Using a Fountain Pen

[John in Covina]

I recommend the book, "Better Handwriting" in the Teach Yourself series, by Rosemary Sassoon and a co-writer. It aims not to teach pretty handwriting, but rather mature, legible cursive handwriting that doesn't deteriorate at speed. It's the only handwriting book I've found with the adult in mind.

They don't prescribe a specific style, although they do offer a model alphabet for drills, which they recommend you do. Guess what? -- you can't learn how to do something unless you practice, duh, but it actually doesn't take that much time, the odd ten minutes in a notebook here and there for a couple of months.

One thing that Ms. Sassoon stresses is that you need to find the pen type, nib size, paper substrate, letterforms, letter slant, surface hardness, grip, and posture that works for you. One size doesn't fit all So, for better or worse, just as not every hat style or fashion style works for every face and body type, not all pens work for everybody, and a fountain pen might not be right for you.

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Most people were taught writing correctly, but when we are are forced to write quickly here is where the errors of form come in trying to shorten the time per letter. When writing for pleasure it is good to slow down a bit and put the effort back into penmanship.

 

[shortbow]

After writing with a fountain pen for several years now, I would never use anything else. As for penmanship, if you want to irretrievably ruin it, work as a print reporter for a while. Half the time I can't read my own scrawl anymore.

 

[GwenLake]

Ideally a reporter would know shorthand -- do they still teach that?

I believe to be a reporter in the UK you have to have 100 w.p.m. of shorthand.

 

[shortbow]

Yep to the shorthand thing in Jolly Olde, but over here in NA I've never met a reporter who uses it. And yes, it was in college that the ruination of my penmanship began. More and more the Ink Stained Wretch uses a recorder:rage:

I can still write legibly if I take the time and concentrate, and I use home-made ink, heavy rag paper, a quill and wax seals to write letters. It is a very pleasant exercise and forces one to slow down and enjoy the tactile and mental aesthetic. But for marching about the neighborhood, a fountain pen is the bee's knees. I really enjoy just holding the things, and writing with them is a dream.

 

[DeaconKC]

I have discovered that using my fountain pens does cause me to slow down and take a little more time when writing. My handwriting is still rotten, but better.

 

[PADDY]

Shorthand and UK reporters

I believe to be a reporter in the UK you have to have 100 w.p.m. of shorthand.

I had to pass a test of 100wpm shorthand using 'teeliine.' I got upto 120wpm. Also there are exams in law relating to journalism to be passed too. All my shorthand pads had to be kept for four years before being destroyed, as they could be called upon as evidence in court.

 

[shortbow]

Higher standards for sure Paddy. Not too familiar with Fleet Street, but over here, if what I read in the papers is any indication, a good many reporters are getting their credentials out of Cracker Jack boxes. There is plenty of good reportage, well written, out there but some of it,:eusa_doh: .

 

[John in Covina]

Sheaffer made a longer version of the Balance model that had a bigger resorvoir of ink for stenographers.

 

[Edward]

Higher standards for sure Paddy. Not too familiar with Fleet Street, but over here, if what I read in the papers is any indication, a good many reporters are getting their credentials out of Cracker Jack boxes. There is plenty of good reportage, well written, out there but some of it,:eusa_doh: .

The law is, I would say, a bit friendlier to the press in the US; here in the UK, we have more rigid data protection and privacy standards (and a potentially landmark privacy case just decided last week, re Max Moseley). Also, all three UK jurisdictions are much more plaintiff-friendly when it comes to libel than is the case in the US. Strict rules on evidence attach to that...

 

[DeaconKC]

This one just arrived today. A well used, but obviously well cared for Sheaffer Balance from 34 or 35.

 

[John in Covina]

The red "veins" on that Balance are what makes it so outstanding. It is a beauty.

 

[John in Covina]

Pen Collector's Club getting together in September in California see events section.

 

[John in Covina]

SCPCC will meet Saturday, September 6th in Covina. The Southern California Pen Collectors Club has been seen on Huell Howser's Visiting Program on California PBS TV stations state wide. See Events section for more info

 

[daizawaguy]

 

[John in Covina]

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Beautiful, is that the laquer work up Makei-e?

 

[Bugsy]

All these pictures make me want to flick my BIC out the window.

 

[Spats McGee]

All these pictures make me want to flick my BIC out the window.

Just understand that there's no going back . . .