Question:
My wife makes teddy bears for collectors. There is a written rule (someplace in her world) that if you change 10 percent of someone else's design/pattern, it becomes "yours".

My question is, how does everyone think this applies to magic effects? I know and understand that credit should always be given, but at what point am I free to share an effect with this group (for example).

If I read an effect in a book or see it on a video or lecture, and I make my changes to it, at what point are they enough to allow me to share it saying "this effect is based off a trick by Mr. Magicman" without making Mr. Magicman become Mr. Angryman?



Paul's response:
Dizzy Gillespie said of a guy that was copying Charlie Parker "You can't steal a gift. Bird gave his music to the world, if you can use it, it's yours." Along those lines, you can have everything I've got if you want it, you can't be me. If all I have to fall back on is the trick, the move, I'm in trouble anyway.

Interpretation (presentation, if you prefer) of material is what sets one apart. Don't forget Leipzig, who on seeing someone do his act said "Yes, but he's doing it so well!" Gillespie and Liepzig - both knew that all the imitation in the world couldn't change their essence, limit their ability, diminish their stature - and in refusing to let temporary annoyance sway them from their course that stature only grew.

The mark of their greatness was their ability to focus, their love of their art, and the confidence that there was always more where that came from - take what you want, you can't steal a gift!