Exposure in Boing Boing

[P.T.Widdle]

Boing Boing, a widely read blog, has traditionally been a fan of magic, with items appearing pretty regularly. However, to my knowledge, I've never seen them run an exposure. I could be wrong. I know this piece will have zero effect on magic and its secrets, but it made me squirm a little, nonetheless.

http://boingboing.net/2014/05/19/perfor ... d-rea.html

[Jonathan Townsend]

Takes us right back to Seneca's letter about quibbles and trivia.

If you want mysteries ... chose the audience side of the proscenium arch. It's all preparation and hard work on the performer's side.

[Richard Kaufman]

It's mentalism using a stooge, so who gives a crap.

[Gordon Meyer]

I don't think this is the first time, and it's less surprising when you notice that it's written by an editor of MAKE, which has published numerous magic tricks for people who aren't interested in magic.

This is pretty much just method-porn, as hardly any magician will bother to learn a two-peson code, let alone a web surfer who was hoping to see the latest cat videos.

The part I enjoyed the most was the comment section where non-magicians immediately jump in to improve the method. Hey, maybe they're magicians after all.

[Bill Mullins]

When Boing Boing does a magic post, it's usually written by Mark Frauenfelder, who is a magic enthusiast.
He did a BB post that exposed Jim Steinmeyer's Nine Card trick, and also recently did a Cool Tools post that mentioned Erdnase.

[Travis]

While, technically, it constitutes using a confederate, Richard, it's clearly a 2-person code act. I'm not sure Glenn or Francis would have appreciated being referred to as 'stooges'.

This is a brilliant system, and was later used for playing cards by Alan Wakeling in his Numerology act, as detailed by Jim Steinmeyer in his book about Alan.

[Timothy Hyde]

This was the first Mental effect I ever performed
(hmmm ... 50 odd years ago)
learning it from the '63 Book of Magic

a fairly influential moment for me

[Richard Kaufman]

I may have read it too quickly, but either way, who gives a poop.

[Bill Mullins]

And today Card College got linked on Boing Boing.

[P.T.Widdle]

And today Card College got linked on Boing Boing.

See, now that softens the blow for me. A trick with an explanation here, a link to a great book there, some history, context, etc. Instead of just "method porn."
How magic is represented in media other than Genii is important. Boing Boing has a huge "cool" audience. It's nice to see their posts reflect genuine admiration and respect. I take back my initial reaction to the mentalism post. Seen through a wider lens it is a good thing. I'd hate to think that the (U.S) public's perception of magic consists solely of Blaine TV specials, an Angel cable show, and occasional crappy magic movies.

[Jonathan Townsend]

What folks think about magic is effected by what you do and how you come across doing it.

There's a magic plate on the wall which, when flicked in just the right way, causes invisible things made far away to make the room as if the sun were shining. It works as advertised making a significant impression even when the sun has set. Per the instructions no moons, mirrors or special alignment of the planets is required once the apparatus is properly installed in the working theater. Not a single magi has yet duplicated the means or apparatus needed to perform this illuminating feat. The portable orb of wonder shines on for years if handled properly.

[Jim Riser]

Actually, I appreciate the Boing Boing post for what it is - a respectful reference to a great code system. The individual poster has obviously given no little thought to bringing the system up to date. Following the suggestions given could lead a new breed of "mentalists" on their way to fame.

I consider this "good exposure".
Jim

[Richard Kaufman]

There is no more Criss Angel TV show. It wasn't renewed.

[Jonathan Townsend]

More fun on boing boing
http://boingboing.net/2014/05/23/best-i ... -year.html

[Jonathan Townsend]

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/67473

any inside information on this project?

[Jonathan Townsend]

From Houdini to Cognitive Bias ...

http://boingboing.net/2014/05/28/cognit ... -lice.html



They seem to like magic over there - even Cory Doctorow - in this item on the Greenwald book: "...He may linger a little over the personal sleights he's received..." using sleights in place of slights.

[Gordon Meyer]

And more magic on BoingBoing. This time, in their "Gadgets" podcast they cover Mind Control.

http://boingboing.net/2014/05/29/pizza- ... -game.html

[Jonathan Townsend]

They seem to like magic

from today: http://boingboing.net/2014/06/06/magic- ... death.html

[PapaG]

They seem to like magic

from today: http://boingboing.net/2014/06/06/magic- ... death.html

Maybe a touch over-egged, but still very nice. Amazing how some thoughtful patter can transform a simple trick into a piece of entertainment.

[Jonathan Townsend]

indirect link to more magic - http://www.hackcircus.com/what/

a bridge to build?

[Jonathan Townsend]

Magic gets another boost on BoingBoing

http://boingboing.net/2014/07/30/the-ma ... ality.html

[Bill Mullins]

The Boingboing version of Real Secrets.

[P.T.Widdle]

The Boingboing version of Real Secrets.

Kind of a weird unboxing - just showing the apparatus and packaging. No exposure, but also only hints at what the effects are. A longer version with demos of the tricks might of have been more interesting for the lay viewer, maybe not.

[NCMarsh]

No exposure, but also only hints at what the effects are. A longer version with demos of the tricks might of have been more interesting for the lay viewer, maybe not.

Ah, but that presupposes that the person selling the tricks is capable of performing them...