Most years, I take vacation during the month of June and use the time off to recharge. New content takes a back seat to a bit of rest, but for several different reasons (one of which is pretty exciting and discussed at the end of today’s post) that’s not the case this year. Nonetheless, I love doing the mid-year recaps and reviews because it lets me take stock of what I’ve done so far, compare it to my strategic plan, and plot the course for the second half of the year in terms of informational resources I plan to write, products to review, and - especially relevant this year - shop strategy! Today’s post looks at the five posts I had the most fun writing during the first six months of 2024, and which prompted the most reader feedback and engagement. Enjoy!
Strategic Paper Replacement: Adventures in E-Ink, Part I (The Physical Writing Experience). Yes, additional installments in this series are coming, but I’m taking my time with it because I’m still working through exactly how to explain the role these devices have come to play in my workflow. I will say that I’ve completely moved on from the iPad Pro and most “electronic handwriting” that I do is now on e-ink-based systems.
Pen Myth-Busting: Remember That Information on the Internet Has an Expiration Date. You may have noticed that in several posts so far this year, I’ve revisited reviews from the early years of T.G.S. That’s intentional, because companies change, manufacturing improves, and observations and conclusions from ten years ago aren’t always accurate.
#17InkQuestions from The Gentleman Stationer. I’ve enjoyed these writing prompts that have become popular over the past year or so. If you’re interested in learning about how different community members use their pens and inks, and how they got into the hobby in the first place, check out these posts.
How Fine is “Too Fine”? Comparing Tip Sizes Across Different Pen and Pencil Types. I’ve been trying to compile more informational resources for readers, and this post was an experiment that many have found useful. .38mm in one type of pen or pencil doesn’t necessarily equate to .38mm elsewhere.
First Impressions: Is the Tom’s Studio Lumos Series the Refillable Fineliner I’ve Been Waiting For? While this was a “first impressions” post, I can easily say that no pen has made its way into my regular rotation quicker than the Tom’s Studio Lumos fineliner. Refillable fineliners are one of those product categories that many have attempted but nobody seems to have really nailed, until now….
Packed for vacation? Not quite.
And Some Big News for T.G.S. Fans… A Physical Location Later This Summer!
I wasn’t really sure how to drop this, but we’ve just signed a lease on a physical space in the Nashville, Tennessee area to house T.G.S., a project which has been taking up much of my time for the past year! While eventually there will be an in-person shopping option such as a showroom/retail store once I have it set up, the immediate need is office and warehouse space that lets us bring in additional help with fulfillment during the busier times of the year. The space is extremely flexible, and once we’re able to take possession later this summer I’ll be posting additional photos, hours for order pickup, and a further timeline on public hours once we’re ready. Stay tuned!
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