Hello everybody,

I’ve been a member of FPN for a few months now, but have always felt a little shy about introducing myself. This has somehow given me the impression that I’m lurking in the shadows, which just doesn’t seem right given the friendliness of FPNers. So I guess this is my official “coming out”.

I have loved fountain pens ever since receiving a Lauréat from a French friend in the early 90’s. I bought a few more inexpensive pens, some of which wrote surprisingly well, and then treated myself to a mineral red Rhapsody when I got my first job. Over the years, I have added a few more to this lot: a black Sheaffer Balance II (75% off at my local Staples store), a vintage Pelikan 140 and a red Duofold jr, and my favorite, a M400 tortoise shell Pelikan pen and pencil. When I bought this last set, I actually managed to convince myself that this was my definitive purchase. Then, somehow, I found FPN… or perhaps it found me? This immediately launched a full-scale fountain pen craze. The network introduced me to pens I didn’t even know existed (the Sailor Sapporo, for example, which I purchased a month ago – oh, that nib…), informed me of events I’d never dreamed of (i.e. Bittner’s inventory sale – I caved and bought a yellow Aurora Ipsilon), and got me checking ebay and the Marketplace daily for hot deals. Ever since moving to the States three years ago, my budget management has been nothing less than heroic (turns out that a family of four in New Haven on a post-doc salary is not a good idea), but now, I’ve really gone overboard (did I mention the FP/pencil Lady Patricia set that should be arriving in the mail this week?). Sigh… Why are fountain pens so enjoyable?

Thanks to all FPN members. There is such a wealth of information here… And I promise I will try, very modestly, to do my share.

Élaine

Élaine, bienvenue! This is truly a wonderful and diverse group of people. Or, perhaps, it is not that at all, but a sophisticated and insanely effective program advanced by a consortium of fountain pen sellers. You decide.

I liked your comments about checking for hot deals. Last year this time, I had all the pens I would ever need. Now, "need" seems irrelevant and I'm watching European eBay.

In any event, glad you came out!

Welcome in.

A quick warning, it's not going to get any easier...

Welcome to FPN, Elaine.

Now that's an excellent start/collection. The M400 is an awesome looking pen. Welcome.

Thanks everyone!! I'm so glad I came out. This feels so much better...

Now that's an excellent start/collection. The M400 is an awesome looking pen. Welcome.
[/quote]

Yes, I have to say I'm particularly fond of Pelikans... There's something about the "timelessness" of their design, it's simplicity. As of late, I have started fantasizing about the Pelikan 100. Maybe if I start saving now (and stop buying pens!!), I'll have enough saved by Christmas...

Welcome and good luck budgeting. I just got sticker shock when I looked at bread prices yesterday.

Welcome to FPN.

Welcome to FPN! Hope you enjoy the forum!!

FPN certainly is a wealth of information. Sometimes overwhelmingly so. Looking forward to seeing some of your posts. And I can't wait to hear what you think of the Columbia.

Welcome to the forum. Well, you better know that salaries in good old Europe are sinking like lead in water. 1 liter of milk 1.40 euro, a loaf of bread .99 euro ...... And untouched salaries since the early 90's. Not nice. As for Fp bargains, you're much better off in the US, believe me.

Yes, I've noticed that pen prices are much higher in Europe. The bargains in the US are incredible, which makes resisting them all the more painful... And in Canada, I had a paycheck, which made pen purchases (almost) guilt free...