carried with them everyday, always at the ready to perform (as the ad further states) "in professional shows, client meetings, restaurants or in the bar." The wallet shown in the photo accompanying the ad for The Predator appears to possess the advertised attributes; the wallet supplied, however, does not. Finally, regarding the two, stapled double-sided xeroxed type-written pages with a single line drawing comprising the instructions, again, I don't think they qualify as the "fully illustrated booklet containing three killer effects" promised to purchasers. So . . . we disagree. |
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leonard Regular user North Carolina 148 Posts |
SCGillett,
I too have not received mine. My last e-mail from Paul was on Oct. 14th. regards, leonard |
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Jeremy Greystoke New user Dublin, Virginia 58 Posts |
[quote]On 2003-11-03 17:01, John Clarkson wrote:
Quote:
Thanks for the link to the snopes site...I hadn't bothered checking there first, and that would have satisfied my curiosity about the eelskin/demagnetized credit card myth. For those who have the eelskin wallet (and are happy with the prop), do take a quick peek at the snopes link John provided. At the very end of the article, there's a bit of info on care and treatment of eelskin accesories that I'm keeping in mind for down the road. Jeremy |
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jerdunn Inner circle 1734 Posts |
This thread has shown something interesting about the way the psychology of consuming works. We all know of "buyer's remorse," that pang of panic and regret that ensues when you buy a usually high-ticket item such as a car and then get cold feet, so you look for flaws that would justify returning it to the seller (thus reducing your anxiety).
The opposite reaction is also well documented -- i.e., once you've made this type of big purchase, you look for features that reinforce the wisdom of your purchase and thus allay the anxiety mentioned above. This is why people who buy a new car typically read only advertisements for their brand and model; reviewing its features and quality makes them feel good about the purchase. In this thread (and earlier deleted ones) we've seen both sides of this psychology. In the end, though, I think each purchaser of the Predator has every right to feel about it as he will. One person may want to flagellate himself for daring to have commented on flaws in the wallet. He may try to override these earlier comments with a flurry of funny lines, to laugh at the very idea of finding fault with the product. But another buyer may legitimately stick by his view of the wallet's flaws and his opinion of the transaction. As for me, I like and respect John Clarkson, and I appreciate the laughs in his post above. But in this case I come down on the side of Simpatico, the buyer who feels that for $250 this wallet should have been great, not just good enough for the purpose. That purpose is, of course, to perform a truly magical and entertaining routine (Psycho Killer), plus myriad other effects possible with the Predator. I'm sure this wallet will be widely adopted by thinking magicians -- especially if it is tweaked to perfection along the way. Blah blah, I'm done. Cheers, Jerry |
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Adam Regular user UK 103 Posts |
Wow, an intelligent magic post. Well done, Jerry. You're clearly playing with a full deck.
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afknight Elite user 499 Posts |
SCGillet and leonard
I am still waiting for my wallet. I was a first run purchaser. In fact, Paul emailed me on 10/28 to confirm my address so I expect it any day now. Alton |
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Review King Eternal Order 14446 Posts |
A little breathing room might be given here. It's not an effect like Ambitious Card. It's made of an "organic" material.
I think for the next run Paul has alot of info to do it right: mention the 2 color "choices". The grade ( lizard skin/calf skin). Also the slots for credit cards. I thought this was to be used as your every day wallet. Chris
"Of all words of tongue and pen,
the saddest are, "It might have been" ..........John Greenleaf Whittier |
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John Clarkson Special user Santa Barbara, CA 749 Posts |
Quote: This is known as the Theory of Cognitive Dissonance. There's a brief but adequate description at http://tip.psychology.org/festinge.html
On 2003-11-04 14:37, jerdunn wrote: Quote: Jerry, as you know, I was prepared to ask Paul to replace my wallet when I thought the credit cards would not fit (and believed it could be remedied in a second run) even though I felt the strength of Psycho Killer outweighed this supposed flaw. Although I think your psychological assessment is academically interesting, and despite my prior facetious remark about "balm for my conscience," I am quite sure my reaction to the negativity in the various threads has not been because of any sense of guilt or a need to justify spending $250.00. It has more to do with low tolerance for whiners. If there are glitches, we could discuss solutions rather than impugn Mr. Wilson's reputation by making implications that his advertisements are misleading.
One person may want to flagellate himself for daring to have commented on flaws in the wallet. He may try to override these earlier comments with a flurry of funny lines, to laugh at the very idea of finding fault with the product. But, truly, the issue is not who is falling prey to what psychological quirk. The issue is whether the criticism is fair. "It doesn't match my tuxedo; I don't like brown; I don't like lizards" just don't seem like flaws in the wallet. "It flops open when I toss it on the table" is simply untrue after a very brief break-in period. And, since we have determined that credit cards do, in fact, fit in the wallet, we are left with such criticisms as "I don't like the format of the documentation." We've heard from only one person who has used The Predator in performances. He did not mention the "flaring" of the empty compartment as a problem. (And this seems to be the only tendency of The Predator upon which everyone agrees.) I'd be interested in hearing the experience of others who have actually used The Predator instead of people who want to catastrophize about things that may, ultimately, not be important at all. :nose:
John D. Clarkson, S.O.B. (Sacred Omphaloskeptic Brotherhood)
Cozener "There is nothing more important to a magician than keeping secrets. Probably because so many of them are Gay." —Peggy, from King of the Hill (Sleight of Hank) |
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thehawk Inner circle 2275 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-11-03 21:19, John Clarkson wrote: I thought you were retiring from this thread but you go on and on. People that didn't like it fine but let them have their own opinion instead of you rambling on and on. |
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John Clarkson Special user Santa Barbara, CA 749 Posts |
Quote: Thank you, thehawk, for your insightful analysis. Would you now like to contribute some useful comments about The Predator?On 2003-11-05 01:15, thehawk wrote:
John D. Clarkson, S.O.B. (Sacred Omphaloskeptic Brotherhood)
Cozener "There is nothing more important to a magician than keeping secrets. Probably because so many of them are Gay." —Peggy, from King of the Hill (Sleight of Hank) |
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thehawk Inner circle 2275 Posts |
I thought you were done with your comments from your previous post above. Stick to your guns, if you have more to say fine but don't say this is your last comment and then you keep going on and on.
I forgot to mention don't let John Clarkson get upset with any negative comments about his posts or he reports you to the staff which he pm'd me about. Seems though that he has no problem about having different opinions about anybody else. |
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p.b.jones Inner circle Milford Haven. Pembrokeshire wales U.K. 2642 Posts |
Quote:
John and Dan: HI< I have not purchased this item. However, I agree with the comments above. It does seem as if the advertising is misleading and in paying $250.00 for a wallet you do not expect to have to struggle getting the credit cards in and out. Phillip |
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Jeff J. Special user Connecticut 787 Posts |
Mr. Clarkson,
Although I have to admit when you said: "I will now retire from this thread having said about all I have to say", I didn't expect to hear your input on this topic. I am glad that you contine to comment with the reviews. Your posts on all topics (not just the Predator) are always coherent and fair. If nothing else, I guess you can say "never say never" when it comes to speaking your mind I am looking forward to getting the Predator, but, everything said, I may wait for a calf skin version. (Only because that is my preference in material since I started carrying a wallet, brown or black is not that important to me). So far I like what I have heard about the actual workings on the wallet itself. (I have NEVER used a gimmicked wallet as an everyday wallet....only enough to break it in). Keep up the good posts, I look forward to your opinions. I value what you have to say. One more comment. (not promising it will be my last) Sorry John, couldn't resist I think that the way Paul Wilson handled it was classy. He may have not done it perfectly at the very beginning, but who among us can imagine there would be such a big deal about color. I'm sure once he had a chance to take a breath and thought about the best way to handle it, he did so and he did so in a very fair and classy manner. Many designers of magic would just say "you got it, like it or take a hike". He showed class. Those are the dealers I go back too. If I wasn't putting my daughter through college for her final year, it would be in my pocket as we speak ! Jeff |
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bekralik Inner circle Canada 1346 Posts |
The Hawk, do you even have the wallet? No? Why am I even talking to you?
If you're going to post, please keep your comments about the product rather than making personal jabs, like a vulture not a hawk, at someone who is doing a wonderful service by fielding questions and providing solutions to help people. Brian |
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John Clarkson Special user Santa Barbara, CA 749 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-11-05 03:03, p.b.jones wrote: Phillip, I agree that tight credit card slots could be better. The problem was that I was unwilling to push cards into the slots with any vigor because I was worried about damaging the wallet. My worries (at least with my wallet) were unfounded. Now that I've done it and removed them several times, the cards slide in and out without a problem. This "problem," therefore, could be solved easily with a word or two in the documentation advising the purchaser that the slots will be tight initially. I've ordered many magical items based on an description in an advertisement. And many times I've been disappointed and felt deceived. This, however, is not one of those times. As you know, reading an ad for magic is a bit of an art. Let's look at what the quoted ad says: 1) "it is designed to look like an ordinary hip wallet." That, to me, says clearly that it is not a regular hip wallet, but merely looks like one. Actually, I think, it could be used as an everyday wallet by carrying your money in the "empty" compartment. You'd have to remove your money, though, before each performance. I don't plan to use it as my everyday wallet simply because I know what a beating my billfold takes in my back pocket. I want The Predator to last as long as possible. 2) "it has been in my pocket every day without wear and tear." Still, no claim that it is an ordinary wallet or that it can be used as one. It is a claim that it is durable. (Actually, it really doesn't say very much at all, since we don't know how many days it has been in his pocket.) 3) "The LEATHER used is designed to serve the functions of the wallet..." I've not checked the Oxford English Dictionary, but my on-line Webster's defines "leather" as "1 : animal skin dressed for use." I think eels or lizards are animals. And, I know when I go into a leather goods shop, I see alligator, lizard, and snake skin items as well as cow, horse, lamb, and pig hides. 4) "...while weathering the perils of your pants pocket." Another claim of durability. I guess, on this issue, only time will tell. Mr. Wilson has been using one for quite a while. We've only had ours for a few days. The wallet seems durable enough to me, but if it starts to fall apart after merely being carried in my pocket, I'll be one of the first to post about it! 5) The documentation. The complaint is that a booklet was promised but that what is supplied are two leaves stapled at the upper left corner. If Paul folds the two sheets of paper in the middle (short end to short end) and places the staples in the crease, it would then be a booklet. Is this really so important that we need to imply his ad is dishonest? The ad never claims that the wallet is self-working, or that you would not have to be mindful of its working while handling it in front of spectators. And, without a doubt, you cannot hand The Predator out for examination after your act. But, that's true of many magical props. I don't think an advertisement needs to tell us that. I plan to debut my Predator this Friday (unless I get cold feet). I'll let you know how it goes in actual performance. Has anyone else used it yet? What has your experience been?
John D. Clarkson, S.O.B. (Sacred Omphaloskeptic Brotherhood)
Cozener "There is nothing more important to a magician than keeping secrets. Probably because so many of them are Gay." —Peggy, from King of the Hill (Sleight of Hank) |
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Gregory57 Loyal user 246 Posts |
I'm going to make one final post on this topic as well as avoid reviewing this thread/topic in the future. I love the Café, but after reading this thread I've really become tired of all topics and posts. I feel like I need a break from all topics, positive and negative. I'm just sick of all the negativity in this thread. Perhaps the fewer the people that actually have this wallet, the better. I'd rather be a part of a relatively small group of performers who are able to perform the miracles which this wallet provides. Anyway, I've now performed the Killer effect on several occasions. I'm actually fine tuning the presentation, which I know will change to fit my style. The flaring has not been an issue, and has actually been reduced with use. Otherwise, the gimmicked portion of the wallet works very smoothly and my wallet, yes it's black, look great. No, I won't be using this wallet as an everyday wallet, since I don't want it to wear as quickly has my normal wallet does. I really belive that Paul has provided us with a wonderful wallet and it's a shame that he must take the hits he has been receiving on this thread. Enought said, I'm now saying goodbye to this thread, but certainly not to the Café.
Cliff Gregory Wollin
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jerdunn Inner circle 1734 Posts |
Unable to resist ... fingers drawn to keyboard .. must type...!
Quote:
John Clarkson wrote: I'm with you -- as long as every complaint or suggestion isn't deemed to be whining. It's not outrageous for a person who pays $250 for a wallet to expect that it look like what he ordered and work really well. Comments or complaints along that line seem perfectly justified, and are especially welcome when the person takes a nice deep breath first and avoids whining or ranting. Quote:
If there are glitches, we could discuss solutions rather than impugn Mr. Wilson's reputation by making implications that his advertisements are misleading. I'm with you again. It makes sense to focus on solutions, rather than impugn Paul Wilson. I like him and his magic and don't think he should be pilloried over trifles. On the other hand, if a product has weaknesses, even small ones, I'd encourage the maker (Paul) to fix them. The Japanese have a philosophy called kaizen, or constant improvement. Isn't this what magicians try to do with routines? Nothing is ever beyond improvement, and kaizen seems a worthy approach to life. So if something can be improved, why not do it? Especially if you're the person in a position to do the fixing. Of course, different fixes work for different people. For example, the credit card slots: John Clarkson was able to push in his credit cards and loosen up the slots. I wasn't. His fix worked for him, but not for me. That's why I hope Paul Wilson will fix the slots on his second go-around. And Paul has already said he'll offer the originally pictured black calfskin wallet on his second run. So I think things are going in the right direction, solution-wise. At this point it would be great to hear from Predator users about the impact of their performances, handling or presentation ideas, and other things that involve the wallet in use. John, it sounds like you'll be among the first on the front lines -- so please send back a dispatch. Cheers, Jerry |
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eggshell Regular user Chorley, England 146 Posts |
Pshew !!! One would hope that by reading a review section we would get an idea of whether this was worth buying..apparently not.
So far I think I know that: The gimmick is pretty well made You need to specify your colour You probably need to trim credit cards down to make them fit. This wallet has a history of being used very effectively by a respected magician. However what I would really value before spending $250 is somebodies opinion as to how significantly this may differ from other wallets e.g. Mind Spy, Miller etc in the range of effects that can be delivered. Ta
Visit my blog at : http://thewizardsball.blogspot.com/
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