Hello all. I just wanted to let you know that I received the Visconti Ripple. There is only one word for the pen: WOW! Instantly, it has become one of my favorite pens. I have not inked it yet because I want to send it off to get a stub nib. I may not be able to wait, though. Anyway, the reason I started this topic was to ask a question. The Ripple, along with the silver Divine Proportion that I just received, is a pen that retails well over a thousand dollars (like many very nice Italian pens). Since Italian pens tend to be flashier in general, do you hesitate using the big guns in public? Would a nice, simple Ancora Perla do the job or would you bring the Ripple to every meeting and flauntingly use it in front of the CEO? For me, I would care less because every pen has its own unique persona. What do you all think?

-Cody

How much of your self image is tied up in the way others perceive you?

I would use my pens the way I like it at any time and anywhere, because I'm pleased with it and I liked it , and NOT because of other people's perception of me or my pens!


Shahrin

If I bought it, it's because I thought it represented who I was and what I cared about.

If others think less of me because of that -- that's their problem, not mine.

Most people are clueless about pens, so I use my big boys wherever/whenever I want. What gratifies me is writing a check at the credit union and having the clerk go into raptures of, "Your writing is so beautiful! How do you make it look like that?"

Like the others, I consider my pens something of an extension of my personality. Hence, I do not hesitate to use them in whatever venue I choose.

The one mediating factor is the easy of carrying a pen. For example, my little Delta "Parthenope" is easier to carry in a shirt pocket than my O/S Dolce Vita. Hence, the Parthenope gets more public exposure.

I interpreted asexton's question as not so much about self-image, but as about whether flaunting a luxurious pen in front of someone such as your boss, or a fancy client, is inappropriately provocative. If we take it as a given that the CEO in asexton's scenario will recognise the Ripple as a pen with a $1K+ MSRP (which, however, is a big if), I can see how using it in this context could be inadvisable. It is not about self-image, but about social appropriateness. If you work in a culture where fountain pens (or other luxury objects) are used as signals of status, then socially speaking, within that culture it is inappropriate for you to exhibit a pen that trumps the pen of the CEO. Doing so would indicate that you are openly challenging his status.

There are always some people who get it right. If the CEO uses a Bic, then I going for a pencil.

-Cody

There is only one sure solution: to become CEO.

Then you could provide free FP's to your workers.

Best,
Summer Greer

As CEO, a new employee's package would include: generous salary, retirement plan, dental and health insurance, and a nice Visconti Opera Club.

-Cody