Breaking the Habit

[catbert]

Matt Armstrong has announced he's ending The Pen Habit.



I shall miss his videos. Since I can't thank him over there (comments disabled), I'll do it here.

Thanks, Matt.

[dapprman]

Hopefully he might become slightly more active on social media - he's been talking on one medium, not strictly speaking web based (so not FPG, FPN or Reddit).

[azkid]

Sadly I just heard about him when this farewell article appeared on my phone. Bummer.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

[fountainpenkid]

Saw this earlier--a bit bummed although not particularly surprised. In some ways he always positioned himself as an outsider intellectually, expressing opinions different (and differently) from other YouTube reviewers or forum members. I really enjoyed his perspective, characterized by this outside-of-the-box thoroughness and an engaging liveliness.

[Jon Szanto]

Matt was/is a class act and mature enough to have his own unique viewpoint. While I've enjoyed his content for the last few years, I'm very happy he feels it is time to move on because that is the best thing for him. He's left a good legacy and the pen world is better for it.

[Dragonmaster Lou]

Matt was one of the first reviewers I encountered when I first got into fountain pens, and he always has been one of my favorites. I'll miss his reviews, but I wish him the best in his future endeavors.

[Anne]

I feel really bad about this - he seems like a sincerely decent man and it's sad to lose a voice from someone like that.
I hope he takes care and continues to enjoy his pens and life.

[catbert]

Response from Brian Goulet:

[aaronp]

It is nice to see other notable members showing support for Matt. I hope he get his passion for reviewing pens back.

[Lady Onogaro]

I talked with him about this at the Arkansas Pen Show. I completely understand his reasons. Plus, he has some terrific trips planned in the future. I wish him well.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

In the early days Matt was quite the fresh breeze, and the reviews were fun. Certainly the production quality was high and actually got better as time went on. A couple of years ago though I noticed subtle signs of dwindling enthusiasm in his vlogging. That's why I am surprised Matt left it this long.

So, mixed feelings from me. Matt seems like a nice guy. A change will be good for him, which is of course the main thing.

[catbert]

Response from Stephen Brown wearing his psychologist hat:

[lsmith42]

https://youtu.be/v2H4l9RpkwM

[Sammyo]

One of the few reviewers where you knew that business, money or brand pressure did not affect his reviews. A breath of honesty in a very manufactured reviewing world. Matt was a class act, and not afraid to tell HIS truth about a pen he was reviewing. So few (if any) are willing tell you that your dream pen is not perfect... and despite all the backlash, was usually right. He had nothing to gain from only giving positive reviews; in fact I feel the contrary is true. If he started giving only shining reviews he would have lost the essence of what made him so good... and his credibility.

Matt, if you read this, please know that I understand, and do not hold anything against you for your choice. It's your life, your money and your time... having said all that, you will be missed. Your voice of reason, honesty, credibility along with the quality and general fun will be hard, if at all possible, to replace.

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[KKay]

I was a subscriber to The Pen Habit. I have watched most of his videos. I think he did a phenomenal job for the fountain pen community, and I will miss his work. I loved his enthusiasm for fountain pens and ink. I learned a lot by watching his videos. I understand why he is leaving the review work. Maybe over time he will come back, but do less frequent reviews. Regardless I wish him well, and I hope he gets to have some fun and enjoy life to the fullest.

[aaronp]

I think he will come back occasionally. He still have the passion but I think the require for constant out put over time has burn him out. Hopefully, he will still contribute to the community.
.

[RocketRyan]

If he gets bored of his Tibaldi impero I will happily look after it for him.

[sharmon202]

Best Wishes Matt, Sandy