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I apologize if someone else has mentioned this--it's been a bit difficult to navigate FPN with the server slowdown. As everyone knows, complaints about the way the DC SuperShow is run have been mounting for the last few years, culminating in the refusal of several long-time vendors to attend this year's show. I have been one of those critics, so it's only fair for me to applaud when something improves. Well, it appears that Bob Johnson, the show's owner, has taken the criticism to heart, and has made some very welcome changes. In years past, there was continued uncertainty about the show dates that made it difficult for vendors and attendees to make plans. I was pleasantly surprised to see Bob at the Dallas show, saying hello to all and handing out cards announcing the dates of the 2019 show, which will take place August 1-4. There also have been numerous complaints about the DC show's outmoded website, which was rarely kept up to date. A week ago, I received an email from Glen Bowen announcing that he is working with Bob as the Event Planner. Glen has gotten a new website going, https://dcsupershow.com/, that should be much friendlier for vendors and attendees. There is a password protected area for vendors--if you are a vendor and did not get Glen's email, contact him at glen@dcsupershow.com. These things will not solve all the problems of the DC show, but I think Bob deserves credit for responding to the complaints and for asking for help in running the show. Now if the hotel will hire adequate help in the bar and restaurant, we'll be getting somewhere.

Am inordinately excited to have enrolled in Richard Bender's nib-smoothing workshop, limited to 16 students, scheduled for Aug. 16 at the Washington DC Fountain Pen Supershow. http://www.richardspens.com/?page=workshop

I am organizing an “Akkerman Ink Group Buy,” to be delivered in person at the upcoming DC Pen Supershow (Tyson’s Corner Sheraton Premiere). If I get “pre-orders” for 30 total bottles, the price would be $20 per 60ml bottle in an Akkerman ink color of your choice, delivered on Friday afternoon and/or late Saturday morning of the show, August 8-9. “Pre-orders” are being accepted within nine days from today or when we reach a total of 30 bottles, whichever comes first. I would like to place the ink order to Akkerman by June 14th to ensure I receive these in time for the show, and hopefully to prevent a significant change in exchange rates between this estimate and the order. Please let me know via PM if you are interested and I will reply with additional details. Thanks, Jared Akkerman Ink: http://www.vulpennen.nl/en/ http://adn.vulpennen.nl/mwa/image/meerinfo/Akkerman_Vulpeninkt_60_ml_01.jpg

The DC Pen Supershow is fast approaching (10 days and a wakeup for early trading on Wednesday). The website is here. My advice: a) Wear comfortable shoes. It is a very large display area. Do not overdress. Take breaks and hydrate. (DC in August is completely described by three words: Hazy, Hot and Humid.) Again let me emphasize, hydrate (and coffee does not hydrate). c) Take your time and see everything. Talk to the many friends you have not met. d) Traffic in DC can be horrible. If you are from out of the area, have a GPS with up-to-date maps. (There has been long-term construction in the area.) August traffic is marginally better because a lot of people are out of town on vacation (a pre-AC tradition). e) The Sheraton Premiere has been remodeled and the show price is very decent for the area. f) The Metro (Silver Line) should be operational during the show. See one of the finest, mass transit systems in the country (after the Silver Line opens almost a year late). g) The bar is a great place to meet friends and chat about pens. My Shopping List (not buying all): a) Fountain Pens: - Retro 51: Tornado Lincoln EXT (copper finish) Prism EXT - Elysee (out of production German brand) - Sailor M1911 Large M1911 Large Realo Maroon w/Music Nib - Lamy Persona - Omas Vintage Paragon Blue Royale (I'm sure I can get a Home Equity Line of Credit) Vintage Paragon Burkina Celluloid Vintage Paragon Burlwood Celluloid Vintage Extra Lucens - Vintage Waterman - Stylochap Pencils Retro 51: Tornado Albert c) Stationary Roterfaden Taschenbegleiter d) Ink & Misc. Anything Sailor Reference Books/Catalogs Cabinents