Although the discussion was meaningful, they did not teach numerous mentalism effects advertised in
the promo. I think Penguin should refund our money or provide the option for another Magic Live
lecture free. This review is not intended to reflect poorly on Osterlind or Cassidy. They are both
excellent performers. I think Penguin's promo was misleading. This rating is intended to reflect
that point.
Hi Louis and everyone else who's been commenting here,
I normally never respond to reviews and I apologize for being a bit short with those who were disappointed that I didn't cover certain items. I accept responsibility for that. We were also trying, though, to answer all of the questions that were being called in live during the lecture.
Overall, Richard and I were very happy with it. And, for the most part, those who are familiar with my writings, DVD's and previous lectures expressed to us on different forums that they wanted us to focus on theory as well as on areas where we disagreed.
But I do understand the disappointment of those who wanted me to spend more time on specific effects.
So here's what I decided to do. Anyone (who purchased the lecture) can email me at bobcassidy@rocketmail.com and I will be happy to send you a complimentary copy of my 29 page eBook, "The Art of Mentalism 2." (Which later was included in "The Artful Mentalism of Bob Cassidy" in 2002) It includes complete performance details of my opener, my book test sequence, the name/place routine and my card memory act.
This offer is good for the next ten days and is primarily for those who purchased to lecture prior to it's airing. (The description in the ad copy has now been changed to accurately reflect what was actually covered.)
I'm sure that those of you not familiar with the material in that book will be able to return to the lecture later and get a lot more out of the many things we were discussing and describing.
Thanks to all of you for watching our lecture. (And I hope you all realize that Richard and I have been friends for over thirty-five years and we had a lot of fun going back and forth with each other.)
Good thoughts,
Bob Cassidy
Bob Cassidy is one of the classiest Gentlemen in or outside of Mentalism/Magic!
Chris Kavanagh
Thanks, Chris. I guess I over-reacted a bit. But imagine how I felt after we did a four hour and forty-five minute lecture, not aimed at beginners, but the same stuff I teach to full-time professionals, only to see reviews titled "Bad" and "Horrible." To be honest with you, that hurt. I've given forty-five years of my life to this art and thought that maybe I'd earned a little more respect than that. "Disappointed" I could understand. But "Bad" and "Horrible?" Really?
At least we didn't get a bunch of three star reviews. It's almost all either five stars or one star.
Oh well, that's show biz. Glad you liked it, Chris.
Good thoughts,
Bob Cassidy
Hi Bob,
I posted the comment "Not as advertised." I mentioned in the comment that it was directed at Penguin, not at you or Richard. I think you are both at the top of your profession and outstanding performers. I have watched your Penguin Live lecture and gave it a five star rating. I also gave your Billet Killers a five star rating. I have watched both of Richard's Penguin Live lectures and gave them each a five star rating. I called Penguin and felt for the most part they did not respect my issue. They actually made statements that it is hard for them to control the lecture and that they updated the promo after the lecture. In other words, they took no responsibility for the misleading promo and placed the "blame" on you and Richard.
I think your offer to send you a complimentary copy of your 29 page eBook, "The Art of Mentalism 2" is extremely generous and shows how deeply you care about the art and the audience.
On a positive note, I told Penguin I thought the lecture as a history and philosophy of mentalism is outstanding. I also told them I would have bought it just to understand how you and Richard approach your craft. You combined knowledge is encyclopedic and anyone interested in mentalism should consider this lecture a classic.
Best regards,
Louis Del Monte
I am very disappointed Penguin advertised what lecture will be cover with 6 or more 7 mentalism tricks by each. Most of it can be find in Annemann PME Corinda 13 Steps. Instead 3 tricks were shown and taught. I don't understand the reasons Bob talk over Richard, running his mouth. Poor Richard, he remained compose throughout, , I wished Richard asserted himself more plus Dan Harlan failed to step in, Now Bob, let Richard finished speaking, now Bob , your turn! Why? Even kindergarten kids behaved better in their conduct. Penguin should gave me refund for what I paid.
Steve Dulaney
Bob Cassidy is one of the nicest, coolest, talented, generous people in the Art. I think he deserves our respect.
In the OLD days, to learn what he has taught was a right of passage and couldn't be gotten for under $30.
The lecture he and Richard gave was gold to anyone that actually performs.
How about performing the Henry Hardin effect that Bob Cassidy taught ( that wasn't listed in the original ad ) and when you floor people, then take another look at what he brought to the lecture and not vilify him for something that inadvertently got left out of a live setting.
Chris Kavanagh
I got more out of Richard's Live 1 and 2 than Bob Live 1. I look forward to Richard Live 3 in future. He offered free ebook, wow! Cheap! No thanks not from that guy. There Marc Salem, Marc Spelman, Mark Strivings and Looch to learn from.
Steve Dulaney
So you got more out of Richards TWO lectures than Bobs ONE. I'm really amazed.
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