Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Discuss the latest news and rumors in the magic world.
User avatar
mrgoat
Posts: 4242
Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Location: Brighton, UK
Contact:

Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby mrgoat » January 26th, 2013, 6:12 am

Just wondered what percentage of you folk that are Real Secrets subscribers will be renewing. On another forum it seems many won't be. Wondered what your thoughts are on if you think it's worth another year's money...

User avatar
Marco Pusterla
Posts: 516
Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Location: Suffolk - UK
Contact:

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Marco Pusterla » January 26th, 2013, 7:10 am

I probably won't. Still two items to receive, but most of those sent so far are not suitable for me (personally!). I don't perform the kind of magic RS peddle and I don't see any real innovation in their ideas, being re-dressing of old principles. All the material is "clever", but not necessarily "magical". Very little is of use to a professional, but all of their ideas and products are excellent for an amateur or for somebody who performs for colleagues, friends and family.

Best,
Marco Pusterla - https://mpmagic.co.uk

Ye Olde Magic Mag: magazine on magic history and collecting.

User avatar
Matthew Field
Posts: 2846
Joined: January 18th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Favorite Magician: Slydini
Location: Hastings, England, UK

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Matthew Field » January 26th, 2013, 7:25 am

I'm renewing. The monthly envelope is a nice stimulus and another way for me to spend some time avoiding real work.

Matt Field

Ian Kendall
Posts: 2631
Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Location: Edinburgh
Contact:

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Ian Kendall » January 26th, 2013, 8:23 am

I renewed. I like getting a surprise each month, and one day I'll have some time to have a look at them :)

Scott M.
Posts: 197
Joined: March 13th, 2008, 12:42 am
Location: NYC

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Scott M. » January 26th, 2013, 1:24 pm

I cancelled half way through the first year. I was pretty consistently underwhelmed, and, in terms of value, I get a lot more out of each issue of Genii. (In fact, after the funds hit my PayPal account the first thing I did was add another year on my Genii subscription.) My main beef, however, is the same-ness of all the effects. There's a very specific house style to Real Secrets, and I think they should have been a little more upfront at the beginning about what that style is.

Oddly Bent
Posts: 136
Joined: February 10th, 2012, 1:24 pm
Location: Hudspeth County, Texas

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Oddly Bent » January 26th, 2013, 1:52 pm

Ian Kendall wrote:I renewed. I like getting a surprise each month, ...


Never bought, won't renew. I get a surprise every month when I review my credit card statements.

Besides, I probably get more out of my yearly contribution to the Conjuring Arts Org.($95), from which I can access almost every magic periodical ever published with enough tricks to last many lifetimes.

keeper
Posts: 47
Joined: September 20th, 2008, 6:57 pm
Location: Florida, USA

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby keeper » January 26th, 2013, 2:28 pm

I enjoy the child-like surprise of getting something every month. Like Marco said it's all re-hashing of old principles but I enjoy the way their take on things stimulate my creative juices. Even on months when the item is "not me" the process and re-dressing is inspiring and helps me in making non-Real Secrets items "mine". I am concerned with the sameness issue Scott mentioned but not enough to turn me off from year two. I feel at some point they will have to re-evaulate the limits of the business envelope approach to propell them beyond year 2. My only regret is not finding out about it early enough to have subscribed in time for month 1.
Every day is a magical adventure!

Al D'Alfonso

Tom Gilbert
Posts: 946
Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Location: NH
Contact:

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Tom Gilbert » January 26th, 2013, 3:07 pm

I would have to say no for mostly the reasons Scott and Marco listed above. The "child-like surprise" left at about issue 4-5.
I think, for the money, I could pick up a few things I would actually use.

User avatar
erdnasephile
Posts: 4770
Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby erdnasephile » January 26th, 2013, 3:25 pm

I'm going to renew--it's not that much per month and it's kind of fun to see what they come up with.

However, there is something which I think is an even better investment if you are looking for something monthly that will greatly improve your magic:

http://carneymagic.com/store_books.html

User avatar
Richard Kaufman
Posts: 27054
Joined: July 18th, 2001, 12:00 pm
Favorite Magician: Theodore DeLand
Location: Washington DC
Contact:

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Richard Kaufman » January 26th, 2013, 3:41 pm

I'm renewing. The stuff I've heard coming up for year two sounds amazing.
Subscribe today to Genii Magazine

User avatar
stereo
Posts: 99
Joined: December 28th, 2012, 6:00 pm
Contact:

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby stereo » January 26th, 2013, 8:38 pm

They would be really stupid to say the contrary...

I do not imagine they say that Year 2 will be bad ...

Ted M
Posts: 1187
Joined: January 24th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Favorite Magician: Dani DaOrtiz
Location: Madison, WI

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Ted M » January 26th, 2013, 10:53 pm

I will not renew. Real Secrets has been totally underwhelming.

If I miss the Real Secrets experience, I'll order a copy of Self-Working Number Magic by Karl Fulves (readily available used for $1 + postage) and light my other $140 on fire.

This is better than reading the same book already sitting on my shelf because of the child-like surprise of getting something in the mail.

Evan Shuster
Posts: 983
Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Location: Seattle
Contact:

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Evan Shuster » January 27th, 2013, 11:19 am

I'm back in for another year. I enjoy it, and particularly appreciate the on-line extras most months.

Jim Dahl
Posts: 94
Joined: April 20th, 2011, 12:10 am

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Jim Dahl » January 27th, 2013, 1:08 pm

I probably won't be renewing. BTW has anyone received the January trick yet? I haven't gotten mine yet and we usually get them by this time of the month.

PickaCard
Posts: 380
Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby PickaCard » January 27th, 2013, 10:17 pm

Don't forget, for those who signed up for one year at the very beginning, we are supposed to received a bonus 13th item.

Edward Pungot
Posts: 923
Joined: May 18th, 2011, 1:55 am

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Edward Pungot » January 27th, 2013, 11:21 pm

All the tricks that RS has to offer have three things going for them:

(1) Exclusivity
(2) Embedded story-line that allows you to open a group and transition into the trick naturally. People love being caught-up in a story and if they become an integral part of that story, you've hooked them immediately.
(3) Space Management: Packs flat & plays for an assortment of people in various natural environments that you may encounter in your day to day errands around and about town.

J-Mac
Posts: 171
Joined: July 19th, 2009, 3:03 am
Location: Ridley Park, PA USA

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby J-Mac » January 28th, 2013, 12:36 am

Most likely not renewing. I agree with a few posts above in that I haven't found the items to be very magical thus far. All have been something I might show one person at a time, but they are all quite puzzle-like IMO. Nothing so far that I would add into a close-up routine.

Also, though I haven't read anyone else on this particular nit, but many months the write-ups are poorly done. Besides being full of misspellings and grammar errors, some of them have actually had errors in the method itself.

I am also not very fond of how they post some extras or added/corrected instructions on the web site and then remove them. You must continually visit the site or miss them - no history there.

Thank you.

Jim

Terry Oberman
Posts: 54
Joined: April 21st, 2008, 10:53 pm

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Terry Oberman » January 30th, 2013, 1:14 am

I will definitely be renewing. I have been told by a reliable source that there are great things coming next year.

Terry

Ted M
Posts: 1187
Joined: January 24th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Favorite Magician: Dani DaOrtiz
Location: Madison, WI

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Ted M » January 30th, 2013, 10:14 am

"Great things coming next year?" Like what, a bar betcha with several piles of matchsticks?

Seriously, how does that claim differ from this year, when we were enticed with BIG NAME CONTRIBUTORS and promised MIRACLES EVERY MONTH... which mostly turned out to be very humble math puzzlers?

"Imagine never-before-seen miracles delivered every month directly to your mailbox. Imagine no further Real Secrets is here."

I gave them a $144 chance, and they had 12 months to deliver great things THIS year. They didn't.

User avatar
Bill Marquardt
Posts: 409
Joined: May 4th, 2011, 11:16 am
Favorite Magician: Pop Haydn

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Bill Marquardt » January 30th, 2013, 11:23 am

They promised jelly beans and receipts. What did anyone expect?

fredreisz
Posts: 65
Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Favorite Magician: Dai Vernon
Location: Bluffton, SC, USA
Contact:

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby fredreisz » January 31st, 2013, 2:18 am

If you signed up, as I did out of faith in some of the people involved, I believe you had to also sign up for "automatic renewal." Anyone know if there is going to be any notice and an alternative NOT to renew? Peace...Fred (Reisz)
"The art of magic is the magic of art."

Kelly Rusk
Posts: 26
Joined: August 10th, 2012, 3:58 pm

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Kelly Rusk » January 31st, 2013, 9:03 am

I'm going to renew. I like the fact that the effects utilize more real world props that regular people can identify with. As another poster said, we can use these in our more day-to-day, natural environments. I find the creativity refreshing and challenging.

User avatar
Richard Kaufman
Posts: 27054
Joined: July 18th, 2001, 12:00 pm
Favorite Magician: Theodore DeLand
Location: Washington DC
Contact:

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Richard Kaufman » January 31st, 2013, 11:49 am

It does auto-renew, but you can then opt out and ask for a refund I believe. I think the price is very fair (a mere $15 a trick) for the 12 monthly items, and the bonus items bring the price down to $7 an item. Except for one or two items (and who could expect to enjoy every single item) I've been well-pleased with my purchase.
Subscribe today to Genii Magazine

Bob Hale
Posts: 4
Joined: January 31st, 2013, 3:09 pm

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Bob Hale » January 31st, 2013, 3:14 pm

Definitely renewing! - I enjoy the monthly surprise in the mail and thinking about presentation ideas. It also often stimulates other ideas about the underlying principles and prompts creative thinking in general. Plus it's just plain fun!

Kelly Rusk
Posts: 26
Joined: August 10th, 2012, 3:58 pm

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Kelly Rusk » January 31st, 2013, 5:22 pm

Same here. As of today's mail I haven't received the January offering. The same thing happened in December and they were quick to send me a replacement. I hope the USPS hasn't deleted me for some reason.

JimW
Posts: 70
Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Location: Los Angeles, CA

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby JimW » February 1st, 2013, 12:12 am

I just received the latest installment today, so watch your mail in the next few days if you are still waiting. Kelly, are you waiting for January or February?

Kelly Rusk
Posts: 26
Joined: August 10th, 2012, 3:58 pm

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Kelly Rusk » February 1st, 2013, 12:23 am

JimW I'm waiting for the January installment. They have been arriving around the 25-27th of each month. The December installment, for me, hadn't arrived by the second week of January so I emailed them and they sent a replacement by Priority Mail. The original one never arrived. I'll wait at least another week before contacting them again. I'm very glad to hear that you got yours today. That means mine should arrive any time. Thanks for the reply.

User avatar
Don Hendrix
Posts: 527
Joined: January 18th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Location: Tucson, AZ

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Don Hendrix » February 1st, 2013, 4:48 pm

Arrived in Tucson today. Two goodies this month.

User avatar
Don Hendrix
Posts: 527
Joined: January 18th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Location: Tucson, AZ

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Don Hendrix » February 1st, 2013, 5:17 pm

Anyone else having trouble with downloading the online portion of this month's offering? There appear to be two files to download and I can't get either to work.

Terry Oberman
Posts: 54
Joined: April 21st, 2008, 10:53 pm

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Terry Oberman » February 1st, 2013, 6:56 pm

I had no problem with either file Don.

User avatar
Richard Kaufman
Posts: 27054
Joined: July 18th, 2001, 12:00 pm
Favorite Magician: Theodore DeLand
Location: Washington DC
Contact:

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Richard Kaufman » February 1st, 2013, 6:57 pm

I downloaded all three items (video and two pdf files) and had no problems. Are you sure you have the latest version of Adobe Acrobat and you don't have any pop-up blockers turned on?
Subscribe today to Genii Magazine

Mark Collier
Posts: 430
Joined: January 18th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Location: Santa Barbara, Ca
Contact:

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Mark Collier » February 1st, 2013, 7:32 pm

How do you download the video?

User avatar
Richard Kaufman
Posts: 27054
Joined: July 18th, 2001, 12:00 pm
Favorite Magician: Theodore DeLand
Location: Washington DC
Contact:

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Richard Kaufman » February 1st, 2013, 8:01 pm

Google it.
Subscribe today to Genii Magazine

Mark Collier
Posts: 430
Joined: January 18th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Location: Santa Barbara, Ca
Contact:

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Mark Collier » February 1st, 2013, 8:38 pm

Of course....the answer to life, the universe and everything isn't 42...it's google.
I should have known that.
Thanks.

User avatar
erdnasephile
Posts: 4770
Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby erdnasephile » February 1st, 2013, 9:23 pm

Mark Collier wrote:Of course....the answer to life, the universe and everything isn't 42...it's google.
I should have known that.
Thanks.


There's a cool trick Re: this included with the EMC 2012 DVD's

Kelly Rusk
Posts: 26
Joined: August 10th, 2012, 3:58 pm

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Kelly Rusk » February 2nd, 2013, 3:38 pm

Got the latest RS in today's mail!! Cool idea!

User avatar
Richard Kaufman
Posts: 27054
Joined: July 18th, 2001, 12:00 pm
Favorite Magician: Theodore DeLand
Location: Washington DC
Contact:

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Richard Kaufman » February 2nd, 2013, 4:10 pm

Just got mine today. Both the "regular" item and the bonus item are excellent. The idea of doing the Hy******* with a s****** is really clever. I'm going to order some refills for that one.
Subscribe today to Genii Magazine

Ted M
Posts: 1187
Joined: January 24th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Favorite Magician: Dani DaOrtiz
Location: Madison, WI

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Ted M » February 2nd, 2013, 5:47 pm

Will the refills spell the famous artist's name correctly on the prop?

User avatar
Richard Kaufman
Posts: 27054
Joined: July 18th, 2001, 12:00 pm
Favorite Magician: Theodore DeLand
Location: Washington DC
Contact:

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Richard Kaufman » February 2nd, 2013, 11:02 pm

Ted M: I believe that may have been done on purpose due to IP issues.
Subscribe today to Genii Magazine

Ted M
Posts: 1187
Joined: January 24th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Favorite Magician: Dani DaOrtiz
Location: Madison, WI

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Postby Ted M » February 2nd, 2013, 11:23 pm

Hmm, I hadn't considered that. I know Dover press is hurting from those works (and so many others) being yanked back under copyright protection. And now I notice that these are redrawn, not the real thing. But they work fine as gestural representations.

Okay, considering it as possibly deliberate, I say: Spell it right or omit it. A misspelling in bold letters is never a wise choice. It calls attention to itself, at least among the literate.

Still, when also considering the missing period after the second initial and the larger context of RS' past history of misspellings, it looks more like editorial sloppiness than a deliberate choice.


Return to “Buzz”