Dustings #151
/The testing in yesterday’s post raises the question: How much does using a phone in the set-up for a trick affect the reactions? In other words, both versions have the same physical reveal, but one has a physical set-up and the other has a digital one. For example, in one version, they select an item at their chosen number from a note on your phone. In the other, they select an item at their chosen number from a page in a physical notebook. Will the digital version have the same detrimental effect?
Probably not to the same degree. I think that when you have a physical reveal versus a digital reveal, you’re comparing something that feels innocent with something that seems questionable. But with a physical set-up versus a digital set-up, both are going to seem somewhat suspicious. That’s just the nature of setting up a magic trick. So I think using a phone will have less of an impact there. Although perhaps we’ll test it officially at some point in the future.
Here’s a little magic-advertising trick for you.
Let’s say you’re releasing a packet trick. It’s just a simple packet trick. What could you possibly say about a simple packet trick?
That’s right: “Much more than a simple packet trick.”
This works with anything.
It’s just another version of the 21 Card Trick?
“Much more than just another version of the 21 Card Trick.”
It’s just a Hot Rod?
“Much more than a Hot Rod.”
The beauty of this phrase is that it acknowledges the exact objection people will have when they see the trick, then gives the impression of answering it without actually saying anything at all.
Congratulations. You’re now a magic copywriter.
Customer support at Vanishing Inc. responding with a Zen koan designed to free magicians from their attachment to owning things.
”This download can’t be downloaded.” Please meditate upon this until you no longer desire the instructions.