Opinions on lying in a youtube video

[TommySteal]

I was using the example more to highlight the association with ethics and professionalism. To me, a guy in a youtube vid is not a professional situation, which is why I thought the term unethical to describe his actions was a little strong.
But I see your points.

In fact even if the guy was performing live on stage, and having said the spectator can shuffle deck, he then refuses to hand over the deck, he's just going to look like an ass.

[Mark]

Originally Posted by TommySteal

In fact even if the guy was performing live on stage, and having said the spectator can shuffle deck, he then refuses to hand over the deck, he's just going to look like an ass.

Hmm... I've seen some great performers doing that and I've done it myself in the past too, without any problem. If you merge the statement into the performance nicely and don't put much attention to it, spectators will actually end up thinking they were indeed able to shuffle the deck.
But I see your point.

But yeah, it's not that we just look at YouTube magicians from a professional point of view, although often those who make these unethical decisions actually do see themselves as professionals. Still, from a social point of view it would be unethical too.

For me it remains simple: tell the truth, apart from when you're being a magician. You are a magician when performing, whether it is live or in videos, but you are not a magician in the video descriptions or in advertisements.