What is the reason for the general rule of show business, "always leave them wanting more"? Common sense dictates that one should give the audience everything they want until they are satisfied. Then one has maximized the audience's pleasure from one's entertainment. Of course show business isn't always common sense. So I ask why is this considered good show business?

A person whose needs are completely satisfied doesn't buy another ticket.

That, plus you should leave them liking you (YOU) so much that they want to see more.

Think of it as a high-school date. You go out with somebody, play tennis. He/she beats you, but you like him/her so much that you want to go out again anyway. Or, on the other hand, you win the game, but you didn't like him/her so much that you want to go out again.

Oversimplified? Yeah. But I think it makes the point.

They can want more even while being completely satisfied. Why would you not want more of the best experience of your life?

But it is an contradiction if someone is completely satisfied, yet wants more.

Many magicians don't know when to stop and wind up boring their audience.

Also, if a magician does "too much" the audience won't remember what he did.

If one does not know whether the audience has had enough, is it better to stop or to take a chance doing more?

the speed of satiety (how long does it take someone to know that they are already satisfied and don't feel a need for more) and the practicalities of servicing.
Then again sugar, fat and salt have become their own science of potato chips - and youtube cute animal clips.

It is only a contradiction because you are trying to make it one.

So obviously last time you had sex and were completely satisfied you will never do it again?

It is in no way a contradiction. I went to see The Who sing Quadraphenian great show. One of the best ever. I bought tickets for two days later BECAUSE I was completely satisfied. I wanted to see more.

Again you are looking for a contradiction so you find one.

Danny is an excellent showman, and I respect his opinion, and appreciate that he wants to give so much in a show. But with all due respect, the lure of something even more, another time is hard to beat when you've seen a great show.

And Danny--nice to hear of a happily married magician . . .

If you don't leave them wanting more, then they are probably just wanting you to leave.

The "more" that they are supposed to want "more of" is .... YOU. What YOU offer, etc. The phrase about leaving them wanting 'more', does not really imply more at that particular time, but "more" in the future. I have watched Jim Gaffigan's comedy specials over and over and always come back for 'more'.

Do what you do so well that your achieve the same affect and then you can make a decent living as a performer.

I have to say this is what makes me shy away from this section. People trying so hard to find things like this to parse words when in reality it could not be more clear.

Landmark I am indeed very happily married. I am fortunate. My wife gets it. She helps produce the shows and in reality does all the administrative things that get us paid.

Beyond that she is just a wonderful person and puts up with me. That fact not withstanding she has stellar decision making capabilities.

Would you want to leave them wishing you had done less?

Mastermindreader,

No, but I also don't want them saying "That's it?".

Okay, so like Danny says, it's really a matter of semantics now. I think we all get the picture.

It is semantics now landmark. Now it is about how clever one wants to try to be and parse words. It has been explained. And I might add quite succinctly by Bob.

After all if people are saying"that's it? " this is in no way the same thing as them wanting more.

If your problem is your audience saying"that's it"? you have an issue to deal with.

Ah, audience feedback Would that be when you signal the end of the show? after the show in the lobby? later or the next day when they describe the show to others?

I agree, it's not about holding back and baiting people, it's about giving of yourself, allowing connection, and allowing an audience to like YOU and to want to see you again. That takes courage, honesty, and vulnerability. Have a listen to what Ralph said about giving his all onstage:

http://youtu.be/ae6axi5P0tE?t=7m22s

People loved this man and, naturally, still do. And I mean to emphasize that even though his character, John Walton, is hugely popular, it's Ralph Waite we love. Only Ralph could play John the way he did. If people like YOU they will continue to come see you. You see him interchanging actor and character names- there's a very simple and key reason for that.


Posted: Jan 2, 2015 12:50 pm
Have a look here, too, if you will:

http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......forum=32

Posted: Jan 2, 2015 03:27 pm
"always leave them wanting more"

Point being, there's a significant difference between leaving them "wanting", and, leaving them wanting "more".

A perfect explanation.