Are We Becoming A Stagnant Forum?

[2brothers]

I'm going to go far right-wing and say we should ban the aforementioned topics("is my pen real?", etc).I'm not concerned about losing members who are too lazy to research an items value or authenticity for themselves. I enjoy reading all the real threads and hope we can refocus the forum.

 

Happy New Year!

[______Zaphod_Beeblebrox]

I'm going to go far right-wing and say we should ban the aforementioned topics("is my pen real?", etc).I'm not concerned about losing members who are too lazy to research an items value or authenticity for themselves. I enjoy reading all the <em class='bbc'>real</em> threads and hope we can refocus the forum.

 

Happy New Year!

The ones that I think are pointless are the one that already bought a pen and then ask if it was a good deal. Also some buy a used pen and get a junk pen, they are looking for help afterward but alway talk about how much trouble it would be to just return it. I believe a lot of people realy are not looking for real answers but looking for answer that they want to hear to confirm the way they think.

[Paul Raposo]

we should ban the aforementioned topics("is my pen real?", etc).

 

I'm not really bothered by the "Is it real" posts as sometimes people just don't know how to research pens.

 

When I bought my first 149 I asked questions here and FPN members were able to tell me what to look for. I was pretty ignorant about MB in general and 149s in particular.

 

To see just how ignorant I was read comment #4

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/201690-opening-blind-cap-on-149/

 

I really dislike the "What's it worth" posts simply because most times those are people looking to sell the pen and I don't think they really want to hear what the FMV of the pen is, but are hoping to read that it's worth hundreds so they can post it on ebay or Craigslist.

[johnkim424]

As the saying goes there are no stupid questions, just stupid people. I have no problems with any kinds of questions people ask on this forum, even the repetitive ones. Just no personal and direct attacks, but I have not seen those either, so no complaints.

[jamesgibby]

As the saying goes there are no stupid questions, just stupid people. I have no problems with any kinds of questions people ask on this forum, even the repetitive ones. Just no personal and direct attacks, but I have not seen those either, so no complaints.

 

i agree that there is a place for these questions, we all started somewhere and indeed sometimes even the more experienced members need some help with identification / dating/ value so i wouldn't have the rules changed to ban these questions.

 

i just feel that the more "real" content is often pushed down by these types of questions and, whilst sometimes we get really interesting finds, more often that not it get a bit tedious!

 

i did not plan to start a rebellion!!!

[cnjackson]

I have to admit that I've felt a little saddened by some parts of this thread: several posts here ("I hate X kind of post"; "Y kinds of post are a waste of time"; "Z posts push the relevant material off the front page"; etc.) strike me as pretty unfriendly. It seems to me that a public forum, whose members range from deeply experienced MB users/collectors to absolute newcomers, should have space for all sincere questions and observations.

 

A forum is a place of conversation. If a member here happens to be bored by certain conversations, perhaps he or she should just move on to another conversation of greater interest? Likewise, if someone yearns for a conversation that isn't there, perhaps that person can start it off for us. But I don't think we make that more likely if we start communicating to members--new and old alike--that certain people here get to decide what's ok to talk about and what's not ok.

 

I think Sasha Royale and johnkim capture some of the spirit of FPN as I would like to participate in it:

 

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.

 

 

As the saying goes there are no stupid questions, just stupid people. I have no problems with any kinds of questions people ask on this forum, even the repetitive ones. Just no personal and direct attacks, but I have not seen those either, so no complaints.

 

Chris

[jamesgibby]

True, but equally go to other forums for other brands and it seems to be different. Maybe it's the nature of the beast that is MB.

 

Sometimes quality is better than quantity and I repeat that I have not advocated at any time a removal / banking of any content. In fact I was channeling some, not unfounded or unshared concern, into an alternative avenue such as wikis or FAQ'S which would help All members old and new and arguably increase the value of our forum.

 

I agree that we should be welcoming and I think that we are, but at the same time we have rules that means we can't sell on here you go to classifieds, repair questions go to repair FAQ, etc, we could use some of the same tried and tested methodology to tackle a class or classes of questions.

 

I must say that I went off the forum for a few months because I felt we had lost something but as you say I have come back with some ideas because I do really like what we have here And I have seen the forum develop over the last 5 years hence my suggestions for wikis and other interesting activities which may entice the knowledgable members back into a collective project.

[pavoni]

Hi Guys,

 

Glad to hear that you are not looking to start a rebellion jamesgibby, , though I do thank you for raising this important topic, which is the first in......................gosh! far too long since I last felt compelled to comment/contribute.

 

I am also one of those who have found little recently to keep me logged onto my favourite forum. It has been some time since a post has really grabbed my attention sufficient for me to want to reply or to watch out for the next instalment. It was only this week, when the excellent Slippery (nice MB 139 ) e-mailed me to see how things were, that I realised just how long I had been away. Yes, I have been hugely busy at work, but not enough really to keep me from contributing, if I really wanted to. James' post has certainly tested whether I have anything other than a Browser's interest now in the Montblanc forum.

 

I used to log on early in the morning, steal time at work, and then log on again late at night, such was my interest. If not an attention-grabbing post, then a post or reply from one of those regular members whose comments were compulsive reading, would do the trick for me. But even these seem to have dried up, further diluting my interest in the forum; regulating my contribution to that of a Browser. I had drifted to other forums, particularly the handwriting ones and, whilst these can be hugely inspiring, sometimes, and far too often,.................. ..... .... .....

 

My personal view is that this supposed 'stagnation' or barren spell of our forum, has nothing to do with the health or otherwise of Montblanc, or indeed anything to do with those awful polarising perceptions/views of the brand some people seem to be stuck with. Rather, it is surely to do with us!

 

This is an excellent forum; seldom held hostage by elitism or the dominate (obnoxious) opinion that one can witness in other forums and as such, jamesgibby's post has to be both welcomed and acted upon. Enough of you have commented/replied, which is a good sign.....isn't it?

 

I will look to address my own poor contribution of late, in due course. Owning a camera is going to be a great start for me . I will endeavour to purchase one and pull my finger out.

 

For what it is worth, I support the idea of a wiki/FAQ section. However, before steps are taken to filter/restrict/bar certain types of questions, please recognise the need for this excellent forum to grow naturally.

 

Surely New Comers/browsers must be encouraged and not feel frustrated at having to navigate such barriers or numerous sub-forums that would stop them sticking to our forum. Basic information must be easily identified and available. I am certain that there are sufficient members among us, with sufficient knowledge, experience and patience, to deal with the seemingly obvious and sometimes frustrating first-time questions. By way of reminder, we can take a moment to look back, as Paul has kindly done, at our own early posts, to see how innocent many newby questions are! Why did we ask them! What was missing when visiting the forum that meant we had to ask something that was bound to have been asked before? Questions with such themes as "How much.....?" don't bother me personally because they are what they are. Besides, some of the answers have tickled and even interested me. However, I recognise the risk of clogging and therefore would support appropriate action taken by the Moderators to deal with as they see fit, mindful of risk of raising barriers(please!)

 

In summary, my current lack of interest is my problem and as such, this is now one of my New Year resolutions; to do something about it.................soon

 

P.S. Thank you pen2paper for your typically kind comments

P.P.S Thank you Azuniga for posting that excellent picture. What a treat . I have to agree with you on Montblanc's Museum. I went with great anticipation, only to come away quite disappointed. However, my disappointment was quickly changed to one of smugness when I made comparisons to my own collection which I will not now be donating there (my first intention, to enable others to appreciate MB's glorious piston-fillers of 1934-54 ) Thank you again Azuniga. Would love to see more of that fabulous collection (and collecting cabinets) of yours

 

Phew! I hadn't meant to go on for so long....

 

Pavoni

(fan and member of the FPN Montblanc Forum)

[jamesgibby]

Hi Guys,

 

Glad to hear that you are not looking to start a rebellion jamesgibby, , though I do thank you for raising this important topic, which is the first in......................gosh! far too long since I last felt compelled to comment/contribute.

 

I am also one of those who have found little recently to keep me logged onto my favourite forum. It has been some time since a post has really grabbed my attention sufficient for me to want to reply or to watch out for the next instalment. It was only this week, when the excellent Slippery (nice MB 139 ) e-mailed me to see how things were, that I realised just how long I had been away. Yes, I have been hugely busy at work, but not enough really to keep me from contributing, if I really wanted to. James' post has certainly tested whether I have anything other than a Browser's interest now in the Montblanc forum.

 

I used to log on early in the morning, steal time at work, and then log on again late at night, such was my interest. If not an attention-grabbing post, then a post or reply from one of those regular members whose comments were compulsive reading, would do the trick for me. But even these seem to have dried up, further diluting my interest in the forum; regulating my contribution to that of a Browser. I had drifted to other forums, particularly the handwriting ones and, whilst these can be hugely inspiring, sometimes, and far too often,.................. ..... .... .....

 

My personal view is that this supposed 'stagnation' or barren spell of our forum, has nothing to do with the health or otherwise of Montblanc, or indeed anything to do with those awful polarising perceptions/views of the brand some people seem to be stuck with. Rather, it is surely to do with us!

 

This is an excellent forum; seldom held hostage by elitism or the dominate (obnoxious) opinion that one can witness in other forums and as such, jamesgibby's post has to be both welcomed and acted upon. Enough of you have commented/replied, which is a good sign.....isn't it?

 

I will look to address my own poor contribution of late, in due course. Owning a camera is going to be a great start for me . I will endeavour to purchase one and pull my finger out.

 

For what it is worth, I support the idea of a wiki/FAQ section. However, before steps are taken to filter/restrict/bar certain types of questions, please recognise the need for this excellent forum to grow naturally.

 

Surely New Comers/browsers must be encouraged and not feel frustrated at having to navigate such barriers or numerous sub-forums that would stop them sticking to our forum. Basic information must be easily identified and available. I am certain that there are sufficient members among us, with sufficient knowledge, experience and patience, to deal with the seemingly obvious and sometimes frustrating first-time questions. By way of reminder, we can take a moment to look back, as Paul has kindly done, at our own early posts, to see how innocent many newby questions are! Why did we ask them! What was missing when visiting the forum that meant we had to ask something that was bound to have been asked before? Questions with such themes as "How much.....?" don't bother me personally because they are what they are. Besides, some of the answers have tickled and even interested me. However, I recognise the risk of clogging and therefore would support appropriate action taken by the Moderators to deal with as they see fit, mindful of risk of raising barriers(please!)

 

In summary, my current lack of interest is my problem and as such, this is now one of my New Year resolutions; to do something about it.................soon

 

P.S. Thank you pen2paper for your typically kind comments

P.P.S Thank you Azuniga for posting that excellent picture. What a treat . I have to agree with you on Montblanc's Museum. I went with great anticipation, only to come away quite disappointed. However, my disappointment was quickly changed to one of smugness when I made comparisons to my own collection which I will not now be donating there (my first intention, to enable others to appreciate MB's glorious piston-fillers of 1934-54 ) Thank you again Azuniga. Would love to see more of that fabulous collection (and collecting cabinets) of yours

 

Phew! I hadn't meant to go on for so long....

 

Pavoni

(fan and member of the FPN Montblanc Forum)

Sums it up rather well. +1 from me!

[Paul Raposo]

By way of reminder, we can take a moment to look back, as Paul has kindly done, at our own early posts, to see how innocent many newby questions are! Questions with such themes as "How much.....?" don't bother me personally because they are what they are. Besides, some of the answers have tickled and even interested me. However, I recognise the risk of clogging and therefore would support appropriate action taken by the Moderators to deal with as they see fit, mindful of risk of raising barriers(please!)

 

Admittedly when I read some of my earlier posts they are cringe worthy But everyone on FPN always made me feel welcome and never made me feel foolish or ridiculous.

 

I certainly don't want to see us go down the road of many watch forums where posters are admonished or banned because the boards have rules about giving out valuations.

 

I have been guilty of asking, "Did I pay too much?" simply because I was just starting out and didn't know the pen market. I don't want to see potential new collectors and enthusiasts chased off for asking such questions.

 

If the question comes honestly, or the poster states outright they want to sell the pen then I have no issue with valuation questions. But don't give us a story about your long deceased relative leaving you the pen when the reality may be quite different--you found it in a drawer and want to sell it to buy yourself cha cha heels for Christmas

[slippery when wet]

Hi Guys,

 

Glad to hear that you are not looking to start a rebellion jamesgibby, , though I do thank you for raising this important topic, which is the first in......................gosh! far too long since I last felt compelled to comment/contribute.

 

I am also one of those who have found little recently to keep me logged onto my favourite forum. It has been some time since a post has really grabbed my attention sufficient for me to want to reply or to watch out for the next instalment. It was only this week, when the excellent Slippery (nice MB 139 ) e-mailed me to see how things were, that I realised just how long I had been away. Yes, I have been hugely busy at work, but not enough really to keep me from contributing, if I really wanted to. James' post has certainly tested whether I have anything other than a Browser's interest now in the Montblanc forum.

 

I used to log on early in the morning, steal time at work, and then log on again late at night, such was my interest. If not an attention-grabbing post, then a post or reply from one of those regular members whose comments were compulsive reading, would do the trick for me. But even these seem to have dried up, further diluting my interest in the forum; regulating my contribution to that of a Browser. I had drifted to other forums, particularly the handwriting ones and, whilst these can be hugely inspiring, sometimes, and far too often,.................. ..... .... .....

 

My personal view is that this supposed 'stagnation' or barren spell of our forum, has nothing to do with the health or otherwise of Montblanc, or indeed anything to do with those awful polarising perceptions/views of the brand some people seem to be stuck with. Rather, it is surely to do with us!

 

This is an excellent forum; seldom held hostage by elitism or the dominate (obnoxious) opinion that one can witness in other forums and as such, jamesgibby's post has to be both welcomed and acted upon. Enough of you have commented/replied, which is a good sign.....isn't it?

 

I will look to address my own poor contribution of late, in due course. Owning a camera is going to be a great start for me . I will endeavour to purchase one and pull my finger out.

 

For what it is worth, I support the idea of a wiki/FAQ section. However, before steps are taken to filter/restrict/bar certain types of questions, please recognise the need for this excellent forum to grow naturally.

 

Surely New Comers/browsers must be encouraged and not feel frustrated at having to navigate such barriers or numerous sub-forums that would stop them sticking to our forum. Basic information must be easily identified and available. I am certain that there are sufficient members among us, with sufficient knowledge, experience and patience, to deal with the seemingly obvious and sometimes frustrating first-time questions. By way of reminder, we can take a moment to look back, as Paul has kindly done, at our own early posts, to see how innocent many newby questions are! Why did we ask them! What was missing when visiting the forum that meant we had to ask something that was bound to have been asked before? Questions with such themes as "How much.....?" don't bother me personally because they are what they are. Besides, some of the answers have tickled and even interested me. However, I recognise the risk of clogging and therefore would support appropriate action taken by the Moderators to deal with as they see fit, mindful of risk of raising barriers(please!)

 

In summary, my current lack of interest is my problem and as such, this is now one of my New Year resolutions; to do something about it.................soon

 

P.S. Thank you pen2paper for your typically kind comments

P.P.S Thank you Azuniga for posting that excellent picture. What a treat . I have to agree with you on Montblanc's Museum. I went with great anticipation, only to come away quite disappointed. However, my disappointment was quickly changed to one of smugness when I made comparisons to my own collection which I will not now be donating there (my first intention, to enable others to appreciate MB's glorious piston-fillers of 1934-54 ) Thank you again Azuniga. Would love to see more of that fabulous collection (and collecting cabinets) of yours

 

Phew! I hadn't meant to go on for so long....

 

Pavoni

(fan and member of the FPN Montblanc Forum)

 

 

Welcome back Pavoni,

 

I compare threads similar to trolling through eBay, you spend a lot of time searching and occasionally something great comes your way.

[pen2paper]

Delighted you showed up Pavoni! Was hoping you and other MB enthusiasts would gather and pool your interests.

 

You mentioned disappointment in the brick and mortar MB museum. Having seen Your enthusiasm via detailed MB history posts, that does not surprise in the least. I'm about to challenge the collective You, to present a MB museum as you'd like to have had it represented.

 

My unqualified sticking a toe into the MB forum waters Is to encourage the lot of you to consider turning this forums capabilities into an online photo/ephemera documented MB museum. Observing the forward thinking FPN changes, serious study with uploaded photos, and non-commercial links are encouraged. The Admins, & Mods are listening, making things happen, as serious enthusiasts themselves. As a former very quiet observer of L&P, that level of writing instrument history could be established here, and with the growth structure of FPN sustain > The MB Reference.

 

What do you think?

[Opooh]

Nice to have you back in business , Pavoni !

[KAC]

The posting by Azuniga and the restoration project recently described and photographed by "Slippery When Wet" are two examples of what I'd like to see much more of on this forum. Having reviewed ancient postings here, it seems to me that nowadays there is a lot less vintage and a much greater fixation on the worth and authenticity of overpriced modern MB "knock-offs" from their classic pen lineage. But...I'm being repetitious.

 

Posted with the usual disclaimers,

KAC

 

[jamesgibby]

Delighted you showed up Pavoni! Was hoping you and other MB enthusiasts would gather and pool your interests.

 

You mentioned disappointment in the brick and mortar MB museum. Having seen Your enthusiasm via detailed MB history posts, that does not surprise in the least. I'm about to challenge the collective You, to present a MB museum as you'd like to have had it represented.

 

My unqualified sticking a toe into the MB forum waters Is to encourage the lot of you to consider turning this forums capabilities into an online photo/ephemera documented MB museum. Observing the forward thinking FPN changes, serious study with uploaded photos, and non-commercial links are encouraged. The Admins, & Mods are listening, making things happen, as serious enthusiasts themselves. As a former very quiet observer of L&P, that level of writing instrument history could be established here, and with the growth structure of FPN sustain > The MB Reference.

 

What do you think?

 

many of us feel this way however as Kalessin says you need content and people. We all tend to be quite busy but i would encourage any project that encourages the likes of Pavoni to return to the forum once again

[Azuniga]

I have to say, when I first read this topic I though oh no, something weird again… then I started reading… it made sense, but secretly I thought: if only Pavoni upload some more reviews !!! so I am glad to hear from him again…

 

Just to keep this alive some images

 

# 6 ED, 14 k 6, (Medium) 12.7 cm.

# 8 Safety, Simplo 8 14 k (F). 13 cm.

# 25 Safety, 18 ct 25, 13 cm.

# 35 Safety, 4810 M, 13 cm.

# 45 Safety, 18 ct 45, 13 cm (I prefer them unpolished) …

# 12 Safety, Simplo 12 14 k, 15.3 cm.

 

Other # 12 I have seen have an imprint Montblac-Stöfhaas and in the line under it says Hamburg-Berlin-Leipzig.

This one has a print reading: Montblanc-Niederlage and the line under is Stöfhaas-Hamburg-Berlin.

Someone here could probably explain…

 

 

[pen2paper]

understand time limitations, but see what I see developing here, rebuilding interest is excitng

slipping back into quiet cheerleader observer role

 

Aside from student observer, I hope some day, I'll have learned enough about more oblique old MB, and early European manufacture, so that when casually visiting estate sales in my area that once had a strong European communities, (one German), I may be able to spot a pen that should be restored and returned to the community that appreciates writing instrument history. Seeing a handful recently, I was lost, only barely discerning the clear low quality fakes. Troubling that perhaps a missing history link was overlooked. Had it been some other manufactures I could looked for the weak lever box, or typical cracks, correct nibs, etc.

 

Thanks Azuniga for your contribution today.

[pavoni]

Oh Azuniga, your collection never ceases to amaze me

 

That No 12 safety is just .............. What a pen. Not sure if everyone is aware of the scale of that pen but, it is huge, and with a size 12 nib - to die for .

 

Really impressed with your travelling ink bottles. I have the 1001 and I have the 1008 but without that lovely ink window yours has!

 

And Sir, where on earth did you find that very rare ODOL bottle....and with its box!

 

Fantastic contribution Azuniga. Many thanks for sharing so generously.

 

Pavoni.

[pen2paper]

Oh Azuniga, your collection never ceases to amaze me

 

That No 12 safety is just .............. What a pen. Not sure if everyone is aware of the scale of that pen but, it is huge, and with a size 12 nib - to die for .

 

Really impressed with your travelling ink bottles. I have the 1001 and I have the 1008 but without that lovely ink window yours has!

 

And Sir, where on earth did you find that very rare ODOL bottle....and with its box!

 

Fantastic contribution Azuniga. Many thanks for sharing so generously.

 

Pavoni.

ok, so spill the details Please! I know I'm seeing a variety of early, amazing, rare MB. Tell Us the story, dates, details.

[karmakoda]

It has been some time since I made a comment here. Looks like this topic is igniting excellent discussion in the original spirit intended. Thank you James.

 

As Paul and Pavoni mentioned, above, reviewing early posts can be uncomfortably embarrassing, but most Members of the Montblanc Forum were forgiving to me, and eventually some of my posts could be considered contributions.

 

We all start somewhere, trying to peel back the layers of myth and misconceptions concerning Montblanc, while sharing our fascination. Since joining the FPN, I purchased 28 Montblanc pens, nine of them 149s. All are treasured, some handed down, all functioning as the quality writing instruments we appreciate.

 

Generous assistance came to me from Members including Barry Gabay (149 authority), jar, Pavoni, talkinghead, Paul Raposo, goodguy, Multiechelon, Fred Ryder, Eric Niksch, meiers, hari 317, stevlight, shrinknib, Pen Nut, georges zaslavsky, Wael El-Dasher, Blade Runner, Ghost Plane, Bryant, Ethernautrix , sunnerd, KJY, MaxPens, Michael R, CS388, fountainpende, orfew, fountainbel, and others.

Many Thanks, and Happy New Year to members old and new.