Quote:
Originally Posted by AprilHare
Typewriters can work without electricity - something handy to have occasionally, but generally not used, it's true.
I agree that feathers and inkwells are outmoded (although artists may find them interesting).
But I do not consider a fountain pen archaic. - How else could I buy 50 mL of ink for next to nothing and just repeatedly refill a pen for ages and ages? It's economically sound, good for the environment, easier on the wallet, easier on the hand and leaves a really nice result to do things that way.
Even my disposable fountain pen is by no means archaic. It's functionally and practically equivalent to a disposable biro, felt tip or roller ball pen; it looks great; it's easier on the hands; and the result looks very stylish.
I think you've fallen into the 'new is always better' trap, Jaime. It aint always so.
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Archaic does not mean "obsolete." My regarding fountain pens archaic has left to do with its objective qualities and more with its associations with a bygone time; they seem to have been more prominent in the past, but cheap and easier to use pens appear to be the norm now. Fountain pens are archaic in the same sense togas are archaic; nothing wrong with them, its just that you don't see them anymore.
Also, a lot of newer stuff is better despite requiring infrastructure, because the contexts in which they are deployed guarantees the infrastructure is in place. Typewriters may work without electricity, but this isn't a problem for countries in which virtually all homes have it. Cars require fuel, yet that doesn't mean horses are better; as long as fuel doesn't become scarce enough to become too expensive, cars are better modes of transportation. This is not to say newer is always better, either.
As for me, I don't like any kind of pen much. Pencils are my writing utensils of choice, if keyboards are not counted. Ballpoint pens of moderate quality come in third place, and mechanical pencil are at the very bottom of the heap. I hate those things.