Change and Choice in Fountain Pen Collecting

[@catwhisperer911]

I think you nailed this. I display abut two dozen inks that I have accumulated over the years on a shelf but I regularly reach for Pilot Blue Black because it is a very well behaved, wet, and semi water resistant ink that shades well even with my finer ground fountain pen nibs. I have dozens of notebooks that I don't use because my preference for paper has changed dramatically over the years. I can go on and on. Change is good. It is the road to growth and it should be embraced in most aspects of our lives. Thanks for sharing this. I've been a long time follower - mostly quiet - for years.

[@lisawilson7889]

I am never going to have hundreds of fountain pens in my collection (I’m way too frugal for that), but I do like having different ones to play with, experimenting with different features, materials, etc. A dozen or 15 pens will probably be my limit. I really love gold nibs, I have found I really enjoy piston fillers, especially the ones that are very well made (e.g. Pelikan), and I’m sure I will always own my Pilot 823. As I write pages and pages in my journal every day (so much less expensive than a therapist, and so much easier on my hubby than his having to listen to all of my thoughts), experimenting with inks and papers is a budget-friendly way to keep trying new things. What a fun hobby to grow with!

[@JoeRakstang]

Absolutely agree with your opinion on choice. I too was overwhelmed by the almost unlimited choice of pens, nibs, ink…etc. Let’s not forget about the number of videos there are on every facet of the hobby. Overwhelming indeed! Change for me is I’m getting older. Simpler is better. That means using the pens and inks that make me happy. Experimentation is waning but, my enthusiasm is not. For me, writing with a Lamy stub with Iroshizuku Kon-Peki is pure enjoyment. Thanks for another thought provoking video.

[@madameaeriel]

I've used fountain pens my whole life. They were coming from the supermarket. I never had a single complaint to them. Then I discover that there's a fountain pen community. My pens did get better, prettier and more expensive and I do love them. I never was into inks though. But pens and paper, oh boy. And while I love experimenting new things still, recently I've been stepping down in the price ladder. I want cheaper stuff. I don't want to mind that much about my tools. A 5€ pen I won't mind dropping, loosing, because I can just walk in any store and buy it again. A cheap notebook I won't care scratching, bending, folding etc... for example. That's the change I'm currently operating at the moment.

[@brucejohnson7944]

Topic with me is spot on. I like a few choices but too many I become very stressed. As time has gone on and I'm now at the ripe old age of 73 I buy fewer pens and experiment less with nibs paper ink. I am still open to change and things constantly do change just less dramatic now. Thank you for the topic and giving me a chance muse on choice and change in many aspects of my life.

[@farmerfox3332]

Love the video and insight. Very timely. On many levels. Thank you.

[@othersheep5491]

Grandma always said that variety is the spice of life. Only one year into fountain pens, and the choices are dizzying. Be it nib size, tip size, pen size, or cap and barrel materials, I’ve enjoyed finding the right tool for each job as an artist. Be it inking art work or a letter to a client, it’s wonderful to be able to change the tone via pen, ink, and paper. Videos like yours have helped me sort through the many options, learn the mechanics, and have success, as well as have few regrets in my purchases. Your words and knowledge are much appreciated. Change is good. I hold my opinions, beliefs, and my fountain pens loosely, and am pleased that I chose to subscribe to your channel. Cheers, Mate!

[@jacobus57]

Grandma's variety was NOIT what we have now, in pizza, toilet paper. or fountain pens.

[@chrisdaniels6523]

Stephen, I've been following you since the beginning. Thank you for this recent spate of musings! I think that the ongoing explosion in all things FP is a good thing, if only because the hobby has become much less the domain of cranks and snobs and haters. Each to their own, right? As overwhelming as it can be, I like the variety, even if I can no longer afford to indulge myself (I'm retired). If I want a new pen, I have to sell some of my old pens. I have no problem with that. I'm 68 years old. I've been using fountain pens since I was 9 or 10. I've always cared more about function and that hasn't changed at all. When I was working as a copy-editor, I needed a needle-point nib for laying down an ultra-fine dry line in red ink on cheap printer paper. The Esterbrook 1555 isn't meant to be the most pleasant writing experience. It's scratchy. You have to be careful not to tear into the shoddy paper, but it gets the job done. I PREFER medium to double-broad nibs and I LOVE oblique nibs, but they're not right for certain tasks. There's really no way around that.

[@rozl6178]

I like these reflective videos. It’s validating to hear about change within one’s fountain pen hobby. I’ve been collecting for about ten years now and it’s been a pleasure throughout with only one or two disappointments, which is to be expected. Trends are fun to hear about and occasionally explore, and I agree. Nothing is above review. If it’s not bringing joy on some level, it’s healthy to move on to something else.

[@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564]

An interesting topic. I am the kind of person that if I have too many choices; I won't make a choice. I'll walk away, because if I make a choice under those circumstances, I will later feel remorse and as if I made the wrong choice.

[@randy-9842]

I like choice and, to some degree within limited parameters, I like change. Thanks to your videos and reviews, I thoroughly enjoyed my exploratory stage - yes, it can be expensive, but it was also educational. I now know what I like and have been able to capitalize on that. It's nice to have a variety of pens, nibs, inks and papers from which to choose when I get bored with what I've been using. _Edit to add: Analysis Paralysis from too many choices can be a real "thing!"_ Many thanks for your years of insight, advice and humor!!

[@christophermckellar1352]

Thanks. I enjoy your “talking” videos AND your pen videos. Record, upload, repeat.

[@markschultz2304]

One of the aspects of fountain pens that I like is that there is so much variation in the whole hobby. I get bored rather quickly but not for long, so find myself changing pens often and going back often. Frozen pizza is never on the menu. Those are for ballpoint pen users.

[@strshooter7399]

That’s wonderful 😂🤣, frozen pizza is for ballpoint users! 😂🤣😆 That made my morning 👍😎

[@williamcatalano1762]

Love the frozen pizza is for ballpoint user comment hahaha!

[@pauldavidartistclub6723]

Boring???? I don’t think you CAN be boring! Yes in just a year, year and a half of serious pen using and collecting I’ve already changed my tastes and opinions on things! And I’ve done this my whole life. Comic book artists I didn’t like early on became favorites. Same thing with fine art. Novelists I swore by later came to mean nothing to me. How uninteresting and staid if someone sticks to what they like without any self examination, evolving tastes and attitudes, and yes even influence from those more knowledgeable than yourself.

[@dennisv2777]

This is a great counterpoint to the burnout issue others were feeling. I have also moved to broad nibs and love the use of light pressure. I use taken to dark purple inks because of my eyesight, and well, paper is mainly from my wife’s many printouts plus some Oxford brand journals, Apica and Rhodia pads. And dare I say it nib swapping has been surprising!!

[@dawnholder8819]

Change/choice and the myriad of options in this pen and ink hobby... these all contribute to keeping this a fascinating and inspiring hobby that I have been in 20+ years. I love the exploration of starting with a nib and considering which ink will work best or starting with an ink and considering which nib will best show off its qualities. Most of the time I can do this exploration without spending a dime. I have yet to get bored with pens, ink and paper. I do appreciate all those who make videos about this hobby as I find great inspiration in them. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.

[@paulherman5822]

My first fountain pen was a medium. Thought I'd prefer a fine or even extra fine. (I have had small handwriting most of my life.) But that first fountain pen had options. Many options. (It was a vintage Esterbrook J. 😁) Taught me that I actually have a liking for change. In current use, from an extra fine through a broad. No stubs or wild grinds, currently in use, but occasionally... Very much agree with you about inks, as well. I chased some newer, exciting things like sheen or shimmer or other "special properties" (I still have some that have good water resistance), but it's basically just standard inks anymore. From reputable brands that are well behaved and generally fairly budget friendly. I hate washable blue inks. Waterman Serenity Blue is one, but it's not the same shade as most washable blue ones, and I completely agree: one of the few blue inks I actually like. (Blue-black is a different animal. Like many blue-black inks. My first bottle was a blue-black.😉) Change can be good, it's why I have a variety of pens. But the safe and familiar have merit. A huge one with my current taste in inks is most I've chosen don't need "fountain pen friendly" paper to behave well. Can do decently on cheap paper from Walmart, and even the close to Charmin paper most businesses print forms on. Great topic!

[@petekutheis3822]

Yes lots of options--I am glad I found Yoseka and GalenLeather for decent shopping. Pens, so far I have 7 pens (but only have been in the hobby 8 weeks maybe), and my choice seems to be 230$ and up pens. So yes there has to be a limit. So far I have a one pen per major brand mentality. So far Navaluhr, Sailor, Namiki, Platinum, Montblanc, Pilot, and Kilk. And also I have space for 22 pens. I will slow down soon and ponder carefully what I want. If I dont buy whatever before it comes unavailable, there will always be somethign else to catch the eye. Anyway just discovering Pen habit quit 6 years and 6 months ago, however he easiliy taught me how to align the tines on my used Montblanc, and open them up more on both the MB and the Platinum. So it is going to be a nice added hobby to my other interests. By the way I am finding your channel through a Goulet response to Pen Habit guy's hanging it up. Cheers.

[@lhenzbujo1170]

This is a very interesting topic. I would say, I have started my fountain pen collecting jouney pretty well in a sense that, I only buy pens that appeals to me. I only like EF and F nibs pens just because I can journal with them properly. I don't have a lot of inks. I only love Browns and Black inks. Because of that, I can finish a bottle of inks and it is so satisfying. I am trying to not be swayed by youtubers over a new pen. Although I like seeing them happy and excited over a new pen. I still watch pen reviews and pen show haul. I love seeing others enjoying their pens and also their thoughts about having a particular model. I have a varieties of brands like Montblanc, Pilot, Majohn, TWSBIs in my collections. I made a promise to myself that, I wont be buying anymore fountain pens. I am happy with what I have and that wont change :) Thanks for this video.

[@chrishoyt7548]

Change is good. I liked your last - adopting change in your format. It's refreshing, as is developing your tastes in fountainpens. Lots to choose from paper, inks, pen body materials and nib grades. I now am on an Italian celluoid pen kick. The paradox of choice sometimes. (Great Ted Talk) Tschuss, Chris

[@johnnyjet3.1412]

Thank You. I just ordered an almost old Sheaffer that I couldn’t afford when it was new. As former geology student all of my ink is Monteverde Gemstone or Lamy Crystal.

[@klockwerklime3706]

I love the way Monteverde inks look and flow, but I have found that every bottle turns into a gummy sludge over time.

[@robbinallan3767]

Sorry to hear about your experience but grateful at the same time. I've had issues with 3 Monteverde inks, one Taccia and Stipula. I haven't found any rhyme or reason to explain it.

[@JRDiaz-tn5kb]

Thanks Dr. Brown for acknowledging this thing. Oftentimes, I can feel a bit like Neo (in the Matrix) picking the red or blue pill, then trying to come to terms on understanding that I've made the Choice, but now need to seek the Understanding of Why I made that choice. There are so many variables- but trying 🖋, ✒️, 🎨 is still Fun though! 😁

[@NauzerMistry]

Hello, SBRE! Thank you for continuing to make these discussion videos. There is a saying that "change is the only constant." I agree with that statement. Since you are a member of the psychiatric/neuroscience field (I hope I am correct in that assertion), can you explain what actually happens in the brain's electro-chemistry to bring about the need for change? Is the need for change an evolutionary byproduct that ties into the modern world's consumerism linked to advertising? This is an interesting topic and I'd like to learn more about your views.

[@thomasmorrison675]

I currently have 6 or 7 fountain pens and don't see the point really in having but a couple more. I am holding out for a Montblanc 149, but honestly, the pen I reach for the most is my yellow Lamy Safari with a fine nib. It puts ink on the paper every time and the fine nib suits my writing style very well.

[@senzen2692]

A lot of choice which can be trimmed by thinking of ergonomics, reliability, durability, how quickly the pen dries out and hence the risk of starting problems and changing ink colours, how much patience one has or doesn't have. Expanded by ink and pen combinations, some which don't work at all.

[@williamcatalano1762]

When I first started I wanted only extra fine. Now I'm into mediums and some fines like Pelikan if they are fatter and more juicy. I have a lot of ink, but Diamine Prussian Blue will always be my favorite. I love Blue Blacks. I've gotten into Brown inks a lot lately oddly enough.

[@13noman1]

Thanks -- thought provoking and insightful as always. Life is constant change and I find the older I get (68 now -- not sure how that happened!), the simpler my tastes. I sometimes laugh with chagrin at my younger self and passions for things I just "had to have". I still look for the new but have lived long enough to see how much is derivative; in pens, I've recently seen a surge (maybe compliments of AI behind the scene) of retractible nibs and then I look over at my original, plastic-bodied Pilot VP and hapily put it to use!

[@sherinzadakhudukhel6342]

Very good topic I agree with you. Thanks

[@jkatkat7950]

I'm on board with just about everything...then you brought in veg...we can all agree...Brussels Sprouts...are a non-starter right??..but yes - change is the only constant in life - might as well embrace it!!

[@xanthias2001]

So you don’t like Brussel Sprouts, and… and that’s OK… … but it’s interesting that you feel you have to defend your personal preference by inviting the group to agree with you… Don’t be offended if you find there isn’t a uniform consensus on Brussel Sprouts. It shouldn’t diminish your self-esteem if someone were to argue that sautéed Brussel Sprouts with Chestnuts is one of the greatest culinary achievements of Western Civilisation and that you shouldn’t irrevocably dismiss BS until you’ve tried it… … That’s a BS opinion they’ve come to, just as you have, and… and that’s OK. …but it’s an interesting discussion to have, and I hope you’ve found it useful…

[@Michelt007]

Really good video, as we learned to expect from Dr Brown! I think the signs of a hobby that will remain active are that we have different interests and so, we can explore each of them, in rotation. I am now amazed by pigmented inks, which is way more gentle and fun to use than what we were told. Then what? I may return to sheening inks, maybe with stub nibs -could be fun with Pilot Parallels?

[@tancreddehauteville764]

I'm a medium nib guy, but I recently got into fine nibs. They suit my handwriting more and, though some can be scratchy, many of them are pretty smooth. Broad nibs are great for signatures and short notes that need to be clear and legible.

[@peterhofmann8292]

Stephen, you bring up a number of interesting points. I used to also always like M nibs as, being a lefty, I felt they were best for me (less smudging) but have found that B nibs are also nice and are "useful". My feeling is that it is fun to explore and start to narrow down the likes and dislikes, even selling pens that I use less allowing me to have a more "core" collection.

[@justusspace]

I think that choice and change are what keep my going in this hobby, as it surprises me to see my own tastes evolve and how often they are not parallel with the community’s values. I am similar to you in that I really prefer my boring set ink staples. The majority of my collection are blues/greens/browns/purples, with the bulk being from Iroshizuku as theyre lubricated and consistent, and the jewel tones are classic while still interesting. I am not fond of shimmer for the hassle only, and only have 1 pen which I can stand to clean shimmer out of. Heavy sheen has burned me over the years from smearing, so I just stay with ol’ faithful mostly! For pens, I am valuing the pen body less and less. While I have some audacious gorgeous pen bodies, I am not reaching for them. I am reaching for the nibs which are my favorite, even if in a boring black pen. Breaks my heart some as the joy of collecting pretty shiny magpie objects is quenched, but now the joy is back to the page with focus moreso on WHAT I am creating

[@RobRutherford]

I love shimmer and sheen inks and using them is part of the fun of using a fountain pen. For me there's not much point in using an ink to put down a line that can be put down by another writing/drawing instrument.

[@FrauStaenki]

As always: I completely follow what you are saying!! I guess, it is a typical way, a hobby progresses: from "vol" 1 to 100 or even 1000, only to get back to enjoy 1 or maybe a good 5 or 10 😉

[@Tiss17979]

I really like your "Talk videos". And isn't the whole life a constant and evolving process of change? This is what I experienced up until today.

[@benkempermagic]

Yes, my tastes have changed and they continue to evolve even a few years into the hobby. Sometimes they come full circle, which makes me laugh at myself from time to time. In the beginning it was all stubs, as I wished to recreate my attempts at calligraphy as a teenager, some time before the Punic Wars. As I got more into writing letters, I wanted finer nibs. Now, I’m wild for European fines ground to a cursive smooth italic - in a way the best of both worlds. That said, I just had a Nettuno broad ground to cursive smooth italic and I’m loving it. Also used to hate hooded nibs, but now I can’t get enough of them. Fickle much? Thanks for all you do.

[@robertosans5250]

Change is part of life, no doubt. As one ages change can be overwhelming, as places , people, customs and values make the present a foreign country. In terms of pens, after 12 years in the hobby my curiosity has not diminished to my surprise. I am still looking out for things to challenge and delight me.

[@ericfriedman6538]

Are we changing or are we just changing things?

[@Roberto__Skar]

The only constant thing in life, is, change!

[@EastWind123]

I finally feel like I can say it out loud: Over the years I have learned that I don't like hooded or retractable nibs, and I have never wanted a LAMY 2000 or a Vanishing Point. Also, I don't want my ink to shimmer or sheen. Well. That was freeing. 😊

[@panopticonwillsaveus]

Great video. Choice and change follow an inverse parabolic curve. Too little choice and you feel confined. Too little change and you stagnate and feel bored. Conversely, too much choice and you are overwhelmed and too much change and you become stressed. With regard to fountain pens, having two pens in my collection is too little choice and I get itchy buying fingers but more than 10 pens is too much for me to handle. I am very happy with 6-8 pens in my collection.

[@thebeansandtoddshow]

The only ink that will ever be, is the only ink that should ever be made…sbre ink, believe it people, now and forever, believe it.

[@MohamedSamyAlRabbani]

That dutch speak sounds so cool, please speak dutch in every video, at least one sentence!

[@philnaunton7181]

No doubt change and choice is also refinement - to sharpen the aspect of choice to fit the developing intellect.

[@oromethehuntsman]

I keep fluctuating between moments where I am into my fountain pens, and then sometimes I just want to write with a .5 Energel and the other days with my pencils. Just nothing but change. Or is the fluctuation itself a constant….

[@jacobus57]

As you know, some creators have gotten into tough spots because of what is now called FOMO, and some creators unfortunately still play into this beast. Choice is fine, to an extent, but it can also feed additive behavior and distract people from fully enjoying what they already have. It is especially difficult for those just entering the FP space. I have been culling my already very modest collection of pens and ink, and am very much looking forward to offloading more at the upcoming Pelikan Hub where the host is offering an ink swap.

[@DLFfitness1]

Life is constant change, however if you lack awareness you won’t learn the lessons along the way.

[@arthursmith1539]

Peer pressure!? Bah! You’re peerless. 😊

[@LANCSKID]

Let us not lose sight of the fact that for some of us, our decisions regarding the purchase of pens, ink and paper can be and often is governed by what we can afford or are prepared to spend.

[@kassander1304]

Anyone who doesn't like arco is deranged 🤣.

[@Cohen.the.Worrier]

plus que ca change . . .

[@contremisart]

How much do we owe you for this therapy session Dr Brown?

[@varadharajannadarajah]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@leebalmforth2269]

Stick to parker and montblanc 😁

[@dkayok]

Such good points. One of the biggest problems for new collectors is if you have no place to try out different types of pens. I have gone through a couple hundred (yikes) because I wanted to try everything. First, they were fairly inexpensive and then became more expensive. I would sell pens to buy new pens. For years, I had 60-70 pens at a time. Over the last few years I have changed my criteria so that I now have under 20 pens & am not tempted to buy more. I found I can't use flex nibs well, I don't like piston fillers & I stopped buying multiples of the same pens just for the latest color. I have a couple fine points that I love for planner notes and I love stubs. I found I don't like super super smooth writers & have sold off some amazing pens. I have a particular Benu extra fine that is great (& cheap) up to a couple Sailors & Nakayas At least it is a hobby that has huge support through your channel and others so I don't think I ever bought anything without being able to give it a good consideration. Even so, over time, change happens

[@C_L_Thomas]

You may be the perfect person in the fountain pen community to speak to the growing controversy surrounding a pen retailer who supports an anti-LGBTQ+ church in their private lives. It appears as though this issue is becoming extremely divisive in our community.

[@zacheryanderson7363]

My friend... You have no idea how much frozen pizza the average American needs just as options. Nevermind actual consumption, the data is mind numbing to day the least. Pure insanity!🎉