I occasionally blog about commercial sites, especially around products that interest me. This should never be interpreted as an endorsement of any particular vendor, but simply as an FYI related to something that has piqued my interest.
I like fine pens, own many, but like lots of people, find myself using one less and less. The keyboard has largely become my writing domain, I never send greeting cards, and only use my good pens as an indulgence when signing a cheque or writing good wishes on a birthday card. Of course, my small briefcase has a pen, but it’s a cheapo that I don’t mind losing and most importantly, won’t leak all over everything when I’m in an airplane (as fountain pens are wont to do).
But an email link from Parker Pens to their new web site really stunned me today with its absolute beauty and ease of navigation. No lengthy text here, just beautiful images of gorgeous pens and a high level of interactivity, where you can click on various parts and see the pens from different angles and in different configurations. This is really worth a visit, just to see what a leading-edge artistic site can look like.
Check out the video of their 3D show in New York City, projected onto the facade of the Museum of Arts and Design. Wow! It looks like Parker is making a major commitment to stimulate a resurgence in writing and quality writing instruments. I doubt it will catch on from a mass-market perspective, but I think it will resonate with the pseudo-writer elite who think that owning fine pens (like fine cameras) will make you a better writer.
On the other hand, there’s a lot to be said for the inspirational connection between instrument and craftsman….I’ve felt it myself….a tool that fits your hand, eye, and way of working, inevitably makes your craft more pleasant, if not necessarily better.
As for the quality of their pens, I acquired a new Parker 100 a couple of years ago and it bears no functional resemblance to my original ’51 (I have my Dad’s 1948 Parker ’51); it is scratchy where the original is butter-smooth, and a rather poor example of a fountain pen, I must say. So, I can’t vouch for their quality any more than any other brand. I think I’ll send it in to Parker and see if they stand behind their products. I’ll let you know.