Mystery Ink Sample

[Laura N]

Just to update everyone, I mailed all the other packages today -- eight to the US and one to Europe.

[klpeabody]

Just to update everyone, I mailed all the other packages today -- eight to the US and one to Europe.

Thanks so much for all of your work, Laura.

[klpeabody]

Now that the samples have mailed, Laura and I wanted to remind you that some folks will be receiving their sample later than others. So, in order to preserve the surprise for those who may not receive their sample as quickly, even if you think you know which ink this is, please don’t mention possible names until everyone has had a chance to try it. That allows every participant to experience the sample with an open mind and with no preconceptions. We are not trying to stifle anyone's fun, or creativity. But, one thing we are seeking after is the pursuit of open mindedness -looking at the mystery sample as if with a "fresh pair of eyes"- and what happens when we exercise that.


I think we disclosed early on that neither Laura nor I have used this ink before, and we chose ink that was not at the top of our "want list". Thus, it's an "outside the comfort zone" experience for us as well, as we set aside our biases and preferences in exchange for objectivity.

Ultimately, not all of you will rush to buy a bottle of your mystery ink. We know this, and we are not looking for a love fest; just some candid discussion about how you sampled it, what your thoughts were before sampling, and after. As always, photos are a most welcome contribution. (This wouldn't be a bona fide ink discussion without pics, would it? ) And, of course, we really want to know what your final conclusions are about the ink you received.

We are really looking forward to hearing what each of you have to say. Most importantly, we hope that you have fun with this.

[Laura N]

And just to keep track, here is a list of participants.

Mystery Ink No. 1:

migo984
Cob
Neo
jde
reprieve
Tracy Lee

Mystery Ink No. 2:

Plume145
Sailor Kenshin
VertOlive
Chrissy
tandaina
Crazyorange

[Jon Szanto]

Well, I certainly picked a great time to be out of the loop!

[tandaina]

Yay! Can't wait for it to get here.

[Chrissy]

Thanks Laura, I'm really looking forward to doing this.

[Cob]

Yes, thank you Laura, such an excellent scheme.

And of course it is especially welcome to have something to look forward to in January other than bills.

Cob

[Crazyorange]

You know your a geek when getting a sample of ink makes your day.
Thank you Laura...the excitement builds.

[jde]

... in order to preserve the surprise for those who may not receive their sample as quickly, even if you think you know which ink this is, please don’t mention possible names until everyone has had a chance to try it.

Just to update everyone, I mailed all the other packages today -- eight to the US and one to Europe.

My sample arrived today!

Obtusely asking: are we to post our photos and impressions SANS name-guessing in this thread, at any future time?

Thanks, my dears,
Julie

[Laura N]

Just to update everyone, I mailed all the other packages today -- eight to the US and one to Europe.

My sample arrived today!

Obtusely asking: are we to post our photos and impressions SANS name-guessing in this thread, at any future time?

Thanks, my dears,
Julie

Great!

In answer to your question, yes. Please don't hold back on posting your impressions and thoughts, other than any that purport to name or identify it specifically. It's great to say its color, its characteristics and your opinions positive or negative. Post like a Chicagoan votes: early and often. However, since various participants will receive the samples at different times, we just think it would be kinder for people not propound any guesses about the ink's brand or name until everyone's had a chance to experience the ink without knowing its identity.

So, something like this is fantastic: "I am not a blue ink person anyway, but I gave it a go, and after I have used it in three different pens I have to say that my opinion has changed from slight indifference to outright dislike. On the plus side, it is polite and inoffensive. On the minus side, it is dull. And it is blue. Who likes blue ink? I have tried to work with it, but I find that in every pen it ...."

While this is less than ideal: "Oh my gosh I have a bottle of this already, and it is Noodler's H8r.*"

*Not a real ink.

[tandaina]

Just to update everyone, I mailed all the other packages today -- eight to the US and one to Europe.

My sample arrived today!

Obtusely asking: are we to post our photos and impressions SANS name-guessing in this thread, at any future time?

Thanks, my dears,
Julie

Great!

In answer to your question, yes. Please don't hold back on posting your impressions and thoughts, other than any that purport to name or identify it specifically. It's great to say its color, its characteristics and your opinions positive or negative. Post like a Chicagoan votes: early and often. However, since various participants will receive the samples at different times, we just think it would be kinder for people not propound any guesses about the ink's brand or name until everyone's had a chance to experience the ink without knowing its identity.

So, something like this is fantastic: "I am not a blue ink person anyway, but I gave it a go, and after I have used it in three different pens I have to say that my opinion has changed from slight indifference to outright dislike. On the plus side, it is polite and inoffensive. On the minus side, it is dull. And it is blue. Who likes blue ink? I have tried to work with it, but I find that in every pen it ...."

While this is less than ideal: "Oh my gosh I have a bottle of this already, and it is Noodler's H8r.*"

*Not a real ink.

No, but it should be.

[VertOlive]

I'm already having fun, even before I've gotten the ink. But then, I'm easy.

[Chrissy]

I'm already having fun, even before I've gotten the ink. But then, I'm easy.

Yes me too. I have been trying to mix up a good copy of Montblanc Racing Green. I was mixing ink made from green and black powder samples from the US. Today, I ended up cleaning spots of black ink off the carpet....

[Laura N]

I'm already having fun, even before I've gotten the ink. But then, I'm easy.

And you should have gotten it, since you are so close. Hmmph.

Well, next time it goes by Uber helicopter.

[Silverbreeze]

One of my pen pals is just 30 mins away. Any packages circle for a day through NJ (not needed) to get to her FYI

[Crazyorange]

One of my pen pals is just 30 mins away. Any packages circle for a day through NJ (not needed) to get to her FYI

So close but so far away........

[Neo]

One of my pen pals is just 30 mins away. Any packages circle for a day through NJ (not needed) to get to her FYI

So close but so far away........

So the shortest line between two points is circular as per the USPS?

[Crazyorange]

Yup....I live about 30 miles away from silverbreeze. And the letters go to NJ, which is way over 50 miles away. Baffled

[Silverbreeze]

One of my pen pals is just 30 mins away. Any packages circle for a day through NJ (not needed) to get to her FYI

So close but so far away........

Pokes