Recently, I was involved in a debate where I was going to be marketing an effect that some felt may be slightly similar to something previously published. My question is, what makes something original enough to release?

I see similar things released all the time. A perfect example is Ken Scott's "Fantasy Magician" (www.kenscottproducts.com/FantasyMagician.html) and Kevin James' "Instant Magician" (www.kjmagic.com/catalog/effects02.html)There are numerous versions of ITR and Card in Lemon and other tricks for sale. So, what makes one original enough to market and not the other?

I don't think it's really the effect all of the time. Sometimes it just has to do with the method itself. For instance, the torn and restored card. There are many different versions. Sadly, some are rip-offs, but then there are many different versions that keep getting better. So sometimes, the effect is the same, but the method is completely different.

Personally though, I believe even if the effect is generally the same, but the methods are completely different, and they are original with you, then you should have the right (now, there will be some exceptions, and those should stick out once they are seen).

I hope that helps.

I would say it is to do with the method, the effect AND the presentation. not very helpful really.

Firstly for a given effect if the method of achieving it is novel then it is 'new' so therefore marketable.

Secondly if the effect from a given method is novel then it is 'new' and therefore marketable.

Lastly if the presentation of an effect or method is novel then it is 'new' and may be marketable.

There are some riders though. These may be considered as a general guides and each individual idea needs to be considered. Clearly there needs to be enough novel in the ideas to make them new. how much novel you need will vary depending on how you ask. If it is your idea then you may well be too close to make a fair judgement.

My advice would be to ask members who you respect in the relevant areas and get some impartial advice.

Going by what I have been reading and hearing in the Right or Wrong section....

It doesn't matter, do it anyway, people will still buy it and there is nothing that can be done. in fact while you are at it expose everyone elses version of it on Youtube so that you now hold the only unexposed version. Change the last two letters of the name and call it your own. Anything NEW is going to be bashed as being based on (insert reference) who learned it from (reference) which was an original idea in 1879 by (reference).

I do my DL with my pinkie off the left back corner. It's a new method and I am going to release it as an instant download for only $19.99.

(Sarcasm BIG time)


More seriously, consult with the elders of the craft, get a lawyer who is familiar with the industry, get a confidentiality agreement signed before discussing with anyone, talk with a patent attorney and copyright specialist, don't release e-books and learn about the technology to make a DVD unreadable on a PC and the protection to make it un-burnable.

Will//
(Having a bad exposure day)

Will, pay-pal accepted?

Oh and it can be done surrounded, anytime, anywhere no angle problems here...

I had to get it out of me....
No offence meant.

Will//

Andy....Nice one.