|
|
Go to page [Previous] 1~2 | ||||||||||
hackmonkey Inner circle England 1093 Posts |
Didn't like all the smoking. Also you hardly saw the cards for a 'demo' of new cards.
|
|||||||||
Rabid Elite user 495 Posts |
Ahhh, the old suspicious cards...
Well, I said this once before, so I might aswell say it again. I did a few simple things for some friends of mine one night when they came round for dinner. Pulled out a deck of Black Ghost cards. As I was unwrapping my friend exclaimed how cool they looked and asked me if she could see them. So I gave them to her and let her open them up and whatever else she did with them whilst I went and got everyone more drinks. When I came back she gave them to me and then I proceeded to do a few things (as it was one of those moments where my inherent nerves have broken and I actually decide to put some of the years of practice to some use...ha). I didn't do too badly, they all were suitably impressed and happy. As I was about to put them away, Lisa (whose the girl who looked at the cards) remarked that she really loved the cards as she'd never seen any like 'that' before and that she was amazed at what I'd done as her first thought would have been that there was something special with the cards, but she'd looked though them so she knew there wasn't. Looking through them heightened the effect for her. Plus she really loved them. Ahhhh...ha, ha...I know what you're all thinking now...but hear this: Same thing happened two years ago...any idea what deck I used then? Pack of Red Bikes. Where I live there is no 'industry standard spectator friendly' deck of cards 'that everyone recognises'. Mostly there are horrifically designed and bad handling decks found behind the counters of shops next to the tobacco and the lighters. I'm of the belief that if you were to take a deck of cards out of your pocket (or maybe even a fork) and do something amazing with it, then there will be suspicion on the deck of cards. It's a natural suspicion from a person whose just witnessed something bizarre and impossible. Some people will comment on it...some won't. Of course, this can be limited / eradicated by routining and a good performance and by using a borrowed deck, or by starting off with something examinable and then ringing in what you need from time to time...all depends on what one is doing, doesn't it? As for the Red Artifice cards...the point of that demo was to obviously have some fun. There already was a gallery and demo of the Blue ones so as far as showing off the cards was concerned, I imagine they weren't too bothered as these are the same cards (as far as I'm aware) they're just red instead of blue. Also, honestly, what is wrong with a bit of fun and hype and excitement? Doesn't hurt anyone. Doesn't make magic any less beautiful. And as far as I'm aware the cards that were for sale did sell out, the rest are only going to be available in special promotions and as prizes when you buy 'x' amount at the store...like the other prizes that they have and have had for the past year or so. Dan, they have a running promotion for anyone who buys something..it's in brackets. Spend $75 and you get a choice of one of three things, go up to $150 (or something) and you get that choice and then another one of another three things...and so on. I believe this has been the case for the past few years. I too have spent a considerable amount over the years (especially early on in my love of this game as I fell into the same trap a lot of people do, namely: "Ohh, WOW...I HAVE to have that...cool, it's come...oh...nah, not gonna use that." Ha...learnt my lesson now. Overall, it's just a nicely designed deck of cards. I have some of the blue ones and they're really nice. Handle really well. They're not my favourites as the borderless edges make hiding reversed cards a pain and the indices are a little compressed for my liking. Lovely deck all round though. I kinda' stick with whatever deck of cards I'm practicing with at any given moment as my 'deck of choice', and that comes down to what comes out the drawer first when I stick my hand in. I'm not a fan of new decks so much as if I borrow one from someone, they're likely to be horrible and bad to handle, therefore I spend most of my time trying to perfect (as much as possible) my sleights with older cards, sticky cards etc..as well as new ones so that I'm more confident to handle cards that may not be what I hope them to be. That's also what I gravitate to effects that I know I can do with any cards I'm handed...makes life a bit easier as I'm not a pro who is set up and ready to go or has a captive audience as some on here are. S'why I stay away from most gimmicks...about the most I'll have on me / in the deck is a breather crimp, short card or a bit of sticky tape...that kinda' thing. Laters Steph |
|||||||||
Dan Bernier Inner circle Canada 2298 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-08-05 06:30, Rabid wrote: That's the thing Steph, I have never received a thing from them, not even a discount coupon, or one of those cheap 30 cent stickers. Not even a thank you. If I reposted the email response back to me from customer service you'd see how little they care about the fact that I spent lots of money with them. They never took the time to send anything other than what was paid for. Just so you know, other companies like Papercrane, Penguin, Theory11 have aknowledged me in one way or another that showed they appreciate their loyal customers and not just new ones. Seriously though, I do believe that this whole "selling out" is very suspicious. I'm just saying. Maybe next time they shouldn't let their ebay pal buy so many, like he seems to do everytime.
"If you're going to walk in the rain, don't complain about getting wet!"
|
|||||||||
Rabid Elite user 495 Posts |
Hmmm..that 'is' very odd buddy. What should happen is when you go to checkout, if your total is over $75, it should take you to a page where you choose your free gift. I've two orders over the last twelve months and both times that happened to me. Can you let me know when the last time your ordered something was, and I'll post an enquiry to those in the know, see if I can dig out an answer for you.
On the other point, any chance you could let me know what T-11, Papercrane etc have ever given you for being a customer...cos' I'm in your boat with them...haha. Seriously though...be interested to know as I've spent a fairly decent amount with both over the years I reckon and never had anything extra except very good customer service from both. Steph |
|||||||||
Dan Bernier Inner circle Canada 2298 Posts |
What should happen and what happens are two very different things. What T-11 and Papercrane have done for me is personal and will always be appreciated. But I will say this, I never had to appraoch them, they approached me to show their thanks to me for my loyal service. All E cares about is attracting more business. If they actually did care about their loyal customers they would offer something for them as a thank you, instead of just enticing new customers with lame bonuses. There isn't much left on E that is worth buying that I already don't have.
I will say this about E, they have great customer service, but they need to start acknowledging their loyal customers who have been buying from them for years instead of just offering bonuses to entice new customers. Good business practice is taking care of your reguar customers first, which according to the email response I got from an E representative, is the farthest from their minds.
"If you're going to walk in the rain, don't complain about getting wet!"
|
|||||||||
EddiefromEugene New user Eugene, Oregon 83 Posts |
The question of whether an Ellusionist deck may signal ",magic prop", is an interesting one. it is especially interesting in a forum for bizarre magic because bizarre magicians go to great trouble to make sure props look authentic. Usually old. Attention to the prop is sometimes encouraged only because it furthers the effect,namely the story. In card magic on the other hand, I would say the magician is usually trying to bring as little attention to the deck as possible. An Ellusionist deck doesn't strike me as practical for either type of magic since it isn't authentically old or unique to work for bizarre and would draw too much unwanted attention to wark for card magic. I know it's possible to perform with them since I've done it myself but to me it's like performing a reading with a metal tarot check. Why draw even an inkling of suspicion? The Ellusionist decks would be great for poker night however!
|
|||||||||
Brandon Sheffield Regular user 147 Posts |
I went to Walmart last night and did you know what they had on the shelves?
Pink, green, white, and blue decks. They had bikes with different designs other than the rider back design. They had special anniversary decks and everything it is amazing. A few years ago if you went to any department store the only thing you were going to see was the red and blue rider back designs. Some times if you were lucky they would stock some Bee's. But now its different. Have you guys seen the Bicycle website lately? Not only are they showcasing videos with flourishes and young kids doing magic, but they are also advertising special designed decks of cards! What is this world coming to? And its not just Walmart. You see different colored decks at Target, Walgreens, and Hastings. People are used to seeing decks that are not red and blue now days guys. We just have to get past that same old attitude and learn that people have came a long way when it comes to cards. We are safe using cards that fit our personality's and our characters. And please don't say a certain design of the deck doesn't matter. Ask Steve Cohen if he would use any other deck than one he performs with (I wish I could remember the style. But its not a Rider back design I know for sure!) Its funny how we get stuck in ruts as magicians. Some times I don't think its the spectator who doesn't like us using different decks. But I think its hard for us to break away from tradition. The only time a deck is seen as suspicious is when you make it so. Brandon |
|||||||||
Brandon Sheffield Regular user 147 Posts |
One last thing.
I thought it was pretty cool of them to do the promo video like that. Was is over the top? Maybe so. But I would rather have that, than the old paper ads where they would be just as over the top, yet not even remotely entertaining. And they never say the cards are going to make you a better magician. I think we have to give people more credit when they are watching some thing like that and know that they don't think that. I would hate to see a video advertising new cards to have a disclaimer before it stating that "these cards will not make you a better magician." Just like I wouldn't think that Nike would need one before a Jordan commercial stating that the shoes will not make you jump higher, run faster, or get you a wife that will divorce you and take half of your fortune. (skip that last sentence) Not only that, but who cares? It is their money that spent on the production of that video. And if it works to sell a few hundred decks, then so be it. What would you do if you just got handed 4,000 decks of cards and you were told to sell every last one of them? Its like some times we forget that a magic supplier is a business and they are in the business of selling products. Brandon |
|||||||||
Rabid Elite user 495 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-08-07 11:05, Gospel Dan wrote: Right...? Okay, well that hasn't answered anything, but nevermind. The questions your post raises however, are not to do with this thread..so I'll leave it well alone. Sorry to hear you feel slighted. Steph |
|||||||||
MAKMagic Special user I got banned for one of my 555 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-08-07 17:29, Brandon Sheffield wrote: I know, it's amazing. Custom and/or new decks everywhere. Drives me nuts.
.:Michael Kelley
On the Level, By the Square |
|||||||||
Markymark Inner circle 1691 Posts |
Playing cards with black faces ARE suspicious!
''In memory of a once fluid man,crammed and distorted by the classical mess'' -Bruce Lee
|
|||||||||
Domino Magic Special user 999 Posts |
Playing cards with black faces are not practical!
Ellusionist really did start a trend with all the custom cards. Now other magic companies have their own decks, as well as the US Playing Card Co. Certainly a bunch of cards available at Walgreens, no less Ellusionist! I don't know what looks normal anymore! But Ellusionist has provided something else - INSTANT GRATIFICATION. Have you even seen those Ellusionist kiddies on YouTube "reviewing" the newest decks of cards? Most of these kids have little to no skill, certainly no performance ability, BUT what they have is a very cool looking deck of cards that they can do some simple fans and a few one-handed cuts right out of the box. These kids buy into the hype of an imaginary lifestyle with these cards. They think all the cool magicians use them, so if they have them as well, they are cool even if they can't perform magic. Most of these kids will be happy with this hobby for a while and move on to the next thing in a couple of years. I don't see that Ellusionist is bringing new people into magic. They are bringing new people into playing card collecting. |
|||||||||
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Latest and Greatest? » » New ellusionist video » » TOPIC IS LOCKED (0 Likes) | ||||||||||
Go to page [Previous] 1~2 |
[ 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 < |