Zoss Communications, Inc.

This page and its many links offer basic Information about my internet mailing list for pen collectors and people interested in vintage and modern writing instruments. This list is completely free for readers.

My list is maintained for people interested in all aspects of fountain pens, especially those collecting vintage items. Modern pens and limited editions are also frequently discussed and we also branch into associated topics such as ink, paper, accessories, pen conventions, pencils and ballpoints, etc. These threads do not go too long, however, because I like to keep things on topic.

The list started before 1995 - back in the days of packet mail, well before the start of the world wide web.

The subscription list is stable and hovers around 1800 subscribers.

The concept is simple - the list is like a "party line" of e-mail messages. When a subscriber sends one message to the main list address the software sends copies to all subscribers on the list. Subscribers can then read the message and reply to the whole list or, if the message is personal, reply directly to the individual who originated the message.

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Commercialism and Supporters - Some New Information

Limited commercialism is allowed on my list but I have had to impose some restrictions. Those who profit from sales on the list should seriously consider sending an occasional donation of funds, a pen, or something "interesting." Others send some support because they appreciate the service. Please see the section below that links to information on how YOU can help support the list (there are many ways). The key idea here is that if you are a collector maybe a buy or sell message a month seems appropriate. Not too often, nor too large a message, please. If you are in the pen business, even on a small scale with no storefront, then I expect commercialism on this list will include some support of the list. Fair is fair. Even then, occasional messages and not too frequently or too large a message. If you want more access to the subscriber base then please buy an advertisement.

The list gives you a choice when you subscribe - choose either "immediate" distribution or "digest" distribution.

IMMEDIATE VERSION - If you subscribe to the immediate version outbound messages will come to you as one-by-one e-mail messages. Please note that sometimes more than 100 messages go out to each subscriber each day.

DIGEST VERSION - With a digest subscription, outbound messages are collected into packets. Digest subscribers prefer to receive less frequent larger messages containing a collection of recent messages every three hours rather than receiving each message separately. It is STRONGLY SUGGESTED that all new subscribers first try out the digest version of the list.

Yes, we have rules. For information about the simple rules of the list, click here. Essentially we try hard to be nice and not use the list to hurt others or expose the list owner to litigation.

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How to Subscribe or UNsubscribe) to PENS@ZOSS.COM

The FAQ (frequently asked questions) page will give you most of the information you need to enjoy the list. It's easy but you should read the FAQ every once in a while. Remember, it is STRONGLY SUGGESTED that all new subscribers subscribe to the digest version of the list.

To go to the FAQ page: CLICK HERE

AN IMPORTANT NOTE: THIS IS AN OPT-IN MAILING LIST. We fight SPAM by using software that makes this an opt-in list. No list messages are sent to people without their request. To keep someone from subscribing another person, a verification message is sent to the newly-subscribed address. An answer must come back from that address to activate a new subscription. Some of these verification messages do not reach some new subscribers because of Spam Blockers. If you subscribe and don't get a verification message in minutes, or if your subscription doesn't start within about three hours, write to Tom Zoss personally (see link below) and he'll fix it.

How to Send the List a Message

You must be subscribed to the list to post a message. Subscribers to either the Immediate or Digest Modes can post to all subscribers with one message sent to one address. To send the list a message, send it to: pens@zoss.com. Do not use this address for commands, just for messages.

There are several ways the subscribers to this free list can help it to continue and thrive.

Click here to Help Support the Zoss Pens List

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QUICK LINKS

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PENS LIST ARCHIVES Read current messages and old archived messages online back to Sept 2005 - Link

PENS LIST RESOURCES Photos from the Chicago Pen Show 2007
-- Saturday Link
-- Sunday Link
Israel Pen Club Visit Link
Ohio Pen Show:
    2006 Pix Link
    2005 Pix Link]
Photo Help Link
Trip to Egypt Link
Trip to London Link
Using Plain Text Link
Advertising Info Link