I think the video proves something, but I’m not sure what…
Inkophile is ten years old! Can you believe it? Over 216,000 words, 250 reviews, 1,200 posts and 6,000 comments. That’s a lot of pen talk!
Fountain pens were’t always my tool of choice, but in an art store nearly twenty years ago, a disposable model caught my eye. Since then there has been no turning back.
Moving forward a few years, Ebay provided access to pens that were unavailable locally, but those thirsty suckers needed suitable nectar and that’s when I discovered Pendemonium. Through Sam and Frank, I learned about Rhodia pads and acquired a taste for J. Herbin Lie de The and Poussiere de Lune. Then came Noodler’s Black and Legal Lapis. Those early acquisitions made a fine start to my ink addiction.
Fountain Pen Network caught my interest a few years later, and after an extended period of lurking, I signed up. It was an enjoyable playground for a newbie and remains so. Back then FPN’s tolerance for intemperate and off-topic remarks led to the creation of Inkophile as a more free form and less divisive venue for pen posts. Thanks, FPN!
Even my Twitter account has been around for a decade. Recently, I put some time into refining my Twitter lists, one with over 250 artists and another with over 400 pen people. Twitter can be a cesspool so members are mostly folks who post on-topic or upbeat tweets. The lists are curated so will not only expand, but members who cease to write about relevant subjects will be removed. No aspersions cast on anyone, but the point is to see tweets related to art, pens, and things that are positive. The lists can be a treat when other areas of life are not.
Manufacturers have expanded their offerings in the past ten years well beyond anything I imagined when Inkophile was launched. There is no way to keep up with every pen and ink released making the support of retailers and distributors invaluable. In fact, Pen Chalet, Goldspot, and Exaclair have sent pens and inks recently so there are a few new items awaiting review. Much to do.
Lastly, a huge thank you to my readers who have made this blog possible. You are the best!
In order, most viewed Inkophile photos on Flickr:
Have you selected your rotation for Spring? Some years the inks select themselves. This year there were no volunteers. However, there are inks on my desk that have been pining for use and so they shall be obliged along with a few more seasonally suggestive entries.
This Spring list is darker than in the past and lacks a pink or orange. Those colors are in storage while my office gets reorganized. If they were accessible, Sailor Peach Pink and J. Herbin Orange Indien would have been included.
Colorverse Crystal Planet and Andromeda were sent by Pen Chalet while Papier Plume Caramel came from Anderson Pens. All are new to my collection and proving to be worthy additions.
Saving my tea bags in case there’s a paper shortage…
If you are not familiar with David Isaacson and Vacumania, now is the time to get acquainted. He knows more about pens than the rest of us combined and he always has beautifully restored vintage pens on offer. At the other end of the spectrum, Fountain Pen Quest reviews disposable pens. It may not be your cuppa, but it is the safest way to introduce a novice to fountain pens without risk to your precious and pricey babies…
No lions, tigers or bears, but a few pen and ink links. Oh, and one piece about going to Mars for those who like to travel…
Who can resist puppies?
Inkophile
