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View Full Version : What do you miss on FPGeeks?



StephenBrown
October 3rd, 2012, 05:58 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XCz_xneoAY

We need your help! Tell us what you would like to see on FPGeeks!

Renfield1897
October 3rd, 2012, 06:23 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XCz_xneoAY

We need your help! Tell us what you would like to see on FPGeeks!


Stephen

I have only been tuning in to the last few FP Geeks TV shows, and am enjoying them.

I like when they run longer (But understand due to most people having lives, that longer might not be possible)

Some Comments on the show:

1. It seems you guys only focus on high end pens. Do you ever preview some budget options?
2. You could focus more on Inks, Blotters, Paper etc, rather than just pens.
3. The timings work well for the live broadcast for me (Ireland)
4. Maybe a section on Hot topics on FPN or Forum activity (And you guys can voice your opinion)
5. Maybe focus on a travelling Journal or cookbook, and show pictures of travels. (If someone gets sick, maybe request viewers send them a card, you know feel good stuff)
6. Just More witty banter.

I have to confess I do not use the site very much, although I use FPN. Other videos i would like to see, are tutorials, more reviews.

Thats enough for me

Ren

jar
October 3rd, 2012, 07:10 AM
More porn.

Newtonslife
October 3rd, 2012, 07:12 AM
1) a place to get fp geeks merchandise I would like a FP geek badge :)

2)nice to see reviews of very expensive pens, but then all of you say, they are too expensive, maybe you can have a collector on your show that understands why very expensive pens are worth the money and then explain it, so the rest of us can appreciate it more. We cant afford it ( most of us ) but if there is something about the object that makes it desirable,regardless of the cost, Id like to know about it, rather than being told, oh its too expensive for you :)

3)Get some of these expensive pens on the show, get something hooked up with Visconti or Montblanc or whoever ,im sure there is a pathway to get these pans on the show rather than just pictures or maybe get them on webcam or G+ to show them in person.

4)Keep the show to one hour, if you have a lot to say have another show another day !

5) keep being geeks, I love it !

brandon8602
October 3rd, 2012, 08:45 AM
I'm really happy with the state of FP Geeks. My only suggestion would be to try and get someone a little different to guest on FPtv. I visited Zionsville, IN (where Private Reserve was created) this year and I would love to hear you guys talk to someone there in the same way you guys would interact with Brian Anderson, Nathan Tardiff, etc.. I'd also really enjoy an episode featuring Richard Binder, John Mottishaw, or another popular nibmeister.

dannzeman
October 3rd, 2012, 09:05 AM
This was submitted via email. I'm copying it here just so they're all in one place that we can refer back to later.


I really enjoy FPGeeks.com I visit at least a couple times daily it is a very entertaining, useful and informative site although problematic for my FP addiction, does now about 30 count as an addiction?

Things I like-
Awesome reviews
New first impressions by Dan
New where all 3 of you post your first impressions on new pen notices.
FP TV is great I think it is about the right length although the past few broadcast seem to have been about the hour mark which seems 20 minutes shorter then average but 60-90 minutes seems just right.
Inkcyclopedia is nice.
Site is laid out well good looking and often changing with new articles which is why I visit often.

Things I would wish would be improved or added,
your search function is not always accurate when clicking on Awesome reviews, or a Pen name it does not always bring up all the results.
Answers to what pen what was the wrong pen when 1 pen is mislabeled in photos, sometimes from comments it is possible to find out and other times it is not.
Answer to what Stephen was thinking in the photo of him holding a ball point in the photo from Washington DC that turned into a contest.
I would to see some more ink reviews by Stephen including even a review on Waterman inks as well as Iroshizuku Kon-Peki.
I realize why you changed to disqus comments but for me and judging from I think a drop in comments the old system was better but again I am sure much more maintenance.
Perhaps incorporate all of SBRE Brown You Tube Videos into the site somewhere via link and index.
Your FP show coverage in LA was the best, Washington DC coverage was good but that walk though of the LA Pen show was awesome more of that would be great.
From last FP TV episode Dan and Eric mentioned they both occasionally list items in forums for sale if I knew you both listed in FP Geek forum first that would be worth me registering.
More interviews perhaps a Geek of the week of Nathan Tardikoff of Noodlers and getting him on FPTV would be awesome.

But that said it wouldn't bother me if you changed nothing at all, and just keep doing what you are doing.

Alan Crone
October 3rd, 2012, 09:49 AM
The content of the F.P., Geeks videos and greatly improved of late and I enjoy the current format for discussions. I would like to see fountain pens in the real world. For example, what pens are good for University (Stephen), what pens are good for travelling (Brian Gray, I think) and what pens are good for work (Eric and Dan). I would use my 149 for signing my Ph.D thesis, but not for writing an exam., paper. We need more inks too, chaps!

pelahale
October 3rd, 2012, 10:21 AM
I really enjoy the FPG podcast/TV broadcasts - wish I could remember to watch it live. I really like the new Google+ version rather than the old sucky Ustream version. I really like that you let Stephen join the two of you Eric & Dan. It provides the European presence and a totally different though equally dynamic personality. I like the awesome reviews, the ink reviews. Dan's vids are pure perfection. Eric's viewpoints and leadership during the podcasts/TVcasts is warm and wonderful. What I don't like is the over-featuring of decorative fountain pens costing thousands of dollars which virtually none of us will ever even think about buying. If these companies aren't paying you guys a ton of money, I'd drop that part of your FPGeek routine - so say, if they aren't paying you guys to the tune of $5,000+/month in support, drop them. Now if they are paying you guys so much money, then keep it going and we'll play along too. What I'd suggest is more features and discussions about fountain pen maintenance - this is a very important and interesting topic that all aficionados would appreciate. Maybe Ron Zorn, Richard Binder, Martin Ferguson, Nathan Tardiff, or some other repair/maintenance old-timer could join you guys along w/Dan's expertise to discuss this topic regularly. When you guys feature Greg Minuskin - he needs to show us how he does his super-fine nib work rather his his flaky/crazy shtick, otherwise what's the point of him on your broadcasts? When Brian Gray is on your show, why not show us or discuss with his his expertise on pen barrel material, nib work, turning and manufacturing background, the finances and business-model etc. These are the interesting topics that are neglected in favor of just advertising their products and wares which is less useful and uninteresting to the viewing/listening public.

MHfernandes
October 3rd, 2012, 11:51 AM
I would like to see how things are made (pens and inks), for instance, some visits to the following factorys: Diamine, J. Herbin, Rohrer & Klingner, Pelikan, Aurora, Delta, Visconti etc. I prefer to know the quality of the brand by the manufacturing process instead just looking for a package, so when I buy inks (and other stuffs) I always try to look the factory plant on google street view (this way I can tell if it's a big company or not). Unfortunally I only find the diamine factory on street view (It's a block on the farriers way industrial estate), because J. Herbin dont give their adress in Paris (only the new york dealer) and I couldn't see Rohrer Klingner factory.

Avarias
October 3rd, 2012, 12:01 PM
Stephen
2. You could focus more on Inks, Blotters, Paper etc, rather than just pens.

I liked this idea, too.

Also (and I see this a lot elsewhere on the interwebs), focusing on the pens, ink, paper etc. is all great, and you guys make fantastic videos, but how's about more application-based stuff? Y'know, how to do calligraphy, what sorts of pens are better suited for what kind of writing, etc. More ways to use the pens in other words.

Saintpaulia
October 3rd, 2012, 12:05 PM
Hey there! Some great ideas by other posters (esp. Ren, pelahale). I would “second the motion on these 2 points:
“1. It seems you guys only focus on high end pens. Do you ever preview some budget options?
2. You could focus more on Inks, Blotters, Paper etc, rather than just pens”.

I’ve mentioned #1 before and aggravated Dan in the process, or so it seemed. When I go to the main page (i.e. Home) for FP Geeks I am always greeted by some expensive pen that has just come out and is so exciting! I yawn and go on down for something of interest. I don’t know about others, the majority, or whatever, but I simply do not have the money necessary to even think about these pens. I also believe it gives the whole site an “elitest” flavor. In defense, on one comments, Dan pointed out that ca. 30% of the reviews have been about budget or lower end pens. That is probably true but they seem to occupy the more obscure parts of the site whereas these high end pens get the Big Spotlight (today it's 'Aurora Mar Tirreno-The Awesome Review'. I really have no interest).

In fact there could be a whole department of the website devoted to someone of modest means who reviews inexpensive pens that they own. Awesome Reviews exist for the purpose of pen reviews, I understand this. And also you all have the different categories of pens e.g. Economy Class, Executive Class, Intermediate Class and so on. Frankly I have trouble keeping straight in my mind what Intermediate means and what Standard means etc. But maybe this system could be tweaked a bit so that the different categories are easier to keep in mind? Maybe just go with price ranges. In any event, a viewpoint from the "bleachers" so to speak would be of interest to me and maybe other novices. There are many current and vintage budget pens that have not gotten enough attention imho, such as Parker Jotter, Reform 1745, Sheaffer Agio, and others.

Stephen does a super job in pen reviews and he is truly non-elitest, being willing to spotlight a $6.00 Chinese pen just as often or happily as a $600 one. But his is just one viewpoint. I think there is room for another reviewer, esp. of lower-end pens. As to what sort of reviewer, why not choose a relative newcomer who is collecting these “economy pens” and would appeal to other novices in his/her viewpoint.

Regarding suggestion #2, I also would like to see more attention and “bandwidth” devoted to inks, papers, and other accessories. A word of praise: the Inkcyclopoedia is great! In fact 9 times out of 10 when I go to FP Geeks website it is to see if Stephen has added a new ink review. And since I’ve already read all of the Awesome Reviews (there aren't really that many) related to lower-cost pens, and many of the others, I don’t go to the site often to check those out anymore. There are so many inks out there, so that to do good reviews of them would take a long time but it is worth beginning. Inkcyclopoedia cannot be the portal for that, so some other way could be found, something shorter like Dan’s First Impressions feature on pens (which I also love).

Lastly, I watched a few of the TV shows at the beginning of my time spent on site but soon lost interest. Most of the pens being discussed were, again, way beyond my budget and therefore interest. I think the show is too long and would benefit from “tightening up”. And yes! some new guests! for example, I’ve made a concerted effort along with another geek friend of mine to find a photo of Nathan Tardiff online. There aren’t any! Is this fellow hiding? I’ve listened to audio interviews with him on Goulet and with y’all but nary any video. What does he look like? How old is he? etc. I agree with the other suggestions of other notables in the pen world, e.g. Rich Binder, John Mottishaw, et al. And yes! more on ink companies esp. since some are right here in the good ol’ USA (seconds to Private Reserve). Or an interview or visit to Monteverde.

I want to mention lastly, pelahale’s entire post. I couldn’t agree more with him/her. They pointed out the same thing I have above about the expensive pens over-emphasis so there are at least three of us now (Pela, Ren and me and I’m sure there are more).

Thanks for giving us the opportunity to feedback,
Breck

P.S. on the reviews you all give diameters for Cap w/o Clip, Cap Diameter w/Clip, Body Diameter at Ink Window, Body Diameter at Blind Cap End, which is OK but really what I need as a person with small hands is the diameter of the grip section. That's where the fingers meet the pen.

mike38
October 3rd, 2012, 01:12 PM
Hi there,

I would love to see more videos on how to disassemble pens, it is always very instructive and helpfull to clean pens.

Thanks for your time and help!

Mike

KeesReuzelaar
October 3rd, 2012, 01:31 PM
I've been read-only for some time, I just registered for this thread. Some background to see where I'm coming from: I only recently started collecting pens. This site has an enormous amount of information, that's great! But it can be overwhelming at times.

Anyway, you asked what is missing on FPGeeks...

As a junior collector, what I could really use is an overview of all brands and all models of those brands. Especially the older, more historic pens. Any serious collector would know everything there is to know about the series of pinecone resin based aerovacumatics and that one special pen in that special color that was only available at... But how can someone just starting out get that knowledge? Sure, reading the old threads is a goldmine, but how can I be confident that I didn't miss something obvious?

Another thing I would like to see is just a write-up about your/our collections. Certainly if there is a theme to it (just clear eyedroppers, or only pens from 1960 to 1970 with a gold clip, whatever). Also, what pens did people start with, just to get an idea about developing a well-balanced collection. I'm currently buying rather haphazardly (as I imagine many beginners do) but I'd like to get some more focus. Alas, I don't feel that I have enough knowledge to get a feel for what I should like to collect.

Also, I enjoy the Inkcyclopedia, but perhaps it might be even more interesting with more inks per episode, in a sort of comparison / shoot-out. Or get a theme per episode: permanent ink, weird colors, daily writing ink, wet versus dry, that kind of thing.

But, most of all, continue with what you're doing already. FPGeeks is wonderful!

jar
October 3rd, 2012, 01:36 PM
As a junior collector, what I could really use is an overview of all brands and all models of those brands.

That really would be nice, but honestly no one knows what all the brands were or even what were all the models of any one brand.

ethernautrix
October 3rd, 2012, 02:06 PM
I'd like to see more tapdancing.

And dwarf hamsters.

Also, please stop crashing my browser.


Seriously, though, um... I don't have any suggestions. Kindv like being surprised. I like fpgeeks.com.


Maybe I'll think of something, but so far... just groovin'.

ethernautrix
October 3rd, 2012, 02:13 PM
Just thought of something.

Gladiators!

Hah? Haaah? Am I right?

mkglobetrotter
October 3rd, 2012, 02:14 PM
How about a theme for each episode of FPTelevision? Could be anything from eyedroppers to Chinese pens to green pens. Or even gold nibs. That way, the conversation can get more in-depth on a specific topic, rather than having a general overview of a number of different things (not that there's anything wrong with that!). And perhaps you could arrange to have certain guests for specific themes... say, for a FPTelevision episode on nib regrinds, you could have Mike Masuyama (if possible) talk about the finer aspects of regrinding nibs, what people should know before grinding nibs themselves, and of course, a little background information on the guest - how he came to become a nibmeister and all that. Just an example... I have no idea if it would be feasible, but it would certainly be interesting! Plus, you could always revisit certain themes if you have more to discuss.

Also, I think one-hour episodes are better than longer ones. Easier to digest. ;)

I always enjoy the Awesome Reviews and the Hands-on Reviews so I'd like to see more of those. :)

KrazyIvan
October 3rd, 2012, 03:54 PM
Just thought of something.

Gladiators!

Hah? Haaah? Am I right?

I second that!

Jamesbmorley
October 3rd, 2012, 04:08 PM
Hi Stephen and FPGeeks

I would really appreciate some reviews by price bracket or level of pen, e.g introductory, limited edition etc as its nice to drool over grail pens but some more affordable stuff would be cool.

Also, it's been great learning about pens from different countries so more of that, eg pens from India - decent quality and affordable price.

The occasional eBay warning feature has also been handy to avoid being stung or outright conned...

Jamesbmorley
October 3rd, 2012, 04:10 PM
+1 for 1 hr episodes - especially when Dr Who is on in the UK - too much excitement for one Saturday!

bluejay
October 3rd, 2012, 05:12 PM
I second the notion on the paper talks. Eric used to talk about his fascination on paper in the earlier shows. I've been very bored with the latest stuff due to the high end pens that are not popular and just nice pen porn. I just think having three experts on the air and focus on whats popular now like MB 146, 149, Nakayas the low end stuff. Things that the middle class uses. The majority of fountain pen users...

Instead of focusing on too many topics how about have one long topic about a big things like Vintage pens. Or why certain brands have certain following? Where to buy pens? How to buy pens? Every week we should always have a question period that 2-3 questions are answered by the guest hosts.

I also agree with a statement made that when Minuskin comes on it becomes more of a joke show. We need to utilize our guests a bit more clearly. Like why he charges what he does. How long it takes to retip? what is in the process of retipping. A show on grinding and smoothening your pens. Stuff that gets people to fix their own pens and make them love the hobby rather than hate it and get annoyed is what I'd like to see.
How about a themed show like lever fillers one week, piston the next, American made one week.

dhaines
October 3rd, 2012, 05:52 PM
No one wants to see a review of a Ford Fusion compared to a Ferrari...With that said High end pens are the best!
OK Now we should have some tours of factories or talk to some factory reps as guest hosts to promote their pen companies, competitive advantage and what it takes in product development to make a pen. Also we can do that for ink companies and then have models in bikini's playing with your pens!

writingrav
October 3rd, 2012, 06:47 PM
HI guys,
While I think the site is great and never miss a show, nothing is perfect. I check the site often, mostly because of the forums so that when the show pretty much recaps everything that's been put up on the site during the previous week I must say my mind wanders. Of course the banter that accompanies the recap often makes it worthwhile, but features that are not on the web site, such as some that have been mentioned like features on Chinese pens or Indian pens or even a wider variety of more mainstream brands. I wonder why Bexeley never gets mentioned or Gate City New Dunn. The latter especially with its pimp filling system would seem to be something to make more people aware of. Or the Conklin Crescent fillers. There are a lot of fine pens out there in the mid price range other than Franklin-Christophe (though I love my F-C). Geek of the Week had been missing in action for far too long. Perhaps incorporate it into the regular show even if only a 15 minute segment, rather than its own show, which I know must be difficult to do.
I'll end here, but remember I started by saying I'm on the site numerous times a day and never miss a show, so if you just go on having the same kind of fun you always seem to be having, it's ok with me.
P.S. Almost forgot. Yes to more discussion of paper, journals, etc.

82-Greg
October 3rd, 2012, 07:41 PM
First, I love the show and the idea behind it. I also think its great that you don't take ads or sponsorship by anyone. That way if you want to pan a pen, you can. Don't go down the road of the pen magazines that only have positive articles about new products. Sometimes, even good companies can make mistakes or take shortcuts. I also recognize that this is a huge investment of time, effort and money. It is really appreciated. Reaching out through the web is a great way to attract younger people into the future of the hobby.

Eric does a great job as emcee. Dan and Stephen provide great commentary and Stephen's occasional zinger are great. You might tighten up the broadcast by only discussing a summary of the website articles on new pens and not reading the entire announcement. That way you could give the highlights, refer to the website article and then cut to your individual and collective assessment. Viewers with more interest could look at the website article for detailed reviews.

Adding Stephen was a brilliant move. Fountain Pen collecting and activity is world wide. Stephen can help speak to that. He also appeals to the youth market, which is essential to the future of fountain pens. If he can cover European pen shows, it increases your appeal (and input base) even more.

The Forum is good, but I don't have the time to devote to it like I devote to FPN. Consider transferring your forum to FPN (or FPB). I realize the tone and tenor of each site is different, but I'm looking for information and viewpoints on a wide spectrum of different pens.

Geek of the Week is sorely missed. Try reaching out for some non-U.S. based personalities. I'd love to see an interview with Andreas Lambrou. Given the schedule you keep with the weekly show, consider doing this only monthly. If you need extra help, ask the community. Fountain pens are great because people are willing to invest their time in their hobby.

A nice set of videos / articles on fountain pen basics (e.g. filling mechanisms, maintenance, etc) would be appreciated. In some cases Stephen already has these on YouTube, but at least you could link to them so that new users only have to look in one place.

Organization. I think you probably want to invest some time into enhancing the organization of information on the website--particularly as you continue the effort, increase your content and grow your user base. If you need help, I'm sure your user base can contribute some free labor.

I enjoy a broad variety of fountain pens. I have a pen being made by Eric Shin now, but the last pen I bought was a Jinhao 159. Continue to spread your time across the brands and price points offered. Of course, it will be easier to find press releases and early announcements from higher end brands than others.

Consider taking viewer/reader surveys on some pens/inks/papers/etc. Ultimately, I'd love it if someone set up a Wiki on fountain pens so I could look up and find out what colors Parker produced the Vacumatic in and how to tell the difference between a model produced in one year vice another. There is a great start for Pelikan here (http://www.pelikan-guide.com). You don't necessary have to host all the data on you website, but you could link to it.

Mr Aamell
October 3rd, 2012, 08:22 PM
Hello everyone

Well if you are trained in Shakespeare you dont have to ...if not ,please do try read how Jean-Luc Picard would sound ,

If we were to assign a living entity , creature into today's fountain pen brands from the Middle Earth , this would be my take ; ( sequence random )

:) okay Q for ... J L Picard

1 Onoto - Every Hobit
2 Tibaldi - Every ,fell beast
3 Namiki - Great Eagles
4 CAran D Ache - Every Princess
5 Stipula - Balrog
6 Mont Blanc - Uruk Hai
7 Nakaya - Elf Kind
8 Visconti - Mouth of Sauron
9 Waterman - The nine
10 Faber CAstell - Dwarf Lords
11 Omas - Olog hai and other trolls
12 Lamy - Shadowfax
13 Platinum - Shelob
14 Laban - Rochallor
15 Montverde - Crebain
16 Parker - The white council
17 Pelikan - Saruman and Gandalf

thank you.

Sincerely yours
Mr Aamell

Maja
October 3rd, 2012, 09:41 PM
6. Just More witty banter.


I was instantly reminded of this comment by Homer Simpson:
"Stupid TV--Be more funny!!"
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii306/MF518/Downloads/homer---stupid-tv-be-more-funny_zps478536ad.jpg
;)

But seriously...........
I love the FPGeeks site and the FPGeeks webcasts (60 min. length is perfect, IMHO). I just wish I could get up earlier on Saturdays to listen to FPGeeks TV live :redface:

The articles are great, the INKcyclopedia rocks, the contests are extremely generous, and it's obvious you put a ton of work into the site, so I can't really complain about anything. Sure, it would be nice if we could all afford to buy expensive pens, but we can't, so I don't mind hearing about them. Of course, it's nice to hear about the ones that I can afford, too :)

Thanks for all your hard work, Dan, Eric & Stephen, on behalf of all your :fans:
~Maja

Saintpaulia
October 3rd, 2012, 10:26 PM
No one wants to see a review of a Ford Fusion compared to a Ferrari...With that said High end pens are the best!

Speak for yourself Sir! If I needed basic transportation and was on a tight budget, I would very much want to see a review of a "Ford Fusion"; whereas I am never going to have a Ferrari and would be interested in it only as "wishes and dreams". Practical stuff first then the pie-in-the-sky.

By the way, another thought: I'd like to see "Everyday Carry Pens" feature what I deem most people do which is to carry 1-4 pens on a daily basis and not, as we have been shown, 12 or 20 pens! That's not realistic. Why would anyone carry around 12 pens everyday? Stephen's YouTube on this matter is realistic. Those pens that he says are his EDC really look like they are! (basically because they are not just super-sexy, but utilitarian)

John the Monkey
October 4th, 2012, 02:02 AM
The poster who mentioned "budget" pens - I did a round up of £20 ish pens (aimed at beginners) for a friend of mine;

http://monkeyphoto.posterous.com/for-beginner-fountain-pen

Although I "collect" in a small way (Esterbrooks, mostly), I don't think I've paid more than £30 for a pen yet :)

I quite like the "heads up" on the pricey pens, some of them are jaw droppingly beautiful, after all, but they're way out of my league!

There might be a place for special purpose pens (like fav. calligraphy tools, pens for drawing (like brush pens, the Rotring Art Pen &c), pens and inks that work on nasty paper (Pelikan Blue/Black, I'm looking at you :) ).

writingrav
October 4th, 2012, 04:34 AM
Speak for yourself Sir! If I needed basic transportation and was on a tight budget, I would very much want to see a review of a "Ford Fusion"; whereas I am never going to have a Ferrari and would be interested in it only as "wishes and dreams". Practical stuff first then the pie-in-the-sky.

By the way, another thought: I'd like to see "Everyday Carry Pens" feature what I deem most people do which is to carry 1-4 pens on a daily basis and not, as we have been shown, 12 or 20 pens! That's not realistic. Why would anyone carry around 12 pens everyday? Stephen's YouTube on this matter is realistic. Those pens that he says are his EDC really look like they are! (basically because they are not just super-sexy, but utilitarian)

With all due respect. I carry 12 pens (or more) everyday and use them. I write a lot and to each his own, anyway.

vhr5
October 4th, 2012, 04:50 AM
Hello Geeks!
I discovered FP Geeks website through Stephen Brown's YouTube video, since them I have been a big fan of your website, podcasts, etc.

Here are my suggestions:
1. I am in agreement with the other members on this forum, if would be nice if you reviewed fountain pens from a range of low to high end, instead of pens that are more on the expensive side. Perhaps you can ask the viewers what they would like to see for upcoming FPTV broadcast.
2. It would be nice if you also discussed stationery paper, wax seals, blotters, various inks, etc. during various FPTV broadcast. Perhaps it could be a monthly feature.
3. Perhaps you could offer some do's and don'ts for people new to fountain pens or lesson learned (mistakes) that other fountain pen owners made.
4. Have you ever considered a live broadcast from a Pen Show and discussed the fountain pens that you have found and purchased? Perhaps a remote guest host?
5. Is there a way that you could interact more with the viewers during the live broadcast (FPTV)?

I enjoy the interaction between the three of you, especially your individual opinions you have of Fountain pens.

Keep up the good work Geeks!

susanlouise
October 4th, 2012, 06:27 AM
A lot of good ideas - I love the site and the shows the way they are, keep up the good work!

I second the requests for more info on paraphernalia - books, cleaning, paper.

Perhaps reviews/visits of certain pen stores?

Geeks of the Week is a great feature.

Visiting certain fountain pen rituals - cleaning, being ink-stained, storing pens and ink, cleaning, how many pens to have inked at once, what we use the pens for (always looking for more excuses to keep a journal of something!), what our friends/significant others think of our hobby. Trends in fountain pens - for example, the baffling prices of Waterman Phileas these days. How to convert a non FP user to a geek.

Honestly I don't know how you guys do it - I'm sure you all have day jobs, and you are just asking for more work!

outbackpengeek
October 4th, 2012, 08:08 AM
I also love the site and the podcast the way they are. Speaking of the podcast, I listen to it exclusively as audio, so please don't forget about those people. And as long as you want to make the show, and as often as you want is fine by me!

As for all the talk about there only being reviews of high end pens, and suggestions of this being 'elitist', I think that's ridiculous. There is a good mix of price ranges...the reviews and talk just follow what is new and interesting, regardless of the price. If you go down the path of catering to certain price points, it seems to me that no matter how cheap you go, you will *still* get people complaining about it being too expensive. Just continue on talking about whatever is interesting, regardless of the price point.

John the Monkey
October 4th, 2012, 08:24 AM
Speaking of the podcast, I listen to it exclusively as audio, so please don't forget about those people.

Me too, although I tend to make a note to check out the more visual items later - I always try to watch Greg's opening jokes, at least :)

manoeuver
October 4th, 2012, 09:09 AM
The good:

the podcast is gelling nicely.
inkcyclopedia is a good program, keep it up.
daily carry is great, keep that up too

Hands-on with pens are better than press releases about pens we'll never get to see in person.
Iove the pen show info. That's how I stumbIed upon this pIace the first time.

I miss:

geek of the week. Geek of the month would suffice.
the polls were fun too. Made for a more interactive place. (Now I see a poII up there on the homepage! weII done.)

Suggestions:

I second the idea of some more varied guests on the podcast, aIthough I imagine it's tougher to do than it sounds. Current reguIar guests are deIightfuI.
More info on the Iess expensive pens out there. I understand the taste of the originaI team can trend toward the high end, and that's fine. Perhaps adding a contributor who has a passion for the budget stuff might hep the site resonate with a Iarger audience.

As for the suggestions on fountain pen basic instruction, better to team with the Goulets and/or link to their excellent FP101 videos in some sort of thorny and convoluted cross-promotional deal.

I whoIeheartedy agree that Stephen is a marveIous addition to the Geeks crew, that was a reaI coup if you ask me.

I hope this feedback is heIpfuI.

manoeuver
October 4th, 2012, 09:14 AM
As for all the talk about there only being reviews of high end pens, and suggestions of this being 'elitist', I think that's ridiculous. There is a good mix of price ranges...the reviews and talk just follow what is new and interesting, regardless of the price. If you go down the path of catering to certain price points, it seems to me that no matter how cheap you go, you will *still* get people complaining about it being too expensive. Just continue on talking about whatever is interesting, regardless of the price point.

AIso worth noting, the high-end pens seem to be reIeased at a faster pace than Iower-priced pens. That wiII skew the number of articIes toward the higher price points. Iower-priced pens seem to me to be covered as they are announced or reIeased as faithfuIIy as the fancy stuff.

KrazyIvan
October 4th, 2012, 09:17 AM
I think manoeuver pretty much nailed it, of course, I still want gladiators. A Womp Rat shootout would be good too.

dannzeman
October 4th, 2012, 09:41 AM
Good stuff, everyone! Keep it coming. We'll be addressing all the suggestions here soon.

From a commenter on Youtube:

Hi,

I watched a single FPGeeks video -- the one where Eric mocks the Sailor Elephant. The guy came across to me as an arrogant snob. I then noticed FPGeeks comments are turned off on YouTube videos and we need to register to post on fpgeeks.com (http://fpgeeks.com); smelling of arrogance again. I love fountain pens and enjoy watching review videos, but they're just pens, building a clique around that is ridiculous. I'm boycotting everything related to FPGeeks; how many more fountain pen enthusiasts were alienated in the same way? We're lucky to be able to share such a rare interest through the Internet, why not keep it open and accessible?

If you ask me, I'd say FPGeeks does not need *more* stuff, it needs *less*!

Cheers,
Eric

kenmc
October 4th, 2012, 11:26 AM
I'd like to have two Stephens! Seriously - Great to have him every week now!
I think the show is great - and it seems that you cover most pens, low and high. After all, there is just so much you can cover in one hour a week and you are doing a great job!

auto winder
October 4th, 2012, 12:13 PM
I'd like to have two Stephens! Seriously - Great to have him every week now!
I think the show is great - and it seems that you cover most pens, low and high. After all, there is just so much you can cover in one hour a week and you are doing a great job!

+1 :)

Saintpaulia
October 4th, 2012, 01:10 PM
With all due respect. I carry 12 pens (or more) everyday and use them. I write a lot and to each his own, anyway.

OK! My error. I have corrected accordingly my notions regarding how many pens real people carry everyday! Amazing! And yes, to each his own (or hers). :)

Saintpaulia
October 4th, 2012, 01:16 PM
With all due respect. I carry 12 pens (or more) everyday and use them. I write a lot and to each his own, anyway.

OK! My error. I have corrected accordingly my notions regarding how many pens real people carry everyday! Amazing! And yes, to each his own (or hers). :)

KrazyIvan
October 4th, 2012, 02:10 PM
Yup. My 12 pen case is with me every day.

Saintpaulia
October 4th, 2012, 03:45 PM
Yup. My 12 pen case is with me every day.
Well if you don't mind telling Ivan how many pens do you actually own? It'd be interesting to see the proportion of pens leaving the house vs. those that remain. It still baffles me though :rolleyes: Probably an artefact of my collection. I own a grand total of only a few more than you carry every day.

KrazyIvan
October 4th, 2012, 03:56 PM
Well if you don't mind telling Ivan how many pens do you actually own? It'd be interesting to see the proportion of pens leaving the house vs. those that remain. It still baffles me though :rolleyes: Probably an artefact of my collection. I own a grand total of only a few more than you carry every day.

I'm too lazy to count them and actually, I don't want to know. :p Seven Eight of them have left my possession within the last two weeks but I received four back. Three are in the mail. That's all I know.

Maja
October 4th, 2012, 07:01 PM
Good stuff, everyone! Keep it coming. We'll be addressing all the suggestions here soon.

From a commenter on Youtube:
Hi,

I watched a single FPGeeks video -- the one where Eric mocks the Sailor Elephant. The guy came across to me as an arrogant snob. I then noticed FPGeeks comments are turned off on YouTube videos and we need to register to post on fpgeeks.com; smelling of arrogance again. I love fountain pens and enjoy watching review videos, but they're just pens, building a clique around that is ridiculous. I'm boycotting everything related to FPGeeks; how many more fountain pen enthusiasts were alienated in the same way? We're lucky to be able to share such a rare interest through the Internet, why not keep it open and accessible?

If you ask me, I'd say FPGeeks does not need *more* stuff, it needs *less*!

Cheers,
Eric

Comment left by someone named "Eric", eh?

Is this one of those Gollum/Sméagol situations, Dan?? :argue:

:tinfoil3:

snedwos
October 4th, 2012, 07:15 PM
I must admit that I stopped watching the broadcasts, mainly because I've already extracted all the possible excitement I can about the long stream of expensive new releases just by reading the blog posts. I really don't find that they provide for 2 hours of interesting listening, I'm afraid. This is sad, because I do enjoy listening to the conversation. I'm especially a fan of Eric's more adventurous turn of phrase.

I think that FPTV would be soooo much better if it followed (almost exactly) the format of Top Gear. With a short news section, and then other features. In fact the different video reviews, awesome reviews, shootouts, inkcyclopedia, GotW interviews would be really cool if they became part of the show.

This would of course not work live, but it would be awesome.

And for the test writes you should hand it over to your tame racing writer: "Some say his blood is the colour of Baystate Blue; and that the first and only time he handled a ballpoint pen he used it to tie his hair into a bun. All we know is, he's called the StIPG."

Basically, i think the broadcasts need mixing up to be properly entertaining, and include tips, reviews, interviews, writing samples, etc. My idea would definitely take too much time.

Saintpaulia
October 4th, 2012, 07:28 PM
I'm too lazy to count them and actually, I don't want to know. :p Seven Eight of them have left my possession within the last two weeks but I received four back. Three are in the mail. That's all I know.
:pound:

snedwos
October 4th, 2012, 07:41 PM
It's also great to see you're not ignoring the comments where you've been slammed. It's always interesting to hear someone strongly criticise something one thinks is great, it makes you think about it again.

tarjeipark
October 5th, 2012, 12:31 PM
Don't make the Geeks' podcasts shorter. They end too soon!

nameoftherose
October 6th, 2012, 04:21 PM
In response to those finding fpgeeks elitist and only covering high end pens... I understood one of the reasons the guys set this thing up is to aggregate info on new pen releases and special editions as a lot of stuff was buried on badly designed manufacturers websites and certainly not gathered in a single, accessible, fun place forming a basis for a new online community.

It is just a fact of the market that there are more high-end and limited releases than low-end, low-budget ones. A manufacturer releasing a low budget new pen will be hoping to sell hundreds of thousands, or millions of them (those were the days) and will hope the design stays on the market for a decade or two (Safari, V-Pen). The R&D budget they sink into such ventures will far exceed the money spent on producing the tooled and jewelled stuff that gets released every week.

I'm sure if and when major new mass-market releases come out, the guys will be the first to let us know and the first to order three or four and chat about them on FPTV (forthcoming TWSBIs being a case in point).

This site is about getting excited about pens, some we can afford, some we can't, some we WANT, some we don't care for, regardless of price or value. It's well laid out and more visual (and now audio-visual!) than the labyrinthine forums us geeks had to sift through to indulge our hobby in years past (though we have some forumage here too, in case other places seem a bit like old-boys clubs).

Great work guys, full of humour, passion and eye candy. I'm worried about the many 'votes' for more instructional, educational stuff. Don't feel you have to depart from your current self-imposed limits. They're necessary. We need curators/editors/critics like yourselves to sift and present. The forums out there are for the audience to learn from each other and occasionally from experts. You don't have to do all the work! This isn't the mass media, a good audience knows it has to do some of the work itself.

Saintpaulia
October 6th, 2012, 06:11 PM
@NameO'deRose I did think about the points you made and tried to take them into consideration. Especially regarding the dearth of new pen releases in budget class. You can't announce/review pens that haven't been created! I think that what some are saying, myself included to a degree, is that the forefront of the site does not have to depend upon new releases of pen per se. It can go in alot of different directions (of which q.v. the above posts). Regardless I liked your comments.

nameoftherose
October 6th, 2012, 06:25 PM
Yes, I see; I think this is a simple problem that seems now to have been fixed: the homepage is first and foremost a blog, and presents the last 13 or so posts in chronological order, newest first. BUT for a while they bannered the AURORA review and the TWSBI giveaway above everything on the homepage.

They were probably rightly proud of their original images and in depth review of the AURORA and the coup of giving away the hotly anticipated new TWSBI. These guys aren't trying to be the next dotcom millionaires, they're fans like us who are building a site and community in their spare time for the love and fun of it. So yeah that AURORA banner on the landing page might give an initial elitist impression, but spend more than five minutes browsing the site or in the company of the geeks through the podcast or FPTV and it's easy to see they're hungry for whatever pen comes next, or rediscovering a forgotten classic, the same as the 'rest of us'.

Saintpaulia
October 6th, 2012, 06:49 PM
"These guys aren't trying to be the next dotcom millionaires, they're fans like us who are building a site and community in their spare time for the love and fun of it."
You bring up yet another point which I have also contemplated. And pondered. It seemed to me, as a newcomer especially, that it would be considered impolite to inquire as to how Dan/Eric earn their livings. At one time I thought, given their very strong efforts for promotion of the site, that they were headed towards making the site a paying proposition. If that is not the case then frankly there are few grounds for any criticism unless strictly constructive (which hopefully all of ours have been).

nameoftherose
October 6th, 2012, 07:01 PM
There was a subtle hint in yesterday's show that perhaps they are thinking of some way of monetizing their site carefully, but I'm sure they are just keen that on top of all their time and effort the site doesn't also end up costing them too much hard-earned that could be spent on PENS... Down the line I'd love to see some FPGeeks member's editions, inks, Edisons... any profits could recompense the guys for their bandwidth and giveaway expenses of the last year. I'm not sure a subscription model would work unless they have tens of thousands of current subscribers, since a huge percentage always disappear when a paywall is erected.

Saintpaulia
October 6th, 2012, 08:34 PM
Thanks for that info. Since I don't watch the program I would not have known that. I wish them well in whatever form they decide to go with, if in fact any change occurs. And yet again Name you bring up another point I've wondered about! Just how do they get all these expensive pens to review? To my knowledge neither Dan nor Eric have ever just come right out and said, "And we want to thank XXX company for providing the pen for our review". 'But surely', I say to myself, 'they cannot possible have the funds to buy all these expensive pens that they review, or even give away!'. Or did I miss a "hint" about this too somewhere along the line?

Stephen has always been completely upfront with the fact that the only way he can review pens for us on his channel is by buying them himself ('greater love hath no man...'). Now THAT is generosity to the max IMHO. But what is going on at FP Geeks is on a whole other level!

dannzeman
October 6th, 2012, 09:21 PM
Just wanted to drop a note and say that we are reading each comment and will address everything here in the next week or two, depending on when suggestions start to slow down. Also, I want to say how impressed I am with everyone keeping things constructive and friendly. Y'all are awesome!

Saintpaulia
October 6th, 2012, 10:49 PM
Just wanted to drop a note and say that we are reading each comment and will address everything here in the next week or two, depending on when suggestions start to slow down. Also, I want to say how impressed I am with everyone keeping things constructive and friendly. Y'all are awesome!
You are more than welcome! You guys are awesome too!

nameoftherose
October 7th, 2012, 05:17 AM
This comment posted by Dan on the Aurora review would answer your query,
"Kenro sent us this one [the Aurora] and the Omas 360 Turquoise. Dave Wager sent us the Tree Ring Pens. Everything else either Eric or I have purchased."

Most people's concerns and queries are already answered out there on the site if you enjoy browsing through the content that has built up. The podcast/tvshow is really entertaining and now can't imagine fpgeeks without it. I first came across fpgeeks by googling for reviews of a specific pen. I'm sure others discover it from searching for reviews on YouTube. I think it's fair enough they might sometimes disable YouTube comments, since the content was produced for their site and the site will doubly benefit from useful discussion of it.

I would be unsure of paid-subscription to the podcast, but starting with a 'tip jar' or something ('donate' has overly charitable connotations) would be great, I've got way more out of fpgeeks.com than any pen show or pen magazine of late, if everyone did micro-payments of what they would have spent on a mag, it would at least pay for some of the hosting or buy the guys a coffee :)

dannzeman
October 9th, 2012, 12:59 PM
Adding another comment from an email submission.


Hi there lads!
Following Doc Brown's You Tube message I just wanted to give my thoughts on FPgeeks.
Firstly, and most importantly, I'd like to thank each of you and your guests for giving up your spare time to educate and entertain us, it really is much appreciated. I enjoy the FPgeeks Podcast and look forward now to catching it every weekend. I particularly like the fact that your guests don't just use the slot for self promotion but are constructive with their comments (hold your head up high Brian Gray). The humour is just right along with the content, although I do sometimes find myself wishing you could give advice on where to purchase some of the pens featured (perhaps an idea for the website?) For example a few weeks ago I was rather taken with the Franklin Cristoph Model 29 Bellus but a thorough search of the net has revealed no stockists on this side of the pond and I'm loathe (or too mean?) to pay taxes on both banks!
On the subject of the website, it would be great to see even more news but hey that's me being greedy! On a more constructive note, would it be possible to modify the pen review categories as they are currently a little confusing (or is it just me?) For instance is luxury not the same as premium and economy pretty much the same as standard? Please do not take this as criticism just a few ramblings from a big fan of yours over in the UK.
Once again thanks for all the effort you put into both the site and the podcasts.

matveik
October 9th, 2012, 10:03 PM
First off, I really appreciate all of the content and the energy you devote to your site. I love what you're doing, and I'm a huge fan.

I think one minor nuisance I've noticed on the website is that searching can be a little fussy. Maybe a few static index formats? E.g. a basic alphabetized list of all inkcyclopedia entries and reviews (unless I've missed this?). Even if it only gets updated periodically, it would be a helpful improvement over searching by tag on the home page and having them displayed over several pages. Also, maybe you could consider moving away from unlisted youtube reviews. I think (read: I'm guessing) I understand the exclusivity angle, but you're hurting your search referrals through youtube!

If you're looking for possible long-term projects, how about a penmanship series? Maybe one of you could have a weekly/biweekly series on various scripts or calligraphic alphabets. It could provide a jumping off point for the rest of us to practice. I don't even think you'd need an expert. It'd be fun to see it from an amateur's perspective.

jtballistic
October 10th, 2012, 04:53 AM
I am relatively inexperienced when it comes to fountain pens even though I have owned and used a Lamy 2000 for over 15 years. However, I am a member of a couple of cycling boards and some of the most enjoyable and interesting segments are for those who are starting at a very low base of knowledge and are experiencing stuff for the first time (like racing).

It might be cool to engage a contributor who learning all this stuff for the first time and get them to blog about experiencing purchasing their first $200 pen or self-servicing their pen for the first time, making a mess with their first eye dropper conversion.

BTW - I am not volunteering...

manoeuver
October 10th, 2012, 10:21 AM
First off, I really appreciate all of the content and the energy you devote to your site. I love what you're doing, and I'm a huge fan.


I think one minor nuisance I've noticed on the website is that searching can be a little fussy. Maybe a few static index formats? E.g. a basic alphabetized list of all inkcyclopedia entries and reviews (unless I've missed this?). Even if it only gets updated periodically, it would be a helpful improvement over searching by tag on the home page and having them displayed over several pages. Also, maybe you could consider moving away from unlisted youtube reviews. I think (read: I'm guessing) I understand the exclusivity angle, but you're hurting your search referrals through youtube!


If you're looking for possible long-term projects, how about a penmanship series? Maybe one of you could have a weekly/biweekly series on various scripts or calligraphic alphabets. It could provide a jumping off point for the rest of us to practice. I don't even think you'd need an expert. It'd be fun to see it from an amateur's perspective.


what good feedback this is. I concur with this person.

Saintpaulia
October 10th, 2012, 02:02 PM
+1 to Ballistic and I do volunteer. Except for the "first $200 pen" and the "first eyedropper conversion", neither of which has happened as yet.

haldane3
October 10th, 2012, 02:19 PM
I know you do the daily carry bit, but as you guys have extensive collections perhaps a once a week focus on one pen in each of your collection that you could share a story about. I really liked the article on Dan's wife's carene acquisition. Seeing those kinds of articles more frequently would be unique and fun!

Also, more awesome reviews or including other pens just not "special edition" ones would be a welcome acquisition. We are all obviously looking to acquire our next one and information you guys provide is a keener insight than most. Like how about a pelikan m600 series review? Or old montblanc 149 vs new? Perhaps new takes on older pen models?

Dan

[edited for non-sensical-ness]

Saintpaulia
October 10th, 2012, 03:59 PM
I know you do the daily carry bit, but as you guys have extensive collections perhaps a once a week focus on one pen in each of your collection that you could share a story about.
Dan
[edited for non-sensical-ness]
Hey there! I too would like this. I carry four pens with me each day depending on what I think I am going to need a writing instrument for. And I have reasons for why I chose these four. I'd like to see a Daily Carry article that says more about the pens. As is, these features have tended to be simply a report that 'I have these pens and here are their names'. That's kind of bland. And if I do not know some (or all) of these pens then the fact that they carry them is pretty meaningless without some accompanying explanations. Or personal statements of love and affection for these particular pens. In other words, more personalized in Everyday Carry articles that get into the pens rather than simply show a photo and caption.

StnNorman
October 12th, 2012, 09:09 PM
I like the thematic segmenting/programming of the broadcast (pen show updates, news of new pens, recent acquisitions, etc.). I would suggest adding an emphasis/focus upon vintage pens. The current, primary focus is predominantly upon new pens. A vintage pen feature would balance and supplement the new pen focus. Expanding themes/topics will help with program sustainability.

I would also encourage consideration of highlighting fountain pen vendors. Since I have been involved in this hobby for the last three years, two or three online vendors have gone out of business. Occasional features of reputable vendors could potentially help sustain their viability as well as help ensure our ability to purchase pens (diversify vendors beyond current personalities; thoroughly enjoy the Brians. Just want to meet others!).

I would also like to see historical vignettes highlighting the wonderful history of our hobby. Brian Anderson (or others) could be featured for this segment. As Eric recently noted, knowing the story behind pen manufacturers and pens would enrich our appreciation and joy in using our writing instruments.

Saintpaulia
October 12th, 2012, 09:35 PM
Norman put it very well. A person who knows whereof he speaks. Three excellent suggestions. I esp. resonated with his insight into the need for "program sustainability". He is looking down the road.

fountainpenkid
October 13th, 2012, 03:54 PM
Geek Of The Week! (I bet this has been said many times in this topic before...)

ladybug
October 14th, 2012, 03:15 PM
First, thank you for all your hard work (the website is just the tip of the iceberg, I think) & your podcasts.

Comments on what people who have said so far:
- length of pod/video casts - take as long as you want, please!
- audio vs. video - I listen, rarely watch, so thank you, Eric, for remembering us listeners

Would you consider adding to the show notes:
- the questions that you answer. You don't have to put in the answer, just the question (I'll re-listen to the podcast).
- brands of pen or paper that are mentioned in the new acquisitions & Q & A parts of the show

P.S. Your talking about how certain pens "write" is very valuable to me. I have ordered a Monteverde Prima with a stub nib, thanks to you! It hasn't arrived yet ... but it will be my first fountain pen purchase in decades, yes, decades!

apollosix
October 15th, 2012, 04:09 AM
Hi
I would like to suggest a segment for shops and online store recomendations. Listeners can help with suggestions and testimonials. For exanple I regularly purchase from www.pengallery.com in malaysia. I live in Sydney Australia and have received all my purchases within about 4 days. Their service is exceptional and they carry many different brands.
Also I visit www.gouletpens.com and Andersonpens.net. Cheers from Down Under....

ddustinn
October 15th, 2012, 09:18 AM
First of all, I want to thank you guys for putting as much effort as you do into the blog and forums, and for being receptive to new ideas.

I love the Daily Carry feature and it would be great to see more - but I understand that most of those are guest posts by forum members, so that falls on us.

I would love to see Geek of the Week reinstated - specifically Nathan Tardif (especially since some of us are very, very eagerly awaiting the arrival of the music nib Neponset), as well as other folks who have already been mentioned here. It would also be great to see more guests for FPTv, though the guys on the current rotation are fantastic.

Another suggestion I have is doing a pen repair/maintenance series - I know Dan does repairs on the side, so I'm sure he could give us some insight. The Goulets and Doc Brown have some excellent videos and blog posts out there about some basic concepts, but it would be cool to have well-explained, easily accessible educational videos on how to restore a lever filler or a Touchdown/Snorkel.

And I also agree with others that it would be nice to see features or even overviews of Chinese and/or Indian pens. I'm just beginning to delve into the world of Indian pens, and still have no experience with Chinese pens.

Freddy
October 15th, 2012, 01:52 PM
First off, I really appreciate all of the content and the energy you devote to your site. I love what you're doing, and I'm a huge fan.

I think one minor nuisance I've noticed on the website is that searching can be a little fussy. Maybe a few static index formats? E.g. a basic alphabetized list of all inkcyclopedia entries and reviews (unless I've missed this?). Even if it only gets updated periodically, it would be a helpful improvement over searching by tag on the home page and having them displayed over several pages. Also, maybe you could consider moving away from unlisted youtube reviews. I think (read: I'm guessing) I understand the exclusivity angle, but you're hurting your search referrals through youtube!

If you're looking for possible long-term projects, how about a penmanship series? Maybe one of you could have a weekly/biweekly series on various scripts or calligraphic alphabets. It could provide a jumping off point for the rest of us to practice. I don't even think you'd need an expert. It'd be fun to see it from an amateur's perspective.

I would love to see something like a penmanship series. The topics could be myriad: basic hands (Palmer or Zaner-Bloser for day to day writing), fourishing hands such as Spencerian, various nibs to produce particular styles, etc.

Saintpaulia
October 15th, 2012, 03:36 PM
Just a quick idea that came up today on a forum. What about a video showing how to smooth a nib, and done so that anyone of the meanest understanding can follow.

Rollo the Cat
October 16th, 2012, 10:26 AM
I didn't have time to read all the posts, but my suggestion for the podcast is as follows:

Since I use fountain pens primarily for drawingand sketching, I would like to see fountain pen art and artists featured more. Maybe an interview with Glen Vilppu, who first got me interested in using FPs. He even has a video out on drawing with fountain pens.

jenjustjen
October 20th, 2012, 07:51 AM
I agree you guys do a wonderful job and I really enjoy listening to your dulcet tones on my drive to work during the week.

I too would love to see more mid-range reviews, more paper and pen accoutrements features and guests related to those areas.

As Rollo mentioned artists who use fountain pens would be great too; Kathy johnston or Roz Stendahl would be lovely.

And More daily carry's I also would love to know what these people carry apart from their fountain pens, for instance what notepads they predominantly use and their favourite inks.

I'd love to see Eric do a comparison of all his grey inks.

Also more on tuning your pens please!

fountainpenkid
October 22nd, 2012, 06:36 PM
Maybe this isn't really for us not running the site to recommend, but I think you could share the responsibilities on things a bit more...it seems Stephen only does ink reviews, and Dan and Eric do everything else. Maybe this is because Stephen doesn't have the time to publish news articles...etc, but otherwise, I think you guys could get more content out (keep consistency among weekly things like the Sunday Shopper) by allowing each person to do what works for them. Hearing different people's writing styles is nice. (I HAVE been enjoying your little split comment boxes on each article though.) So I think varied authors would be nice, especitally if it would mean more consistency among article releases.

manoeuver
October 31st, 2012, 10:35 AM
Currently missing Eric. hope he's ok.

dannzeman
October 31st, 2012, 10:37 AM
Currently missing Eric. hope he's ok.

At worst, he's suffering from a hangover every morning. :p

duende
October 31st, 2012, 01:57 PM
Music can help create atmosphere while using a FP, so maybe the Forums could use a "music lounge" where we can share (legally) our favourite fountain pen tunes.

snedwos
April 11th, 2013, 03:30 PM
bit of criticism that I posted in another thread, but seemed more appropriate here:

Maybe this is just me being outrageously touchy, but I do think there is a slight tendency to forget that FPGeeks doesn't have an exclusively American audience.

To anyone outside the US, "Made in the USA" isn't a particular perk, and we never see "Made in Germany" or some such listed in the Pros column.

The reason it bothers me is that always listing "Made in the USA" as a Pro, and never listing "Made in Whereverland", feels to me a bit like implicitly adding "Not made in the USA" to the cons column of every other pen.

It of course makes absolute sense for Americans to want to support American businesses, just as I like to support Spanish and British businesses (God knows they need it). I just think that FPGeeks should try to eliminate all forms of bias from their reviews, including national bias. The country a pen is made in should be made prominent in the reviews so that readers can decide for themselves whether or not that is a good thing.

The pros and cons should be limited to what the pen is like as a pen. Country of origin is a secondary concern when evaluating it.

Overly sensitive nationalist rant over.

cedargirl
April 12th, 2013, 02:11 AM
I like the thematic segmenting/programming of the broadcast (pen show updates, news of new pens, recent acquisitions, etc.). I would suggest adding an emphasis/focus upon vintage pens. The current, primary focus is predominantly upon new pens. A vintage pen feature would balance and supplement the new pen focus. Expanding themes/topics will help with program sustainability.

I have been reading through all these suggestions and felt a bit ambivalent about most until I read StnNorman's suggestion above.

That is absolutely something that I would love. I have stopped watching/listening to the audio/video casts where there is an emphasis on new high end pens. But a review of a vintage pen - that's something I wouldn't miss.

I do love the energy you guys bring to this whole endeavor. It does you credit. Thank you very much. I also love the ink info. Adding more on paper and other accessories would be good.

And one other comment - I find 1 hour broadcasts a bit too long. I struggle to find time to watch/listen. They could be tightened up a lot to make them more time efficient. But then, I don't watch live, so I can and do fast forward.

Ernst Bitterman
April 16th, 2013, 06:18 AM
What I've been missing lately is the entire podcast. The miseries of the modern lifestyle prevent me from sitting down and watching FPTV, so I rely upon the portable audio-only version which I can enjoy while cleaning up after cats and resacking pens (or, when I'm very tired, vice versa). Episode 66... where are you?

woosang
April 16th, 2013, 11:50 PM
I can't download them either.65 & 66 never made it to the iTunes store

Sent from my GT-N7105 using Tapatalk 2

chad.trent
April 18th, 2013, 06:49 AM
I don't think 66 exists does it? I don't see it on the site here or anywhere else.

65 showed up in my Podcast app, so I'm assuming it's on iTunes. I believe they are tied together...

KrazyIvan
April 18th, 2013, 08:58 AM
I know they did not have a show during that time when Eric left for Mexico and Dan was busy with his newborn daughter.

caribbean_skye
April 20th, 2013, 09:51 AM
According to the website (http://fpgeeks.com/category/podcast/fpgeeks-podcast/) they're up to 67. I just checked my iTunes and 66 and 67 are currently there waiting to be listened to. This has happened lately with other podcasts I've been following so I wonder if iTunes is having a problem updating their podcast libraries.