Persuasive Essay

[woodwindmaster06]

I would like it if this topic could be made to create an ultimate persuasive essay to convince people that just don't get FPs or are to ignorant to try FPs to give all of the advantages, and practical reasons over Ball Points and Rollerballs. Lets put all the ideas out there and make an essay that will convince anyone to convert over to fountain pens. And be able the next time someone asks why do you use those pens to just hand them an incredible statement of why we use them. Lets see what this group of users can come up with!

 

Tim

WWM

[Leslie J.]

A FP is not disposable, therefore it is a bio-friendly item. Ink may be purchased in glass bottles which may(?) be recyclable, or reused.

[Titivillus]

... FPs to give all of the advantages, and practical reasons over Ball Points and Rollerballs.  Lets put all the ideas out there and make an essay that will convince anyone to convert over to fountain pens.

Tim

WWM 

 

I'm not sure that there can be an all encompassing essay. Might be more like a two column comparison between FPS and the other pens. Compare and contrast the two types. As there are times when a FP will not work and there are also times when it is the perfect choice.

 

 

 

Kurt H

Edited June 5, 2005 by Tytyvyllus

[woodwindmaster06]

Yea, your probably right with that one. But lets see what we can come up regardless of what type of writing will be used.

 

Tim

WWM

[Gerry]

It's repairable, at most if not all levels,

 

It involves minimum waste - the consumable - the ink is at the minimum replaceable level achievable (if bottled ink is used),

 

The system is recyclable [the only recycling necessary are the glass ink bottles that are almost 100% recyclable - the remainder, a cardboard box is also recyclable].

 

The inks do not normally involve any volatile chemicals that will be environmentally damaging. Water is by far, the major element being evaporated in the writing process, and creates no known environmental risks.

 

That's it for my 5 minute BS session.

 

Gerry

[ElaineB]

I would like it if this topic could be made to create an ultimate persuasive essay [snip] to give all of the advantages, and practical reasons over Ball Points and Rollerballs.

Y'know, I've been thinking about this since I first read this topic last night, and I hate to be a fountain pen heretic here -- but I'm not sure I agree with your basic premise.

 

I don't think fountain pens are the best writing tool for all people. For some people, yes. For many people? Perhaps. But for all...? No, I don't think so.

 

Personally, I cannot abide using ballpoints. In fact, I would rather be seared by fiery coals in the blazing depths of Hades than write a letter with a ballpoint pen. Just the feel of a ballpoint on paper is like fingernails on a blackboard to me. Anathema.

 

However... most folks couldn't care less. It's what they're used to using, BPs are cheap and completely trouble-free, and besides, it's just a freakin' PEN. In this age of computers, how many people ever write pages of text by hand? Does it really matter what writing instrument you use just to sign credit card forms in a store?

 

The only folks who would actually benefit from a fountain pen are the ones who do a fair amount of writing on a regular basis. And I think the single most persuasive argument in favor of FPs is the physical ease of writing with them. Your hand will have fewer problems with cramping after long bouts of writing if you use a fountain pen instead of ballpoint or rollerball. The pleasant sensation from using a nice nib might be a surprise for some. ("Wow, writing actually feels good with one of these!") The visual quality of the written line and wide choice of ink colors might appeal to others. But the only answer I've ever used when asked about FPs was, "They're physically much easier to write with. I barely need to use any pressure, so I can write faster and longer with them."

 

The environmental advantages... well, that's not entirely clear to me. Sure fountain pens are reusable, but we don't know how much energy is expended to manufacture a fountain pen in the first place. I'd be willing to guess it takes a lot more fossil fuel to make a Visconti Van Gogh Midi than a Bic biro, when you get down to mining the gold for the nib, creating the resins for the barrels, running the machinery for turning the barrels individually, heating and lighting the manufacturing facilities for all the craftsmen, etc. It would take a much deeper analysis to figure out how much of the earth's resources were used up during the entire lifecycle of both types of pens.

 

So IMHO, I'm not sure there could ever be an ultimate persuasive essay in favor of fountain pens. Because the truth, as I see it, is that they are not the be-all and end-all for all writers. They are a tool, like many others, that some will prefer and others won't. It doesn't change my enjoyment of them, nor will I ever be persuaded to return to ballpoints.

 

ElaineB

[Arnav]

Warning: HERESY ...

 

On the rare occasions when I don't write with a fountain pen, I usually use an old stash (late 1980s?) of broad "Penman" Parker ballpoint refills. (Does anyone still make broad ballpoints?). They require significant downward writing pressure, and have an anemic blue color. I generally dislike rollerballs because they're too slick on the page. Last night I had to write a quick note to my wife and I just grabbed one of her <5 cent Papermate ballpoint sticks. I was shocked at how much ballpoints have improved in recent years. The ink was saturated blue, and I hardly had to apply any pressure at all -- I had just finished several hours of writing with a fountain pen, so I'm pretty sure about this. Probably no more pressure than I need with a Pilot rollerball. Since I like thin, light pens, I could imagine using one of those Papermates for a fairly long writing session, even taking into account an old injury to my writing hand.

 

So a couple of my old complaints about ballpoints are no longer valid. Even so, (1) I like the slight writing friction of my fountain pens, (2) my handwriting is harder to read from a monoline nib, and (3) I dislike disposable things. So it's still fountain pens for me.

 

Technology marches on...

 

 

-Arnav

[Titivillus]

Warning: HERESY ...

 

On the rare occasions when I don't write with a fountain pen, I usually use an old stash (late 1980s?) of broad "Penman" Parker ballpoint refills. (Does anyone still make broad ballpoints?). They require significant downward writing pressure, and have an anemic blue color. I generally dislike rollerballs because they're too slick on the page. Last night I had to write a quick note to my wife and I just grabbed one of her <5 cent Papermate ballpoint sticks. I was shocked at how much ballpoints have improved in recent years. The ink was saturated blue, and I hardly had to apply any pressure at all -- I had just finished several hours of writing with a fountain pen, so I'm pretty sure about this. Probably no more pressure than I need with a Pilot rollerball. Since I like thin, light pens, I could imagine using one of those Papermates for a fairly long writing session, even taking into account an old injury to my writing hand.

 

So a couple of my old complaints about ballpoints are no longer valid. Even so, (1) I like the slight writing friction of my fountain pens, (2) my handwriting is harder to read from a monoline nib, and (3) I dislike disposable things. So it's still fountain pens for me.

 

Technology marches on...

 

 

-Arnav

I don't think it's really heresy, a pen's a pen no matter what type!

 

I think you can still get bold BP refills from several companies, check with Ann Marie at THE INK PALETTE to confirm this.

 

 

At work I use a blue Parker BP and find that I can write with very little pressure and still get a nice line. In fact depending on the pressure I can get some similar line variation with the BP! I use the Parker refill in a Caran d'Ache enamel BP so it's not really disposable but the refill is.

 

 

As a side note I would hate to see this site turn into a us & them with respect to FP and other writing instruments. Maybe that's what some people want but there should be room for all types here.

 

Kurt H

[Dip Head]

As a side note I would hate to see this site turn into a us & them with respect to FP and other writing instruments. Maybe that's what some people want but there should be room for all types here. sad.gif

 

Kurt H

 

Even for those of us who try to skip the "pen" completely and just use a nib, holder and ink?

 

Now if I could just find a way to keep the nib from poking through my shirt pockets.... <_<

[klemenv]

Occasionally I run in a situation that I have to write a lot. For example going through study and preparation for exam.

 

I stil have to find a ballpen that enables one to write a lot. Ballpes are OK for average amount of writting. But try to use one for two consecutive days for 8 hours per day and you will find that your fingers are full of blue ink. That is, how ink in any ballpen is design. Perfectly OK, if you do average amount of writing.

 

Second argument is that writting with pen is easier and hand don't hurt as much as with ballpen.

 

Third argument is that according to Hitchhiker Guide to Galaxy, ballpens are meta form of like that is traveling to a remote planet. Before getting my Omas I was consuming box of 100 ballpens per quarter. I am getting away with my Tibaldi now.

 

Fourth argument is variety of ink. Think of shading properties of PR Spearmint or beauty of Diamine Tropical Blue.

 

Plus it looks great.

[wimg]

Hi Tim,

 

I rediscovered fountain pens 2 years ago, now. And haven't had problems with RSI anymore for about a year, while doing the same amount of typing and mousing. I reckon this is purely because of the fact I don't use BPs anymore, but have switched to FPs.

 

I am doing a part-time study, having to sit 3 hour exams. I had big problems in the beginning, because I would get cramps in my arm and hand after about 2 or 3 pages of writing. I barely managed to get through, with about 10-11 pages of writing in those 3 hours, and collecting just enough points to pass.

My record number of pages with similar exams, but written with a fountain pen is 21 now. And breezing through it, no pain, just a pleasant feeling, from the feedback the pen gives me. And I breeze through the exams as well, easily collecting the points I need...

 

HTH, warm regards, Wim

[woodwindmaster06]

Thanks for all of the input so far there is some good points in here made, I also feel with fountain pens that I am truly using a "pen", a pen for me must have a nib and tines, a little ball just doesnt cut it for me, and I can once again find peace in writting without cramps. It is just a good feeling taking the cap off and writing a few lines

 

Tim

WWM

[Titivillus]

As a side note I would hate to see this site turn into a us & them with respect to FP and other writing instruments. Maybe that's what some people want but there should be room for all types here. sad.gif

 

Kurt H

 

Even for those of us who try to skip the "pen" completely and just use a nib, holder and ink?

 

Now if I could just find a way to keep the nib from poking through my shirt pockets.... <_<

Get one of the folding nib holders where the nib pulls into the handle!

 

 

Kurt H

[smudgy]

The main reasons I use FPs are comfort (no hand / arm cramping) and the variables. It's fun to play with all the inks out there, different nibs, etc. Makes rollerballs and ballpoints look downright boring by comparison.

[PS104]

A thought provoking topic to be sure. ElaineB makes many significant points, both pro and con re FPs.

I also agree with Kurt and hope this doesn't turn into an "us vs them". At this point in time most people are entrenched by habit, culture and the developing technologies (keyboarding computers are not the be-all end-all) to their modes of transcription. While many (look at the number of members on FPN) have rediscovered the fountain pen there are legions of others who could care less and are happy where they are. Personally I have no wish to drag anyone kicking and screaming into the fountain pen arena. They may come of their own accord and would be welcome as per the underlying attitude of the FPN. It all comes from within and is a journey of discovery.

[KBeezie]

I think for the pen to be the most 'green', should skip Cartridges (as they're disposable units). Rather go converter, piston, eye-dropper, etc. Bottled inks seem to be much more economical too. (though the collectability of pens, makes it less of an economical thing, otherwise we'd just get sub-20$ pens and just use those).

 

Far as some cons:

- writing angle is important, can't exactly write upside down for whatever reason or up against the wall sometimes.

- picky on some papers, copier paper, credit card receipts, carbon copies, etc usually easy for ballpoints, not so much for FPs

- inks don't always agree with 'softer' paper (similar problem with roller balls), feathering is much more common with el-cheap-o stuff

- can't (or least should not) use it on rougher surfaces like cardboard packaging and such, or surfaces with lots of fiber castoffs

- easier to damage if you jab or angle the nib in the wrong way (more care is required)

- can't just pick up the ink form most stores either bottled or cartridge now days

- initial cost can be pricey (course same can be said of rollerballs and certain ballpoints)

- can't just be uncapped and written in any direction (rollerballs can, and share similarities)

- that "bug"... you can't just have one pen for some odd reason.

 

Far as some Pros:

- can be much smoother in terms of writing quality

- easier on the hands especially if cursive/longhand is your thing for notetaking (none of that crayon death-grip (bleep)...)

- after the initial cost, ink in the long run is much cheaper than say a rollerball or ballpoint (90ml 12$, bout 80-85 fills of a converter, assuming ~0.9-1ml per fill plus wipe-away)

- an immensely superior selection of inks, color and ink properties.

- a variety of not only various line widths, but line styles and variations

- personal preference of pen components, and nib style can be increasingly tailored to your desire.

- using one is an artform in itself, the manner in which you write with one isn't easily replicated with a ballpoint

 

Some of the stuff I'd consider kind of a pro, but not necessarily easy to argue for:

- Conversation starter, what other kind of pen can you actually talk hours about?

- it's a "personal thing", not that many tools can have a personal connection with it's user especially after years of use (other than a sentimental ballpoint, when the last time you had a personal connection to a BIC Crystal?)

- aesthetics, some of them are just simply gorgeous. (while a lot of FP's have BP/RB pairs, most BP buyers don't usually seem to shop for them)

- sparks an interest into actually "writing" again, not just a device to sign credit card receipts or fill out forms.

 

 

ironically it's easier for people to argue how a better camera or more expensive lens will have 'better' results, despite not taking into account any skills at all, but when it comes to pens, they'd say the equivalent of some 50$ point and shoot as being 'good enough'. (it's the only other hobby/profession of mine that I can think of being equated to).

Edited April 13, 2014 by KBeezie

[KBeezie]

The main reasons I use FPs are comfort (no hand / arm cramping) and the variables. It's fun to play with all the inks out there, different nibs, etc. Makes rollerballs and ballpoints look downright boring by comparison.

 

That was one of the first reasons I wanted to get back into it. Writing in general cramp the hell out of my hands with ballpoints, and I didn't get back into them until recently because in the US I always considered them to be too expensive (... yet I've spent way more already than I would have initially), since the last time I used them was in Germany during Middle School. It's entirely possible now to spend $6-12 for a fountain pen, and still come out with something better quality than a $6 ball point at the local stores, or least more durable, yet will be easier on your hands. (though why the heck did they stop teaching longhand in the last 15-20 years? that saves hand cramps right there, especially when combined with FPs).

[hermanlab]

Dear Roger,

 

As you know you have always been a welcome guest in our home and it goes without saying that we have all grown quite fond of you. In some ways, I actually find myself thinking of you as my own son already. Indeed, I was not surprised when the other day Susan began to hint at the possibility of marriage somewhere in the foreseeable future. To be honest, she less that subtly hinted at the fact that you may be asking for my daughter's hand in marriage one of these days.

 

Lest there be any awkwardness between us, should that moment arise, I thought it best to share a few of my personal thoughts with you in advance. I know you are a bright young man with a good sense of judgement, so I'm sure that you will understand that my observations should be meant as encouragement, rather than criticism.

 

The fact is that I have always told Susan that when she becomes the beneficiary of her Aunt Agnes' trust fund at the age of 23 next year, she would be more or less free to do as she pleases - within reason of course. I had to caution her upon this occasion, however, that as her father who only wants the best for her and as sole trustee, I do have a small concern that I wished to share with her. It was my duty to inform her that I find difficulty in feeling that her Aunt Agness' 50 million should be in the hands of a man who embraces the principles of mediocrity. Without being a snob, I have to share with you my belief that sometimes mediocrity can be found in the little things in life. Take, for example, the matter of using a ballpoint pen for signing cheques and contracts. In my years of business experience, I have often found that the men whose judgement I can best rely on, have been the ones that did not conform to mediocrity by using ballpoint pens. In stead - with rare exceptions - I have found that the men of genuine character were those who chose to underline their sense of self-worth, style and individuality by using fountain pens in stead of ballpoints.

 

I do not mean this as criticism, but one can hardly fail to notice that you yourself are not a user of fountain pens just yet. You will understand that the wise administration of Aunt Agnes' trust fund will require more than an average degree of business character. I have no option but to allow myself to be guided by the sense of business instinct in this matter. Having therefore weighed the matter very carefully in my mind, I have to tell you that I doubt that you are at this present time quite ready to ask for my daughter's hand in marriage.

 

I hope this does not discourage you, for as I said, you are a likable young fellow and always welcome in our home. You are just very young still, and lacking in a few of the refinements that will be required for assuming the responsibility that Susan's trust fund will ultimately require. Perhaps, in a year or two, when I have seen you displaying some of the signs of more sophisticated maturity I would be happy to reconsider. Until then, it would probably be best if you spared both of us a spot of embarrassment by rather not asking for my daughter's hand in marriage just yet.

 

And if, in the meantime, you should become interest in some of the accouterments of refined taste, I hope you will remember that you can rely on my willingness to share with you what little knowledge I have acquired in that regard. I have, for example, a particularly fine gold Waterman which I would enjoy showing you. It is the same one with which Susan's great-grandfather signed his great land deal as a young man in 1920. In fact, he was very near your own age when he closed that transaction which added so much substance to our family's financial security. It has always been my hope that the man who succeeds in becoming my son-in-law one day, would be the user of a similar symbol of ambition. Who knows? Perhaps in time, you will be that man.

 

Until then, I thank you for receiving this letter in the spirit of kindness with which it was written.

 

I hope to see you at supper on Saturday evening next, after which we can continue our little discussion over cognac, if needed.

 

With fond regards,

H. Harold Highbury II

[Bo Bo Olson]

Sigh, most folks use a ball point up to three minutes a day, week and or month. It can lay in the back of a drawer for a generation and be ready to write.

They are no fun....is there a ball point com?

 

Fountain pens are fun....fun cost more. Writing becomes fun, not just work, and in some cased just fun is had, no work at all is done.

Edited April 25, 2014 by Bo Bo Olson

[Opooh]

Sigh, most folks use a ball point up to three minutes a day, week and or month. It can lay in the back of a drawer for a generation and be ready to write.

They are no fun....is there a ball point com?

 

Fountain pens are fun....fun cost more. Writing becomes fun, not just work, and in some cased just fun is had, no work at all is done.

1+

 

Why must people always try to rationalise the irrational?