Wiser Web Wednesday – a semi-regular link to posts of interest from around the web by those far wiser than myself:

Write Analog
Mark does an outstanding job of telling us how he came to buy the Pelican M205. Incidentally, I bought the same pen (colour, EF nib) – purchased on the very same Pen Chalet deal (though I must admit, minus the subsequent nib tuning). I do indeed love mine:
Pelikan M205: The Story & Review of My First “Real” Fountain Pen

Reckoner
A nice review on where I guess we are all headed eventually — the smart home. Nice to hear the August Smart Lock (not yet available in Australia) works (mostly) as expected. The protocols and security features of devices such as these really do make me question how secure the good old garage door openers we’ve been using for years really are:
August Smart Lock review

The Pen Addict
It would be remiss of me to post a series of links without including the update Brad has made to his Top 5 Pens lists on The Pen Addict site. I must congratulate my 12 year old son on his own selection of the Pentel Vicuna 0.7mm for the new school year – which I see is number three on the ballpoint list.

View the actual lists here, and read an explanation of same in Brad’s recent post:
Top 5 Pens Spring 2015 Update

Ink & Flour
Sometimes simple is just what you need, and although the Franklin-Christoph 66 is by no means flashy — it delivers where it counts — on paper.

While it’s not flashy, there’s a lot of small details that add up to something special

A great review which captures the essence of this particular pen:
F-C MODEL 66 STABILIS

CoffeeGeek
Posted here simply as one of those nice to look at, and perhaps think about for a couple of seconds before saying to yourself — “yes, it’s very nice, but I won’t be spending $US4495.00 on a home espresso machine any time soon”.

Although a pre-production unit was briefly tested here, I think we gain a pretty good understanding this is a high quality machine with a price tag to match.
La Marzocco Linea Mini

The Spectator
I thought twice about linking to yet another article on the swings and roundabouts of the pens are dying — pens/fountain pens are returning discussion. I’ve included it here simply because this would have been amusing to see:

Last Christmas Eve I encountered a scene of utter mayhem in the pen department of John Lewis on Oxford Street as shoppers fought over the remaining models

Well, I guess that isn’t the only reason. It is, after all, a nice story with some history, and a view on where things stand at present — summed up nicely with:

The fountain pen holds its secrets, and its dignity

Read the full article here:
The return of the fountain pen

From the Pen Cup
A great post on letter writing — something we should all do more often — particularly those of us who enjoy the handwritten word and the tools we use to write them. At times I can be a little self-conscious returning a letter after receiving one which demonstrates vastly superior handwriting — although thankfully I am getting better (at letting go — not necessarily at improving my handwriting!!).

I must admit I’d never thought of making my own envelopes, and I may have just saved the link to the templates available at Jet Pens:
Letter Writing: Stuff That Helps

Steven Pressfield Online
Although I realise things are a lot different these days for aspiring artists to get their work out there, I thought this was interesting from successful author Stephen Pressfield, about what happened to the numerous demo tapes found daily on Bob Dylan’s front gate by his security:

The service’s top priority is to make sure that NOTHING unsolicited gets anywhere near Bob. Each morning the guard collects the demo tapes and throws them unopened into the trash.

Why does the security service do this? First, obviously, to protect Bob Dylan’s time and safety. But equally important, to shield him from a potential plagiarism suit

On the advice of his attorney, Pressfield is also under orders to delete the two or three novels he is emailed each week without ever opening the attachments. It might be an amateur mistake, but one which clearly is ongoing and repeated by many. Some suggestions as to what the “aspirers” should perhaps be doing:
The #1 Amateur Mistake

Gentleman Stationer
I’ve really enjoyed Joe’s posts on vintage pens — none of which I own mind you, however as I’ve said before, these posts are saved for reference when I do look at perhaps buying a couple.

Here’s why I collect Vacs:  They are excellent user pens, among the best vintage pens I have used on a day-to-day basis. They are the perfect size for me, hold a ton of ink via an interesting filling system, and the nibs typically work well for my style of writing…

Reason enough to begin with the vacumatic perhaps.
Vintage Pen Primer, Part IV: The Parker Vacumatic

Macdrifter
I’ve yet to configure Launcher properly after downloading it recently on my iPhone. A nice overview can be seen here.

One great use I have always found for these types of shortcuts? Ensuring the text message I send every afternoon telling my wife I am on the bus home actually goes to her, and not accidentally the last person to whom a message was sent. Perhaps “a great way to idiot proof your phone” should be added to the feature set on the app store description:
Launcher for iOS

Gorgeous.Ink
I did put down a few thoughts in and around blogging, reviews and transparency in a recent post. You know what? At the end of the day, it all really can be summed up quite succinctly, as Paul has done perfectly with this one statement:

So how do you know that I am not influenced by receiving ink for free? You don’t, but I say that I am not and I don’t think that I am

Good enough… no — more than good enough — for me.
How Gorgeous.Ink Addresses Blogger Transparency

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Wiser Web Wednesday – a semi-regular link to posts of interest from around the web by those far wiser than myself:

Dave Rea
During recent months I’ve been thinking about the prospect of indexing my notebooks, as the number of those filled increases. Various spreadsheets and databases came to mind as possibilities, however I think I’ll give Indxd, a new web service created for this very purpose – a try. Yes it is a web service and you might say “but it might disappear at any given moment”.

True enough, though I take some comfort from this:

Once a week, Indxd will send you a backup e-mail containing your index in plain text. If this site ever goes away, your index backups won’t.

For myself, there is no better reason than what Dave has provided here:

But the real reason to build Indxd and put it out into the world is to give something back to the awesome pen and writing community that has welcomed me so warmly. Because this community has brought me a lot of joy.

Certainly no argument from me on that point:
Introducing Indxd: A Digital Tool for Analog Writers

The Gentleman Stationer
Although vintage now, these pens were originally made to be used. That being the case, ink will be required. Certainly some sound advice here, in the third part of this series:
Vintage Pen Primer, Part III: Inks for Vintage Pens

Medium
Originally published in December of 2013, however shared here after Andy Nicolaides sent out the link recently on Twitter, suggesting he feels the relevance of the sentiment in the article remains today.

As someone whose photography is exclusively done on an iPhone – I’d have to agree:
If Only You Had Your Real Camera

Ed Jelley
Another great post by Ed – but surely, though it matters not one iota – I am not the only one who counted the pens in the feature image, expecting eight? I was the only one? Um – ok…moving on then.

Different pens have different filling systems and clear pens (called “demonstrators”) let you see all the inner workings. Tell me that isn’t more interesting than your standard ballpoint?!

Compelling reasons here for those who perhaps have not had much experience with the fountain pen:
8 Reasons Why You Should Write With a Fountain Pen

Top Brew
Top Brew’s weekly look at what coffee means to different people. This time it’s Alex Carpenter – web developer and designer from Grand Rapids. Not an uncommon sentiment for many of us I’d imagine:

Brewing coffee is one of my many hobbies. It is more than just a caffeine fix for me: it’s fun to experiment and explore different coffees and brewing devices. I love coffee.

Alex Carpenter’s Brew Ritual

Fountain Pen Economics
I have only recently signed up to the MassDrop email list and admittedly have not yet made a purchase on any of the attractive pen discounts through the site.

Some interesting thoughts from Dr Jonathon Deans on the MassDrop business model:
Retailer Analysis: MassDrop

The Pen Addict
There have no doubt been some interesting guests featured on The Pen Addict’s Three Questions With series – none more so than fellow Brisbanite (I am proud to say) David Brennan.

With a database of pens like the one featured here, I was not surprised to read “I work in IT…” on one of the answers. This has been one of my favourites so far in the series, on the man behind Nib and Ink (and serious databases):
Three Questions With David Brennan

Steven Pressfield Online
Editor Shawn Coyne of The Story Grid offers some advice on getting that first draft done and dusted, primarily:

I cannot overemphasize how important it is NOT TO RE-WRITE  your first draft. Until you reach its final two words…THE END.

Also listed here are the seven steps Coyne followed in creating the first draft of the his upcoming book The Story Grid: What Good Editors Know, which of course includes at number six:

The next day, I did not look at anything I’d written the day before. I merely scrolled all the way to the bottom of the manuscript, hit INSERT PAGE BREAK, and then wrote that day’s title headline centered on the page and started anew.

Thinking back to my own experience in last years NaNoWriMo, the tight deadline of 30 days practically forces this type of writing, and is probably one of the main reasons so many successfully complete a 50,000 story who otherwise may not ever get there (raises hand)¹:
The First Draft

1. Of course, my own experience totals one – yes one – single attempt at writing a novel, however the title of this blog suggests it is all about me so of course it counts. ↩

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Wiser Web Wednesday – a semi-regular link to posts of interest from around the web – by those far wiser than myself:

Fountain Pen Quest
Here Ray looks at his own fountain pen collection with reference to the Brand Taxonomy post on Fountain Pen Economics (refer next link).

I have not applied the “taxonomy” to my own pens, nor thought about it in relation to pen companies I am familiar with. Certainly an interesting question to pose:
Comments on Fountain Pen Innovation

Fountain Pen Economics
Thanks to Ray’s post above, I clicked through to read the original post and found another pen related site I was previously unaware of, this time with a considerable twist on the usual content. I enjoy reading blogs where the author is able to utilise their professional background as a basis for opinion (in this case, Dr Jonathan Deans, a University Economics lecturer).

There is some great discussion and business analysis on the Pen Economics site. The best part? A fellow Aussie to boot:
Brand Taxonomy
I have linked to the first post in a series on Brand Taxonomy. Be sure to follow through and read the others as well.

The Federalist
This post again highlights the level of debate that will in some ways always be levelled at cursive writing. As a backer of the recently successful CursiveLogic Kickstarter project, I am of course a supporter of cursive handwriting.

Although the article points to the benefits of cursive handwriting, many will continue to point out that a significant portion of the purported benefits pertain to handwriting in general, not necessarily cursive handwriting. I am merely playing devil’s advocate a little here, however I believe those of us in the pen world will be hearing a lot more of this debate in the near future:
Ten Reasons People Still Need Cursive

The Newsprint
As you may have heard – The Newsprint, where you come for the articles and stay for the photography — though I’d say both are on equal (read superb) footing.

Using both digital and analogue tools, Josh has done the hard yards of a year’s worth of journaling.

In short, journaling has made a more complete and rounded me, but it has taken an immense amount of focus and determination to complete.

Effort? Yes. Reward? Absolutely.

One more thing — to those who formed that illustrious group of wisecrackers about the author keeping a diary – I know what I would rather have to look back on after a year; and unlike yourselves, it isn’t solely my highest score on Crossy Road.

Stand tall and journal Mr Ginter, we’re with you:
A Reflection on One Year of Daily Journaling

Three Staples
Some more great photos and journaling inspiration. Wow – some beauty in these entries! Check out the rubber stamp for the Field Notes – perfect.

It’s definitely a time-consuming commitment but I really enjoy and value the time I sit down with it. I get to exercise parts of my brain that have been lazy for so long. It’s rekindled my old hobbies, e.g. rubber stamping, as well.

Field Notes and Hobonichi – arguably a killer combination:
Update on My Journaling Set-Up

Bean Brewding
It is again time for the Bean Brewding Walking Coffee Tour of some fine establishments in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley. Having attended the corresponding tour last year, I can highly recommend it.

I wrote some thoughts after last year’s tour here.

Although I cannot make the event this coming Saturday 7 March – I see the “Beans” are offering discounts to previous attendees as part of their Frequent Flyer program. Such a fantastic idea, and if they keep it up, surely an initial tour then becomes an investment — reaping you significant returns in future.

A great bunch of guys doing their bit for the Brisbane coffee scene, and I wish them every success. You’d be well served to book in and go along:
Bean Brewding Specialty Coffee Tours

The Gentleman Stationer
Although it is beginning to interest me more and more, I have not yet entered the waters of the vintage pen world, however this post certainly offers excellent advice – particularly:

Accept that you will get burned at least once, but probably a few times.

When I do begin my foray, it will be after reviewing much of Joe’s advice here:
Vintage Pen Primer, Part I

David Hewson
For those who write in Ulysses for Mac, author David Hewson offers up another tip on maximising the features within the app, this time in relation to opening a second window within the same project:

Use one window for writing — in other words leave it in the sheet you’re working on. Use the second window to navigate the whole project, finding earlier references, doing searches, browsing and adding notes to the management sheets.

Wise words indeed, from someone with ample qualifications to speak:
How to double your manuscript control in Ulysses

World Aeropress Championships
Now that friends, is a venue. This year, those vying for the title of master of the plastic fantastic – the Aeropress, will be in Seattle, Washington, to show their style.

And…um:

As WithinSodo is a licensed wedding venue, and has copious experience in performing nuptials, any couples wanting to finally realise their dream of a group wedding held in conjunction with the World Aeropress Championship final — and frankly, who doesn’t? — should get in touch about the very attractively priced spectacle that we can make of your special day.

I can see it now: one groom, a choice of three brides, A,B or C, and the judges could determine – no… wait – that’s the coffee judging! Good luck to all:
2015 World Aeropress Championship – April 9th

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Wiser Web Wednesday – a semi-regular link to posts of interest from around the web by those far wiser than myself:

Tom Bihn Blog
Modern Stationer’s Doug Lane, continuing to go from strength to strength with some great posts – this time a guest on the Tom Bihn blog:

But if it’s been a while, give writing by hand another try. You may be surprised by how pens and paper can shift your brain into a forgotten gear and give you the break from the connected world that you may not even realize that you need.

Perfect.

You owe it to yourself to read the whole post:
The Right Kind of Friction

From the Pen Cup
Judging by the response on Twitter, this post from Mary resonated with quite a lot of people – myself included. The challenge now, will be for those (us) who wholeheartedly agreed with the sentiment, to follow-up in practice – a much more difficult prospect.

It’s easy to get caught up in your friends’ purchases and recommendations…

Indeed it is:
On Not Buying Pens

An Inkophile’s Blog
I’ve thought quite a bit about my own storage and sampling of inks lately, though I must admit the small collection I have certainly doesn’t require anything too extensive. This system of using Mnemosyne cards for ink samples provides a great quick reference:
Keeping Track Of Ink And Pens

Gentleman Stationer
The Lamy Safari is often the introductory fountain pen for many users, however not so here – nor was it with myself:

Many people, like me, come to Safaris later, after they have been using (much more expensive) fountain pens for a while, only to realize that the Safari is a flat-out good pen, irrespective of its price range.

Mind you, I am always astonished by the fact I have quite taken to the triangular nature of the grip section on my Safari fountain pen, yet somehow am not as fond of the very same grip on my rollerball. Go figure:
Basic Black: One Week with the Lamy Safari

COVERED Podcast
In the hope of improving my own writing in some way, I’ve taken more of an interest recently in what authors have to say on the subject.

A conversation about books with the people who write them.

Harry Marks does a fantastic job hosting this podcast, and if you are at all interested in writing and/or reading, go listen:
COVERED with Harry C Marks

Johnny Anypen
After a recent run with the Pilot Petit1, I mentioned my next (very) low-end fountain pen purchase would be the Platinum Preppy. Now I know what to expect:
Review: Platinum Preppy M Nib

Tools & Toys
There are many, many coffee apps on the App Store – timers, orders, recipes, brand awareness and/or online shopping, and some – all of the above. As Tools & Toys points out, Press looks a little different. Although there are indeed timers, Press also has a section (with integrated location map) to record your favourite single origins and tasting notes. Go and create your own global coffee map:
Press Coffee for iPhone

Brisbane Café Explorer
Having managed to get along to last year’s event, it was nice to read how things turned out in the 2015 QLD AeroPress Championships, held at the Wooloongabba Social Club. A nice write-up on Brisbane Café Explorer:
QLD Aeropress championship

James Bond 007 YouTube Channel
Although not usually critically acclaimed, I’ve always loved a good Bond film. A bonus – the stunning scenery from places I’m certainly never likely to visit:
Here’s the first behind the scenes footage of SPECTRE

Follow @petedenison

Wiser Web Wednesday – a regular link to posts of interest from around the web by those far wiser than myself:

Three Staples
A great comparison post on three white Colors Editions of Field Notes notebooks (with a couple of white special editions thrown in the mix as well). I found this an interesting post as I do not own any of the editions featured here. Also worth a look for the images alone:
Field Notes Color Comparison: White

Design Observer
Although there are numerous posts around on why things such as books still matter, I’ve not seen some of those listed here. Not the least of which is the “social” function — that is, people can see what we are reading, rather than having to tweet about what we are reading. All in all though, some very compelling reasons for maintaining the physicality of the printed word, including leaflets, cartoons and the like:
Books Matter

Write Analog
Over at Write Analog, Mark has big plans for the site, and I for one am quite excited about them. Interviews, a newsletter, giveaways and more — head on over and sign up, or at least take a look at what’s coming.

Towards the end of the post Mark kindly takes the time to thank some fellow bloggers for their support during the early phases of getting the Write Analog site up and running. A nice touch, and again evidence of the great online pen and paper community. I am not sure what it makes me by linking to a post that I myself am linked in — why self-serving I guess! Or maybe that’s only if I click it – I didn’t — er…promise:
Some Site News & Special Thanks

Matt Gemmell
A nicely set up introduction to this post occurs before the big reveal, so no, I am not about to spill the beans on the exact item in question here. With so much being rolled into one universal gadget these days, every time we do, a little of the polished edges are taken away. This is a great reminder that not only do certain tools stand far better on their own, but also that it is okay to — and we should — still use them.¹
Dedicated

On Fountain Pens
As always there are so many great posts to link to for pen reviews it’s difficult to pick just one, or a few at that. Maybelline takes a look at a couple of Namiki’s with contrasting nibs:
Two Namiki Falcon fountain pens

Rolling Stone
Not a new article though an enjoyable read from last October. In particular, King’s views on elitism in reviews:

It was this assumption that if fiction was selling a lot of copies, it was bad. If something is accessible to a lot of people, it’s got to be dumb because most people are dumb. And that’s elitist. I don’t buy it.

Hear, hear. I acknowledge we are all a product of what we consume and learn, with reading a big part of that. I am all for literary classics — but believe me, that high-brow tome in your hands doesn’t automatically make you any better than me.
Stephen King: The Rolling Stone Interview

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1. Footnoted to again hopefully avoid spoiling the piece – reading this post, I could not help but think of Louis Litt from Suits – a show I enjoy very much. Fake model numbers aside, there are times when we’ve all been Litt up. ↩

 

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