Rather uncharacteristically of me, I bought the book "Expert Card Technique" on Saturday. To be honest, I'm still trying to get accustomed to learning from books.

Anyway...

A business mentor once told me something about marketing,"The only opinion that matters is the customers'. It doesn't matter what other experts tell you, if the customer buys, that's all it matters!"

So how does it relate to the book and magic?

Well, there is a chapter inside on Presentation, in which the author wrote that the only opinion that matters is the audience's (paraphrazed). Even if you think it's a lame trick. even if you think it's too simple to fool anybody, even if you think it's not technical enough, even if you are sick of it after performing for zillion times.... if it amazes your audience, that is a good trick.

I think many magicians sometimes look at tricks too much from their own perspectives. They think, "no, it doesn't fool anybody", "no, too simple", but all because we know the secret behind. We sometimes forgot that we are performing for others, not ourselves.

What do you say?

I think our Axl has grown up.

Maybe you're finally getting it. Maybe.

Shade

Well said! Until now I'm still struggling to break free from this mindset. :(

Same here. I always think this and that is too simple. This limited my creativity. As in sometimes I have ideas of combining sleights together to make a new routine or something but thinking of those easy sleights and stuff and I just leave it aside without putting anymore thoughts. Back to the topic, same thinking here though. As long as the audience is amazed, you are successful. :lol:

Totally.


end of the day , i still do simple tricks like biddle. packs small , simple to do and plays big to the audience.

and i'm sick of doing it , but the simplicity allows me to focus on presentation.

good presentation will enhance the experience and make the trick stronger than it seems to be.

i perform the standard biddle when i'm out but at proper shows/performance i actually end with the chosen card being the only red card in sealed blue deck.


if u are performing for laymen than what matters is their reaction.and stick to what works for them


if u are performing for a magic comp though , maybe it is better to take the advice of an experienced magician

One of your best purchases this year. You're on your way.

Once you seriously get and understand these points you mentioned, you're way ahead of most people.

Axl, thanks for sharing this after reading..... :)