Why do people use Ballpoint pens ?

[Orpilorp]

I have found that for the type of writing I do at work (brief notes written in a hurry) a fountain pen is not practical, so I use a ballpoint. I could use a gel pen, but just look at my ballpoints. How could I leave them at home when they're so eye-catching?

 

The gray pen on the left is an Eversharp. The unbranded long one on the right tapers to a triangular grip.

[Studio97]

If a ball point writes smoothly with at least a med to broad tip then i like using them. And still do.

[Studio97]

If a ball point writes smoothly with at least a med to broad tip then i like using them. And still do.

[bemon]

If a ball point writes smoothly with at least a med to broad tip then i like using them. And still do.

Montblanc ballpoints are incredible.

[pajaro]

Montblanc ballpoints are incredible.

 

They are, especially with broad refills.

 

I think it's fine to like fountain pens, but bashing ballpoints is sophomoric.

 

Ballpoint bashing is like the humor in "Dumb and Dumber."

Edited June 22, 2017 by pajaro

[flatline]

 

The disposables and inexpensive ones (like the Preppys) don't require constant attention. I've gotten a number of people hooked who asked me about the pen I was using. I give Varsitys away to people who are curious.

 

I have often wondered about how much money I would have saved if I had simply stuck with using the Varsity rather than moving on to more expensive fountain pens.

 

--flatline

[bemon]

 

I have often wondered about how much money I would have saved if I had simply stuck with using the Varsity rather than moving on to more expensive fountain pens.

 

--flatline

Yup. I have a handful of Jinhaos in my desk drawer at work that I give away when co workers are curious.

[TSherbs]

Montblanc ballpoints are incredible.

 

word

 

but I only buy the refills and put them in cheap G2 bodies

Edited June 22, 2017 by TSherbs

[Sasha Royale]

They know not what they do ! We are keepers of the flame. It is for us to enlighten the wretched.

When the lights come on, again, all over he world, what was once ours, will be ours again.

 

Scriptum sur Frolictae !

[essayfaire]

 

I have often wondered about how much money I would have saved if I had simply stuck with using the Varsity rather than moving on to more expensive fountain pens.

 

--flatline

 

You probably would still have moved on to other pens.... The weight in the hand of higher quality pens is more satisfying. But maybe you never would have lost a good pen outside the house, if you ever have.

[shines_lover]

Not sure about theier being slave of populist habits nor of their parents teaching them no taste, but pretty sure they lack 'the taste'. And, definitely they can do better given the chance to develop 'the taste'.

And why would I force myself into using a fountain pen when it's not the best fit for the task? For this specific reason I am different than you because I taste with my tounge but think with my mind.

[mitto]

I didnt say TASTE. I said 'the taste'.

[TSherbs]

I didnt say TASTE. I said 'the taste'.

 

But Starkist wants tuna that tastes good, not tuna with good taste.

[Owsley]

I am perfectly happy using a ball point pen. A fountain pen is just an alternate experience. Fountain pens aren't nearly as versatile or useful for general purposes as a ball point, but there is something very zen like about using a fountain pen.

[shines_lover]

 

But Starkist wants tuna that tastes good, not tuna with good taste.

😅😅😅

[Zookie]

I actually have a ZEN fountain pen, it's bamboo.

I also collect, and use, quality ballpoints. Today, for example, my wife and I went yard sailing, and I found a BIG bag of cheap pens (Bic & Papermate mostly) that I paid 1.00 USD for. I saw something black in it that caught my eye.

Included in the bag was 2 Matte Black Cross century pens, and 1 glossy black and gold Waterman Hemisphere ballpoint. All three in beautiful shape with good refills.

I think that I did ok for my buck

[Flippy]

I use ballpoints mainly for drawing. I consider fountain pens to be poor for drawing, as I prefer to be able to draw in many angles. I do love ballpoints.

[Bluey]

I would think that people use ballpoints because they need to hand write something and a ballpoint is nearby(I would imagine that it's much more likely in most environments for a ballpoint to be handy than a fountain pen), or maybe they're not fussed about fountain pens.

 

It's like with cars. Most people see a car as getting from A to B, just as a ballpoint is for writing something down. Not everyone is into buying a Mazzarrati Vintage Model V 1.4 to take apart and tinker, just like not everyone is into fountain pens. The average Toyota may not do 1-60 in 3 seconds but it's convenient for family days out and for getting the shopping in.

It's about using the right tool for the job.

 

If a ballpoint is nearby and I need to write something down then I will use it. It does the job and is convenient and plentiful.

I'm not going to go "OMG!!!! I can't possibly use such a thing. I'm a Fountain Pen User now which means that I always have to use fountain pens no matter what, and to carry one with me at all times like a badge, to show how much of a cool and sophisticated person I am".

Edited June 25, 2017 by Bluey

[TSherbs]

....

 

I'm not going to go "OMG!!!! I can't possibly use such a thing. I'm a Fountain Pen User now which means that I always have to use fountain pens no matter what, and to carry one with me at all times like a badge, to show how much of a cool and sophisticated person I am".

Who says complete sentences to themselves? 😉

[jmccarty3]

Roman Catholic theologians would say that ballpoint pen users suffer from Invincible Ignorance.