iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Mike @inkdependence.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Vietnamese Tam Nong lacquer, woods, mother-of-pearl, brass, and gold plate come together to make a heck of a fountain pen!

youtu.be

This pen is FIRE: The ConCoPens "Pyre"

YouTube video by Mike Matteson

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Mike @inkdependence.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Archer & Olive's Quarterly boxes are SO good. No fountain pens in them, but the paper is great, and so are the other things.

youtu.be

Archer & Olive's "Golden Season" Subscription Box Unboxing!

YouTube video by Mike Matteson

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Reposted by Mike

Ian Boudreau @ianboudreau.com · 16/08/2026

A lot of people don't know this, but when you brush a cat, you are legally required to show them the wad of cat hair that came off of them and tell them "this is enough for another whole cat"

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Mike @inkdependence.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Found this awesome Wine Cat fountain pen from Opus88 at the #dcpenshow today. Should have bought it! 🤦🏼‍♂️

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Mike @inkdependence.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

I test out these papers with all kinds of pens from fountain pens to markers and more! Conclusion: I really want reams of this tea leaf paper.

youtu.be

Testing Mulberry, Tea Leaf, and Potato Starch Papers?? Check out YS Notes!

YouTube video by Mike Matteson

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Mike @inkdependence.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

JetPens Unboxing Day! I found some really interesting things in here. Like, can a 4B pencil graphite NOT smear? Let's see! #journaling #fountainpens #pens #stationery

youtu.be

JetPens! Smear-Proof 4B Lead?! Stamps, pouches, and a fancy pen!

YouTube video by Mike Matteson

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Mike @inkdependence.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

Don't think you can replace that one blue ink? Guess again! Here are 12 to use instead:

youtu.be

12 Inks To Try Instead of Baystate Blue!

YouTube video by Mike Matteson

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Mike @inkdependence.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Diamine's Inkvent inks are becoming available in your favorite stores now, and we're here to help you figure out which ones you might like most by telling you which ones WE liked most. #fountainpen

youtu.be

All of the 2025 Diamine Inkvent Inks Ranked! TWICE!

YouTube video by Mike Matteson

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Mike @inkdependence.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

These are videos where I talk about what I've been using. Things from unboxings, some art supplies, some journaling, some fountain pens, a little of everything! An incredible tape dispenser??

youtu.be

2nd Takes for June 2026: What'm I liking, disliking, and using right now?

YouTube video by Mike Matteson

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Mike @inkdependence.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

I'm thinking of doing a video where I address *assumptions* that people have about fountain pen & stationery YouTubers/bloggers/influncers. To do that, though, I'll need your assumptions! Please post some assumptions you have here, DM, or email me @ mike@inkdependence.com Maybe I'll answer it!

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Mike @inkdependence.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

I keep seeing disaster photos of people who have trouble filling fountain pens from bottles. Check this thing out. It's made to adapt to any ink bottle or sample, and it makes filling pens so much easier. If you use code "inkyd10" at checkout to save 10%. Not an affiliate link. Just a discount.

pengineer3d.com

Ink Station

The Ink Station from Pengineer3D is your helping hand when filling up your pen. Filling up a pen needs three hands: one to hold the pen steady, one to turn the converter, piston, or operate vacuum plu...

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Mike @inkdependence.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Atlas Stationers has started their new affiliate program, and they’re opening it up with a 15% discount (on things that can be discounted). Check out my affiliate mini-store, save a bit for yourself, and I’ll earn a bit of store credit. tinyurl.com/atlasmike #fountainpen #stationery #journaling

tinyurl.com

Mike

Shop with Atlas Stationers for all of your Fountain Pen, Notebook, Stationery, and Office Products needs. Our retail store is located in downtown Chicago and is an oasis for all things writing!

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Mike @inkdependence.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

Join me for some 2nd Takes! I try out lots of things, and I use lots of things daily. These videos are sort of like speed-reviews or short looks at things that deserve some follow up beyond a 1st look or an unboxing or whathaveyou. #fountainpens #stationery #journaling

youtu.be

2nd Takes May 2026: We've got some catching up to do!

YouTube video by Mike Matteson

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Mike @inkdependence.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

No room for pen thieves in government.

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Reposted by Mike

K.B. Spangler @kbspangler.com · 17/05/2026

Hey. You. The one with the stack of blank Moleskine notebooks. @inkdependence.bsky.social wants you to think about 26 other notebooks!

youtube.com

Replace your Moleskine! 26 Better Options

YouTube video by Mike Matteson

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Mike @inkdependence.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Ironically, my stapler from Staples is the only one that sucks at stapling. Darn thing never quite crimps the staples, and they're always at least half-loose.

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Mike @inkdependence.bsky.social · 19/04/2026

Check out the Benu Tessera collection!

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Mike @inkdependence.bsky.social · 12/04/2026

Wanna see what I picked up at the Atlanta Fountain Pen Show this year? Check that out here: youtu.be/iYx33n9Micg

youtu.be

My 2026 Atlanta Pen Show Haul!

YouTube video by Mike Matteson

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Reposted by Mike

Katie Mack @astrokatie.com · 06/04/2026

NASA isn't why the US doesn't have universal healthcare, or a social safety net. The US doesn't have those things because politicians with the power to provide them choose specifically not to (with varying levels of support from voters). Enthusiasm for human spaceflight doesn't drive that choice.

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Mike @inkdependence.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

Check out my review of the Opus 88 Omar in Milk Tea! I've always liked these Japanese-style eyedropper pens. They've got nice nibs, a large ink capacity, and the price point is very reasonable. Also, I'm a sucker for tea or coffee themed fountain pens.

youtu.be

This Pen IS My Cup of (Milk) Tea: The Opus 88 Omar

YouTube video by Mike Matteson

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Mike @inkdependence.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

The Atlanta Fountain Pen Show has an exclusive ink from Franklin-Christoph this year, and it’s a pretty sort of wine-rose color. Here’s a quick swatch in my pen show notebook: Anyone else going to be at the show this weekend??

This is a smear of reddish, wine-ish ink in on a notebook page.

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Mike @inkdependence.bsky.social · 15/02/2026

Trying out a couple of new fountain pens from Sheaffer and Penlux. I can't believe I've never used a Penlux somehow? And I know one of the founders? The pen world is small, sometimes!

youtu.be

Unboxing Two Brand New Pens: Let's test these out!

YouTube video by Mike Matteson

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Mike @inkdependence.bsky.social · 08/02/2026

Sometimes you want a dip nib instead of a fountain pen, and this video might just help you find the right one. After a year or so of testing, I think there are some that are clearly better than others, but let me know which ones you've tried and loved/hated!

youtu.be

Comparing EVERY Metal Dip Nib! (Okay, just 9 of them!)

YouTube video by Mike Matteson

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Reposted by Mike

Senator Bernie Sanders @sanders.senate.gov · 05/02/2026

If Jeff Bezos could afford to spend $75 million on the Melania movie & $500 million for a yacht to sail off to his $55 million wedding to give his wife a $5 million ring, please don't tell me he needed to fire one-third of the Washington Post staff. Democracy dies in oligarchy.

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