Mysterious book

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Mysterious book

Postby Guest » October 13th, 2005, 1:04 pm

Check out Hermetic Press' web site...

Robert Allen
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Re: Mysterious book

Postby Robert Allen » October 13th, 2005, 1:36 pm

The Protocols of the Elders of Magic. "Only 1 secret, but it's a killer!" 214 pages, limited edition of 500, $50

No description of what's in it, and with a title like that the mind boggles. Perhaps it will unveil that all the worlds problems are caused by a secret cabal of..magicians?

http://www.hermeticpress.com/

Richard Lane
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Re: Mysterious book

Postby Richard Lane » October 14th, 2005, 3:59 pm

Will this be a thing of terrifying beauty?

Jonathan Townsend
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Re: Mysterious book

Postby Jonathan Townsend » October 14th, 2005, 4:47 pm

Originally posted by Robert Allen:
The Protocols of the Elders of Magic. "Only 1 secret, but it's a killer!" ...
Excellent. Probably a "useful" book too. I bet it would be just right to leave almost hidden so people can ask about it.
Mundus vult decipi -per Caleb Carr's story Killing Time

Brian Glicker
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Re: Mysterious book

Postby Brian Glicker » November 8th, 2005, 4:00 pm

I just got an e-mail that all 500 copies (well 496) have been sold. I bought one and I wish I knew what I was getting.

John LeBlanc
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Re: Mysterious book

Postby John LeBlanc » November 8th, 2005, 4:09 pm

Originally posted by britesq:
I bought one and I wish I knew what I was getting.
Like the other 499 of us, you are getting two-tenths of one percent of an entire limited production run of a book written by a highly respected author, published by a highly repected publisher. You are getting a signature -- hopefully on the inside of the book -- by the man who wrote it. You are getting bragging rights. For pity's sake man, what more do you want? Full disclosure? What's wrong with you?

John
http://www.escamoteurettes.con/blog/

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magicam
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Re: Mysterious book

Postby magicam » November 8th, 2005, 5:29 pm

John LeBlanc wrote:
You are getting bragging rights.
:D

Clay

Guest

Re: Mysterious book

Postby Guest » November 8th, 2005, 5:44 pm

Shane,

Since this book is sold out, there is no point in disclosing the secret or giving a review since it will serve no practical purpose.

I for one, will not be login on any newsgroups as of November 15th (date the books ships) until I finish reading it.

Do not expect me to post a review or even talk about it in an open forum once it ships.

This is one secret that should be kept by the 500 owners.

Guest

Re: Mysterious book

Postby Guest » November 8th, 2005, 5:56 pm

Yeah, right... like you could keep Erdnase's real name a secret.

Jonathan Townsend
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Re: Mysterious book

Postby Jonathan Townsend » November 8th, 2005, 6:46 pm

Originally posted by Horsk:
Yeah, right... like you could keep Erdnase's real name a secret.
To start with, the guy's name was not a secret, it was just too much for the folks of the time to bother investigating.

Likewise the secret of the book will likely be on the chats soon enough.

Nice marketing though.
Mundus vult decipi -per Caleb Carr's story Killing Time

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magicam
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Re: Mysterious book

Postby magicam » November 8th, 2005, 7:18 pm

pierredan wrote:
Since this book is sold out, there is no point in ... giving a review since it will serve no practical purpose.
I guess it depends on the meaning of "practical purpose," but assuming the purpose of a book review is not always to sell copies (which is quite true), I think there are many other reasons why a book review remains appropos despite a book's sold-out status.

Clay

Guest

Re: Mysterious book

Postby Guest » November 8th, 2005, 7:40 pm

Let's respect the Secret!
Secrets are one of the most important tools that Magic Fraternity has got to preserve themselves.
I love Secrets!
And since i'll soon be the owner of this precious book, i'll keep the secret.
I can speak about it only with close and trusty friend magicians.
But surely enough i will not post anything about it on the internet.
Let the secrets grow, let our Art rebirth!
Crim

Eric Rose
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Re: Mysterious book

Postby Eric Rose » November 9th, 2005, 5:35 am

I almost missed this one. Mr. Minch said that when I called he only had 8 copies left. Whew.

He told me just enough to keep me interested, but I ain't tippin' any of it.

Looking forward to it.

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magicam
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Re: Mysterious book

Postby magicam » November 9th, 2005, 6:38 am

Jonathan!

Clarity my man!

If ignorance = secrets, you have no worries!

Clay

Jonathan Townsend
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Re: Mysterious book

Postby Jonathan Townsend » November 9th, 2005, 6:40 am

Ah that wonderful line from the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" about quivering with anticipation.

ROFL

The book has a nice title and will likely prompt many a "What's that?" from folks if you leave it in view.
Mundus vult decipi -per Caleb Carr's story Killing Time

Jonathan Townsend
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Re: Mysterious book

Postby Jonathan Townsend » November 9th, 2005, 6:47 am

Originally posted by crimsonking:
Let's respect the Secret!
Secrets are one of the most important tools that Magic Fraternity has got to preserve themselves.
I love Secrets!...
That, unfortunately is pretty much the problem IN our craft.

I don't like secrets. More a necessary burden than a "bragging rights" thing IMHO. Each brings a responsibility to the giver and to the provenance of the material entrusted.
Mundus vult decipi -per Caleb Carr's story Killing Time

Terrence
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Re: Mysterious book

Postby Terrence » November 9th, 2005, 12:57 pm

Just to confirm for everybody on the thread:

I called, and the book is now completely sold out.

Congratulations to all who have their copy, and let it be known that I'm supremely jealous - but I can handle it - it's all for the Art.

And what an excellent way to generate interest - hats off!

Jim Klodzen
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Re: Mysterious book

Postby Jim Klodzen » November 21st, 2005, 4:29 pm

Recieved mine today. I smiled and thought to myself "Brilliant!"

Guest

Re: Mysterious book

Postby Guest » November 22nd, 2005, 12:35 pm

I'd love to hear some comments on this "book"

Bob Baker
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Re: Mysterious book

Postby Bob Baker » November 23rd, 2005, 6:45 am

I received mine and thought, "That's it??"

I'll admit that it grows on you some, but I think that the marketing was more "brilliant" than the book. After all, if you had known in advance what it was, would you have plunked down the $50?

I think not.

Bob

Jonathan Townsend
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Re: Mysterious book

Postby Jonathan Townsend » November 23rd, 2005, 7:27 am

Originally posted by Bob Baker:
I received mine and thought, "That's it??"

I'll admit that it grows on you some, but I think that the marketing was more "brilliant" than the book. After all, if you had known in advance what it was, would you have plunked down the $50?

I think not.

Bob
Okay, so beyond "bragging rights" does the book have any utility?
Mundus vult decipi -per Caleb Carr's story Killing Time

Robert Allen
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Re: Mysterious book

Postby Robert Allen » November 23rd, 2005, 7:31 am

Oh come on :) First it was only $50. Docc Hillford has sold super-uber-super-secrets for a lot more than that. Second, there was absolutely no info on what it was about. Third it was by Max Maven. No disrepspect meant to Mr. Maven, but if I was him and saw how much his books have gone for on the 'bay over the years, I would be mightily tempted to release such a book where each page simply had the number "42" on it :) .

This way to the Egress....

Jonathan Townsend
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Re: Mysterious book

Postby Jonathan Townsend » November 23rd, 2005, 7:41 am

Originally posted by Robert Allen:
Oh come on :) First it was only $50. Docc Hillford has sold super-uber-super-secrets for a lot more than that. Second, there was absolutely no info on what it was about. Third it was by Max Maven. No disrepspect meant to Mr. Maven, but if I was him and saw how much his books have gone for on the 'bay over the years, I would be mightily tempted to release such a book where each page simply had the number "42" on it :) .
Kewl, I guess this means we are in store for a collection of Dai Vernon's kids paintings and drawings he kept on the fridge over the years that inspired him to come up with the material in his "secrets" books. How about the cocktail napkins Lewis Ganson used to take notes ( or authorized copies thereof) for the deluxe edition?
Mundus vult decipi -per Caleb Carr's story Killing Time

Robert Allen
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Re: Mysterious book

Postby Robert Allen » November 23rd, 2005, 8:42 am

Strange, but I can almost see a market for the cocktail napkin book you mention :)

John LeBlanc
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Re: Mysterious book

Postby John LeBlanc » November 23rd, 2005, 10:09 am

Originally posted by Robert Allen:
Oh come on :) First it was only $50. Docc Hillford has sold super-uber-super-secrets for a lot more than that.
And some of us paid and were not happy with the value received. Besides, I'm not sure comparing Docc and Max is such a fair rasslin' match.

Second, there was absolutely no info on what it was about.
That's correct. And absent any specific information, I'd venture to say most of us relied on our respect for both Maven and Minch -- respect earned over the course of many years.

Third it was by Max Maven. No disrepspect meant to Mr. Maven, but if I was him and saw how much his books have gone for on the 'bay over the years, I would be mightily tempted to release such a book where each page simply had the number "42" on it :) .
Maybe you would, Robert, but I don't expect Max or Stephen to do so. And Prism certainly demonstrated a level of restraint that should be acknowledged.

I'm going to withhold judgement on this unpleasant little book for a little while longer.

John
http://www.escamoteurettes.com/blog/

Erik Hemming
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Re: Mysterious book

Postby Erik Hemming » November 23rd, 2005, 1:12 pm

Re: The Protocols of the Elders of Magic

It's a thing of beauty.

Production, as usual, was exquisite.

Mr. Minch advertised exactly what it wasn't.

His response to orders--mine at least--was precisely worded, and exactly right.

Mr. Maven executed it with erudition, and a black, mordant glee.

(The title, itself, may be worth $50.00.)

It was a satisfying read and makes me grin every time I think of it.

Deep thanks to all involved.

gordo

Jacky Kahan
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Re: Mysterious book

Postby Jacky Kahan » November 23rd, 2005, 2:15 pm

Interesting.. on ebay ... prices already vary between 75$ and 275 check here

Jacky
www.magicbooks.be

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Matthew Field
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Re: Mysterious book

Postby Matthew Field » November 24th, 2005, 4:54 am

I love the fact that two of the sellers can't even get the title correct.

Matt Field

John LeBlanc
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Re: Mysterious book

Postby John LeBlanc » November 24th, 2005, 8:02 am

Originally posted by Matthew Field:
I love the fact that two of the sellers can't even get the title correct.
Hmmm, I must have missed that. The only changes I see (at least in the auctions for the Maven book) is that some do not include "The" in the title.

Here\'s a link to only the magic book auctions, instead of a listing including that other book.

John
http://www.escamoteurettes.com/blog/

Guest

Re: Mysterious book

Postby Guest » November 24th, 2005, 9:06 am

I'm very very disappointed by all the people who are selling or will sell their "PROTOCOLS" on ebay.
It is your right to sell your book..
but it seems to me very early to see the book on ebay right now.
It's a shame..
i think that all the people who are selling their "PROTOCOLS" are not true magic lovers.
It was designed to be a secret..
so at least you should have waited some months or maybe years, before selling it.
But i think the best thing to do was for the 500 owners of the book..never to sell it and..
to keep the SECRET!!
It's only my humble opinion but i feel that there is no more culture of the secret.
I expected to see some U2 ticket for sale on ebay the same day the ticket went out..but never and never i expected this little book on ebay so early.
I think that the people who are selling this book now, shouldn't deserve to buy other secret books.
It is only my humble opinion and i'm waiting for opinions of yours, also in contrast with mine.
Let me know what you magic lovers think.
Best regards.
Crim

Richard Hatch
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Re: Mysterious book

Postby Richard Hatch » November 24th, 2005, 9:17 am

Originally posted by crimsonking:
I'm very very disappointed by all the people who are selling or will sell their "PROTOCOLS" on ebay.
It is your right to sell your book..
but it seems to me very early to see the book on ebay right now.
It it my understanding that one of the reasons the book sold out so quickly is that several people ordered multiple copies, as many as 5 in one case. No doubt this was done in some cases as an investment, with the intent to resell at a profit. Which is what seems to be happening on eBay now...

Guest

Re: Mysterious book

Postby Guest » November 24th, 2005, 10:08 am

Crimsonking

Well, I bought three copies.

One for a friend, one for my permanent library and one for speculation (such as Cards as Weapons which I do not own because of the outrageous price this is going for).

Maybe I'll sell my spare copy now, maybe in a few years; maybe it will make a special gift one day.

I did not receive them yet, so I cannot confirm or deny that It was designed to be a secret.

It seems to me that if this book was really meant to be limited distribution and that no copies would be offered for sale on eBay, it should have been limited to one book per customer.

Guest

Re: Mysterious book

Postby Guest » November 24th, 2005, 10:39 am

Originally posted by crimsonking:
It was designed to be a secret..
If it's so important that it be kept secret, then why was it published?

Dave

Guest

Re: Mysterious book

Postby Guest » November 24th, 2005, 11:07 am

Maybe one thing is right.
That it should have been limited 1 copy per customer.
When i speak about secrets, i want only to say that it would be a nice thing if there were more secrets in this Art and Craft.
I think Magic is a field which gives great space for secrets.
Secrets are the base of this wondeful Art.
I mean.. it is nice to buy copies for magic friends etcc..
but i don't like the idea to sell the book so early on ebay.
Now i'm speaking strictly for "THE PROTOCOLS" book.
It would have been nice if all the owners had waited a little longer before selling their copies on ebay.
I live in Italy and i'm still waiting for my copy.
I would have loved if all the owners would have ketpt their secret a little longer.
Just that.
If you think about it..
what a wonderful thing would be if only 500 people in the world would know the "PROTOCOLS" secret.
Maybe who among you who have received your book, don't think the secret is worth.
But i think that the concept of keeping a secret would be great!
In these days too many people can "buy" all the magic secrets if they want.
this would have been an exception.
Too late.
Maybe in the future..
maybe..
Crim

Jonathan Townsend
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Re: Mysterious book

Postby Jonathan Townsend » November 24th, 2005, 11:22 am

First, the item was not designed as a secret to be held precious by a few. It was a publicly offered and advertised item.

There is a post elsewhere asking about the cost of trust and the price of secrets.

Bemoaning that one one can buy secrets with dollars and treat magic items as property?

Or just whining that kids on the internet will be downloading the scanned book on torrent or P2P systems before you get to revel in having a secret?

Pity would be wasted.

is "Crimson King" a reference to the group and album of similar name?
Mundus vult decipi -per Caleb Carr's story Killing Time

Guest

Re: Mysterious book

Postby Guest » November 24th, 2005, 1:20 pm

I'm not bemoaning at all.
I just expressed my opinion.
And i'm very open to all of yours opinion.
I don't want to make you change idea.
For what concerns me, my "PROTOCOLS" will never be on sale.
The name Crimsonking comes from...
oops.
It's a secret!

John LeBlanc
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Re: Mysterious book

Postby John LeBlanc » November 24th, 2005, 3:39 pm

Originally posted by Dave Le Fevre:
If it's so important that it be kept secret, then why was it published?
Maybe the secret of the book isn't the point. Maybe, in part, it's a demonstration to see who has the integrity to abide by a simple request.

Not telling the secret takes no more effort than telling the secret. So what's left is integrity.

John
Getting Close.

http://www.escamoteurettes.com/blog/

Guest

Re: Mysterious book

Postby Guest » November 24th, 2005, 4:20 pm

I think Mr. John LeBlanc posted a great message.
It was the point i was trying to make.
Maybe i focused too much on the "secret".
The point is Mr.Minch asked a very simple thing.
Why ruin it all selling the "PROTOCOLS" on ebay after 2 minutes!
Yes..
Integrity..
Integrity!..
and Secret!
Crim

Jonathan Townsend
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Re: Mysterious book

Postby Jonathan Townsend » November 24th, 2005, 4:36 pm

Originally posted by Jonathan Townsend:
Originally posted by crimsonking:
[b] ...Maybe i focused too much on the "secret".
The point is Mr.Minch asked a very simple thing.
Why ruin it all selling the "PROTOCOLS" on ebay after 2 minutes!...
Agreed about secrets Crimson, as Del Ray and others have demonstrated.

Also agreed about things being better if people did treat secrets differently. I've written about that elsewhere. Look for the questions about the value of a surprise and the cost of a secret.

Puzzled though about what Mr Minch may have asked. If it's not too much to ask... what did he ask that you feel was not honored? [/b]
Mundus vult decipi -per Caleb Carr's story Killing Time

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magicam
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Re: Mysterious book

Postby magicam » November 24th, 2005, 10:24 pm

Jonathan T. wrote:
is "Crimson King" a reference to the group and album of similar name?
I think the name of the group was actually King Crimson - not a bad band either.

Clay


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