Random Thoughts

[amberlita]

That's a great philosophy and I absolutely agree. Zebra pens are fantastic and 0.5-0.7mm is the perfect point.

For me, a pen must not only be great to write with but also be appropriately balanced along its length to allow me to flip it over my thumb, which I do instinctively with any pen that I hold. I'll even subconsciously pick up a pen in between when I'm typing so I can flip it over and over. Helps me think.

This has been my favorite pen for over a decade purely for its flipping properties:

[megladon8]

I love the feel of the Uni-Ball but I’ve always found it lets out too much ink. With my writing style it looks blotchy and messy.

I also have never found a gel pen that I liked.

[D_Davis]

I can't use gel pens, or most Uniball because I'm left handed. I end up smearing everything. I also prefer ball point for shading and cross hatching.

That's not to say that the Uniball pens aren't nice. They are. They just don't work for me. Stupid lefty.

[amberlita]

Yeah they aren't a perfect pen, I will admit. The worst case scenario is when I find myself having to write on a semi-glossy surface (like a business card) and I have to hunt for a ballpoint pen because it takes impossibly long for gel ink to dry on such a surface.

I wish I liked ballpoints more. I just don't like the way it can thin and fade in and out during writing strokes (which is the barometer of quality between the $1 and the $5, imo, but even the best ballpoints still do this to some degree). I always feel like I'm having to apply a lot of pressure. With gels I can just lightly skim the surface of the paper and the inking is consistent and dark.

[Skitch]

This has been my favorite pen for over a decade purely for its flipping properties:

Best pen! Have a box in my desk that I got from a surplus store. I will cry when it runs out. I love the pens that let out more ink.

[amberlita]

I love the feel of the Uni-Ball but I’ve always found it lets out too much ink. With my writing style it looks blotchy and messy.

I also have never found a gel pen that I liked.

If you've gone your entire life without finding a gel pen you like then I won't change your mind now, but the micro version is the solution to this problem. Unfortunately most standard gel pens are 1.0mm and yeah, those suck.

[D_Davis]

I wish I liked ballpoints more. I just don't like the way it can thin and fade in and out during writing strokes (which is the barometer of quality between the $1 and the $5, imo, but even the best ballpoints still do this to some degree). I always feel like I'm having to apply a lot of pressure. With gels I can just lightly skim the surface of the paper and the inking is consistent and dark.

This is all true.

[megladon8]

If you've gone your entire life without finding a gel pen you like then I won't change your mind now, but the micro version is the solution to this problem. Unfortunately most standard gel pens are 1.0mm and yeah, those suck.

I will definitely try a micro gel if you recommend it!

At my work we sell tons of gel pens but like you mentioned, they are all 1.0 and I find them messy.

I also have very strange writing.

[Grouchy]

I also have very strange writing.

Show a pic.

[D_Davis]

For drawing, I like that you can get various shades of ink with a ball point pen.

Ball point pens are my favorite thing to draw with.

[amberlita]

For drawing, I like that you can get various shades of ink with a ball point pen.

Ball point pens are my favorite thing to draw with.

Whoa. You draw with a pen instead of a pencil? That’s baller. (pun not intended)

[D_Davis]

Haha. Yeah. I've always liked drawing with pen only. I don't do much but doodle any more, but pen was always my thing.

[megladon8]

Show a pic.

I’ll try to find something worth photographing.

I write in all caps, excessively neat and tidy, and I apply a lot of pressure.

[Grouchy]

I do that too! The caps thing. I used to apply lots of pressure but I corrected that as I grew older.

[Skitch]

I had a board fall on my head and smash my thumb a few months ago. I think I damaged some tendons. My handwriting has changed, and its dreadfully hard to make 3's and e's anymore.

[Skitch]

Spike TV is ending, being absorbed by Paramount. The twitter for Spike TV (@spike) is controlled by a soon to be ex employee. I encourage everyone to check out the hilarity.

[Dukefrukem]

You know that's viral marketing right and not a real ex-employee?

[Skitch]

You know that's viral marketing right and not a real ex-employee?

Really? Thats weird. Are they marketing for the new Paramount thing?

[Dukefrukem]

Yes

[ledfloyd]

Pen talk? I'm addicted to Pilot G2s. I always have two in my pocket. 0.7mm width. 0.5 is too thin.

[Irish]

I found a sample of Meg's handwriting. I see what you guys mean about the smudges; they really do take away from the overall presentation.

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[Neclord]

I found an example of led's handwriting

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[amberlita]

Pen talk?

Trying to inject this place with some wholesome discussion!

0.5 is too thin.

Fuck you and your stupid opinions.

[number8]

I mostly write with chalk.

[Dead & Messed Up]

These have been my go-to boys for a while, although I have to warn you all: they start leaking if you take them on planes. I think it has something to do with the air pressure, maybe, but what's for sure is it happens every goddamn time.