How Things Have Changed
2 or 3 years ago I used to check this group everytime I was online.
Now, a weekly check is enough to notice that there's just a few new threads (if any). To make things worse, most of the posts are about fountain pens I don't like at all (and according to the posts, I'm not alone here), gel refills, and the ever present post about a permanent brand of ink which seems you have to love if you want to post here. What's so special about a waterproof ink? Do regular users of fps really need that? Do you work in a camp in the rainforest?. BTW, I find that the names of some of the colors are simply put *bad taste* (Tiananmen, Iraqi Indigo...). Juan, missing the good old days |
"Juan" wrote in news:1128247950.205920.266350
@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com: 2 or 3 years ago I used to check this group everytime I was online. Now, a weekly check is enough to notice that there's just a few new threads (if any). To make things worse, most of the posts are about fountain pens I don't like at all (and according to the posts, I'm not alone here), gel refills, and the ever present post about a permanent brand of ink which seems you have to love if you want to post here. What's so special about a waterproof ink? Do regular users of fps really need that? Do you work in a camp in the rainforest?. BTW, I find that the names of some of the colors are simply put *bad taste* (Tiananmen, Iraqi Indigo...). Juan, missing the good old days Waterproof ink is a security feature for those concerned about anyone who might attampt to alter a legally binding document, or financial instrument: such as a check. |
Bruce wrote: "Juan" wrote in news:1128247950.205920.266350 @f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com: 2 or 3 years ago I used to check this group everytime I was online. Now, a weekly check is enough to notice that there's just a few new threads (if any). To make things worse, most of the posts are about fountain pens I don't like at all (and according to the posts, I'm not alone here), gel refills, and the ever present post about a permanent brand of ink which seems you have to love if you want to post here. What's so special about a waterproof ink? Do regular users of fps really need that? Do you work in a camp in the rainforest?. BTW, I find that the names of some of the colors are simply put *bad taste* (Tiananmen, Iraqi Indigo...). Juan, missing the good old days Waterproof ink is a security feature for those concerned about anyone who might attampt to alter a legally binding document, or financial instrument: such as a check. I see; and as millions of people are signing checks with fountain pens, there a lots of people out there altering checks, right? If you're concerned about having any legal document altered, avoid black ink, and since you're at it, avoid also "flat" colour ink. IMHO, any traditional fp blue ink with its waterwash look is harder to alter than most of those Noodler inks. One of the things I like about fountain pens is that what's written *ages* in a nicely way. I've seen in some movies people writing with dipping pens using brown ink. That's smoke and mirrors; when dipping pens were the rule, people used black or blue ink which with time turned brown because of oxidation. Today, we have brown ink for that aged effect, but then it seems that people want their documents to stay in pristine conditions for decades. This is a strange world, huh? Juan |
"Juan" wrote in news:1128247950.205920.266350 @f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com: BTW, I find that the names of some of the colors are simply put *bad taste* (Tiananmen, Iraqi Indigo...). Juan, missing the good old days I agree about the ink names, as well as the names of some of the more expensive, "collectable" pens. Have long thought that an amusing (though quite tacky) contest would be to pick the worst POTENTAL names for an ink and for an expensive pen (esp. Krone, which loves to put some little piece of an artifact relating to the honoree on the pen itself, such as a piece of Babe Ruth's bat). Right off the bat (not Babe Ruth's though), here are my nominees: For potential bad taste ink name: Katrina Mold Green For potential bad taste pen: The Michael Jackson, honoring the singer, with celluloid body that becomes lighter with use and a tiny bit of Plastic Nose #3 encased in the cap. Sally |
Juan wrote: 2 or 3 years ago I used to check this group everytime I was online. Now, a weekly check is enough to notice that there's just a few new threads (if any). I've been missing us as well. :-( To make things worse, most of the posts are about fountain pens I don't like at all (and according to the posts, I'm not alone here), gel refills, and the ever present post about a permanent brand of ink which seems you have to love if you want to post here. What's so special about a waterproof ink? Do regular users of fps really need that? Do you work in a camp in the rainforest?. BTW, I find that the names of some of the colors are simply put *bad taste* (Tiananmen, Iraqi Indigo...). None of us "need" any of this - we could all just use a Bic. I agree the names of Noodlers' ink might be in bad taste sometimes. There's a fine line between unique/interesting and offensive, and it's occasionally hard to tell which side of that line Nathan intends to be on. Bruce wrote: Waterproof ink is a security feature for those concerned about anyone who might attampt to alter a legally binding document, or financial instrument: such as a check. I see; and as millions of people are signing checks with fountain pens, there a lots of people out there altering checks, right? If you're concerned about having any legal document altered, avoid black ink, and since you're at it, avoid also "flat" colour ink. IMHO, any traditional fp blue ink with its waterwash look is harder to alter than most of those Noodler inks. Have you tried? We're talking about removal, not alteration. Alteration is no longer used as much by forgers, apparently, because complete removal of everything except your signature is usually easy if one soaks the cheque in the correct chemicals. They can then fill in whatever they like. This is not hard for them to do with ballpoint ink. Noodler's black ink might be relatively easy to add more black marks on, because of its un-shaded colour, but it can't be removed without damaging the paper. (Noodler's waterproof ink is also available in other colours, which may have some shading to them.) One of the things I like about fountain pens is that what's written *ages* in a nicely way. I've seen in some movies people writing with dipping pens using brown ink. That's smoke and mirrors; when dipping pens were the rule, people used black or blue ink which with time turned brown because of oxidation. Today, we have brown ink for that aged effect, but then it seems that people want their documents to stay in pristine conditions for decades. This is a strange world, huh? Absolutely. I'm sure the people who wrote those special old documents, that we now see as pleasantly aged, were always trying for the darkest most permanent black ink and the brightest, sharpest, smoothest white paper they could get, and wanted their documents to stay in pristine condition for decades also. I don't understand the wish for ink that gives an aged effect, except for use in movies and so on. Hoping more discussions come up David |
my apologies, Juan. - i accidently sent this to you in private email. meant
to post it Waterproof ink is a security feature for those concerned about anyone who might attampt to alter a legally binding document, or financial instrument: such as a check. I see; and as millions of people are signing checks with fountain pens, millions? not sure. But there are a lot of Europeans and Asians donig so I imagine since FPs are still quite popular to use there. there a lots of people out there altering checks, right? as far as altering checks. Yes, there are a lot of people who do that. Mostly people who get said checks and wash them. I've actually seen a documentary on the issue and it seems a lot of small-time crooks (largely drug addicts?) have learned this rather simple technique and use it regularly. maybe it's unique to US crime but it's certainly isn't rare. if people get a little extra sense of security, what's wrong with that? also - i've had letters sent to friends that got soaked due to less-than-conscientous postal carriers and much of the letters were illegible because I insist on using FPs instead of ballpoints or gels. That saddens me and the recipient. but i'm not going to change to ballpoints as my hands can't take the pain they inflict. of course you don't have to worship the ink to post here but they are the "latest thing" and therefore will get a lot of attention for a while. Just as PR did when they first started production. i personally love about 4 of the Noodler's inks and have not been overly fond of most of them. But I'm thankful to have them. just as I'm thankful to have PR DC Blue. DIamine Prussian blue... i agree this group has lost it's luster, but we can't blame Nathan or ink fanatics for that. my feeling has always been if you don't like the tone or topics on a group, change it! Don't just whine about it then do nothing. post more of the topics you're interested in and more of them might be picked up on and discussion continued. pens were the rule, people used black or blue ink which with time turned brown because of oxidation. and your point is? i don't expect to be around in 50 years when my writings show that "aged" look. And i happen to like brown ink on ecru paper *as I write*. Today, we have brown ink for that aged effect, but then it seems that people want their documents to stay in pristine conditions for decades. This is a strange world, huh? i don't care about the pristine condition thing - i do care about the immediate condition and an appealing ink color that won't wash away because some twit decided they don't care if my letter gets rainsoaked or some snail friend accidently drops it in a puddle has value to me. at any rate - you might try to be part of the group rather than just ragging on it. or for that matter, look around at the numerous other pen groups. if you want to debate issues vehemently (but make sure you don't disagree with the moderator) go to Lion & Pen. If you want to be part of a whacky community that talks about pens paper and everything else in life, try the Fountain Pen Network. If you want to be a part of a slighltly more serious group, Rambling Snail is a good choice. If you want the high-speed, charged up emotional atmosphere of Pentrace, then that's the place to be. or if you like facets of all of these... the truth is Usenet is losing it's luster as a whole. Some groups still hold their value but with web forums becoming so popular and having the ability to sort the wheat from the chaff so to speak, Usenet simply isn't as appealing to most people. the reason I don't post here often is mostly because I prefer my pen talk light-hearted and mixed with a healthy dose of real life but lacking in the sniping and crudity of some other non-moderated boards. To each their own. KCat For Pen Talk, Images, Trading and Reviews: The Fountain Pen Network http://www.fountainpennetwork.com For Lupus Support and Info http://www.ghg.net/schwerpt/ASLFAQ/ |
Hi KCat. Glad to hear from you. There's nothng wrong with Noodler or
PReserve inks. The more inks, the best. But when all the talking is about a couple of issues, things get boring. I've started some threads in the last year or so, and the focus of attention of this group has changed. My only complain about Noodlers is the name of some inks. Period. Now, I don't try to look like PC or anything (I'm probably the less P Correct in town). But you have to admit that *one* of the things that makes FP writing different lies in the ephimerous nature of ink. Now it looks like people want to use a fp that writes like a gelpen. Sorry, but one of the things I like fps is the nuances in colour, the shadowing, waterwashing look, aging... Juan |
On 2 Oct 2005 03:12:30 -0700, Juan typed:
. What's so special about a waterproof ink? Do regular users of fps really need that? Do you work in a camp in the rainforest?. Juan, missing the good old days Well, I have to agree with you there ; this waterproof thing eludes me also. In the past 8 years (since I've banked electronically) I have written exactly four checks. Yes, four, and I write them with a ball-point. Perhaps many FP users are Luddites and don't bank electronically???? Could this be??? In addition, I'm a lawyer, and sign all of my correspondence and documents with a fountain pen, using my collection of, PR and Herbin inks. No reason that I skip Noodlers, I just have enough of a supply of my old favorites. -- Cordially, Sonam Dasara 10/2/2005 4:41:56 PM |
Juan wrote:
... But you have to admit that *one* of the things that makes FP writing different lies in the ephimerous nature of ink. Now it looks like people want to use a fp that writes like a gelpen. Sorry, but one of the things I like fps is the nuances in colour, the shadowing, waterwashing look, aging... The Noodler's waterproof inks have all of those characteristics. They are water-based, and the mixture of dyes with water is what produces the nuances and shading. It has nothing to do with being ephemeral. I, for one, don't see ephemerality as a virtue in an ink, except maybe in a disappearing ink. ;-) -- Viseguy |
Sonam Dasara wrote:
Well, I have to agree with you there ; this waterproof thing eludes me also. In the past 8 years (since I've banked electronically) I have written exactly four checks. Yes, four, and I write them with a ball-point. Perhaps many FP users are Luddites and don't bank electronically???? Could this be??? Hmmm, I wouldn't equate not banking electronically with being a Luddite. I know more than a few computer-savvy people who still prefer to do their banking the old-fashioned way. I've been e-banking for 10+ years (longer than I've used FPs), and so I don't write many checks either. But for the few I do write I'd much rather use Noodler's Black than an ink that lacks its anti-fraud properties. To me, that's a no-brainer. In addition, I'm a lawyer, and sign all of my correspondence and documents with a fountain pen, using my collection of, PR and Herbin inks.... I use one or another of the Noodler's eternal inks for just about all of my writing. On one level, I view the eternal qualities as something like insurance. You hope you never need them, but having them you rest easier. Beyond that, I find that the eternal inks hold up better than regular FP inks under "battle conditions", e.g., inter-office notes passed back and forth between colleagues. (And, yes, I do use e-mail at work.) It's also nice to be able to use an FP to address an envelope. And I like the idea that FPs can better compete with non-water-based pens in the area of permanence, something that the average person seems to expect in a pen as a matter of course. You could argue that most writing is ephemeral anyway, so what's the difference? But if it gives FPs more of an edge in the marketplace, why not? -- Viseguy |
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