Recently I’ve noticed a trend of magic effect trailers where the workings are exposed. I became aware of a small independent creator that has all of their tutorials posted on their website to view whether you purchased an item or not.
I find this to be a curious decision. In the days of magic shops, I remember signs saying, “the trick is sold when the secret is told.” Granted this was well before the ubiquitous YouTube exposure videos but isn’t it the secret method that is being sold? It’s our unending search for that amazing miracle that will make us great magicians. Giving away the workings stops exposure videos but on the other hand, it stops sales.
I don’t know creators’ motivations. Perhaps creators want to get ahead of the YouTube exposure. However if you’re sharing your secrets with your potential customers, aren’t you also sharing them with the portion of the audience that is determined to find the methods?