Testing 3X5 Index Cards: Need Volunteers

[someonesdad]

I am considering starting a small cottage business to sell index cards and papers that work well with fountain pens and inks. I'm starting off with 3x5 index cards primarily because I use them a lot and I don't like the inconsistent quality of the usual brands. I've winnowed the list of candidate papers to three types. I'd like to ask for some help from volunteers who are enthusiastic index card users (and who might be potential customers): you'd evaluate some samples of each of these papers and give me your opinions and recommendations. If you are interested in participating and you live in the US, please send me a PM.

 

Note: I only want people who will evaluate these papers with their fountain pens and inks (I already know that the papers work well with ball point pens and rollerballs).

 

Here's the process I plan to use. I'll mail you samples of the 3x5 cards I'm considering selling along with a questionnaire about what you like and don't like about the cards. I'll ask you to write with one or more of your favorite fountain pens and at least three different inks. I would prefer you use inks that you know to have problems on some papers. In other words, I'm looking for the most stressful tests you can perform, because I know these papers perform well with many of the pens and inks that I have. For example, some inks that I've found challenging to some papers are Bay State Blue, Aurora Black, and Iroshizuku Tsuki-yo, especially if they were used in a wide wet nib pen. After you've finished with the questionnaire, you'd send it back to me along with the cards you've written on. I'll say thanks for your efforts by either a small gift or a hefty discount on your first order (I haven't decided which yet).

 

I estimate this will take roughly half an hour of your time.

[paperskater]

Hey, this sounds like fun! Count me in! I'll PM you.

[Brian K]

PM sent, I'm game!

[knitknitfrog]

Put me on the mailing list once r&d complete and sales are live ...... Please

[davidjs]

I would volunteer my time!

[Koshy]

I would love to volunteer. I too use index cards a lot. But would you be able to mail it to India?

[Ravenlunatic]

I'm in, if you still need volunteers. PM sent.

[arcaneradio]

I would love to test the cards.

PM sent

[macaddicted]

Tired of waiting on Exaclair. I'm in too.

[someonesdad]

I'm still looking for 10 or more additional volunteers, as I don't have enough at the moment. If you live in the US and are interested in participating, it will only cost you about half an hour of your time. You'll get sample 3x5 cards, a questionnaire, and a postage-paid envelope to mail things back to me.

 

To the folks who have already volunteered -- thanks! See if you can pester some of your FPN friends to join in.

 

Note that this study is about index cards. If I do start a little business, it will include selling papers that work well with fountain pens too. In the last few years, I've evaluated over 60 different types of papers in detail and I know what works with my pens and inks and what doesn't (and I kept good records). One of the things I plan to do is to sell the papers and cards in any quantities and sizes that people want -- from one sheet on up. Personally, I dislike having to buy a ream of paper to be able to try something out. Or, sometimes I'd only want e.g. 20 sheets of a particular paper for occasional use. I figure others have the same desires and I would try to cater to those desires.

[youblue9]

Oh...just saw this. I'm a heavy index card user, and would love to test cards from you. I'll send you a PM.

[myyrkezaan]

I'm in, love testing new things and my 10yo uses lots of index cards for school with her FPs.

[krz]

I use a lot of 3x5 cards, mostly for sketching but maybe that's a good test too?

[Maurizio]

This is a great idea. I'd like to participate but don't know what a "PM" is. Here's my email. If you still need volunteers email me and I'll give you my address. Or please just add me to your list of customers.

 

Mjrattorney@yahoo.com

[WendyNC]

This is a great idea. I'd like to participate but don't know what a "PM" is. Here's my email. If you still need volunteers email me and I'll give you my address. Or please just add me to your list of customers.

 

Mjrattorney@yahoo.com

 

A PM is a private message. Look below the avatar of the poster to whom you want to send the message for the little white envelope thing. Click on it to send a message.

 

I'm going to go do that very thing.

[someonesdad]

Thanks for explaining that, Wendy. I should have put an explanation in my original post, but I've been using forums for so long that it didn't cross my mind...

[someonesdad]

NOTE: I have reached my goal for the number of people needed for this survey, so I don't need anymore volunteers.

[GemMayhem]

I'm sorry I didn't see this post earlier. If you need additional volunteers at some point in the future, I'd be delighted to help. I would also be thrilled to support a cottage business selling FP-friendly index cards. I use them for all sorts of tasks and am always on the lookout for reliable cards. Very best of luck with this venture!

 

Please feel free to PM when you start selling (and, of course, if you need more volunteers in future)

 

All the Best,

Gem

[WendyNC]

Cards arrived in North Carolina today. I'm looking forward to spending some quality time with them this weekend.

[myyrkezaan]

Mine came yesterday and were a little damp.