~Diamond Jim

I think you may be missing the point of “The Diamond Mine.” The intent is to take an effect and try out all the different aspects, venues, costs, construction involved, etc.

I will say that one of the reasons Jim tested it on strangers was that you performed it for strangers at a carnival on your DVD, so Jim wanted to put that to the test. Yet in your comments above you say that you would not do this for strangers, so was the group of people at the carnival a set up on your DVD?

As for the cost, I’m sorry to be so blunt, but you’re 15, Jeff. My guess is you’re only supporting yourself, and likely living at home. Jim is raising a very large family. That kind of money in that short of a time can make a difference.

The only part of Jim’s review that I would disagree with is the part about the location of the gum. While it’s true it’s a little out of place, it’s not something that would stop me from doing the trick.

When it comes to the switch, you gave Jim advice on timing and theater, etc. Jim’s too nice of a guy to say this, so I will. The advice you gave, while it is sound, is advice that Jim was well aware of many years before you were even born. He is a veteran performer and has performed for more years than you and me combined.

When he did the switch, it didn’t work for HIM and for HIS venue. Remember, the Diamond Mine is simply to test the effect in the real world, and that’s what he did. Just because HIS opinion is that it didn’t work for HIM doesn’t mean that it won’t work for others.

One other thing that you may not be aware of is the fact that at your age, most adults who see you perform will give you much better praise than they would a 30 year old with your exact skill and performance level. Also, your friends will always think your magic is much better than it really is.

You asked for some real world feedback from me last month and from Jim this month. I’ll leave you with two pieces of advice:

1. Never Ask a Question Unless You’re Willing to “Hear” the Answer – Jeff Stone
2. Never Believe Your Own Press – Doc Eason

Peace,

Jeffro

I much appreciate you taking the time to try out Orbit in the real world.

As you saw, it is a very fooling mystery if you use it correctly.

All magic is made for certain performing situations. I wouldn’t expect Orbit to work on stage, nor would I expect Modern Art to work close-up. The tricks on the Gum DVD are meant for casual performances. When you and your buddies are sitting around, the tricks on the disc are the perfect pieces to bring out.

However, the tricks might not be the best to do for strangers, which you call a “bad” thing. All tricks can’t work for all venues, and that’s a good thing. It indicates there is much variety in the magic community. Also, as a side note, if I was a parent, and another adult asked my child if they wanted a piece of gum, I would get away from the creepy stranger. Here, I think you used Orbit in the wrong place.

Obviously, magic is a performance art, and you are supposed to perform for unsuspecting audiences. And there are brilliantly designed tricks to accomplish this task. But performing for unsuspecting audiences isn’t your only crowd. Friends all the time ask me to do magic at school, and leaving the deck of cards at home is a great feeling. One of my magician friends keeps his gimmicked pack of gum in his office drawer, and friends regularly ask for gum, of course not knowing he will perform magic to give them a piece.

If you are doing a one-on-one performance, you can immediately hand out a piece of gum to a spectator. There is no recanting your offer, nor do you have to switch the gum boxes. If you are doing this for a larger group, you mentioned chewing gum is expensive nowadays, and that’s a valid reason for not sharing your gum with everyone. Switching the packs of gum is a tacit thing to do if you know you are going to be in that certain situation. Casually putting your hands in your pocket is not a bad thing to do; there is not much heat on the gum if you act surprised that so many people want a piece. Acting provides proper misdirection to discretely switch the packs.

I admit there is a discrepancy in where the single piece of gum is located. Yet, in literally thousands of performances over the last years, not one person has called me on this fact. You don’t bring attention to where the piece is located, just as you wouldn’t bring attention to a discrepant moment in a card trick. The audience is more focused on the fact you have only one piece remaining, and they are not concentrating on where the last piece is positioned in the gum box. A magician, on the other hand, might be concerned, but they are simply thinking like we are designed to do, think like a magician. I designed the gimmick to act the most natural at the end of the effect, where the audience is paying the most attention to the piece of gum. In the beginning, they’re more focused on your reaction to the discovery.

Personally, I don’t think price is an issue. With 17 packs, you will be able to make two gimmicks, and have 225 performances. That’s assuming you only give one piece away at a time, which it sounds like you did. If you switch the gum boxes, you will obviously go through more gum. If you are that concerned about spending too much money on gum, it can be bought in bulk costing less than 1¢ per piece. I found Orbit gets incredible reactions if used properly, and I think it’s worth the cost.

Wrigley has indeed slightly changed the design of the Orbit box, but that doesn’t affect how the gimmick is made. The center piece should cover the gap in the gum box, and nothing should be out of place. If anyone is still having trouble solving this problem, I would happy to provide solutions. Still, if you browse the candy aisle, you will find a myriad number of brands of gum will work with Orbit.

Thank you once again for reviewing my effect, and I hope you can continue to perform and amaze people with it. And if you do ever get hired for a Wrigley sponsored event, please notify me on how Orbit played!

Best regards,

Jeff Prace