Bic Crystal ballpoint pen, medium point, black, EACH

[uppityperson]

Reading this made my day, too funny.

Reviews:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bic-Crystal-ballpoint-medium-point/dp/customer-reviews/B000JTOYLS/ref=cm_cr_dp_all_helpful?ie=UTF8&customer-reviews.sort%5Fby=-SubmissionDate&coliid=&showViewpoints=1&customer-reviews.start=1&colid=#customerReviews

Entirely unimpressed; looking for refund, 17 Dec 2007
By T. E. Hale "Severely Severe" (Omaha, NE USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This writing utensil fell well short of anything near the top-market standard I had come to expect after reading such praise-filled reviews. My list of complaints about this pen are as follows.

First, there were NO DIRECTIONS INCLUDED WITH THE PACKAGING. I had to spend three and a half hours on the customer service hot-line before anyone could even explain how to remove the cap, let alone wrestle it into transcribing entire sentences (I understand that any newly-purchased item requires an investment of time while you get comfortable with it, but this ruined my entire Tuesday). Help the customer out a little, Bic.

Secondly, these pens are EASY TO LOSE. In just three days, I went from a 10 pack to a 9 pack. The "sleek" clear plastic and "classic" black plastic make this pen nearly impossible to spot. Drop one on a lawn after 8 pm and you might as well not waste your time by searching.

Thirdly, I have been informed by close friends and other reliable, scholarly contacts that after time, these pens JUST STOP WRITING. Talk about planned obsolescense.

Finally, this pen REQUIRES ADDITIONAL HARDWARE. During hour 4 of my customer-service call, I was informed that I would be required to buy paper for my new pen. I must say, I was dumbfounded. Luckily, I found a compatible Steno next to a pile of discarded beer-cans under my bed, but that could have easily been another trip to a retailer.

For my money, these pens aren't worth it. To anyone who is still interested, I would suggest buying used. The previous owner may be able to give you some pointers in case of trouble, and you won't be out the whole .13 when things go downhill (and believe me, they will. I haven't heard of one person keeping one of these pens for more than possibly a year).


Also, I suspect many of the reviews of this product may be backed by corporate agenda. I'm not accusing anyone, but to the wary buyer, it should be something to take into consideration.... (much much more)

[ThoughtCriminal]

1. Bic - once, it was a great pen. Now, it sucks.

IN the late 60's and 70's they were a marvel. The ad campaign about not being able to wear out the Bic was pretty much true - you would lose it before it quit writing.

But then, they did something in the 1970's. Not sure if the ink formula changed, or the ball point was re-engineered, but it was no longer reliable. Not only did they quit writing very quickly, but often would not put ink on the paper when brand new.

Now, my Fisher Space Pen - that's an amazing pen!

[Duer 157099]

2. Thank you. I enjoyed that as well

I hadn't realized that the craigslist/onion humor style had made it to Amazon reviews, but it's a trend to keep an eye on!

:D

Isn't is astonishing that 1) they sell them individually, and 2) there are USED ones for sale -- individually, again.

Wonder what the shipping on one of those would be...

edit to add:

Hey lookie here:

http://www.amazon.com/ROUND-STIC-PENS-Round-barrel/dp/B00004YTPX/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1197957952&sr=8-9

Not ONE review anywhere for this item! Shocking!

C'mon DU, surely there's talent that needs an outlet on this side of the pond?