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stempleton Inner circle 1443 Posts |
I'll admit, I am extremely naive about the practice of selling ripoffs of original effects, but even I was floored when I obtained a ripoff of Masuda's "WOW!"... FOR $5.00!
Yes, I purchased this at wholesale, after having read a lot about MMkers and others who market effects developed and manufactured by others. I originally purchased WOW for $50, but moisture ruined it. Then, a friend approached me with this "Amazing Card Changing Sleeve," with instructions that say "Made In India," and I had to investigate. Is this common? And do these copycats appear so soon after an original is introduced? And do reputable dealers stock them? How do you know an effect is a ripoff if you aren't familiar (as I was in this case) of the original? This may be an old issue with most, but I'm sure I won't be the last to face this situation. Steve |
QED New user Alexandria, VA 74 Posts |
Try these links and see how common it is:
http://www.magicfakers.blogspot.com/ http://www.martinsmagic.com/fakers/magic-fakers.htm
David Quidas
Alexandria, VA I'm here to tell ya, and I don't mind tellin' ya, but I ain't sayin' nothin', if ya know what I'm sayin'... |
stempleton Inner circle 1443 Posts |
QED:
UNBELIEVABLE! Thanks for sharing these sites. "Wow!" has ANOTHER ripoff listed! I have bookmarked them for future reference. I am amazed at how often I read of successful lawsuits on behalf of some manufacturer of plungers or coat hangers, or even a songwriter who has a song that sounds too similar to an obscure tune from the 50s... but then this goes on freely? And I'm sad to say I have purchased a couple of the knock off "pocket tricks" listed in the past, simply because I didn't know there was an original. I hope these types of websites become more available and publicized. Adds new meaning to "let the buyer beware," doesn't it? P.S. love the Yoda signature |
QED New user Alexandria, VA 74 Posts |
Yer welcome...
I almost completely avoid one of my "local" magic shops (20 miles away) because they sell Magic Makers knock-offs (I will go in there but won't touch and MM stuff) and will drive an extra 45 miles to another "pro" shop to do my magic shopping.
David Quidas
Alexandria, VA I'm here to tell ya, and I don't mind tellin' ya, but I ain't sayin' nothin', if ya know what I'm sayin'... |
MickeyPainless Inner circle California 6065 Posts |
***And do reputable dealers stock them?***
Key word would be "REPUTABLE"! |
KC Cameron Inner circle Raleigh, North Carolina 1944 Posts |
http://www.magicfakers.blogspot.com/
This website does not always do their homework. Lossander did not invent the floating table, he took it (w/o permission) from Vladimir Mikek - no matter how much he likes to claim it. Vladimir Mikek was performing it in thew late '70's - early '80's. I guess "borrowing" is ok if it is from someone fellow European (Republic of Slovenia) - "unknown" in the West, and then marketing it as his own idea. It shows if you say you "invented" something loud and repetitively people will take it as gospel. Here is an email I had with Vladimir Mikek back on '07: This here is only an explanation and answer to some uninitiated and illiterate people, which try to make me a bad reputation. I am sure, they don't know, that the floating table is over 300 years old. I personally performed it before 25 years. In newspaper article from sept. 22nd 1982 (below) you can see me (with a little bit younger appearance... Today I'm 50). It is truth, that Dirk Losander make this effect really good, also with some new elements and he make it again attractive and popular. But I produce (and use) the table, like I use it before more than 20 years, and it is NOT a copy of Losander's table! Vladimir Mikek - Wladimir Interestingly enough Viking supports this "Magic Fakers" blog, yet their site admits Losander did not create it http://www.vikingmagic.com/?nd=full&key=1009 hmmmmmm . . . . History re-written |
Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
Just to be clear, I spoke with Losander about his tables when he was visiting here in Raleigh. He states that his tables use materials and elements that are considerably different from earlier tables (I assume this refers to Mr. Mikek's and earlier systems). It also incorporates elements such as Tommy Wonder's gimmick that enhance the performance of the table act that were not available in the earlier systems. As such, Losander's table shouldn't be considered a knock-off any more than any other heavily modified and improved effect based on an earlier public domain premise.
Back on thread - I, too, refuse to purchase anything that bears the Magic Makers (for one) brand. I try to instill in my MYI students that it is up to us to protect and support our creative producers. These links will make that task so much easier. Thanks!
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
LobowolfXXX Inner circle La Famiglia 1196 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-01-11 10:38, CaptainKid wrote: If Losander added improvements, and the effect is over 300 years old, why would he need Mikek's permission?
"Torture doesn't work" lol
Guess they forgot to tell Bill Buckley. "...as we reason and love, we are able to hope. And hope enables us to resist those things that would enslave us." |
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