Comments on: 5 Items to Snap You Out of Your Digital Writing Routine

By: Mike Rodgers

Mike Rodgers — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 13:21:53 +0000

I don’t get to write much these days but when I do, it’s usually printed. I get comments from the bank, customers and co-workers about it. This started when I had to use handwriting to input data in a Newton MessagePad. Now I print with pen and paper.
While I do not have an Embassy Pen, I do use a Zebra fine point pen with an all metal body. It’s quite durable and the fine point gives me the control I like. It works especially well when writing on xray film as well.

By: David Chew

David Chew — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 01:50:20 +0000

When I was just out of college (over 30 years ago) I discovered in a Walden Bookstore Fred Eager’s _The Italic Way to Beautiful Handwriting_. I got it and in 6 months had completely changed my handwriting. To this day I get comments and requests to do wedding invitations, formal certificates, &c. I love my italic nib fountain pen. However, for the fine note-taking and normal day-to-day writing, I could not function without my Namiki vanishing point (extra) fine nib push button fountain pen. I carry them both with me at all times.

By: J.P. Parks

J.P. Parks — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 20:03:06 +0000

For the last year or so I’ve been writing with a nib and iron gall ink. I use all sorts of nibs, but most of them are old ones that are unused. You can buy them on eBay for a song.

When I tell people I write with nib and ink, they always look at me like I’m from another planet. They also ask if it’s cumbersome. I tell them that it helps to slow me down, helps me gather my thoughts, and allows me to speak more directly to whatever it is I’m trying to get down on paper. It’s not as cumbersome as some might think, though. Once you figure out your setup, it works nicely.

I have good handwriting anyway, but I’ve learned to pay more attention to the style of my writing and the shape of my letters; much like improving one’s speech through improved enunciation.

If you get the chance to pick up a box of old nibs, and some ink – do it; it is immensely satisfying, and particularly manly.

By: John D. Shea

John D. Shea — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 19:36:40 +0000

Joshua Scott, excellent idea about keeping a journal in “code.” What I do is keep a cursive handwritten journal next to my Bible. I can catch up on journaling during long, boring sermons at church, and everyone else thinks I am being studious.

By: Mashuri

Mashuri — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 19:14:58 +0000

I enjoy hand writing and sketching on my iPad, thank you very much. Instead of a pen, I use either my fingers or a handy stylus. Every note I’ve ever taken on it travel with me wherever I go, and are accessible from any computer with internet access.

By: Dan

Dan — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 18:33:48 +0000

It would be interesting to have a journal that nice and see if it made the difference for me. I have tried to start journaling a couple of times in the last several years, but have not been successful. I think I’ll try again anway.

By: tom

tom — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 17:57:55 +0000

I have a ringed notebook with quality heavy gauge paper that seems to make writing down my ideas a little easier.
Its important to go somewhere quiet and comfortable, away from the phone, interruptions etc… Its there I am able to let go and be in the moment with my thoughts.

By: TK

TK — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:31:26 +0000

It happened when I tossed my computer out the window. A man’s got to make a living somehow.

By: Catherine

Catherine — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:23:18 +0000

I guess I should have read that this blog is called the art of manliness! Oops. I still want the journal ;)

By: Kelly

Kelly — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:20:49 +0000

Sorry guys, everyone with real field experience knows that you must use a pencil with Rite-In-Rain notebooks. Ink smears.