"If you really need an inexpensive fine line, I would highly recommend a Hero pen.  I own about 20 of them and they are (almost) all very good pens.  Currently I carry a Hero knockoff of a Parker 51.  However, this one has some really…"

"If you can find a Waterman Phileas fine point, they are excellent pens. Also the vintage Parker 45s are absolutely superb writers. Pelikan makes excellent piston fillers but can be a bit pricey."

"I'm in a similar situation. I've never used a fountain pen before, and I think I'd like to start. I've looked a Parker and a Waterman. I'm not sure what weight of a line I would like the pen to produce. I currently use a…"

"Another year gone by...happy birthday, Douglas!"

"I agree with Luke in his recommendation of the LAMY fountain pens. Depending on where you purchase your pens, the LAMY Safari will cost you about $30.00. I would also suggest pens made by the ACME company, they'll cost you a little more, about…"

"I've got a Lamy Safari Al-Star that was like, $35-$40. I can't remember how much exactly. It's been serving me very well and the line isn't remarkably fine but it's a good pen. I'm using Noodler's Bulletproof…"

"I totally agree with Ryan. I have a Pilot Knight currently, and have been very pleased with the performance so far. It's a great pen for the money."

"Happy birthday, Douglas!"

"Here's hoping that your birthday is that of GREATNESS !!!!!"

"Hope you have an awesome birthday, Douglas!"

"I've got a Lamy Safari, and while it's not too impressive looking (except to the people who are all "omg you have a fountain pen!?!?") it's fine for general writing purposes. I bought it because I'd never owned a…"

"Never been disappointed with a Lamy or a Waterman! I use a Waterman Harmonie on a daily basis to take notes in class/library/archive - http://www.waterman.com/en/style/pens/harmonie - but I don't know how much one would cost is the…"

"If you have the time and want something beautiful I'd say you should scan ebay for a vintage pen and do any necessary repairs yourself. The information and parts are not hard to find, I can provide some links if you're interested."

"I just finished reading Ray Bradbury's Dandelion Wine. Next up will be Eureka by Edgar Allan Poe, which admittedly is not a book despite being Poe's longest work - it's still short. I'll probably read Dharma Bums by Kerouac…"

"I need some time to pick who I do this for. I am cycling 4,000 km across Europe next summer to raise money for microloans, but that's not now. I also volunteer to organize fun giant mob events but that's really not in-line with the purpose…"

"Being a graduate student, first off, I have almost no expenses. I don't own a car so my transportation costs are maintenance on my bicycles and a T pass (our subway/train/bus system in Boston). I mostly buy food and pay rent with my paltry but…"