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writeall Special user Midland, Michigan 930 Posts |
I am thinking of putting up a website for hobbyists/amateurs who want to make their own props. I get a kick out of making things myself and figure others do as well. It isn't meant to be a money-maker, just a blog-formatted site with projects I have done.
I'm interested in the community's opinion on whether this can be done without crossing the line into exposure. Some projects are obviously on the OK side of the line -- make your own magic wand -- some wouldn't be (if they were about marketed effects), but some I'm not sure about. For instance, what if I wanted to include "special" attributes in a wand, like a sliding weight? Also, some props only make sense in the context of an effect. I'm excited about doing this, but I need input on how to avoid becoming what I dislike so much. Thank you for any input. |
mastermindreader 1949 - 2017 Seattle, WA 12586 Posts |
At least give it some minimum form of password protection so that your stuff isn't searchable on Google.
Good thoughts, Bob |
Tom Cutts Staff Northern CA 5925 Posts |
Perhaps it is something magicians should discuss amongst themselves, not explain to the whole world wide web?
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Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-12-13 11:00, Tom Cutts wrote: Agreed! Isn't that what we basically do in The Workshop forum? Several years ago, a handful of magic builders, including me, started a dedicated website known as PMZZ. It was definitely password protected and different levels of access were granted. This was done so that builders and those who wanted to learn could be where these things were discussed with a sense of respect and control over the information. The idea proposed in this thread seems to be more of "give" on the part of the person proposing this, and a "take" on the part of anyone who happens to land there and read. I don't agree with openly displaying this type of information for anyone to just take. Years ago, the large magic organizations had a statement in their by-laws that indicated a "minimum" dollar amount for any magic books being sold. There is nothing wrong with selling a commodity, so long as you can do so rightfully. The compensation for the information is the qualifier. It really does separate the truly interested, with a desire to further their studies of magic, from the merely curious, who's motives are usually far less honorable. Why do you think the Albo books are priced as high as they are? Not only is it the mere cost of the production, but the information contained within, is being preserved by making it less accessible across the board. I have been in magic almost 50 years now, and every time I read a new volume of this set, I learn something I did not know. That is how well-protected some of these secrets are. Of course I understand that anyone with the money can buy them, but that's beyond the scope of this discussion. I also understand that "highly guarded" secrets are not proposed for this, but even information for the beginner market should at least ask the recipient for something in return. Spellbinder has the perfect web set-up for this kind of basic DIY magic... although in most cases, his info is well beyond basic, not to mention more creative than just showing the guts of a box. The purchaser definitely gets their money's worth.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
writeall Special user Midland, Michigan 930 Posts |
I don't know why password protection didn't occur to me. And MB, you are right, it is more about me expressing a love for something I already do than gain.
I also hadn't thought about the workshop forum here as an example of what is permissible. As far as I know, it's public and Google-able. (Just checked, it is.) On the other hand, I'd be laying out specific projects, in detail, with pictures. More thinking required. |
mastermindreader 1949 - 2017 Seattle, WA 12586 Posts |
Perhaps it would be a good idea to move the Workshop down to the Banquet Room. It only requires 50 posts to gain access, but it is not available to lurkers or casual browsers and is not searchable by Google.
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Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-12-13 19:57, mastermindreader wrote: I had thought that before, but it seems to me that it is a mostly obscure area anyway. It is also rare when enough info is given in contiguous form that an entire effect or prop could be completely understood by a lurker. At any rate, it is different than a blog that promotes itself as "Learn to Build Magic Props", which I feel is the case here. In case I was not clear earlier, I do not see doing something like this, for the love of it rather than for monetary gain, as being virtuous.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
Mr. Mystoffelees Inner circle I haven't changed anyone's opinion in 3623 Posts |
Thanks, whiteall, for taking the time to investigate and ask opinions. For some reason, magic seems to inspire enthusiasm for sharing the wonder. So many rush out without thought or understanding some of the bigger issues, to the detriment of our activity. I think the restricted site is a great idea, hope you use it! I would also agree that the workshop should be moved to the banquet room...
Jim
Also known, when doing rope magic, as "Cordini"
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