There are some types of magic that I could never envision myself doing. Each one has it's own reason and it's not always because I think they are bad trick or routines. I just don't feel they fit me for what ever reason. This entire post is a matter of opinion and performing style.

One thing I hope I never do is a card production manipulation act (Back palming, etc..). To be honest I'm sick of seeing them. That's not to say that I haven't seen any that I like. In fact I've seen some amazing ones. I've just seen so many of them that it's lost it's appeal for me. I know what you're probably thinking. "Only magicians see that all the time. Most non-magicians never have and they like it". I'm sure that's true if it's a good act but to be honest most of them aren't in my opinion. Most of them look the same for the most part. When I was a kid I loved to eat Pizza but when I was a teenager and worked at a Pizza shop and I got sick it. That's kind of how I feel about card manipulation acts.

Vanishing Bird cage. I don't care for this one mainly for the same reasons as the above card manipulation acts. If I ever go to a magic convention and don't see either of these I'd be amazed.

Traditional sawing in half or Zig-Zag lady. I don't think I'll ever do these types of tricks (girl gets in box and is cut in sections or in half). Mainly because they've been exposed so any times and are known by the general public. I do appreciate them for their historical aspects though. They are classics. I might perform a similar effect someday but not one that uses a box. There are some more visual methods out now days that I prefer.

I won't use any prop with stars and moons painted on them.

I won't use a change bag (The traditional paddle type anyway). I'll use the principle that they work with but in other objects (I'm thinking about that cap version). In most cases the change bag is the least visual method to accomplish an effect. I see it as the "easy way out" and that's not always a bad thing. But I'm sure the effect that's done with the change bag can be made more visual with other methods. As en example to try and explain my way of thinking. If I where to perform the mis-made flag I would prefer a die tube over a change bag.

Any self levitation that looks like you are using a cover. Okay I would perform them from time to time in impromptu situations but never in a show. If you've seen my modification to FFF then you know what I'm talking about. There's a cover but it doesn't look like one. The (Draping the towel in front of your legs) methods scream "Something is hidden behind this curtain". So the strength of the effect is instantly diminished.

I'm sure I'll think of others.

What would you never perform and why?

Ron Jaxon

Magic with animals. I've seen some good acts with them, but I generally have issues with performers using animals...just a personal choice.

I also dislike props with "bad" paintjobs. Too tacky for me although it can work for some performers.

Coin magic in general doesn't hold an appeal for me. I do one trick with a coin. I've tried many different effects using manipulation to gaffed coins. My Scotch and Soda has never seen an audience. I like seeing the tricks done well by others but find for me there is a lack of interest...don't really know why.

I won't use most M****r Boxes. I find they just don't look right, plus the fact they scream magic prop (see paintjob above).

I can't see myself doing magic David Blaine style. I cant look that serious. I always try to do magic in a very light and funny way. My intention is usually to get reactions of people laughing and being completely bamboozled. That is why I want to start children's partys. I tried David's style once on my friend but I burst out laughing. That stuff may work for Mr. Blaine but it does not work for me.

I'm too cheerful!

Ron,
Your list seems to be more of a presentation/appearance issue. Being familiar with your work, I would be surprised if you did any effect as written. But I could easily see you doing unique modifications of all of those effects. (eg. The card production could be a recovery of a vanished deck from an empty container. Or a Zig-Zag could be an escape that goes wrong while you struggle to reach the keys, and your middle falls out.)

For me:
Magic with animals. For probably the same reasons as mrbilldentertainer. As a kid magician, I got a pair of doves. After learning the methods, I never used them.

Mentalism. In my act I don't claim to have special powers. Just an understanding of magical ways.

Cigarettes. It took me way too long to quit them.

Was your avatar photo taken before you quit?

Note that the 'smoke' is coming from behind Josh. That has led me to speculate that it isn't actually smoke at all. Makes me glad I wasn't there when the picture was taken.

I've always been a sellout, I'll pretty much do anything.

Probably anything that uses Invisible Thread, that stuff gives me a headache. Not to mention I feel the method is obvious.

Sponge balls.. can you see the Marlbro man doing sponge balls?

Al, I hope you aren't disparaging ALL self-working tricks, but only those that are not entertaining.

Otherwise, we'll have to go fight out in back of the Café.

I refrain from doing stuff that does not match my personality.

I had a serious post to make until I read yours. I'm laughing so hard, I can't.

HAHAHAHAHHA!!!!!
:rotf:

Thanks Airship.

Now I finally understand what the mouth movement means - gasping for air . . .

LOL Andy.

For me, cigarette magic, thimble magic, and magic involving any kind of flamboyant, magic-store boxes.

Also stuff like the Troublewit - but that just isn't magic at all.

Just about anything Tenyo or other cheesy "magic set" type effects. I prefer to use stuff that doesn't seem out of the ordinary; presentation can sometimes make a lot of stuff seem normal, but anything that appears to have been made specifically to do a magic trick like a finger chopper (save for the wooden one)leaves me cold unless it's an illusion act in which people are expecting that those types of props will be used.

Airship
I like a trick that takes me months, or even years to master. Just what tricks did you have in mind? You know I would never disagree with a 350lb Werewolf.

Sponge Bunnies.

I know that many great magicians have used them to great effect, but I just simply hate them.

Like spitting blood hate them.

I would never do the underwater for 9 minutes trick

I would NEVER do David Blaine's 44 day Fasting In A Box Trick...

I like to eat.

Anything with a stooge... for some reason that crosses a line with me, even though it can really fry an audience...