Are We Becoming A Stagnant Forum?

[Michael R.]

 

Let me give this some thoughts; maybe this can be added to the fixed topics?

 

Cheers

 

Michael

[JLS1]

 

Let me give this some thoughts; maybe this can be added to the fixed topics?

 

Cheers

 

Michael

 

Exactly - pinned & locked topic with a title like "MB FAQ list - START HERE" or something like that...

[______Zaphod_Beeblebrox]

It hit me yesterday only after having a PM conversation with another forum member, why i had not logged onto the forum for several months, my theory is that our once interesting and active MB forum is becoming slightly stagnant.

 

I do my part to Stir Things Up!

[sd10521]

FWIW, I don't think the problem is that the forum (or the brand for that matter) is stagnant - I think what's necessary is an pinned FAQ topic that makes it easy for people to find information about commonly asked topics. Putting together an FAQ with references to (what the mods/forum thinks) are particularly good topics would probably be enough to divert or curtail a lot of the 'quasi-filler' discussions, as well as give us 'greybeards' a way to refer people to

 

IMHO, such an FAQ would handle the following topics:

1. Is my MB real? (This would take care of the "I bought this pen on eBay for $15..." questions as well as "Is my serial number legit/I don't have a serial number" plus "Where do I find the PIX trademark on my pen" questions)

2. How much is my MB worth? (This would take care of the "I found/was gifted/inherited an MB pen and want to sell it" type questions")

3. What kind of MB pen do I have? How old is it? (This would take care of the "I don't know what kind of pen this is...can you help?" type of questions)

4. What are the types of pens MB sells and what are the differences between the series? (This would provide one reference for known MB WE/LE/POA/etc. series so that people know what the various series represent.)

5. I think my pen is broken...where do I get it fixed? How much will it cost? (This would handle common questions regarding MB repair (e.g., modern vs. vintage) as well as describe the different MB service levels and facilities)

 

What do you think?

 

This is a great start.

 

Now to get the poeple who join to hopefully find out or sell their one pen to read the appropriate topic before starting a new one with the same information to possibly shill their pen.

[jamesgibby]

i think that its clear that we have an excellent knowledge base. however it is also clear that some of the more seasoned members are disconnecting quite a bit.

 

i really think I'm going to start work on a wiki, style site but i would like some help from members. if anyone is up for it please pm me

[JLS1]

i think that its clear that we have an excellent knowledge base. however it is also clear that some of the more seasoned members are disconnecting quite a bit.

 

i really think I'm going to start work on a wiki, style site but i would like some help from members. if anyone is up for it please pm me

 

FWIW, I don't think that this is unusual - people will come and go all the time from this forum. What is important (at least IMHO) is that the MB forum:

- provides some basic information about MB FPs to help newbies get started (e.g., the FAQ)

- allows people to share information about their FPs, especially between experienced 'greybeards' and the newbies

- acts as a 'store/clearing house' of certain key MB knowledge so that the knowledge of those experienced people (e.g., Fountainbel and his diagrams of telescopic piston construction) aren't lost

[jamesgibby]

i agree with you but i think that back when i first joined around 2010 the forum was different and more 'exciting' i think.

 

i just wanted to see if we can spice things up again, get back some of that excitement that existed and get some of that knowledge into use again

[littlepen]

Maybe there could be a chart like the dating chart for the 149s? though to be honest I don't think many new uses would use the service if they can't go on ebay to look at sold prices I hold little hope.

[Michael R.]

Cannot promise anything time-wise but let me know if you have a specific idea or request.

 

Cheers

 

Michael

[KBeezie]

Course if there was a wiki/faq/etc it would be a matter of actually making sure people used it, seeing as many start their first post asking such a question.

[jamesgibby]

Well we could pin a link to the board if we had to.

 

I was thinking of something more like a catalog easier to use and wth some sortig for example by year by line etc. I'm keen on a good design.

 

I will have a dog and see what I can come up with. Of course all we would need is a mini review for each pen so maybe we just need to see what we can gather from what's already been published by members and ask their permission

[JLS1]

Course if there was a wiki/faq/etc it would be a matter of actually making sure people used it, seeing as many start their first post asking such a question.

 

Agreed. Making the FAQ one of the top 2-3 pinned topics would help somewhat. We can try it out and see what happens, assuming the Mods would be onboard with this.

[Kalessin]

Both of the "official" mods (Logantrky and myself) do read and listen here. I haven't been posting much as my 90-year-old house is currently under what's turned into major renovation.

 

A wiki or FAQ would be the sort of thing that would enhance what this forum offers, but be aware that wikis generally require a lot of work to assemble the initial content, and some work to maintain. Official FAQ's can be posted at the top of the forum (similar to the forum rules).

 

A subforum or two for "Is this MB real?" and "How much is this worth?" questions would require people to answer those questions, possibly volunteers from the main forum. While the forum rules could be changed to exclude these questions, threads like these are also where some new users who stick around to participate in discussions come from, and some others are perhaps warned off of obvious fakes-for-sale sites.

 

One thing is quite likely: Many if not most new posters will miss all of these things if they're available, and will still post here in the main forum: "I just bought this on fleaBay, is it real? What's it worth?"

[Amberjack]

As a MB outsider (don't own one) I'll say that MBs have always been a bit 'unapproachable' for me from a price and information standpoint. Many folks who have entered the world of FPs got there by a much less exclusive and expensive route - an 'entry drug' if you will. Much easier to find a nice Parker 45 for 10 bucks than a MB of the same vintage. Are there 'less expensive and approachable' MBs? I honestly don't know.

 

Add in the fakes and the special editions going for $1000s and you have what adds up to a tough to get started brand.

 

I would welcome the opportunity to read a FAQ on MB that answered some of the basics. MB newbies like me might even learn enough to venture into the MB world!

 

Just my .02.

 

Jack

[pen2paper]

well, you've got 124 people browsing the MB forum as I type

 

I rarely visit here, but can point to threads that have Grabbed my attention, and caused me to visit, and revisit. Pavoni's history lesson, and the ongoing Other Pens Hungarian pen study. It's fascinating viewing their photo comparisons, and advertisements.

 

Perhaps a few of you that discuss MB back channel can formulate history, or themed threads, sharing photos, to draw others out. That might cause those just popping in with What's It Worth inquiries to realize they actually have an interesting, less seen model to share rather than list to sell.

Edited January 1, 2015 by pen2paper

[Azuniga]

I have been collecting MB for longtime and whenever I can, I visit this forum... there are good suggestions in this topic. Jar idea is a good one but Kalessin, more practical, is very important to consider too. I cannot add something substantial, specially not today, but I have to say that questions related to model 149 (fake? not fake? and so on) have taken a lot of place here, more than any other model. While visiting MB Museum in Hamburg I noticed how poor their vintage exhibition was, but also that 149 (I do not own one) was the center of their space... and certainly their marketing at that moment.

 

Here is an image just too add a little light.

 

# 20 Masterpiece LF, Lapisblue 11.2 cm. # 25 Masterpiece LF, Coral 13 cm. # 22 ½ Chef D’Oeuvre PBF, Dark Blue 12.3 cm

# A (III series) PBF Black & pearl 12.5 cm. # A (III series) PBF Dark Green 12.5 cm. # 326 PBF Black & pearl

 

 

[jamesgibby]

As an example the chart that was produced as a quick reference guide for dating 149's was an excellent resource and gathered some 11 pages of collective effort and discussion.

 

Perhaps we could do the same for 146's or other models. Equally, and this is where my wiki idea came about, there are a few members whom we are privileged to have access to who have unequalled expertise in vintage MB's. I think it would be a shame not to tap that knowledge when the rest of us hit a brick wall etc.

 

Like I say j just wanted to encourage an inward debate as to our future direction and to ensure that we go from strength to strength.

[jamesgibby]

Should add HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!!!

[Sasha Royale]

I would, in principle, agree. In daily life, I am a curmudgeon. However, this was my

first, and still my only, chat site. I didn't know all the rules of etiquette or the mood of

fellow enthusiasts. I tend to be quite lenient with the subjective observations on

repetitious, dry, foolish, and uniformed inquiries.

 

How much is my Montblanc 149 worth ? In used, very good condition, $395.

Since I don't really want one, I would offer $250 . The cold-water wake-up is shocking,

but I actually have the $250 ready.

 

The people in question share my interest in fountain pens, accessories, and writing.

They are asking sincere questions. I am going to be cordial. I am a member of the

NRA, as well. We don't chase away honest new friends, not even the fat, ugly ones,

with bad breath.

Edited December 31, 2014 by Sasha Royale

[Sasha Royale]

In the New Year, may I see

. . . . . all the world together

On free soil standing, a people free.

To that moment, I would say,

Linger awhile. So fair thou art.