A probably solution to piracy and cost

Looks like from these forums, the general consensus is that we, Magi's of Malaysia, buy pirated magic vids & props out of neccessity.

Some times, we don't even know that we are buying pirated stuff.

For the record, I am not in support of piracy, because unlike big movie/music production companies, magic as an intellectual property is highly volatile and common sense tells us that piracy will stop the generation of new ideas.

Lets face it: We all want to expand our field of knowledge.

And yet, given the circumstances, we "might" have to resort to pirated materials.

Probably solution - Buying direct from the states, in BULK.

I once bought in bulk from Penguin. I paid USD11 for postage, while it says USD22 on the stamp. My bikes cost me RM15 each. I think we can get a good deal that way.

In order to buy in bulk, we need:

1. Trust
2. Communication
3. and money ^_^

Any more ideas to throw around?

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Local Magic Shops

Again, from the general consensus of this forum, it seems that our local magic shops are not really doing creators and innovators any favours. Their margin of profit for each DVD's sold is crazy!

This is of benefit to budding magicians, but whatabout the progress and advancement of magic in the long run? Why would anyone want to create new DVD's if we don't support the creators?

I think, with each pirated DVD we buy, we are killing the art of magic.

So, based on this framework (assuming what I say is correct), we probably shouldn't support local magic shops.

Based on this hypothesis, what is the role of local magic shops concerning the propogation and well-being of this art?

Probably solution - Licensing!

You guys are probably aware that games like Warcraft, Counterstrike and EA sports titles are licensed in cybercafe's. Perhaps magic video creators can grants license, in which they will be rewarded in terms of royalties.

I'm not sure how this works, but I'm throwing ideas around.

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Disclaimer: I do not claim to be correct. Flaming, banning, criticism, comments welcomed. Just don't delete/censor this post. I do this with our best interest in mind. Cheers!

ps. Singaporeans welcomed to chip in. ^_^

There :) Don't we all feel more grown up now? Suggesting feasilble solutions instead of screaming teenage angst? B)

I like the ideas, all very positive sounding.

Here's another possible alternative, to get things from Ning. After you factor in shipping, she probably beats Pengiun for you guys, and no credit card scam worries.
The obvious problem is again shipping here so if it's possible for you guys to come up with some arrangements and for her to send multiple orders to 1 address, it will be great for all. The plus point here is you guys "know" her so everything is flexible and can be arranged.

I know she doesn't have a strong system for orders from M'sia yet but i will ask her to see what she can do to cater better for you guys.

I ordered from Ning, and I'm expecting the stuff to come some time this week.

The best way to do the transaction with her is by paypal, I think, cus bank transfer is gonna be expensive (they're charging 20 ringgits for every transfer transaction). Ning's price is more or less like Penguin's or any other major magicshops.





BTW 30210162, I don't wanna sound like a grammar NAZI, but it's "probable" not "probably" ;) *runs away as fast as he could!

3021.....


IMHO, the points you mentioned are most valid. It applies to everyone who lives in a country where the currency is small.

and the licensing part , if one could get the publishers to agree would be a godsend. Unfortunately, this could prove a very very difficult task. But its certainly gonna be worth a shot.

anyone has any ideas of going about this? I have a few but lack the resources (read financing) to go about this.

Licensing is a very good idea, but unlike thing like, software, you're "buying" the knowledge a.k.a secret and not any physical stuff. How much will they charge the license ? and that's one time cost, so i guess the price wont have a big diff, so people STILL go for cheaper option.

Unless you have someone to check on your "license" when you performing some trick.

"Sir, you're performing Daniel Garcia's T&R and you only have valid license for Unripped style of T&R..."

IMHO, like celebrity, people been paying them with BIG bucks, thus, their "standard" will be THAT high. When you're famous, and the demand is there, its almost impossible for a people to charge "just enough".

Everything shared over the net thru those P2P , were ripped/copied from original / licensed sware/mov/audio/books

Something off topic : Anyone seen those imitation clothes of Giodarno? I havent.. why? i THINK because its cheap. but still,with lots of sales. Or its not famous enough? LoL

thats a good one :)

If any of us has the dough, check out http://www.murphysmagicsupplies.com where you basically become a "local dealer" that provide original stuff straight from Murphys. This is how Ning runs her business, by the way.

So... she sells DIY copies of DVD's, under the scrutiny of murphy's?

If that's they way to do stuff, i think it's a good idea.

But it boils down to consumers - to kill or not to kill the creator.

Off topic: I think Ning is hot.

Not exactly (I'm refering to the DIY stuff). Basically, you order what your costumer wants from Murphys, and of course you're gonna get a margin of profit from that. Everything is original.

I see I see... middle man business.

In a way Yes and No

YES:

Because she does get her supplies from somewhere

NO:

Murphy supplies do not allow direct sales with them. To make them your supplier, you need to meet some conditions, like shop license, certification from other shops, etc. Hence, its not like a middle man business because people cannot bypass the 'middleman', unlike in other instances where we can once we find a person who is selling them.

So overall its kinda more like a perception thingy :rolleyes:
... 2 dealers which i know are great to deal with are Ning and Cynwell.

Anyway, of cause Murphy Supplies will charge a lower rate for the products so that the dealers can still earn. (How much is what i would like to know too :P ) Ultimately is how much these dealers would wanna place the price. From what i have heard, correct me if i am wrong, there is actually a suggested retail price given by murphy when dealers order items.

IMHO piracy does not only occur in countries that have a weaker dollar. It happens even in Canada and USA too.

Licensing wil not work as pointed out by afoi as it will make it extremely difficult to monitor. But still, I have to admit its a good suggestion tho.

Cheers!!

LOL... Not much at all, not enough to hire any one to answer my emails or even pay for website maintence/ design (that's why everything is taking so long... sorry guys) :P

Yes, there's a RRP so that no one spoils the market which isn't very solid to begin with. I'm just doing this for fun, not making enough to be considered profitable really. Anyways... SMC people and some of you from MMF who've been my customers (thank you guys!) would know my prices and SERVICE are *ahem* not bad lah ;) I do try my best lor.

OMG... a compliment from 30210162! Wow... thanks. And all this time I thought you hated me and the rest of the admin team @ SMC :P

LOL. I'm not that juvenile. Just very vocal.

haha :lol: eh Ning u might 1 to consider coming to m'sia and open a shop here.

.. sure loadz of customers will come get stuff from u ...some might even just chill around to lighten the stress out of u (from work)... :!!:

guarantee make money since theres no perfect shop yet, so U can be the One. :P

That would be awesome!!!! ;)

Andrew