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Ken Dumm Inner circle 1268 Posts 
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Here's a hot tip for anyone who wants to learn about creating entertaining & educational material. Doug Scheer will be lecturing at the combined SAM/IBM convention later this week, along side David Kaye and Danny Orleans . But tomorrow, July 1st, Doug will be on a podcast and will be offering a great deal on his new book. Here's the link to the podcast for tomorrow:
http://www.magicianbusiness.com/ Doug is one of the busiest school show entertainers in the country. Learn how he makes every moment in his shows educational, and entertaining. Here's what you get: -96 page book containing the original scripts from Doug's first book, Scripts & Clips plus addition routines making sixteen in all. -Passcode for lifetime access to Scriptsandclips.com with downloadable videos of all the routines performed live. -Diversity Circus DVD of Doug's highly-praised character education assembly show. -Doug's back of room sales item: The Diversity Circus graphic novel -Downloadable Director's Cut of Diversity Circus with behind the scenes analysis of every aspect of the show. -A dozen brochures/postcards/flyers that Doug has used to successfully market his shows to elementary schools for over 25 years. You'll have access to the director's cut of his highly praised Diversity Circus show, and Doug's analysis of every aspect of the show. Here's the link for podcast listeners, to save you money as well: http://www.dougscheer.com/store/p2/Enter......ic..html Doug really knows how to entertain audiences. Even if you don't perform in schools, you will learn valuable insight in how Doug structures routines to make the best show possible. Do your show a favor, buy this book. |
Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts
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I just listened to it. It is the best podcast I ever listened to.
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Jeffini New user Atlanta 52 Posts
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Doug's school assembly shows are the best I have seen. His use of drama and an overall plot to his show as well as exceptional educational materials that he teaches during the programs are amazing. I have the earlier versions of these materials and am purchasing the update. I highly recommend the material if you do school shows or entertain children.
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gman Special user Lancaster, pa 751 Posts
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I just received the book that I ordered on Monday and it was sent Media Mail. Anyone that has received something sent media mail knows it is the slowest form or mail their is. I think pony express is right above it. So, it got here today and that was fast...really fast. Just browsing through the book I found a great way to perform my thumb cuff routine. It is going to be fun on next Sat. when I perform it as the finally.
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dearwiseone Inner circle Portland, OR 1143 Posts
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Unfortunately this was a bad purchase for me. Here's why:
The videos referenced in the book as examples aren't where he says they are. In the book, it says there's a "behind the scenes" "director's cut" of his circus show. I've logged in, and there's no such video. There's no commentary video, there's no In the podcast he said all you had to do was log in to scriptsandclips.com with the password and username given. Not so. You've got to give your mailing address, phone number, and email address to get access to the videos. He should have mentioned that on the podcast that in addition to ordering the book, you would be required to give all your personal contact info to his mailing list and agree to his terms of service. Very bad form. Unfortunately, I'm very disappointed with the way this was represented. The listeners were promised behind the scenes videos, and access to information that simply isn't there. The book does have some good ideas about designing your routines. Doug is clearly a professional and appears to put on a great show. But if marketers are going to promise "free bonuses" to increase sales, those bonuses need to be included and actually be free! The book is probably worth $25 (at least), but with all the promised upgrades to drive up the price to $65 plus shipping (regularly $90!), I'm not happy with what's been delivered. The website (scriptsandclips.com) is clearly a side-business Doug is trying to start, but it should have been represented as such, not as a place where you could watch "behind the scenes thoughts, and stories about various aspects of the show, a private Director's cut video...stories, methods, additional thoughts and ideas..." and more. Bottom line...I feel deceived. Many of the advertised bonuses simply aren't there. I was never told I'd have to give my personal contact information AND agree to additional terms to gain access to the information I was told was included with this purchase. I hope Doug and MagicianBusiness.com work to fix these problems and try to over-deliver in the future. - Kevin |
Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7583 Posts
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Hi Kevin -
Did you get the book, the DVD, the graphic novel, and passcode to more videos on his website (in the bundle you purchased)? Just asking, because you didn't really mention the DVD or graphic novel. Also, on his website, are the terms of service a little bit unusual (because you seem to object to them)? - Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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gman Special user Lancaster, pa 751 Posts
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Hi Kevin,
I'm a little confused about you mentioning that he said they were directors cut type videos. I remember reading on his sales site that it was and I quote "Passcode for lifetime access to Scriptsandclips.com with downloadable videos of all the routines performed live." What I was a little disappointed in was the fact that the how to section was only an 18 page overview of what to do, and the rest was just scripts of tricks (that are performed on the videos on the site). It left me wondering how to put 2 storylines (plot and subplot) into a one man show for preschoolers. |
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dearwiseone Inner circle Portland, OR 1143 Posts
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Hey guys,
Doug is working on getting things up, I guess he was left in a bind with his computer guy. He's hoping to have those up soon. Donald - I got the book, the dvd, and graphic novel. His terms of service never came up. My computer doesn't accept pop-ups, so I'm not even sure what they said. I assume I agreed to allow him to send things to my home address and call my home phone to market to me. It doesn't really matter what they said, having to give extra information and agree to any additional terms (whether objectionable or not) was not part of the deal and should have been mentioned beforehand. Listeners were simply told they had to type in the username and password they would receive, and they would get access. That was not the case. I was required to give my home phone, address, email, agree to the terms, and then I was granted access. Gman - I'm confused too. Here's the direct quote from his book: "...for more background information, behind the scenes thoughts and stories about various aspects of the show, a private Director's Cut video has been posted online. There, you will hear the stories, methods, additional thoughts, and ideas that went into creating the show. To see that version with the voice-over commentary, be sure to log onto Scriptsandclips.com" Doug has contacted me and is working hard to get the videos online. Thanks, Kevin |
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scheergenius New user 3 Posts
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Hey guys, Kevin's concerns above are vaild (or I should say were vaild). After a few sleepless nights many of the problems that plauged the website and video access pathways have been fixed. The director's cut video is now easily accessible for you when you login to the site. Whew.
Launching a book is a huge undertaking, as many of you know, but compound that with a sister website that has passcode protection in place and a whole new can of worms gets opened. Fortunately, 98% of the issues have been resolved and more tweaks are coming. The goal behind putting the videos on the website was to protect you as a buyer so the material couldn't be resold. If you are chosing to do these routines in your educational shows, I know you'll understand the value of making the videos private on a memembers' only site. The log in process of the site asks for not much more than what I require in the first place to send you the book: address, phone number, email etc. Not exactly information anybody should feel violated by when giving out. What makes some magicians angry is that they will not be able to read the book then resell it since the passcode is locked to your computer and the login info that was required. Again, this protects me, you, and others who plan to utilize the routines. Maybe the login and registration is a pain but I value this info too much to make it free to anyone. I others will feel the same. To GMAM (comment above), The companion DVD and graphic novel should be used in tandem with the 18 pages you mention above. Go to the site, click video that is called Director's Cut. I provide that material as an example of how I use a plot and subplot in one of my shows so that it might fuel your own creative process. It shows that what I mention in the book is not just theory but has practical applications. Other examples of plot and subplot are given in the book and discussed more in length in the podcast. I can't do that work for you, nor can I give you concrete ideas of what to do in your preschool show. I havent seen your show and don't know your audience. I layout the info, give examples, then you need to apply the principles and examples yourself. This is not a book for beginner magicians who just want simple tricks. It was created as a book you need to think about and sweat over so you can apply the principles yourself. It's not easy and it takes time. That is discussed in the book too. GMAN, you say above in your comment that the book is only 18 pages with the rest just scripts. That's simply not true or fair to me or to anyone who is considering this purchase. Please turn to the back of the book where you'll find more than just scripts. You'll find another 19 additional pages dedicated to business, performance, branding and marketing. Maybe you don't think 19 pages is a lot but instead of rehashing ideas you can read about in other marketing books, you'll find ideas that are published nowhere else. I want my customers to be happy and I'm willing to have you contact me directly and I'll do my best to satisfy your issues. |
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Ken Dumm Inner circle 1268 Posts
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Quote:
On Jul 23, 2014, scheergenius wrote: Doug is a stand up guy, who works his butt off to make sure his customers (primarily schools) get their money's worth. He's doing the same with this project. As he mentioned, this is not a beginners book. Work is required. If you take the info he generously provides, and apply it with your own creativity, you'll find this more than worth the asking price. Ken |
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magicjason2001 New user 11 Posts
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To start this post, yes I'm biased. Doug Scheer is a good friend of mine, and a mentor to me here in SE Michigan. I've known Doug for 15 years, and in that time I've tagged along with him to school shows, and I've seen the routines in this book make him thousands of dollars. I've seen the reactions they get first hand. I've spoken with him on the phone many, many times as we are both on ways to shows. He knows what he's talking about.
Even more pertinent to this discussion, I know first hand that the routines in this book have made Doug not thousands, not tens of thousands, but hundreds of thousands of dollars. I've sat in the audience and watched with envy thinking to myself " if only I didn't live 15 minutes from Doug, man what I would give to have access to perform his routines." Because of where I live I don't have access to these routines, totally understandable, I'm in his backyard. When I saw this thread, that some people feel the book is worth $25, that they didn't get their money's worth, I was furious. His creativity and logic that goes into them, how many times have I said "now why didn't I think of that?" What, is it not worth it because it doesn't come with props? Doug has what 15 routines in this book? So for $65, each routine alone he's selling for less than $10. And people say its overpriced? Not to mention all the scripting and plotting essays to go along with it. Ok, a FEW things weren't working on time, and because of that people have the gull to say it was a "bad investment?" Speaking to Doug, I know that he feels he's put everything he could into this. He's not getting rich, he's making a few bucks. More than that, if magicians took his ideas and implemented them, our art in general would be better for it. The next time Doug considers releasing a terrific idea, one that so many could benefit from, why should he? Why should he release something just to have a few people haggle over a few dollars here and there. Take it from someone who has seen this stuff firsthand and wishes he could perform it, we should all be thankful for this material, not whining over a temporarily missing video or two. To go further, instead of taking it to a public forum and bashing, why not talk to Doug privately? Everyone who knows him knows he's a fair and honest guy. If I have a problem with something someone puts out, I'll talk to them first, I wouldn't run out and publicly bash it. What does that accomplish, except to soil a great product. To me, that's just trying to create trouble. Doug happily helps those who come to him.. To those of you considering Doug's book, listen to the hundred positive testimonials he has, some of the biggest kid show performer names in our business, and don't let 2-3 negative reviews away you. Doug's book will make you a better performer. |
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dearwiseone Inner circle Portland, OR 1143 Posts
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Hey guys,
There's no bashing of Doug going on. My problems were not with Doug, but rather with the apparent misrepresentation of a product, which has been fixed now and is no longer a concern. As I stated, Doug and I communicated and everything has been fixed. I don't know Doug, but he's done a great job with me and rectified the problems. He was very generous and his book is filled with great information. He contacted me and let me know that this was not something normal with him, he was experiencing some technical difficulties and rare circumstances. Regarding the requirement of personal information, I guess that's something we'll just agree to disagree on! No hard feelings. In my opinion, this should have been told to folks who purchased the book in advance, but that's just what I would have done. If I'm offended by it, it means there are others who are too. I never had (nor do I have) intentions of ever selling this book. I just don't have a habit of giving my personal information to strangers I've never met. I don't care if they did put out a book. Thanks guys! I'm not finished with the book yet, but it's got some great ideas in it that might influence how you design your educational shows. Thanks Doug for putting out a book with real-world advice on creating better educational shows! Hope that helps! Kevin |
Michael238 Inner circle 1186 Posts
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Great book. Doug credits at the end an awesome resource, that I already picked up.
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Brad Lancaster Regular user 184 Posts
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Wow! I Just finished reading Doug’s book “Entertaining Education” and I can’t believe more people aren’t commenting on it. Plain and simply Doug has given away the “Keys to the Kingdom” as far as educational message presentations are concerned.
His book gives you all the information you need to produce a great educational program that will garner an income you only dreamed of. If you’re satisfied with a program where all you offer your audiences is the simple mantra of “reading is fun” or “say no to bulling” after each trick then this book is not for you. No, I take that back. This book is specifically for you!! In the book Doug dissects and teaches you how to create educational routines as well as provide you with several routines from his current shows for you to use. He also teaches you how to script a show, as well as providing tips on performing, marketing, and branding. He also gives great and important information on performing with special needs children and a whole lot more. If that’s not enough, here’s the icing on the cake. He provides for you examples of the marketing material that he is currently using as well as a Book/ DVD combo of one his 13 programs called “Diversity Circus.” Here you get to see with your own eyes that his programs actually live up to what he preaches in the book. Doug has given us the blueprint now it’s up to us to build our own great educational programs. Brad |
Steve Petra Regular user New York 195 Posts
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The truth is, I acquired Entertaining Education months ago. Had it been one of those magic instruction products with an attractive title and little applicable content I would have offered my review in record time... or kept my comments to myself. In fact, there is so much content, good structure, original routine material and truly applicable tools that I was literally intimidated by the value Entertaining Education represents.
Everyone knows how to share. Sharing is good (if it doesn't involve an infectious disease). Doug Scheer does more than simply share, he teaches. More significantly, he teaches you how to teach effectively using the theatrical tools and talents of a professional magician. Every aspect of what he does and why he does it is explored, defined, and directed to serve the educational venue. This all adds up to a product that is truly GOLD... except for the included passcode to Doug's ScriptsandClips.com video website. That's platinum! When the BIG METEOR hits and our civilization is rendered dormant, some future archeologist will uncover a copy of Entertaining Education and declare "these school show performers really made a difference in kids lives... too bad about the meteor." Steve Petra 10/24/14 |
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aheller5 Regular user 192 Posts
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Great reviews I am going to purchase!!!!! does anyone recommend someone who can make up flyers to mail to schools and libraries?
AH |
KC Cameron Inner circle Raleigh, North Carolina 1977 Posts
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Sure, I am a graphic artist. Then again, you can try to chat GPT.
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| The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The little darlings » » Doug Scheer's New book Entertaining Education (5 Likes) | |
Posted: Jun 30, 2014 11:21 pm 
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