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Mark_Chandaue Inner circle Essex UK 4187 Posts |
David Kenney from Magic Orthodoxy has posted his review of Harpacrown Too. He also awarded it best book of 2020 in his best tricks of 2020 video
https://youtu.be/v4Yei8hrP8A Mark |
Olivier7 New user London 59 Posts |
I watched the video as I was curious about the book, but unfortunately it is not a very informative review. It says the book is good without being able to justify why it is good beyond just listing the effect of the various tricks it contains. A book cannot be good just because the effects are cool, especially when these effects don't seem particularly original. What does the book bring to the table? Maybe the methods are really practical? Or maybe they are innovative? Or perhaps the suggested presentations are interesting? In the end we know nothing about all that, and it makes the video feel more like a promotional video than a review.
Moreover the review feels even more promotional that it comes from a reviewer who systematically finds wonderful all the products he reviews. Don't take me wrong, he seems to be a very nice guy, but on multiple occasions I had to severely disagree with his reviews for some items I own and to which he could find no negative at all. It could be that it is just a difference of taste between what he likes and what I like but, personally, I am able to find negative points to products even when I like them a lot. So maybe the review is just biaised? These are just assumptionss, I don't know and I don't want to judge. Finally, maybe the book is really good but it usually makes me feel suspicious when, considering the two points I already addressed here above, I see someone affiliated with the creator or the creator himself posting on the café the link to such a video review. Maybe it is not the case but it makes the whole thing look like a coordinated marketing effort as it happens unfortunately too often on this forum. I hope my message won't be taken personally as my aim was not to offend anyone. Olivier |
makulit974 Loyal user 259 Posts |
I am not sure what you find surprising about the review. His reviews are always positive and I’ve come to not trust anything he says.
I don’t watch his reviews anymore, I much prefer Craig Petty’s. Quote:
On Jan 10, 2021, Olivier7 wrote: |
qkeli Special user paris,france 792 Posts |
What’s the point of reviewing stuff if you always give positives reviews ?
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Mark_Chandaue Inner circle Essex UK 4187 Posts |
I think it is quite reasonable for a creator to promote a review of his material particularly a favourable review. As to reviewing the book well I can’t do that as I am hugely biased. There are some reviews in the latest and greatest section from people who actually bought the book although people tend to be more vocal when they don’t like something than when they do. As to originality there are some classic plots with new methods, some old methods applied in new ways and some new twists/utilities. Generally the material is practical and designed to be entertaining. Beyond that I can’t really say too much because I am the worst person to review the book.
Mark |
Mark_Chandaue Inner circle Essex UK 4187 Posts |
One part of the review that I don’t necessarily agree with is that it is good for magicians too. Whilst there is likely to be something in there to interest magicians I don’t think there is enough to warrant the cost of the book. Scripting magic is different to scripting mentalism although there is a small amount of crossover in that essay. Likewise a mentalism act is structured differently to a magic act although again there is some crossover. This is a mentalism book, albeit an enjoyable one to read (based on the feedback from those who have read it). I think a magician would likely enjoy a lot of it if he borrowed a copy or took it out from the Magic Circle library. I am not sure a magician would get their money’s worth if they bought it unless they are already a fan of my material and knew exactly what they were buying.
Mark |
Rachmaninov Inner circle 1076 Posts |
David Kenney is doing mostly positive reviews because he receives free copies of the books…I would say there is a subconscious behavior to be indulgent with the books if you want to receive more books for review in the future.
I don’t have Harpacrown too, but I have the first one. It’s a great book for mentalists. No need for saying more. Chandaue means quality contents. |
ringmaster Inner circle Memphis, Down in Dixie 1974 Posts |
Does anyone have this in a standard edition ?
One of the last living 10-in-one performers. I wanted to be in show business the worst way, and that was it.
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Mark_Chandaue Inner circle Essex UK 4187 Posts |
I did not produce a standard edition of Harpacrown Too because the standard edition of the first Harpacrown wasn’t popular enough to merit the expense of producing two editions. Most people went for the collectors edition. I had to do a second print run of the Collectors Edition whereas I gave around 30% of the standard editions as gifts and still have stock remaining.
Mark |
ringmaster Inner circle Memphis, Down in Dixie 1974 Posts |
Nice for the collectors. Not so great for people who want to read the book for its content.
One of the last living 10-in-one performers. I wanted to be in show business the worst way, and that was it.
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Mark_Chandaue Inner circle Essex UK 4187 Posts |
Unfortunately it was not economically viable to produce a softback. The smaller the print run the higher the cost per unit and based on how many of the original standard editions sold the small print run of standard editions would barely break even.
Mark |
Mark_Chandaue Inner circle Essex UK 4187 Posts |
If you are only interested in reading the content and your local magic club has a library have them contact me and I will happily provide a free copy for their library.
Mark |
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