Page 1 of 5 123 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 86

Thread: What do you miss on FPGeeks?

  1. #1
    Junior Member StephenBrown's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Posts
    8
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 9 Times in 2 Posts
    Rep Power
    0

    Default What do you miss on FPGeeks?



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

  2. #2
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Posts
    3
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by StephenBrown View Post


    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

  3. #3
    Senior Member jar's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Deep South Texas
    Posts
    4,045
    Thanks
    479
    Thanked 3,712 Times in 1,610 Posts
    Rep Power
    18

    Default

    More porn.

  4. #4
    Junior Member Newtonslife's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Posts
    10
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    0

    Exclamation Things to have on FPGeeks

    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 !

  5. #5
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Posts
    1
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    0

    Default

    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.

  6. #6
    The Nibsmith dannzeman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    IOWA -- Go HAWKEYES!!
    Posts
    1,244
    Thanks
    524
    Thanked 1,837 Times in 439 Posts
    Rep Power
    16

    Default

    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.

  7. #7
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    Glasgow, Scotland
    Posts
    1
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    0

    Default

    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!

  8. #8
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    NC
    Posts
    10
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
    Rep Power
    0

    Default

    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.

  9. #9
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Posts
    1
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    0

    Default

    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.

  10. #10
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Posts
    1
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Renfield1897 View Post
    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.

  11. #11
    Senior Member Saintpaulia's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Location
    Lodi, California
    Posts
    366
    Thanks
    16
    Thanked 58 Times in 24 Posts
    Rep Power
    12

    Wink Various and Sundry

    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.
    Last edited by Saintpaulia; October 3rd, 2012 at 12:22 PM. Reason: typo, P.S.

  12. #12
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Posts
    2
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    0

    Default

    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

  13. #13
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Posts
    1
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    0

    Default

    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!

  14. #14
    Senior Member jar's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Deep South Texas
    Posts
    4,045
    Thanks
    479
    Thanked 3,712 Times in 1,610 Posts
    Rep Power
    18

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by KeesReuzelaar View Post
    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.

  15. #15
    Senior Member ethernautrix's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Land of Po
    Posts
    1,064
    Thanks
    1,661
    Thanked 1,282 Times in 556 Posts
    Rep Power
    13

    Default

    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'.

  16. #16
    Senior Member ethernautrix's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Land of Po
    Posts
    1,064
    Thanks
    1,661
    Thanked 1,282 Times in 556 Posts
    Rep Power
    13

    Default

    Just thought of something.

    Gladiators!

    Hah? Haaah? Am I right?

  17. #17
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Posts
    10
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    0

    Default

    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.

  18. #18
    FPG Donor ♕ KrazyIvan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Texas-USA
    Posts
    5,068
    Thanks
    1,476
    Thanked 1,798 Times in 943 Posts
    Rep Power
    20

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by ethernautrix View Post
    Just thought of something.

    Gladiators!

    Hah? Haaah? Am I right?
    I second that!
    Fountain Pen Sith Lord | Daakusaido | Everything in one spot

  19. #19
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    Bedford, UK
    Posts
    2
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    0

    Default

    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...

  20. #20
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    Bedford, UK
    Posts
    2
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    0

    Default

    +1 for 1 hr episodes - especially when Dr Who is on in the UK - too much excitement for one Saturday!

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •