Fountain Pens.....

[smudge]

I read in the newspaper last week, that more schools are introducing the use of fountain pens back into the classroom again.

I was really pleased to read this, as due to emailing & texting, etc., nicely presented handwriting seems to be coming a thing of the past.

I've always used fountain pens when at school, work & at home (obviously not on ncr paper/forms, etc).

I still use different types of fountain pens, including italic ones, lots of writing paper (parchment being one of my favourites), coloured inks & really enjoy writing out cards & the occasional letter with them.

Just wondering if anyone else stil does?

[Immi666]

smudge, i write with a biro mostly for convenience, because i write a lot, and very fast, and i end up making a mess with a fountain pen. But i do have several, and I use them for smart stuff. I always feel more authentic as a writer when I use a fountain pen, and I'm proud of the ink stains I get on my fingers.

Bring back Handwriting!

[Llamatron]

When I was at school there was a girl who insisted on writing with a fountain pen. She was also left handed.
This meant that as she wrote she'd invariably drag her hand through the fresh ink rendering her handwriting illegible.

How are left handers supposed to cope with founftain pens?

[smudge]

Immi - yes bring back good old fashioned handwriting, it's so therapautic too! The third finger of my left hand still has a bump where I've written so much, 'specially with fountain pens & ink!

Llamatron - As mentioned above, I'm left handed, but fortunately haven't had much of a problem with 'smudging' as I write - I do know what you mean though! Thank goodness for blotting paper!

The only problems I have encountered, is trying to write with Italic pens, as the nibs are slanted & geared for right handers! Having said that, I have been bought left handed ones, so have been able to carry on with my favourite pastime!

[luckyeight]

I only write with a fountain pen - only person I know who does, and people think I'm an archaic freak :) Always black ink too. Will admit that it's not very practical - stains, smudging, refilling etc.
Do you use reservoir fountain pens or cartridge? Don't like cartridges as they are expensive in comparison to ink in a pot, and not environmentally friendly, but they are more convenient and available. Easier to change while travelling or in a meeting etc.
Anyone used a montblanc? What are they like? I did try a Watermans which was a nice writer but it broke very quickly. So I'm back to using utilitarian Parkers... At least it's inexpensive when I lose them!

[rhona_j]

I love writing writting with a fountain pen.

Over the years I have learned how to write with various styles of nibs, in various hands and have found it to be such a handy thing.

Christmas cards always look impressive (working on hand made ones this year using gold ink and a script hand) and there's always someone who needs wedding place cards or invitations (maybe I should start charging!).

Kind of sounds like I'm blowing my own trumpet, but I just think it is such a beautiful art to know.

[smudge]

Thank you for your answers - I don't normally give stars, but it's nice to know you've taken the time to reply!

Here's an interesting little article:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2451 248,00.html

[jake-the-peg]

I think this sounds insane!

Unless you're trying to train a generation of signwriters the value is in the content of what you say not how you say it.

Would Mein Kampf be any better lovingly presented in glorious copperplate?

We should be teaching kids typing and looking forward not back.

I'm sure calligraphy is a lovely hobby but there are a lot more important things to be taught in schools.

Thankfully this is just at one private boarding school in Scotland so I can't see it getting far

[smudge]

jake-the-peg, If you think introducing children to using fountain pens in schools is insane, then that is your prerogative.

Children already spend many hours typing away & staring at computer screens (as do our own Grandchildren at school), but handwriting is just as important as children learning to add, subtract & multiply, etc., before using a calculator.

When I used to advertise for staff, I asked that applicants apply in their 'own' handwriting (enclosing a CV).

The reason: There is a difference between perusing a professionally typed up CV, to a sometimes scruffy, illegible handwritten letter.

[jake-the-peg]

When did you last see hand-writen documents in your business then?

Do you send handwritten letters to important clients? No? why? because it would look unprofessional!

With the exception of insurance claims I can't remember the last time I saw anything important handwriten.

If you want to have some prejudice over someone's handwriting that's your perogative - One of your applicants might have a missing finger or something and you'd reject someone brilliant because of it.

When I see reports of how we cannot get enough kids into Science courses and then hear of schools frittering time away with fountain pens I find it hard to believe.

A triumph of style over substance! - never mind if the answer is wrong have some marks for making it look nice!

[smudge]

jake-the-peg, this started off as light hearted thread, but you have gone out of your way to 'try' to turn it into a slanging match! Well you've chosen the wrong person here!

You sound very paranoid, so I suggest you get off your soap box & let off steam elsewhere!

Have a nice day!

BTW, it's 'prerogative' jake-the-peg - not perogative!

[TheGopher]

I dont think Jake intended a slanging match as he was just adding a valid point of view. You asked a question and he gave an answer disagreeing with you.I agree with Jake wholeheartedly. He states valid points, and has not been personal. I am a business man of mature years, and when asking for CVs I only consider what I feel relevant to the job. As all our post is done on computer handwriting is immaterial. Some people cannot write (or spell) due to problems but might have lots to offer my companies.

I respect your views, but please don't call someone paranoid that disagrees with you, and please don't correct spelling mistakes on here. We are all outspoken in our own beliefs. I personally have incredibly bad handwriting and it hasn't held me back in my life.

[smudge]

Well bully for you then TheGopher!

Over & out.

[TheGopher]

Intelligent response

[smudge]

What exactly would you prefer me to post then TheGopher - something just to suit you?

The first four answers were to do with the original question - the introduction of fountain pens in the classroom & going on to discuss 'enjoying' the art of handwriting!

As I previously said, I do not wish to get involved with anything other than that & would rather stay clear of any confrontations - thank you anyway.

P.S. Have a nice weekend!

[Keeprockin]

Jake may have a point about more important things,but I don't think the writing was at the expense of them. There's also no reason why these important things can't be done neatly. They were in the past. When I was at school,many,many moons ago,ballpoints were not allowed. Must admit though,until last few months i've never handwritten a letter for years,usually did them in print style.
Was struggling trying to remember what the capitol Q and Z looked like

[smudge]

I do understand what you mean Keeprockin & as a mature semi-retired business woman, I also know what the requirements & 'important' things in ones working life are.

As I mentioned earlier, learning to write came before the use of typewriters, computers & mobile phones. Learning to add, subtract, divide & multiply also came before the use of adding machines & calculators.

I just think it's very useful to learn how to do these things manually first, you know, like walking before you can run.

[TheGopher]

I made a valid comment and got 'Bully for You' as a reply. I was not confrontation, just backed someone else's opinion that the reintroduction of fountain pens in schools was not necessary. It was you that resorted to playground talk, Smudge. Answerbank is here to state our views. If we disagree and are polite about it then that should be fine.

[smudge]

Playground talk at my age - very amusing! You mention that you are a businessman of mature years & have your 'own' way of dealing with business matters & that your incredibly bad handwriting hasn't held you back. I simply replied "Well bully for you then TheGopher". I do apologise for that, perhaps I should have said "Very well done" & given you a big pat on the back instead.

Well I didn't want to blow my own trumpet, but I am a semi-retired businesswoman, also of mature years & co-ran a very successful company for 26 years - I also had my 'own' methodical way of running the business, alongside the Managing Director & lots of other very satisfied members of staff. We also had a large network of computers, running between two nearbly premises. Handwriting also came into my/our every day working life, including Ledgers & the'Minutes Book'.

Everyone has different opinions, so let's just agree to disagree & leave it at that then eh?

P.S. My sentiments of "Have a nice weekend" were hardly immature & still stands!

[smudge]

*nearby

See, computers can make mistakes, or was it a slip of the finger?!!!!

[lindapinda]

Just saw this thread Smudge.Oh dear! All you wanted was a "fountain pen" discussion :-(...I still have my trusty primary school pen,in my mother's attic...a lovely purpley blue number!..10 years ago,I worked in a Government office that used fountain pens for official documents,and i just loved using them again!