Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Discuss the latest news and rumors in the magic world.
Scott M.
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Scott M. » April 10th, 2012, 11:34 am

I pretty much assumed the "no back issues" policy means that you start with the next issue, not the one previously mailed.

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Richard Kaufman
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Richard Kaufman » April 10th, 2012, 11:37 am

And you would be correct in that, Scott, as the following email I received moments ago from Real Secrets clarifies:

"All April memberships were closed on the last day of March.

Anyone joining now will receive the May offering as their first installment.

After the end of April, all new memberships will no longer include the bonus Weber routine.

People who join now will get everything except the April offering."

So, NOTE that will still get the bonus Weber routine if you subscribe starting with month 2.
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Oddly Bent
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Oddly Bent » April 10th, 2012, 3:43 pm

Real secrets reminds me of this little ditty:

As I was walking up the stair,
I met a man who wasn't there,
he wasn't there again today,
I wish I wish he'd go away.

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Richard Kaufman
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Richard Kaufman » April 12th, 2012, 5:02 pm

Okay, the first installment of Real Secrets fell into my greedy hands today.
If this is indicative of the quality of what we'll be getting for $15 a month, it's a bargain. INCREDIBLY clever. I wish I could tell you how clever and for what reason, but I can't. But it's very very good and typical of the cleverness I expect from its creator. In fact, there are two clever things about the first trick that I'm aching to enthuse about, but it's impossible because of their rules. If you appreciate clever practical magic, you couldn't possibly be disappointed by the first item.

It also came with some odd item that has no instructions, and I assume this is one of the bonuses that we will be given instructions to at a later date.

The Genii says "Thumbs Up" and encourages those who have hesitated to feel confident if you trust my opinion.
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erdnasephile
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby erdnasephile » April 12th, 2012, 5:06 pm

I'm also pleased to confirm that customer service and communications are very efficient.

Edward Pungot
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Edward Pungot » April 12th, 2012, 10:59 pm

Received my first installment in the mail today as well.

I like it. :)

That is all.

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Bill Marquardt
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Bill Marquardt » April 13th, 2012, 3:42 am

I am reminded of a late '60s song:

I want one
I need one
And you would too
If you had ever seen one

Oddly Bent
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Oddly Bent » April 13th, 2012, 6:06 pm

billmarq wrote:I am reminded of a late '60s song:

I want one
I need one
And you would too
If you had ever seen one




Hey Bill, they miss you on the RS thread at Magic Cafe. I got the feeling you were a sticker in subscribers shoes and I love retorts of the people you aggravated when they no evidence to prove anything.

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Bill Marquardt
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Bill Marquardt » April 13th, 2012, 7:19 pm

Yeah, even though it was never my intention to spoil anyone's fun, I got the feeling that a few of them would rather I just shut up. Fact of the matter is that the RS team had posted misleading announcements (witness comments from others above) about their subscriptions and when I emailed the RS people to dispute their refund and cancellation they pretty much told me to lump it. They have finally changed the language in their new list of Terms and Conditions on their web site. Why couldn't they just appologize for the bad wording and do that in the first place?

I did not appreciate the way I was kicked out of the "club" even before the service started, but I am being genuinely honest when I tell you that after reconsidering everything I am perfectly okay with spending my money on other things, especially seeing that part of their strategy is to sell replacements for the consumables needed for their effects. That is not necessarily a bad thing, but it casts a light on what "membership" is all about.

That thread started to get really freaky when one guy said RS was the best thing to happen in magic for decades, even before he had received the first shipment. Amazing.

By the way, I first heard that poem you quoted some fifty years ago from my cousin.

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Matthew Field
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Matthew Field » April 15th, 2012, 8:59 am

Those of you who are members and received your member numbers -- if you haven't done so recently, log on to the RS website and look at their blog. There is some interesting stuff about Trick #1 and a related trick they are making available.

Matt Field

Ian Kendall
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Ian Kendall » April 15th, 2012, 2:08 pm

Ooh, and a grammatical error for the pedants to spot, too :)

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Smurf
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Smurf » April 15th, 2012, 4:55 pm

I was watching the short-run series from the 1960's "The Prisoner" on DVD yesterday, and I was surprised to see billmarq playing the role of Number 2 in a few of the episodes. Not really, but look at billmarq's avatar then look at this picture of Colin Gordon, who played Number 2. They might be related!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sci-fi-tv/5502573727/

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Bill Marquardt
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Bill Marquardt » April 15th, 2012, 10:25 pm

Smurf wrote:I was watching the short-run series from the 1960's "The Prisoner" on DVD yesterday, and I was surprised to see billmarq playing the role of Number 2 in a few of the episodes. Not really, but look at billmarq's avatar then look at this picture of Colin Gordon, who played Number 2. They might be related!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sci-fi-tv/5502573727/


I prefer this comparison over the one from a guy at the MC who said I looked like the dead guy in Weekend At Bernie's.

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Richard Kaufman
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Richard Kaufman » April 16th, 2012, 2:48 am

I'm at Magic-Con in San Diego, which just ended today and was a killer convention. Michael Weber was here for the final day and performed and sold "Weber's Wallet," which I believe will eventually be available for general sale for members through the Real Secrets Website. A great wallet and three terrific effects--everything we expect from Mr. Weber.
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Richard Kaufman
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Richard Kaufman » April 17th, 2012, 1:45 am

For those of you who purchased Real Secrets, you received an item in the envelope for which there were no instructions. The instructions for the trick have now been posted on the site. Accessible only to members. Some very funny applications are given.
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Matthew Field
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Matthew Field » April 18th, 2012, 5:05 am

I've just got to tell my fellow magi (male and female!) about the extraordinary customer service that the Real Secrets team are providing. They have gone overboard to ensure my experience is a good one.

I wish more companies, in and out of magic, were like this.

Matt Field

Jonathan Townsend
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Jonathan Townsend » April 18th, 2012, 8:06 am

Matthew Field wrote:...

I wish more companies, in and out of magic, were like this.

Matt Field


If the NDA were more specific on what's to be covered and for how long, what's not to be covered and there was some process in place to make sure one is not going to discuss item X with a member who did not recieve item X but has items Y and W... I'd be more likely to agree.

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Matthew Field
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Matthew Field » April 18th, 2012, 9:04 am

Jon -- not really interested in whether or not you agree. I was just stating my experience with Real Secrets.

Matt Field

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mrgoat
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby mrgoat » April 18th, 2012, 9:06 am

Matthew Field wrote:Jon -- not really interested in whether or not you agree


I imagine people are even less interested whether or not you agree with Jon.

Jeff Eline
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Jeff Eline » April 18th, 2012, 9:27 am

Matthew Field wrote:I wish more companies, in and out of magic, were like this.



I really wish I could say the same thing. Just wasn't my experience, sad to say.

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Bill Marquardt
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Bill Marquardt » April 18th, 2012, 10:22 am

Perceptions vary for a number of reasons. One fellow has commented that RS is now selling a trick by a well known magician at less than market value. In fact, they are selling it at $4.00 more than the creator sells it on his site.

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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Jeff Eline » April 18th, 2012, 11:34 am

Scratch from Chad Long @ $20

Scratch from Real Secrets at @ $24.

Maybe there's additional info that Real Secrets is adding. I don't know.

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Richard Kaufman
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Richard Kaufman » April 18th, 2012, 12:28 pm

Let's hope I don't get in hot water for writing this, but since it's to Real Secrets benefit perhaps it will be okay.

"Scratch" was FREE from Real Secrets--it came as a bonus with trick number 1. Then a handling for it was posted on the website viewable only to members--a handling which does not appear on Chad's DVD.

Jeff, you must not be a member or you would know this. And I think it would be best for anyone who's not a member to stop posting information about Real Secrets since you don't know what the members are getting and we're in the position of not being able to tell you!

And your link to "Scratch" on the Real Secrets website doesn't work because you have to be a member to log in and see it.
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Jeff Eline
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Jeff Eline » April 18th, 2012, 12:58 pm

What an interesting piccadilly this is. Mr. Richard Kaufman is afraid of getting in hot water. People who are members can't post anything about it. People who aren't members shouldn't post anything about it. Very interesting indeed.

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Richard Kaufman
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Richard Kaufman » April 18th, 2012, 2:21 pm

When I paid my money I agreed to the terms and conditions. Violating those terms is valid cause for termination of my membership. Simple.

People who aren't members can indeed post about it, but you risk posting incorrect information, as has already happened here, because as a non-member you don't actually have the facts.
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Jeff Eline
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Jeff Eline » April 18th, 2012, 2:48 pm

Fair enough.

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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Doomo » April 18th, 2012, 10:41 pm

Ok... This is all well and good... Noble secret holding and all that... BUT... Anyone want to bet on how much the first years collected "secrets" will go for on ebay? That first person will clean up...

It is going to happen....

Don't mean to sound mean... But it WILL happen.

Then the names and the screen shots and all the rest will come out...

It is going to be interesting...
RFA Productions yeah... It is cool stuff.

www.rfaproductions.com

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Richard Kaufman
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Richard Kaufman » April 18th, 2012, 11:15 pm

Only a dissatisfied customer who doesn't want the second year of items (and perhaps beyond) will sell the first year and spill the beans.

While I think, based on the first item and the bonus item that came with it, that I will be more than pleased to own and keep the full set (however many years that entails), there are definitely some people who've bought this for its speculative value.

So, somewhere down the pike, you'll probably see some sets get sold. But until Real Secrets completes its run, any set that gets sold will always be incomplete.
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Terry Oberman
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Terry Oberman » April 19th, 2012, 2:12 pm

billmarq wrote:Perceptions vary for a number of reasons. One fellow has commented that RS is now selling a trick by a well known magician at less than market value. In fact, they are selling it at $4.00 more than the creator sells it on his site.


In fact they are selling it for LESS since they do not charge for USA shipping.

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Richard Kaufman
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Richard Kaufman » April 19th, 2012, 3:36 pm

Terrific point.
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Josh Chaikin
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Josh Chaikin » April 19th, 2012, 4:18 pm

For the sake of completeness, I'm happy to report that I received my package from Real Secrets today, with apologies for the delay. A couple of days ago, I received my ID and receipt. Looks like there was a hiccup in the system when I registered. All is well now, and I'm happy with the product.

Terry Oberman
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Terry Oberman » April 22nd, 2012, 9:11 am

Here is a fun fact. If you go to the home page, http://www.realsecrets.org/index.php(the one with all the photos), in the middle there is an ambigram. It says REAL one way and upside down it says SECRETS. Enjoy!

Terry

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Richard Kaufman
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Richard Kaufman » April 22nd, 2012, 11:45 am

Terry, that page is only visible to members. When you log in with your membership number it "remembers" you. Anyone who is not a member and goes to the link you've given will only see the normal home page--no photos.
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Terry Oberman
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Terry Oberman » April 22nd, 2012, 3:45 pm

That's a god point Richard. Okay, to anyone who wants to see a really cool ambigram, please join Real Secrets.

Seriously, I HIGHLY recommend Real Secrets.

Terry
Last edited by Terry Oberman on April 22nd, 2012, 4:15 pm, edited 0 times in total.
Reason: I believe you mean a "good" point, since I make no claimes of godliness.

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Matthew Field
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Matthew Field » April 24th, 2012, 8:33 am

My first Real Secrets package arrived today. The trick(s) is clever and the production absolutely first rate. Their customer service has been exemplary. I'm quite pleased.

Matt Field

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mrgoat
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby mrgoat » April 24th, 2012, 8:48 am

quite is a weird American/English thing. In England it means "kinda a little bit good". Not very good, not close to very good, but not bad.

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Matthew Field
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Matthew Field » April 24th, 2012, 9:18 am

OK, Goat Boy. How about "...very pleased"?

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Richard Kaufman
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Richard Kaufman » April 24th, 2012, 11:35 am

First trick very good, free bonus very good ... waiting for number 2!
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Edward Pungot
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Edward Pungot » April 28th, 2012, 11:22 pm

Received the second installment today in the post.

Between The Real Secrets and Genii Magazine I am in a perpetual state of childhood bliss.

Very practical and clever.

It's like Tarbell mail-order for the 21st Century.

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Richard Kaufman
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Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Postby Richard Kaufman » April 28th, 2012, 11:24 pm

Number 2 already? You're lucky you live on the West Coast, Edward. I'l have to wait another week!
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