Goulet Q&A 187: Visconti Fails, Crusty Ink, and Brian's Journal Collection

For links to the products mentioned and Brian's answers, check out the Q&A 187 blog post: http://bit.ly/GouletQA187 In this Goulet Q&A episode, Brian talks about Visconti fails, crusty inks, and he shows you his personal journal collection! 1) Priwolfe- Instagram (18:33) For myself as for many others the Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age is a grail pen. However, I’m disheartened to hear folks like Matt @penhabit have sworn off the brand for numerous q.c. issues regarding their nibs. As a retailer and representative of the Visconti brand what measures do you put into place to address these concerns? What pressures do you feel as a dealer of the brand? Given the steep price tag that comes with it is the H.S. still a good or safe purchase? Im not sure how much to value the rather negative publicity Visconti has received lately. While I love the aesthetics of their pens, but the one thing a pen must do is write. 2) Melissa H.- Facebook (27:54) I have Diamine Ochre and I desperately want to use it again. However it made my nibs so crusty and gross I consider just throwing away the bottle :/ Is there anything I can add or do to keep this ink from getting gunky? I love the color, but it's not worth the hassle. 3) jcoletrain84- Instagram (31:53) How often do pens need to be ‘re-greased’? I currently own a few piston fillers as well as some Noodler’s Charlie pens that I have had for at least 2 yrs. Should I lubricate them even though I’m not having any issues? 4) Debra B.- Facebook (36:29) Are the plastic sample vial holders stackable? What suggestions do you have to show the ink color on the TOP of the sample ink vials? 5) Francisco L.- Facebook (40:14) Hey Brian! In this last Q&A you spoke about your journals. I would love to see your own personal journal collection! 6) Priwolfe- Instagram (52:27) One of your competitors has really ramped up their social media presence as of late. Especially bringing “pen celebs” into their Instagram world. Competition is what makes the market work, how do you engage in that competition intentionally? How do you respond or re-examine and evaluate your own online presence in light of what others are doing? Really love all the work and team @gouletpens! Thank you for all that you guys do for the pen community and all that you have done in fostering my own pen addiction. 7) Jeffrey H.- YouTube (59:39) Do you ever do shifts as another role in your company to identify unmet needs of your employees, resolve inefficiencies in process, and "leading from the front"? (For example, working to fulfill orders or answering the customer service line.) QOTW: Is there social media activity you see other pen retailers or companies doing that you would like to see at GouletPens? What do you feel we could be doing that we aren't now? (1:05:47) Shop at GouletPens Store: http://www.GouletPens.com Read GouletPens blog: http://blog.gouletpens.com/ Like GouletPens on Facebook:   / thegouletpencompany   Follow GouletPens on Twitter:   / gouletpens   Follow GouletPens on Instagram:   / gouletpens   Follow GouletPens on Pinterest:   / gouletpens