Fix My Tricks » Notebook

Decks, Lies, and Videotape?

Matthew Bennett — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:02:01 +0000

So, where have I been, you ask? I have been working on the book harder than ever, and I’m finally beginning to see the fruits of my labor much, much earlier than expected. The first chapter of the book was published independently as a stand-alone magic effect, called “Torched and Restored Revisited: An introduction to a Miracle.”

The 24 page booklet contains detailed instructions on how to perform the effect, a plethora of pics, the history of the effect, and a section called “the work behind it all” which really gets into the down and dirty details of why the effect works so well, and how to make it better. All in all it’s a worthy project that I believe adds value to the magic community as a whole.

The effect is on sale for $20 at Decks, Lies, and Videotape, and it comes with three bonus items that I will discuss in future posts. They are all valuable items. I believe that in this case, twenty dollars buys you thousands worth in knowledge.

Simply amazing!

Matthew Bennett — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:28:57 +0000

I’ve been on YouTube ALOT lately, as you can see! And I’m starting to see some odd patterns.

I am amazed at the amount of younger YouTube “magicians” who show a relatively boring magic trick, and then say they will reveal the secret when they get 50 subscribers. Or 100 subscribers. They seem to have this thought in their head that their “number of subscribers” gives them more relevance in the Net-O-Sphere* than “actual content.” How sad that people want followers when they offer nothing to follow. It’s part the “entitlement mentality” that is so prominent these days.

People think that they deserve followers, that they deserve fame. And hey, maybe they do…but not until they actually put the work and effort into it. Nearly everyone that has “made it big” on YouTube and in the Net-O-Sphere** has obviously put time, thought, and effort into what they do. Unless you get beat up or crunch your crotch on a bicycle- you can get famous that way, too.

It’s also the “teaching mentality” – everyone wants to teach a trick, and I’m not exactly sure why…people with bad presentations, poor scripting, or a total lack of scripting, and no sleight of hand dexterity are wanting to somehow automatically become an authority because they teach a trick on YouTube.

I realize that it’s a free country with free speech and the right to sound out ideas. I just know they have it wrong, and wish I could convince SOMEBODY that there is a better way.

In Magic, on YouTube, and in Life, put the effort in first. Don’t gain followers by promising to offer them something later. Gain followers by offering content worth following. That’s all. Back to the reviews.

*I made this up. You can use it for $.03 per usage

**I used it again. I’m either three cents richer, or I owe myself the money, depending on how you look at it.

So why did I change my name?

Matthew Bennett — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:56:05 +0000

I will tell you.

Ken Weber, the author of the amazing book, Maximum Entertainment, sent me an email last week that went something like this:

Matthew,

On the one hand, I am deeply flattered by, what in essence, is a tribute to the book. On the other hand, you really should have sought my permission. The name Maximum Entertainment, within our little branch of show business, is tightly associated with me. By taking that title, you are giving the impression that I have something to do with it, when of course, I did not.

Let’s explore some alternative approach that can suit both of us. A little creativity is all that’s needed.

Ken

Mostly, I changed the name out of respect to Mr. Weber.

But I’m glad it happened. You can’t imagine how difficult it was to have a blog called MAXIMUMENTERTAINMENT.WORDPRESS.COM. The sheer keystrokes alone were about to ruin my keyboard, not to mention trying to verbally spread the word about my site! “What now? maximum what at word what dot com? What?”

So you can understand my relief now that I have the name Fix My Tricks. The time saved with this short, short name will allow me to post more of those reviews that you all adore.

Thanks for being loyal readers, and if you ever need anything, shoot me an email. I doubt I’ll help you, but it’s worth a shot!

Contest Updates, and more.

Matthew Bennett — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:12:04 +0000

After enlarging the prize offered for my video contest, I’ve gotten many video submissions. I am watching all of them and mulling over what my next step is. It will probably take me a few days to see them all, but I assure you that I will publish them soon with my notes, and there might even be a contest winner. Keep watching.

There is also going to be one very gigantic change to this website, but I’m not going to tell you what it is. I will tell you this: It is going to be a great excuse for me to give something else away to a random reader. Until whenever,

An amazing email!

Matthew Bennett — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 22:33:31 +0000

I want to share with you all a correspondence with Brett, better known as thatswhatshesaid42 on YouTube.

yo matt,

i read what you said it was a little harsh but its making me want to do it again just to prove to you how good i can do so listen here im going to make you a new vid with that same trick and try to do the best i can yeah thats all i have to say

Brett,

This is the BEST email I’ve gotten so far on this site! That kind of an attitude is what makes you better! Thank you for that. If you fix it, and publish the new vid, I will give you some kind of prize. Not sure what yet, but I promise you something. You need anything…you let me know.

-Matt

If I ever wonder why I do the things I do, something like this comes up to remind me that it’s worth it.

What I wish

Matthew Bennett — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:56:14 +0000

I wish there were more videos on YouTube with actual scripted presentations. Either good or bad. What I see is a proliferation of people doing magic to music. I wonder, is this because it looks “cool”, or because it’s easier to not write a script and work on it? Probably a combination of both. Either way, what we get is far too many made-for-youtube magic vids that cannot be done the same way in real-time.

Everybody's a salesman…

Matthew Bennett — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:48:44 +0000

As I browse through the videos on YouTube in search of something worthy of reviewing (either good or bad), I am struck by how many magicians were raised on Penguin Magic sales videos. So many of these guys aren’t doing magic. They are trying to resell the trick, because they don’t change the patter at all. I’d give you examples, but I’m lazy today.

Rating: I’m rating my own note, and still only giving myself one Milk. Because it was the easiest graphic to get to. Like I said, lazy day.