|
|
Jaxon Inner circle Kalamazoo, Mi. 2537 Posts |
As far as inventing magic goes. I've stumbled upon a few ideas that worked. There is a lot of information out there on how different people create magic tricks, props and routines. When I'm asked how I do it I basically reply that it's all a matter of being observant and imaginative. Just paying attention to things around you and every once in a while something inspires an idea.
Now to the reason I'm posting this. Sometimes I get ideas for things that aren't magic related too. These ideas come to mind just like my magic ideas. I know how to make a magic trick available. I can either make the props or write up the instructions and sell them. But outside of magic I'm not quite sure what process I should use. So I'm asking if anyone has any advice on this matter. Let's say I have an idea for an invention. Make a prototype and see if my idea will actually work. I know the first thing one should do is get it patented (to protect it and also to make sure no one else has already patented the same thing). I also know there are businesses out there that "help" inventors. The problem is I don't trust them. I can show them my idea, they say they don't like it but then go ahead and make it themselves. Another issue is when I have an idea but I don't have the knowledge to make it. For example let's say I'd need to weld something and I don't know how to weld. Or it uses electronics and I don't know how to do that. I have some other ideas that are basically a combination of existing things or technology. In other words I know it can be done but no one has put these things together for this purpose. Let me share an example of what I mean. Someone invented television. Someone else invented a wrist watch. Then someone invented the television/wrist watch. If anyone has some advice on this I'd appreciate it. What steps should I take? Who could I trust? Having things made that I know will work but I don't have the skill to actually make it? Things like that. Thanks. Ron Jaxon |
BroDavid Inner circle America’s North Coast, Ohio 3176 Posts |
I have created a number of computer related products that were marked by me, or others.
The process is about the same as for a new magic effect. First you conceive the product, then you research the market to be sure; 1 that it hasnt been done, 2. to see if will be successful. If you get a yes on one, you are done... unless you offer a significant improvement. And if you get a no there, but find that even though it sounded good to you, nobody really wants or needs it, then you also stop. But if it has real potential and you are first out with it, you have to decide a couple of things, how to produce it. What will it cost to produce, and how wil you distribute it? Nobody is exepert in all things. I am blessed to be competent in mechanics, metal, and elecronics. But even so, I have to get others involved in some specialty items. You may need to get others involved as well. The question is who to involeve, and what do they get? I have paid some up front, and I have dealt a percentage of ownership on a product where I have little more than an idea. Patents are hard to get, costly, and at best take a long time. If you market is short term, forget the patent and push out. If your marjer is long term, and substantial, then bite the bullet and go through the patent process. The company I am a part owner in right now, has three computer software patents pending. This process has been going on for nearly three years!! But our market is a 10-15 year market, and competition will be there shortly, unless we can hold them off with a patent, so it is worth the time and effort and expense. It is hard to say who you should trust. In most cases, you may as well just consider that you can not trust anyone, and although that sounds cynical, it is safe. In a book from the 70's, in Robert Ringers, Looking our for Number 1, he said there are three kinds of people. !. First there is the kind who is out to get you, they will tell you they are out to get you, and if you let them, them will get you. The second kind says they aren't out to get you, but they are and if you let them, them will get you. And the last type says tehy aren't out to get you, and they aren't out to get you, but if you aren't careful, they will get you. And even honest, well meaning people can have dissagreements. So get every thing spelled out clearly in writing, and you will do fine. BroDavid
If you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything.
|
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Not very magical, still... » » Inventing (not magic) (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.02 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 < |