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Kamal Loyal user 253 Posts |
At the outset I should point out that I am a retailer of magic (there, I said it)...
Today's review is for Bill Goldman’s 'Bits & Pieces' booklet, which is currently being advertised as: "Have you ever been in the middle of a routine and just wish you had a quick zinger to throw in while mentally preparing for your next feat? How about awkward silence or room-full-of-strangers tension? Whatever the reason or no reason at all, this latest offering from the mind of Bill Goldman is sure to get a laugh. This short booklet is packed with gags using extremely simple props (if any) such as an Elmer's glue bottle, or simply snapping one's own fingers!" I have both used professionally, and stocked for sale, a few of Bill Goldman’s other effects. Those being One for the Money, Monkey in the Middle, and Two for the Show. One for the Money is clearly one of the best routines I have seen in quite a long time, and based on its strengths I ordered Two for the Show. Although not quite as good as One for the Money, the two effects in the Two for the Show booklet were still very good, and fooled all that saw the effects performed. So, seeing Bill had released another booklet, I immediately ordered it expecting another Bill Goldman gem. How wrong I was... I realised this booklet did not contain any effects before I ordered it, and was not expecting a great trick, but rather (like the advertisement states) a few gags and zingers that would enhance my routines by providing some fillers for those silences and awkward moments between effects. What I got was less than a dozen ludicrous ideas, some of which are not even original to Bill! I am extremely disappointed with this item, both as a performer and as a magic retailer. I seriously doubt if anyone is going to use the 'material' in this booklet. Such is my disappointment in this item, I have contacted my sales representative at Murphy's and will be sending these items back. I wouldn't buy this product, and I wouldn't expect any of my customers too either. There has been some recent discussion regarding Bill's booklets only having one or two effects each. With quite a few people suggesting that these should have been put together and sold as a single book, as opposed to several booklets. Previously I would have strongly disagreed, in that each trick should sell individually and are worth every cent. However, I now find my attitude towards this argument to be somewhat different. To all of those considering purchasing this booklet.... You have been warned... 3.5/10 |
marky707 Regular user 138 Posts |
Thanks for the advice I was thinking about purchasing it... I have 2 for the show and one for the money... I don't have monkey in the middle though, what do you think abou that one?
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dpe666 Inner circle 2895 Posts |
Monkey In The Middle is a fantastic effect.
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Kamal Loyal user 253 Posts |
Agreed, Monkey in the Middle is excellent.
Darwin Ortiz in Scams & Fantasies uses the Monkey in the Middle set in his ambitious card routine, which is more than a glowing recommendation. If a magician of his experience/knowledge/stature uses the set, then you really can't go wrong. |
RC4MAG Special user 563 Posts |
I am one of the unfortunate people to put down $15.00 for these 8 pages of garbage. How anyone could have the nerve to put this out at that price is truly unbelieveable. It takes one under 5 minutes to read the entire contents of this cheaply put together pamphlet.
Bill Goldman should be ashamed of himself for ripping off the magic community with this. |
Adam V Special user 603 Posts |
I couldn't agree more. So all of these booklets (One for the Money, Two for the Show, Bits & Pieces) contain about one small book's worth of material. As clever as One for the Money is, it certainly did not warrant an entire book. I say he should wait until he has enough material and just whack them all together.
Adam V - 9 out of 10 dentists recommend him.
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Kamal Loyal user 253 Posts |
Like Einhorn's Spooked these items are well priced for exclusivity, which will keep it out of most magicians hands, which is something (as a performer) I'm happy about.
However, Bits & Pieces is useless, even more so at it's 'exclusive' price. |
Adam V Special user 603 Posts |
The difference being that Spooked is actually good.
Adam V - 9 out of 10 dentists recommend him.
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Gregory57 Loyal user 246 Posts |
I must also agree with the comments about Bits & Pieces. I have all of Mr. Goldman's effects and books, including the latest One for the Money and Two for the Show, which I really like, especially One for the Money, but, I was very disappointed with Bits & Pieces. I am still eagerly awaiting his soon to be released new book which he advertises on his website. I must hope that Bits & Pieces was a one time only mishap.
Cliff Gregory Wollin
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