The bottom line for any gaff (or real) attraction, if it is being presented to the public, and if they are paying their money to see it?

 

Do they anxiously pay to see it?

 

Do they show interest, perhaps astonishment, when viewing it?

Is it believable, or do they consider it just another practical joke?

Mainly, do they comment favorable about it, or complain it's a fake?

 

Most important to know if it is bad, do some ask for their money back?

 

If it is worthwhile, is it good enough to repeat at the same events again and make you money?

 

I have had a couple of gaffs that I paid a lot for and on receiving them took one look and thru it in a closet (or worse) and would not insult my paying customers by exhibiting it. I have others that I have taken back to the same events many times over many years, that are pleasing to the public and also pleasing at the cash register.

 

I think that any gaff that is duplicated too much so that people think they have already seen it loses the value with duplication A fine arts museum gallery gains it's prestige and world attention by having one great ORIGINAL. Example: there is only one Mona Lisa, one David etc. My congratulations to the artists who have originated some really great sideshow gaff attractions in recent times. Like the works of the old masters, these should magnify in value over time.

 

Duplicates become less valuable each time it is copied.

 

There are hundreds of magic equipment stores all over the world. Literally thousands of magic tricks are sold daily. There are not a lot of professional magicians making a living at only doing magic. Buying one or more gaffs from an on-line auction doesn't make the buyer a showman, just as buying a magic trick doesn't make anyone a magician.

 

Poorly framed attractions that do not please people tend to get complaints from the public, which get to the event managers, who often class all shows as the same and spots get closed.

 

The days of booking sex attractions, stealum stores and fixed gambling are gone.

 

Yes anyone can put together a few items in an amateur frame up and get a little money, but not be able to repeat, and sometimes get a spot closed to all shows. Certainly that's not fair, as one great showman used to say when trying to get a closed spot to book his show "If a barber cuts you while shaving your face that doesn't mean all barbers are bad, so don't quit going to the barbershop because one nicked your ear. "

 

Ward Hall