Yes, But What If They’re Not Ethical?

Tim Ellis

I think the Code of Ethics is a great concept, but the question I ask is “What can be done to those who break the Code?” If they are members of the IBM or SAM they can be thrown out, but if they are not…?

Their are 18 sites on the Internet that form the ‘MAGIC SECRETS NETWORK’. Sites like:

Vertigo – magic from the tv special EXPOSED!
Magic from the tv special Vertigo exposed! Learn the secrets to passing your hand through a window, the sealing beer can and more!

Total Tricks
All Magic secrets revealed – David Blaine Street Magic and more! Twisting Arm (Blaine), Levitating Money, Fearson’s Fabulous Floatation, Masklyns Barstool, Hindu Gypsy Thread (Blaine), Voo Doo Ash (Blaine), and much much more!

Television’s Greatest Magic Secrets Revealed
Do you want to know how David Copperfield vanished the Statue of Liberty? How about how David Blaine bit that coin in half? All these secrets and more are revealed!

Top Magic secrets revealed
Secrets of David Blaine, Copperfield and some of the greatest illusions of all time!

Street Magic Levitation Exposed!
One of magic’s most closely guarded secrets revealed! A fully detailed explanation of the infamous Balducchi levitation. Learn to levitate with no extra props or gimmicks!

The Self Folding Dollar Bill – As seen on TV!
A dollar bill folds up all by itself while laying on your open palm! Use any dollar bill to perform this amazing trick. Download a great eBook that teaches you this famous trick. With full resale rights!

The ‘MAGIC SECRETS NETWORK’ offers you the secrets to all this magic and more for only $39.99 a year. As they say “Webmasters are encouraged to join our program and start making money today!”

As you would realise, these people are selling the secrets to other people’s magic, BUT they also make you agree to a MAGICIANS CODE before you send them your money. A Code which they break by selling other people’s secrets to you. A Code which is very similar to the IBM/SAM code:

The magician’s code is a statement of ethical guidelines designed to help keep the art of magic alive and healthy. We require that you agree to our stated code of ethics before subscribing. Although the traditional magician’s code is not enforcable by legal means, some of the issues regarding copyright infringement and the internet are, and we reserve the right to cancel your membership if it is found that you have purposefully violated any part of the code. Participating webmasters must also follow our guidelines in order to remain members.

Parts of this code were inspired by the Magician’s Code established in 1993 by the International Brotherhood of Magicians and modified for use with the Magic Secrets Network. Visit their website to learn more about…

Tim Ellis

I think the Code of Ethics is a great concept, but the question I ask is “What can be done to those who break the Code?” If they are members of the IBM or SAM they can be thrown out, but if they are not…?

Their are 18 sites on the Internet that form the ‘MAGIC SECRETS NETWORK’. Sites like:

Vertigo – magic from the tv special EXPOSED!
Magic from the tv special Vertigo exposed! Learn the secrets to passing your hand through a window, the sealing beer can and more!

Total Tricks
All Magic secrets revealed – David Blaine Street Magic and more! Twisting Arm (Blaine), Levitating Money, Fearson’s Fabulous Floatation, Masklyns Barstool, Hindu Gypsy Thread (Blaine), Voo Doo Ash (Blaine), and much much more!

Television’s Greatest Magic Secrets Revealed
Do you want to know how David Copperfield vanished the Statue of Liberty? How about how David Blaine bit that coin in half? All these secrets and more are revealed!

Top Magic secrets revealed
Secrets of David Blaine, Copperfield and some of the greatest illusions of all time!

Street Magic Levitation Exposed!
One of magic’s most closely guarded secrets revealed! A fully detailed explanation of the infamous Balducchi levitation. Learn to levitate with no extra props or gimmicks!

The Self Folding Dollar Bill – As seen on TV!
A dollar bill folds up all by itself while laying on your open palm! Use any dollar bill to perform this amazing trick. Download a great eBook that teaches you this famous trick. With full resale rights!

The ‘MAGIC SECRETS NETWORK’ offers you the secrets to all this magic and more for only $39.99 a year. As they say “Webmasters are encouraged to join our program and start making money today!”

As you would realise, these people are selling the secrets to other people’s magic, BUT they also make you agree to a MAGICIANS CODE before you send them your money. A Code which they break by selling other people’s secrets to you. A Code which is very similar to the IBM/SAM code:

The magician’s code is a statement of ethical guidelines designed to help keep the art of magic alive and healthy. We require that you agree to our stated code of ethics before subscribing. Although the traditional magician’s code is not enforcable by legal means, some of the issues regarding copyright infringement and the internet are, and we reserve the right to cancel your membership if it is found that you have purposefully violated any part of the code. Participating webmasters must also follow our guidelines in order to remain members.

Parts of this code were inspired by the Magician’s Code established in 1993 by the International Brotherhood of Magicians and modified for use with the Magic Secrets Network. Visit their website to learn more about the largest magic organization in the USA.

As a member of the Magic Secrets Network, I agree to the following..

1) I will oppose and refrain from participating in blatant or senseless public exposure of magic secrets and or methods. I will also do my best to prevent accidental exposure by properly practicing any effect I wish to perform.

2) I will support the teaching of magic and it’s methods to those who with to learn, realizing that this practice is essential to the continued growth of magic.

3) I understand that The Magic Secrets Network uses the terms “Exposure” and “Secrets Revealed” as tools to draw as many people as possible to the art through web searches and advertisments, introducing them to magic, and concepts like the magician’s code of ethics as well. But Magicheck does not condone exposure for exposure’s sake. The Magic Secrets Network is a learning facility. During a performance, the use of such terms should generally be avoided.

4) I understand that the duplication of copyrighted works or publication of anything that infringes upon the rights of another party is not only unethical, but most often illegal. As is any exposure done for the primary purpose of damaging the reputation of another party. I agree to report such violations to the network administrator if and when I become aware of them.

5) I agree that the originator or inventor of a trick should be credited when possible. If there is a performer who has become associated with the effect through outstanding performances, they may be credited as well. This should be done out of respect but also to encourage future inventors by letting them know that we respect their work and the community will not forget their contributions.

6) I will discourage false or misleading statements in the advertising of magic effects and websites and improper credits given to performers.

7) I will discourage advertisements for “knock-offs”, effects or illusions for which the seller does not have the right to publish legally. I also refuse to patronize such sellers.

As you’ll note the intention of 7) is indeed good, but one of the prime-movers in MAGIC SECRETS NETWORK is Steve Fearson, the man who advertised and published ‘Re-Pop’, the blatant “knock-off” of Anders Moden’s ‘Healed & Sealed’.

I personally support the campaign to discourage magicians ripping off other magicians tricks, magicians exposing other magicians secrets, and magicians copying from other magicians acts. I think WAM, IBM and SAM are taking some good steps forward. But without teeth, this dog will only threaten those with a conscience. We need a way to let this dog off it’s leash when barking doesn’t get the job done.

Any suggestions?

Tim Ellis

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