Say I have purchased a packet trick that uses nothing more than some regular cards and one gaffed card (like a double facer or a double backer). The cards I bought with the trick have become worn, and it would be very easy to make up a new set myself, but is that the right thing to do? Or should I buy the whole trick over again?

Hmmm
Depends on what you believe you are buying.
Are you buying the secret or the gaff ?

IMHO you are buying the secret. Therefore OK to make a new set.

Yeah, definitely not buying the gaff, as it is commonly available for cheap.

Bicycle cards commonly available for cheap so can I print my owm as the deck I have as become worn?

Just kidding

If it was the greater opinion that it was unethical would that deter you? Ethics are difficult due to the fact that you already have your own set, and it rarely ever works when you borrow others. Many people want absolution when they ask these questions, and I don't think many are really willing to take the advice given seriously.

I don't really want to seem like a jerk, from my current point of view I would say it's O.K. Were I to be selling or manufacturing them I would say NO. I just have seen so many of these posts that never answer any questions and only stir the bees nest. I don't want to think your trying to stir anything up, but I wonder if you'll really even get a solid answer.

I hope you can work it out. Just ask yourself: "What would Scooby Doo"

Yes.

Make what you will for your own personal use. It gets strange when people sell "versions" or publish "variations" though.

Enjoy doing the trick the way you like. Go for it!

John

Why bother making it if you can buy it cheap. My old man would spend a buck on gas to to find somthing 50 cents cheaper and think he found a bagain. But it made him happy I surpose.

Tommy

The gaff is just a double faced card. When I say "make" I mean make up a new packet of cards.

I went to a lecture to see Garrett Thomas who was selling his marketed version of a monte effect. I remember him saying that after your cards are worn or get dirty, since you know the routine you can just replace the cards you need from your magic dealer or other source. There was no need to buy the original effect from him.

Yes, I believe you can make your own gaffs and use them for your own purposes.
You can't sell them, of course.

It's nice of you to ask.

Great attitude. Pass it on!

Kind of a funny story...

I had recently bought another deck of double backers from my local shop. Got home and opened them... they were double facers. At first I was annoyed that Monty gave me the wrong deck, but then I thought, "wait just a gall durn minute". I just effectively replinished my Macs Aces, and a few others.

Good man, Lamberti. Good man.

You have bought the secret once so there,s no need to buy it again.if I did that every time they wore out id be a very poor man

I have to agree with these guys, here. You paid the price for the secret, and obviously put it to good use. So I say make another. It's not like you're going to make several packets and then sell them in your shop, right? For your persoanl use, I'd say you're A-Okay.

As someone who has sold packet tricks with cards like this, I say it's fine. But you may want to consider contacting the creator and asking him. While not required, it would be a nice gesture.

Well lets say the gaffed card is a double backer or double faced I am sure the creator of the packet trickin question did not ask for permission to use these gaffs even though he createda different effect...

vinny

One can take a somewhat removed approach to the question. MOST of the time we have little to no use for the props that come with a trick as sold. Almost always we need to make the version which is congruent to our other props, our character, setting, venue and personal routine. Doug Edwards must have made me three or four sets of cards for my Wildcard before I settled on using the advertising cards. When the trick was written up, I discussed using double blank cards so folks would have an easier time getting started. Likewise when I learned the Garcia MacDonald's Aces trick, I tossed out the aces and went to use other cards. One is expected to personalize one's magic.

I stand corrected, I'm glad this didn't turn into a ethical flame fest. There were a lot of good responses. I think mine was the only negative one....... I accept my due reproach.

You have bought the trick in the first place so there is no problem in replacing parts/worn out cards. As long as you don't make them up for others or sell them what you are doing is ethically sound in my opinion.

It's not unethical to repair your own car is it?

Paul.

John, I came across this same problem with my Sympathetic cards packet trick. My cards are getting worn and dirty. But I think as long as you don't mass produce it and sell it, It is all good.