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Michael Peterson Inner circle is where I'm trapped, because of my 4071 Posts |
I tried breaking off the tip of a pencil, so there is just a stub of lead.
It worked pretty good so far. Mike |
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Dick Christian Inner circle Northern Virginia (Metro DC) 2619 Posts |
While I make no claim of being the foremost expert on book tests, I have more than a passing familiarity with them (have about 1,000 in my personal collection including over 300 published/marketed as individual products -- one of which is WIAM -- and another 500-600+ in various books, magazines, manuscripts, etc.) and have invested 5+ years in compiling a definitive reference work on the history and evolution of the genre with an eye to publication in 2011 so feel qualified to weigh in on this discussion.
I won't waste space to comment on the pros, cons, presentational styles or nuances for performing WIAM as those issues have already been adequately addressed by others, nor are my comments meant to be a "review" of WIAM. With that prelude, as Bill Palmer and others have pointed out, neither the fundamental principle (i.e., impression device) nor it’s application is original with WIAM. Nor is the specific “device” employed -- it’s use in WIAM is simply the most recent incarnation. The principle predates all of the references that will follow and is used in many dozens of book tests and the specific application described in WIAM is used in quite a few. Based on my research to date (which is still far from complete) it appears that the first published effect using the same application of the principle is probably G. E. Arrowsmith’s “Psychic Sight” book test described in his 1942 book Magical Mentalia. Both Al Koran’s “The Astral Word” described in Koran’s Legacy by Hugh Miller and “A Word In Thousands” book test described in Volume 6 of The Tarbell Course in Magic (1954) are is essentially the same as Arrowsmith’s. The first use of the same principle, same application and EVEN THE SAME DEVICE is probably Vivian St. John’s “The Clip Book" originally published in May 1945 and reprinted with permission by Corinda in 13 Steps To Mentalism. So too does Bob Cassidy’s “Impromptu Impression” in his Pseudo-mentally Yours booklet Supplement No. 2 to Invocation (1977). I don’t know whether Cassidy came up with the idea independently, or simply copied St. John and Corinda without attribution. The “Stolen Thought Book Test,” released as a downloadable e-book by Trickshop.com, Inc. in 2008 uses the principle and application, but NOT the same device. Einhorn credits Koran (but neither St. John or Cassidy) as a source of his inspiration for WIAM. I do not have nor am I familiar with "Enchanted Thought” but take Bill’s word that it is not the same as WIAM. Incidentally, John Riggs (a.k.a. Jon St. Germain) adapted the same device in several of the products he marketed in about 10 years ago. Although his products were not sold as book tests, they can be used in conjunction therewith. In response to yachanin's query, David Bui’s 2007 A.W.A.P. (Any Word Any Page) book test uses a totally different and unrelated method.
Dick Christian
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yachanin Inner circle Cleveland, OH 2105 Posts |
Hi Dick,
Thanks for the info. Regards, Steve
"Impossible? Your audience will think so..." TM
Thought Association Card Triangulation Word Search Detective Christmas Eve Sights - Start A Family Tradition |
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Decomposed Eternal Order High Desert 12059 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-09-05 01:59, Michael Peterson wrote: Good info, thanks Mike!
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Decomposed Eternal Order High Desert 12059 Posts |
Well, after serving me well week after week, my dearly WIAM is no longer working. Failed me tonight. Does anyone know if these wear out after using them a lot? I mean a lot! I noticed a little shrinkage of the gimmick as well.
I may just have to order another one because this effect sets up my other BTs on stage. I use WIAM preshow and do not want to have them write on something else after opening the book. I would then have to bring more items into play. Any help much appreciated.
ClICK HERE for HOW TO MAKE TRANSITION FROM MAGICIAN TO MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER WORLD NEW BOOK!
Click here for NEW PROMO TRAILER! 90 seconds of pure laughs without a standing ovation! Click here for Magicians Austin Mentalist Performance https://www.facebook.com/AustinMagicians https://www.speakermatch.com/profile/gianicano/ Magicians Company Entertainers in Dallas, TX https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8sHW_zVuSc https://about.me/motivationalpublicspeaker |
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Kaarlo von Freymann Loyal user Finland 203 Posts |
Hi Candini,
First I wish to thank you for your nearly 7000 posts. I always keep looking for the blind folded figure on any thread. This reply to your question about the WIAM gimmick is a bit late. For me the WIAM is the trick that earns the NOBEL PRIZE for most bang/dollar.As I have had the gimmick next to all telephones in my house and office for years I felt I knew how the trick had to work, but still I could not imagine how to get the information, not even after seeing the demo video!!!! WIAM has has helped me earn repeat business from bishops and politicians alike. You are right, it does wear out and dry up with use. The gimmick does that in normal household use. No problem since it is so cheap. I have not bought the WIAM gimmick elsewhere where you can get is for 5 % of the price as pointed out on this thread as I feel we should support those who invent things. I actually bought 7 WIAMS. It is the same with CD predictions. You can have someone gimmick the player if you know the secret or even gimmick it yourself and save a lot of money (cassette predictions were more demanding in this respect) but if we take that road there will be no incentive for developers and the stream of new items would dry up. Nothing desirable ever came out of the Soviet Union as guys tinkering in a cellar (very few even had a garage) were sent to the Gulag. Kaarlo von Freymann Helsinki Finland
Kaarlo von Freymann - Helsinki- Finland
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Russell Davidson Inner circle Hampshire, England 1108 Posts |
Just received this & I must say it's another winner from Mark Mason's JB Magic. Simple & effective & cheap! You could easily gimmick a few books to give a choice of books if you work in that kind of setting where that's possible. Yes, you'll need to buy a gimmick for each book but at this price that would be well worth it.
This was my first book test & WIAM seems like a great place to start as it allows you to focus on your presentation which is key to this kind of effect. |
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Nicolino Inner circle 2893 Posts |
Dick, your studies and knowledge are more than impressing! Hats off!
The Mati Envelope
A brandnew peek device for the working mentalist! Chance's Token Tarot cards in a scenic piece of mystery..... |
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bwarren3 Special user 518 Posts |
I was originally using the Dracula book test which is great but when I got the Word in a million, I immediately bought another one, set up 2 large hard cover books and give the spectator a choice as to which book. This is a great effect, straight forward, very easy to use and again it just kills audiences...no tell-tale evidence of how it was performed is ever seen if done correctly, especially when using Mark's tapping distraction. Great idea.
Bill |
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tntjr Elite user 483 Posts |
Just starting to play with this. Tried for some magician friends and the imp was not dark enough. I used a pencil too. I'm thinking I might try a dark blue postit rather than yellow. Hoping that will encourage more pressure. Anyone try this?
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Decomposed Eternal Order High Desert 12059 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-04-05 06:40, Kaarlo von Freymann wrote: Thanks Kaarlo, I have gotten great use out of WIAM as well. When I first saw the demo I had a big chesire grin on my face. Over the years I did have once spec question the book outside but I feel it was just a guess. Messed it up a time or two but Ive had it parked in my special book test drawer for a while, hope it still works. Changed my name (due to search engines) but its still me here. Decomposed
ClICK HERE for HOW TO MAKE TRANSITION FROM MAGICIAN TO MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER WORLD NEW BOOK!
Click here for NEW PROMO TRAILER! 90 seconds of pure laughs without a standing ovation! Click here for Magicians Austin Mentalist Performance https://www.facebook.com/AustinMagicians https://www.speakermatch.com/profile/gianicano/ Magicians Company Entertainers in Dallas, TX https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8sHW_zVuSc https://about.me/motivationalpublicspeaker |
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tntjr Elite user 483 Posts |
Quote:
Do you have an out for those rare times when it fails? |
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NM New user 8 Posts |
If you want to have some fun, put the Word in a Million in your MOAB test.
This gives the ability to have an even stronger finish than just the MOAB test by itself. |
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LobstaJohnson New user 48 Posts |
--
<BR>credo che tutti gli uomini siano fratelli |
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Michael Peterson Inner circle is where I'm trapped, because of my 4071 Posts |
I just pulled this out to use at a gig tomorrow,it always kills!
Highly recommended. Mike |
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bowers Inner circle Oakboro N.C. 7024 Posts |
A wonderful effect and a strong one too.
todd |
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LobstaJohnson New user 48 Posts |
I accidentally found out my wife bought me WIAM for the holidays (it "just showed up" in my "discussion forum" in my Penguin Account) and cannot wait! I love my Psypher but I'm very excited to try this "any word" book test out. Mentalism is cool.
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<BR>credo che tutti gli uomini siano fratelli |
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Zombie Magic Inner circle I went out for a beer and now have 8733 Posts |
The MagicGeek, Chris Ballinger, does a very good job performing/demoing this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsB1CKMmu6c Audiences are baffled by it. Having them write down the word is very motivated. And instead of having them call stop at any page, or looking at the first word, they go to any page and choose any word. Once you buy it and understand the workings, you can use smaller size books if you stroll, or do restaurant work. |
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LobstaJohnson New user 48 Posts |
I did get it, and I stuck the secret into a Harry Potter book that is perpetually on my bookshelf, just waiting for the right moment to drive someone crazy. Nick E is a genius...this is a beautiful effect.
On a similar subject, I bought "BOOKED" and LOVE it...I am a big fan of g&&&&&fed book tests, can you tell?
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<BR>credo che tutti gli uomini siano fratelli |
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jcrabtree2007 Special user 627 Posts |
Fantastic Book Test. Jeff McBride has an act where he pulls out 7 Harry Potter books and lets the audience member freely choose any book then any word. It is beautiful.
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