I'm guilty of mostly listening to your reviews rather than watching them. That said, I watched this one and the experimental format works. Thanks for the neat review, as always!
I do like the format of the tilted down camera. In addition to adopting a familiar unboxing format seems you are getting some good direct lighting in the room without the purchase of additional fixtures. I'm for it.
The new format is excellent. Very polished and professional. I see only one issue with it. We don't get to see some of your more interesting facial expressions as often. Other than that, smart move.
It could be argued the new camera angle helps to concentrate our attention more on the pen which is, after all, the purpose of the video. The image is clearer and more stable than holding a pen in front of a white card or sheet of paper. However, I may be a lone voice in the distance, but I enjoy seeing YOU as well as the pen. This video was almost 18 minutes long but we only saw sbrebrown for just over 2 minutes. Many of your reviews include a good dosage of the doctors humour and I enjoy your looks 'to the camera' and facial expressions. I hope this element of your enjoyable reviews won't be lost. By the way, a lovely pen which I look forward to receiving in the giveaway!
Love your review. Nice angles. This pen is beautiful but does not come in an extra-fine point so I am saved from drooling over it. Thanks once again for the wonderful review of the Dark Side.
I reached this via a link in an email from ASC. The video doesn’t show up in my TH-cam app, only in the Safari browser. I didn’t know it could work that way. I learned something new!
I really like, "if you have a issue don't watch the video". You should just paste that in the trolls messages. Btw like the camera angle. Nice to actually see the pen.
Packaging with the celluloid swarf is something I wouldn't've thought to do, but it makes sense. Congratulations on selling out (I kid, I'm sure you'll do a great job)
Nice review, and thanks. I prefer talking heads with pens to talking pens with hands. Maybe a little bit of the new angle, but I prefer the personality you convey with the old angle.
Congratulations Stephen! You've worked hard for years and the ASC decision is an affirmation of that. I know that you can be objective and I also know that I need to also do my own research if I'm going to spend this money. I like the new position because you don't need to fight finding the best background. Good change! Thanks for all you do! Best, Frank here from Boulder, Colorado
Thanks again Stephen.. oh, and the ASC Arco Bologna Extra is a sight to behold.. and behold it I hope! I have an Omas Ogiva Arco and can get mesmerized staring into the material. I do prefer larger pens and plan to purchase my own Bologna if they are still available.. I've observed that my fountain pen hobby is much less about acquisition--more thinning and selectivity these days. I mean what I say--you have done so much for this community--and frankly all of the pen companies can link success to the reviews and excitement and objectivity that you, Matt, Kerry, and others have brought to the picture. You sir are kind of like the Godfather of the fountain pen review world! Very best and back to work! Frank.. yes, from Boulder, Colorado--formerly NYC
I think the new angle works but I found the exposure for the pen a bit dark. I wonder whether using a 'photographic' grey card (for neutral exposure) as the background might cause the camera give more exposure and make the pen details easily visible. Very enjoyable and well put together.
Congratulations on your new position! The similar odd capitalization (“extra”) on my ASC Bologna Extra Arco bothered me a bit at first. I got used to it, I guess. (I vote for the new camera angle.)
The new angle is good too, but I liked to see your face when you were talking. But I understand that it's easier for showing off the pen, so not whining :D Also, congrats on the new job!
Now If they would make one of these.. With Tibaldi Empero celluloid, and I'd get a bag of shavings of tibaldi I might consider how many I'll order :D. And yes the camera tilt does work better then holding it in front. Looks more comfortable for you as well!
The new camera angle is nice for showing off the pen, but I find that your hand ends up blocking off quite a bit when it comes to the writing sample. I think that portion would work better with the older, nearly straight-down camera angle you employed before.
Now that you’re working for ASC and have a ton of power in their organisation - can you let them know that I would like a Bologna Extra Arco? Kidding, I’m already on the list. Just that I’ve never been more desperate to get a pen! :P
As usual with modern design piston filled pens, the ink window disappears. I recognize that the ink window detracts quite a lot to design, but I think that knowing how much ink I have in the reservoir is quite a neat thing.. very nice pen in any case (price is quite terrible but it is a celluloid pen handmade, you may expect it. Yes, the Leonardo in celluloid are a bit less expensive)
Very good new camera ange but when you start to show the pen details you should focus the camera on the pen only not half the table with it and increase the light but its much better than the paper
I like the new camera angle. Per the comments about missing more shots with you in the frame, maybe when you are discussing your likes and dislikes, you can go back to flipping the camera around. Enjoyed this video very much, beautiful pen!
New camera angle is good, I'd like it better if you zoomed in on the pen a little more - previously when you would hold the pen up in front of the camera I could catch more detail that way, but overall I think the new angle is a positive.
Thank you for the disclosure (and the review). You have to keep in mind, that you may not become overly positive due to your relation to a company, you can become overly negative about it as well. With your education, I am sure you know more about this phenomena than I do. The new camera system works better, in my opinion.
Hi Stephen! Can you please compare this pen to new Wahl Eversharp? It seems to me, from several angles - they are extremely similar, if not identical. To clarify - the nib, the feed, filling system, general design (not the shape, Wahl is more of a cylinder) - and in the case of this (Dark Side) even the material is the same as one of the limited edition WE's. I was on the brink of buying WE. However, some of my friends who own WE's had few things started breaking and I gave up on that pen (though I was mostly after the superflex nib). Now looking at this one - and basically wanting this pen in Arco - if the construction is the same... issues may be too. Thanks!
Like the camera angle much better. The suspended frame box is not something new to ASC. Have seen these on eBay for watches, pens, jewellery, etc. It IS a good idea though.
I wish they would stop the laser engraving of pen nibs. I know they are bock nibs, but... spend a lil extra and get them properly stamped! Now, don't get me wrong laser engraving is wonderful, especially on the barrels. Pen 18111 do some great laser engraved infilled pens as does Ryan Krusac. Just no need to do it on nibs! (Especially for the price you pay)
Like this format much better, since the camera focuses on the pen much more. A big down side though is we don't get to see you facial expression so much. Maybe do a picture in picture?
I like the camera angle for details on the pen and box. Maybe you could switch back to the classic angle for the likes and dislikes. Either way is still good though
I suggest you change the angle of the camera, especially when you do the writing sample (your hand tends to hide the pen and the nib). The new ‘format’ is otherwise better than the previous one.
New camera angle gives you more opportunity to show more stuff - in this case, you've shown the nested collection of boxes. If you wanted just to show cap, bottom, barrel; then stopping to tilt the camera might be overkill. I personally welcome the opportunity for a little more detail.
like the new camera angle, only downside is we don't get to see your facial reactions as much. But it's a cleaner presentation (the video, not your face, your face is fine...oh geez forget it).
Dr. Brown, some feedback on the tiltilation you're experimenting with... 1) as the camera is angled, if you draw size comparisons it might be worthwhile to move the pen under review both behind and in front of the comparison pen as I think the camera angle adds a degree of distortion. 2) there's something not quite right with the audio - seems to fade in and out a bit (not sure if face is non-stationary now that it's off camera, but it sounds like speech is now directed to and away from the microphone at times) 3) personal observation: I find the lack of your mug on-screen beyond the first few minutes a little disheartening. While the new look may be viewed as more professional, the personal aspect of the review has diminished - seems a bit more clinical. Wondering if you've given thought to coming back on-screen for the 'Here's what I like about it, here's what I don't like about it' segment? Regardless, it's your vlog and it's important to do what suits your tastes. So cheers! Best of luck with the new ASC opportunity. Very well deserved.
I like the new camera angle
Congratulations on the new position, they could not have picked a better person for it.
Another great review. Thank you. RS
I'm guilty of mostly listening to your reviews rather than watching them. That said, I watched this one and the experimental format works.
Thanks for the neat review, as always!
I already like the tilted camera angle! Yay! :)
3 seconds in and I like the camera tilt more.
Like the new camera angle! Also I like the intro with you still on camera: it keeps the video "personal".
Love the new angles
I do like the format of the tilted down camera. In addition to adopting a familiar unboxing format seems you are getting some good direct lighting in the room without the purchase of additional fixtures. I'm for it.
This new angle looks much more professional and a better watching experience. It's a keeper!
The new format is excellent. Very polished and professional. I see only one issue with it. We don't get to see some of your more interesting facial expressions as often. Other than that, smart move.
It could be argued the new camera angle helps to concentrate our attention more on the pen which is, after all, the purpose of the video. The image is clearer and more stable than holding a pen in front of a white card or sheet of paper. However, I may be a lone voice in the distance, but I enjoy seeing YOU as well as the pen. This video was almost 18 minutes long but we only saw sbrebrown for just over 2 minutes. Many of your reviews include a good dosage of the doctors humour and I enjoy your looks 'to the camera' and facial expressions. I hope this element of your enjoyable reviews won't be lost. By the way, a lovely pen which I look forward to receiving in the giveaway!
I Like the new angle a lot more. I think it looks more professional. Plus I feel like I can see it better, with fewer distractions
Thanks for the video, very good. I like the new camera angle.
I am a fan of the camera angle and the pen. Thanks for the review!
I like the new angle!
Huge fan of the new camera angle when describing the features of the pen. Keeping the intro with your usual angle serves to keep the review personal
I really like the new camera angle!
Love your review. Nice angles. This pen is beautiful but does not come in an extra-fine point so I am saved from drooling over it. Thanks once again for the wonderful review of the Dark Side.
I reached this via a link in an email from ASC. The video doesn’t show up in my TH-cam app, only in the Safari browser. I didn’t know it could work that way. I learned something new!
I really like, "if you have a issue don't watch the video". You should just paste that in the trolls messages. Btw like the camera angle. Nice to actually see the pen.
Steven. He's in Miami? WHAT? There's a great pen guy in Miami?
I like the new position. Congratulations!
Camera angle is a very nice change. That simple change raises the production value considerably.
These pens are a dream! I like the new camera angle, by the way. Thanks for the review.
The camera tilt is great.. Congrats on job.
the tilted camera definitely shows the pen off much better, than holding it up against a sheet of paper.
The new camera angle is really good.
The camera angle is ok for me!
And this pen is just amazing!
Packaging with the celluloid swarf is something I wouldn't've thought to do, but it makes sense. Congratulations on selling out (I kid, I'm sure you'll do a great job)
Could you please review a Faggionato Pétrarque King Size celluloid acetate fountain pen? Thank you!
Nice review, and thanks. I prefer talking heads with pens to talking pens with hands. Maybe a little bit of the new angle, but I prefer the personality you convey with the old angle.
Like the new camera angle!
The tilt down is nice!
Have to tell you, it's far better. Thx and good luck for 2018
Congratulations Stephen! You've worked hard for years and the ASC decision is an affirmation of that. I know that you can be objective and I also know that I need to also do my own research if I'm going to spend this money. I like the new position because you don't need to fight finding the best background. Good change! Thanks for all you do!
Best, Frank here from Boulder, Colorado
Thank you, Frank!
Thanks again Stephen.. oh, and the ASC Arco Bologna Extra is a sight to behold.. and behold it I hope! I have an Omas Ogiva Arco and can get mesmerized staring into the material. I do prefer larger pens and plan to purchase my own Bologna if they are still available.. I've observed that my fountain pen hobby is much less about acquisition--more thinning and selectivity these days. I mean what I say--you have done so much for this community--and frankly all of the pen companies can link success to the reviews and excitement and objectivity that you, Matt, Kerry, and others have brought to the picture. You sir are kind of like the Godfather of the fountain pen review world!
Very best and back to work!
Frank.. yes, from Boulder, Colorado--formerly NYC
Great review. New camera angle is superior. Congrats on the new gig.
Thank you, Stephen. Tilt is fine. I think the Vanishing Point used to come in a suspension box too?
Loving the new camera format. I can actually see the pen now.
It certainly is a beautiful pen and an excellent review.
Thumbs up for the new angle.
I think the new angle works but I found the exposure for the pen a bit dark. I wonder whether using a 'photographic' grey card (for neutral exposure) as the background might cause the camera give more exposure and make the pen details easily visible. Very enjoyable and well put together.
The camera angle is nice. That material is sexy as heck!
New angle is cool and *efficient* , never go back please ....
Congratulations on your new position! The similar odd capitalization (“extra”) on my ASC Bologna Extra Arco bothered me a bit at first. I got used to it, I guess. (I vote for the new camera angle.)
This camera angle is vastly superior.
Yes on the camera tilt!
Please change is great, so much clearer to see. Please make this a standard and part of your process.
New Camera Angle ... 2 thumbs up!
Nice pens ... Wish I could afford it and others ... Till then I will make do with these lovely reviews ... Thanks
New camera angle is good.
Whatever you do don't cut your intro down to much, we like to visit with you a touch.
Best of everything in 2018.
The new camera Angle is nice. You could use more light. when looking down at the product.
good, bought one just like the ARCO. GREAT ANGELS In your reviews just be yourself.
Camera tilt is by far the best.
The new angle is good too, but I liked to see your face when you were talking. But I understand that it's easier for showing off the pen, so not whining :D
Also, congrats on the new job!
Now If they would make one of these.. With Tibaldi Empero celluloid, and I'd get a bag of shavings of tibaldi I might consider how many I'll order :D. And yes the camera tilt does work better then holding it in front. Looks more comfortable for you as well!
Would be interesting to compare this to the Wahl eversharp decoband pen in the ‘Magnificent Seven’ set.
Congrats on your new contract.
the new camera angle is alright, but the sound is not quite, I feel. I can bear it though so if there's no way around that's fine.
The new camera angle is nice for showing off the pen, but I find that your hand ends up blocking off quite a bit when it comes to the writing sample. I think that portion would work better with the older, nearly straight-down camera angle you employed before.
Now that you’re working for ASC and have a ton of power in their organisation - can you let them know that I would like a Bologna Extra Arco?
Kidding, I’m already on the list. Just that I’ve never been more desperate to get a pen! :P
As usual with modern design piston filled pens, the ink window disappears. I recognize that the ink window detracts quite a lot to design, but I think that knowing how much ink I have in the reservoir is quite a neat thing.. very nice pen in any case (price is quite terrible but it is a celluloid pen handmade, you may expect it. Yes, the Leonardo in celluloid are a bit less expensive)
Very good new camera ange but when you start to show the pen details you should focus the camera on the pen only not half the table with it and increase the light but its much better than the paper
I like the new camera angle. Per the comments about missing more shots with you in the frame, maybe when you are discussing your likes and dislikes, you can go back to flipping the camera around. Enjoyed this video very much, beautiful pen!
New camera angle is good, I'd like it better if you zoomed in on the pen a little more - previously when you would hold the pen up in front of the camera I could catch more detail that way, but overall I think the new angle is a positive.
Thank you for the disclosure (and the review). You have to keep in mind, that you may not become overly positive due to your relation to a company, you can become overly negative about it as well. With your education, I am sure you know more about this phenomena than I do. The new camera system works better, in my opinion.
Hi Stephen!
Can you please compare this pen to new Wahl Eversharp?
It seems to me, from several angles - they are extremely similar, if not identical. To clarify - the nib, the feed, filling system, general design (not the shape, Wahl is more of a cylinder) - and in the case of this (Dark Side) even the material is the same as one of the limited edition WE's.
I was on the brink of buying WE. However, some of my friends who own WE's had few things started breaking and I gave up on that pen (though I was mostly after the superflex nib). Now looking at this one - and basically wanting this pen in Arco - if the construction is the same... issues may be too.
Thanks!
Like the camera angle
Like the camera angle much better. The suspended frame box is not something new to ASC. Have seen these on eBay for watches, pens, jewellery, etc. It IS a good idea though.
I like the new camera angle!
I wish they would stop the laser engraving of pen nibs. I know they are bock nibs, but... spend a lil extra and get them properly stamped! Now, don't get me wrong laser engraving is wonderful, especially on the barrels. Pen 18111 do some great laser engraved infilled pens as does Ryan Krusac. Just no need to do it on nibs! (Especially for the price you pay)
The new camera angle is okay. It gives a better view of the pen. I just think there's some sound interference in this position or something.
Another thumbs vote for the new camera angle!
Enjoy the new format but will likely miss the shiney forehead so prominent in the old. Best regards & thank you for the wonderful FP reviews!
Like this format much better, since the camera focuses on the pen much more. A big down side though is we don't get to see you facial expression so much. Maybe do a picture in picture?
Like the new camera angle. I think you might be saved from dropping things so much too. Bonus!
All the best
Much better than holding the piece of paper.. the details of the packaging and pen are more pronounced now.
Camera down ✔️✔️✔️✔️ I think it frees you to talk and your commentary seems to be more easy and comfortable to me ... I like this
Love the camera angle. Miss your face.
Agreed
I like the camera angle for details on the pen and box. Maybe you could switch back to the classic angle for the likes and dislikes. Either way is still good though
I prefer the new method of displaying the pen. Much clearer and more effective.
You wanted feedback about tilting the camera. Keep it up. It gives a more steady view.
the camera change is good
Like the camera angle, but I have to get used a bit to the writing sample, but I think that will go away once I have seen it a few times👌
Interesting pen. I personally like your "poker face" on "things I dont like". See you later!
Magnificas estilografias.
Love new view!!!
Like the new format, the earlier format of the writing sample part was better though
I like the tilted camera angle.
I suggest you change the angle of the camera, especially when you do the writing sample (your hand tends to hide the pen and the nib). The new ‘format’ is otherwise better than the previous one.
New camera angle gives you more opportunity to show more stuff - in this case, you've shown the nested collection of boxes. If you wanted just to show cap, bottom, barrel; then stopping to tilt the camera might be overkill. I personally welcome the opportunity for a little more detail.
like the new camera angle, only downside is we don't get to see your facial reactions as much. But it's a cleaner presentation (the video, not your face, your face is fine...oh geez forget it).
Lovely pen, although doesn't replace the Arco as my wettest dream... Like the new camera angle, although your handwriting suffered a bit :D
Really like this format :) I approve xD lol
I seem to like this camera angle better.
Camera angle yes. Capitalization is different in Italian. Annoying but true. Great pen. But price is otherworldly.
Yeah, the tilt is immediately better.
The new camera angle is better to show off the pens. Thanks
*Writing sample **15:20*
Dr. Brown, some feedback on the tiltilation you're experimenting with...
1) as the camera is angled, if you draw size comparisons it might be worthwhile to move the pen under review both behind and in front of the comparison pen as I think the camera angle adds a degree of distortion.
2) there's something not quite right with the audio - seems to fade in and out a bit (not sure if face is non-stationary now that it's off camera, but it sounds like speech is now directed to and away from the microphone at times)
3) personal observation: I find the lack of your mug on-screen beyond the first few minutes a little disheartening. While the new look may be viewed as more professional, the personal aspect of the review has diminished - seems a bit more clinical. Wondering if you've given thought to coming back on-screen for the 'Here's what I like about it, here's what I don't like about it' segment? Regardless, it's your vlog and it's important to do what suits your tastes. So cheers!
Best of luck with the new ASC opportunity. Very well deserved.
Camera down much better. Great update to the videos