There was an interesting article today in the Melbourne Herald-Sun that really addresses the broader issue of rip-offs. We in magic are not the only ones suffering from it, but this article gives a good perspective as to why we cannot sit back and accept them as a part of life:

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0......,00.html


(You may have to cut and paste the link above... )

I would say that China, too, is suffering from rip-offs. Their economic potential is staggering--but they are going to have to compete with the west on the west's terms: quality, safety, originality.

I'm convinced, for example, that they could give USPCC a run for their money. But they have to quit selling rip-offs of Bee, and they shouldn't put toxic chemicals in the finish, and the cards should have a good thickness, snap and feel. It's possible, but it's not going to happen soon.

In other words, the rip-off market is one in which no-one really wins.

Jeff

Tim, I'm aware of your articles and website page on Rip offs, which in many cases have an element of fairness, but I think this concept is applied when it suits the magical community, and ignored when it doesn't.

I'm thinking of effects such as Stigmata and Sinful which were clear copies of earlier work yet received raves and aclaim. Stigmata even won the Magic Woods "effect of the year" award when it was a a rip off of the Blood Writing Test as published in 1967, dating back to the US Civil war before that.

The question remains, is it OK to rip something off after 10 or 20 years?

I think if you change the handling and patter to an old effect its yours then to market, but if you take a prop copy it without improvements that is ripping off the owner.

Scott

Many of the props which are described as "rip offs" actually do have improvements, different patter, or include other performances ideas etc.

Double standards abound in this area.

I would have to agree with BlackShadow on this. I have made posts and even gave examples off effects that were clearly "borrowed"(recent effects, not 20-30 yrs old). Guess what very few and I mean very few "pros"(I think it was 2 but don't quote me) denounced it. Instead excuses were given as to what and why this may have occured.

Incidently, the "creator" of said effects never came on the thread to explain himself. Though he was, at least at that time, a member here.

I do appreciate your efforts Tim.

Magic Fakers is not aligned to any particular dealer or creator, and as such we have unfortunately put a few noses out of joint, but we are very open to adding other "rip offs". (As a matter of fact, most of the items listed have been submitted by others before they were assessed and added. Some have even been removed after being reassessed by others too).

So if any of you guys have tricks you think should be listed, please email me with your info and make Magic Fakers more relevant.

As far as rip-offs including "improvements, different patter, or include other performances ideas etc." If you could let me know which listed items you feel have significant improvements to be considered new effects, I'd love to know.