Good Bye FPGeeks

[Pterodactylus]

I really liked this place over years, it was a good place to hang around with others enjoying our pen and ink hobby.

But unfortunately this place is terrorized by a gang of old prude mummies which more than one time freaked out because I post also harmless figure drawing art.

I see myself bullied and target of attacks from this small group of stubborn old fellows which think they own this board and suppress everything which is not conform to their middle aged prude sight of the world.
They should join the fucking Taliban (if not already the case) they have a lot in common.

I especially faced myself from bullying, discrediting, and attacks on multiple levels including background pm terror from Chrissy.
Don’t let you fool from her nice facade, behind the scenes this woman is mad like a rabid dog, bullying, discrediting, terrorize all inclusive.
Reminds me on similar mod characters at FPN.

I don’t need this, I was here to have fun with the majority of cool people here, share my art and experiences.

So I’m done with FPGeeks.

The remaining good fellows I wish good luck with the geriatric gang of mummies which think they rule this place.

Maybe you have the patience until time will solve this problem finally, but I fear not.
FPGeeks is already a dying place, this is visible since several years now.


In case you still want to follow my art you can find me on DeviantArt.

Good luck and good bye, I will miss some of my friends here ✌️

[migo984]

I agree: this place is dying on its feet. It’s used mainly these days as a marketplace, in the absence of that facility on FPN

Many Members congregated here to escape from the control-freakism of FPN, or because they received some kind of ban from there; now it has ironically become more uptight and controlling than that place ever was. Long-standing, valuable members, who were here long before I joined, have told me they no longer participate here, or even visit, due to the cliques, the pile-ons, the backstabbing behind the scenes, the disingenuous professed innocence by manipulating people, the ridiculous policing by quasi moderators. They were sick of being treated like children, told about incorrect spelling, that their posts were in the “wrong sub forum”, and heaven forbid if they forgot to mark their For Sale posts as “ Sold”; to abide by imaginary rules only existing in the head of certain Members, otherwise, drum rollllllll, they’d go running to report them to the Oz-like Eric.

It’s a shame to see somewhere with a vault of such useful archived information become a sad little empire of the proverbial big fish in a tiny pond.

FPG can ill-afford to lose members who contribute regularly. It doesn’t matter if you agree with them all the time or not; whether you like all their contributions, or not. (For the record I really admire Ptero’s artistic skills, and those of his young son).

It has become dull as ditchwater here & will deteriorate further. However, there are plenty more lively pen places out there online to enjoy. I truly hope that FPG continues, not least because it keeps those petty, nasty members all together here and away from those alternatives.

Ah, that’s off my chest then. Off for some brekkie 😉😆

[Yazeh]

Sorry to hear you leaving, Ptero. I was going through the 2019, Inktober thread. Everyone was so supportive, kind and generous.
You got me into drawing my friend, I won't forget that.

I wish you all the luck.

It's sad to see decent people behaving indecently.

[notsim]

Sigh, this feels wrong. So many people (me included) enjoy your pieces in the guess the ink game.

[Parsimonious]

Is there such a thing as a forum where everybody gets along fine? If so, I've never found one. It's because people are human, and anonymity can bring out the worst in some of them. A small percentage will be the major posters and cliques will form. Some will complain about policing and some will complain that there is not enough. Instead of just ignoring posts they don't like, some will feel compelled to put their two cents in. Feelings will get hurt and some will quit and leave a scathing goodbye. And so it goes.

Best of luck to the OP.

[usk15]

Good luck Ptreo, lovely art from both of you!

[Empty_of_Clouds]

“We but mirror the world. All the tendencies present in the outer world are to be found in the world of our body. If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. This is the divine mystery supreme. A wonderful thing it is and the source of our happiness. We need not wait to see what others do.” – Mahatma Gandhi


If we take the stance that we will make no effort to change things for the better until the other guy goes first, then we will always be reactive and not proactive, and nothing will change.

[Kaputnik]

Just noticed this, Ptero. I've kind of been ignoring most of the sub-forums here. I still like my fountain pens, and use them every day, but haven't found anything I really wanted to say about them recently. But as you know, I've been active in the Art and Calligraphy forum, and was wondering why we hadn't seen your Forget Me Not painting in the Inktober thread today; I'd seen it over on Deviant Art.

For what it's worth, I joined Deviant Art because of you. You'd posted a link to something there, and it turned out to have "mature" subject matter; I had to join and promise that I was at least 18 in order to view it, not really a big deal. I was a member there for about a year without posting anything, but eventually decided that it wouldn't hurt to put up a few of my drawings, and later, paintings. So I guess I'll see you and your work there.

I can't comment on what clashes you may have had with others here; I recall someone objecting to a couple of your drawings quite a while back, but hadn't noticed anything since; my focus here is pretty narrow, and of course I'm not privy to any behind the scenes messaging. It's a shame, though, that it's gotten to the point where you feel you need to leave.

[junglejim]

Goodbye, Ptero. I will miss you and your wonderful son's drawings here on fpg. I guess I'll have to visit over at Deviant art to see them. I remember seeing some of your son's first drawings and have been amazed by how far his talent has come since then.

Remember this, one of his first drawings you posted? https://www.flickr.com/photos/117783735@N07/26285286901/

One of the last drawings I remembered was of the mountainside you and your son drew during your vacation. I had a hard time telling apart who draw each scene. He has come a long way!

Take care and stay Safe!
All the Best.

[catbert]

Sorry to see you go, Ptero. I will miss your inspiration and encouragement in the Inktober threads. Just signed up to Deviant Art to follow you and your son's drawings.

[phhphd]

I will miss your art. All of it. I thought your nudes were wonderful and tasteful. Similar to many other well known artists who can take the human figure and communicate real emotion. You are a rare talent and hope you find the right kind of community for you and other free thinkers.

[Ron Z]

It is surprising how many of these long goodbys turn out to be less than permanent.

[Farmboy]

https://youtu.be/DDOL7iY8kfo

[Pendragon]

In case you still want to follow my art you can find me on DeviantArt.
All I could find for user Pterodactylus was an empty page. Do you have a link? Any site called DeviantArt must be good.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

Here's a link: https://www.deviantart.com/ptero-pterodactylus

You're welcome.

[migo984]

It is surprising how many of these long goodbys turn out to be less than permanent.

But not surprising how many feel the need to make them in the first place……….

[Chrissy]

It is surprising how many of these long goodbys turn out to be less than permanent.
We haven't had that many experiences of them on here. The last one that was called Goodbye was in 2014 when someone wished to find out how to deactivate their account

[724Seney]

It is surprising how many of these long goodbys turn out to be less than permanent.
We haven't had that many experiences of them on here. The last one that was called Goodbye was in 2014 when someone wished to find out how to deactivate their account

Well, we do have the one infamous member who is perpetually leaving.......
But he never gets further than a few hours "away" before he is back.
What might be good is a "Goodbye Button" which, one pushed, makes one's decision to leave "binding."

[Chrissy]

It is surprising how many of these long goodbys turn out to be less than permanent.
We haven't had that many experiences of them on here. The last one that was called Goodbye was in 2014 when someone wished to find out how to deactivate their account

What might be good is a "Goodbye Button" which, one pushed, makes one's decision to leave "binding."
LOL. One which asks "are you sure? - When pressed this deactivates your account permanently"

[724Seney]

It is surprising how many of these long goodbys turn out to be less than permanent.
We haven't had that many experiences of them on here. The last one that was called Goodbye was in 2014 when someone wished to find out how to deactivate their account

What might be good is a "Goodbye Button" which, one pushed, makes one's decision to leave "binding."
LOL. One which asks "are you sure? - When pressed this deactivates your account permanently"

:clap2:

[Pendragon]

Here's a link: https://www.deviantart.com/ptero-pterodactylus

You're welcome.

Thank you! :)

[Cyril]

Sorry to hear you say good bye to us and to the Forum.
I can't agree more with you Petro. This forum is going down in a way as you say some "old gurus" have some peculiar attitudes.
Good luck to you and I'll see you in other places where you are active.
But I am sure we'll miss you all your fun work!!!!

[top pen]

Good luck to all. I remember your drawings they were enviable.

I know it's a bit off topic but what are the none dying forms of pen discussion (are there any?)? I have never got my head around FPN's new layout. Reddit seems very focused on new pens. Are there other good forums out there?

[Jon Szanto]

I know it's a bit off topic but what are the none dying forms of pen discussion (are there any?)? I have never got my head around FPN's new layout. Reddit seems very focused on new pens. Are there other good forums out there?

If I infer (by the highlighted area) that you are looking for discussion areas that lean more towards vintage pens... I honestly don't know of any. All the activity these days is primarily new users and new pens. There are some groups on Facebook but I don't think it is much different there, either. As to the traffic here and the site slowing down, well, that is just part of the life cycle. The old Pentrace board still exists, with just a handful of older posters and a very slow trickle of traffic but that works for them.

[top pen]

I know it's a bit off topic but what are the none dying forms of pen discussion (are there any?)? I have never got my head around FPN's new layout. Reddit seems very focused on new pens. Are there other good forums out there?

If I infer (by the highlighted area) that you are looking for discussion areas that lean more towards vintage pens... I honestly don't know of any. All the activity these days is primarily new users and new pens. There are some groups on Facebook but I don't think it is much different there, either. As to the traffic here and the site slowing down, well, that is just part of the life cycle. The old Pentrace board still exists, with just a handful of older posters and a very slow trickle of traffic but that works for them.

I do dislike how most things gravitate to less diversity. FPN seems to be surprisingly active. But it not suited to all things.
If I’m not wrong before my time, there was a forum called “Lions…” I can’t remember the name. There was “Pen Trace” and likely others I’m not aware of.

I never really thought about this place going away but I do imagine one day it will happen. The worry is will the knowledge simply be lost? Whilst the waybackmachine may hold some of it, it is hardly searchable.
I envisage that there has been invaluable knowledge lost on several occasions. Due change of circumstances of the domain owner etc.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

Gravitating toward less diversity. That is pretty much spot on, and kind of ironic considering current social movements aimed at greater inclusivity. However, any time a group coalesces there is a danger of it assuming elitist traits and by definition head toward exclusivity. So, there is that to consider too. This is something I have been fighting against for years, until recently I realised that there is an implacable movement toward bland uniformity in such matters, and the very few who embrace and encourage diversity and inclusion of all perspectives are slowly forced out.

Right now, it looks as though Eric has completely abandoned this site, which is perhaps why the most prolific contributors are the spammers. It would be no surprise to see actual member activity dwindle even further from its current all-time low level. Impossible to predict of course but the trend seems to be there. FPN certainly feels a lot more active nowadays in comparison, especially in pen-related topics, but not of course in anything else. New Pen Trace has practically no value outside of being an old boys club. Reddit, as already noted, is more about the new than the old.

As for knowledge being lost, well, consider my 3rd sentence, 1st para. For adopters of modern fountain pens the knowledge required is at an absolute minimum, nothing beyond user instructions actually. Knowledge of vintage repair methods/resources is probably the only knowledge where loss may have an impact. Historical data on models and brands is just not that important. These last two only really concern a relatively small cohort of people with a specialist interest of course.

[Farmboy]

Lion and Pen.

Why differentiate between old and new? I keep saying both can coexist, in fact both need each other.

Granted my perspective isn’t that of the norm.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

I disagree. Both can coexist, but they certainly do not need each other. It's not about differentiation per se. The zeitgeist is all about modern pens, as Mr Szanto alluded to. Knowledge of vintage pens is largely irrelevant to the users of modern pens.

[Jon Szanto]

Knowledge of vintage pens is largely irrelevant to the users of modern pens.

I can't agree with this. While knowledge about vintage is overlooked, ignored, found uninteresting, or outright shunned, it is hardly irrelevant. The understanding of how fountain pens work is greatly aided in the understanding of previous construction and usage. Is that knowledge absolutely necessary? I suppose not, but ignorance is never a positive attribute.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

My statement ought to be taken in context. Knowledge of vintage pens is largely irrelevant to the users of modern pens. Whether someone explores what has gone before is largely a matter of individual interest. Personally, I don't have a negative view of anyone who just wants to pick up a pen, find out how to supply it with ink, and write.

[TFarnon]

I find that sometimes the Reddit fountain pen thread is comically entertaining. I don't mean that in a negative way. It's just that comedians tend to be younger, and therefore fountain pen comedians tend to be younger (at least younger than me). Fountain pen and ink mishaps ("the dog ate my fountain pen) get pretty frequent coverage, complete with photographs. I'm probably going to hell for it, but I think that stuff is funny. The best one I saw was right around when Sailor was selling a dandelion-themed pen, with a green barrel and a yellow cap. Some way took a yellow and a green Kaweco Sport, combined them the same way and displayed a photo for all the internet to see. Lord help me, that had me giggling for hours.

I prefer this message board for many reasons, including the more moderate tone and the information on vintage/antique pens. I like to collect old pens and new pens, inexpensive pens and artisan pens, and everything in between. I have tried to narrow my interests, but then I see something new that interests me, and so much for narrowing my fountain pen focus...About all I've been able to do so far is say that I don't collect pens that cost more than $1500 USD, and that I prefer slimmer pens to fatter pens.

[migo984]

I find that sometimes the Reddit fountain pen thread is comically entertaining. I don't mean that in a negative way. It's just that comedians tend to be younger, and therefore fountain pen comedians tend to be younger (at least younger than me). Fountain pen and ink mishaps ("the dog ate my fountain pen) get pretty frequent coverage, complete with photographs. I'm probably going to hell for it, but I think that stuff is funny. The best one I saw was right around when Sailor was selling a dandelion-themed pen, with a green barrel and a yellow cap. Some way took a yellow and a green Kaweco Sport, combined them the same way and displayed a photo for all the internet to see. Lord help me, that had me giggling for hours.

I prefer this message board for many reasons, including the more moderate tone and the information on vintage/antique pens. I like to collect old pens and new pens, inexpensive pens and artisan pens, and everything in between. I have tried to narrow my interests, but then I see something new that interests me, and so much for narrowing my fountain pen focus...About all I've been able to do so far is say that I don't collect pens that cost more than $1500 USD, and that I prefer slimmer pens to fatter pens.

I wouldn’t ever go to Reddit for expertise on vintage pens. I just really enjoy the humour and irreverence there. I’m old but I get a real giggle from the younger vibe; it often makes me actually laugh out loud. That happens all too infrequently on here. Too many people taking themselves far too seriously.

[Chrissy]

I find that sometimes the Reddit fountain pen thread is comically entertaining. I don't mean that in a negative way. It's just that comedians tend to be younger, and therefore fountain pen comedians tend to be younger (at least younger than me). Fountain pen and ink mishaps ("the dog ate my fountain pen) get pretty frequent coverage, complete with photographs. I'm probably going to hell for it, but I think that stuff is funny. The best one I saw was right around when Sailor was selling a dandelion-themed pen, with a green barrel and a yellow cap. Some way took a yellow and a green Kaweco Sport, combined them the same way and displayed a photo for all the internet to see. Lord help me, that had me giggling for hours.

I prefer this message board for many reasons, including the more moderate tone and the information on vintage/antique pens. I like to collect old pens and new pens, inexpensive pens and artisan pens, and everything in between. I have tried to narrow my interests, but then I see something new that interests me, and so much for narrowing my fountain pen focus...About all I've been able to do so far is say that I don't collect pens that cost more than $1500 USD, and that I prefer slimmer pens to fatter pens.
One of the decent things about Reddit is that not only does it have moderation, but people are aware that it's there. The sad thing about this place is that there is none. It's like the Marie Celeste of fora. Eric doesn't care anymore and everyone knows that. One result of that is there are probably more scammers and spammers posting here than there are members.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

One of the decent things about Reddit is that not only does it have moderation, but people are aware that it's there. The sad thing about this place is that there is none. It's like the Marie Celeste of fora. Eric doesn't care anymore and everyone knows that. One result of that is there are probably more scammers and spammers posting here than there are members.


I have been a regular on the FP subreddit for quite a long time now and I have rarely seen any moderation there. I've seen it on other subreddits but the FP one seems full of enthusiastic respectful people.

As for scammers/spammers here... it's been said, and I noted earlier that the same are probably the largest contributors right now.

[Chrissy]

Didn't you tell us about something from there in April this year? (http://fpgeeks.com/forum/showthread.php/36840-r-fountainpens-subreddit) It has since been edited.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

I did indeed. As noted in my previous post, I've only rarely seen it - in fact that was the only time I personally was affected by moderation. While it seemed odd at the time, on reflection I see that it was pretty standard approach. Still rare in my experience! :)

[top pen]

The thing I much prefer about there is dedicated subreddit for sales. So it doesn't clutter the discourse.

I do wonder are pen sales prosperous on here or is simple people wanting to avoid Ebay fees I can appreciate if it is. \you do notice it on more expensive items.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

Honestly? Most hobbyist pen sellers wouldn't come close to meeting the tax requirements in my country. So when eBay uses the 'we are a marketplace' loophole to charge tax on every sale... well, I take exception to that as I believe it is cheating. Fees for using eBay I don't have a problem with. Fees collected by eBay that they allegedly pay to my country of residence when it was not necessary to collect the fee in the first place, then I have a problem.

So I would prefer to make individual sales/purchases privately. Do I get a better deal this way? Couldn't say as I haven't done it enough times to see any kind of trend. Other issues with sales here, there and elsewhere seem much the same.

[TSherbs]

I have bought and sold on reddit. I don't much otherwise browse it.

[jos]

Historical data on models and brands is just not that important.

Do you mean that the history behind vintage pens is just not that important? I find that statement so odd that I probably misunderstood it.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

Yes, but as I said before you need the context that I referred to. Zero prior knowledge of fountain pens, vintage or modern, is required by a new user of a modern pen. The instructions are usually in the box. That's all you need to get started. It's a pretty simple tool. As children we weren't taught anything about fountain pen history, but we had to use one in school. It's hardly rocket science.

[Farmboy]

I’d argue that the same knowledge base is required to write with any new to the writer writing utensil including old, new, and used pens of all types, pencils and crayons, etc.

One certainly needs no history about a pen to use it and a person unfamiliar with all fountain pens would have no bias to determine if a pen were new or old.

[TSherbs]

I used a Sheaffer school pen for 20 years (from when I was 20 to 40), and I never even knew they had other pens, nor did I know the name of any other pen company (maybe I had heard of Parker, but I can't recall it). I just bought new cartridges every few years at the office supply store, slapped them in, and wrote a little from time to time.

Things did change later for me ;)

[TFarnon]

I used a Sheaffer school pen for 20 years (from when I was 20 to 40), and I never even knew they had other pens, nor did I know the name of any other pen company (maybe I had heard of Parker, but I can't recall it). I just bought new cartridges every few years at the office supply store, slapped them in, and wrote a little from time to time.

Things did change later for me ;)


Sounds like my 4th-6th grade experiences in a German elementary school. The only names I knew were Pelikan and "Wassermann" (Waterman), both of which were sold in the local stationer's shop. I have no idea what I actually wrote with, other than it was a fountain pen, and there was blue ink. I infer from what didn't happen in that school that we used cartridge-filling fountain pens, and just replaced the cartridges when they ran empty. Otherwise there would have been ink mayhem everywhere in my classrooms, ink thrown, ink squirted, things dipped in ink, ink spilled...That school was complete and utter chaos, and it was great.