What do you miss on FPGeeks?

[bluejay]

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]

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]

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]

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. You don't necessary have to host all the data on you website, but you could link to it.

[Mr Aamell]

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]

6. Just More witty banter.

I was instantly reminded of this comment by Homer Simpson:
"Stupid TV--Be more funny!!"



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

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
~Maja

[Saintpaulia]

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]

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...r-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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

I think manoeuver pretty much nailed it, of course, I still want gladiators. A Womp Rat shootout would be good too.

[dannzeman]

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

[kenmc]

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]

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]

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).