Pens are one of the few products that also suffer from writer’s block. They often stop writing, without warning, even though there’s still ink in them. Rather than just write that off and accept it, I wrote Pilot — makers of quality writing instruments since 1918 — to find out why…

Dear Pilot Pen, Ink:

I’m a pen kind of guy. Even with Penn & Teller, I prefer Penn. I also like a pen that can go the distance. So if sidewalks were made of paper instead of concrete, how far could I draw a continuous line for with a Pilot Pen before it runs out of ink?

Speaking of ink, what’s the story with pens where you can see ink in the tube, yet it won’t come out? I’ve tried flicking them like a thermometer and feel like I have a better chance of spraining my wrist than getting any ink to come out. I’ve also tried performing penectomies by prying the ink tube from the case and heating it with a match, but many times the tube melts. Is there a better method for unclogging a pen’s main ink artery?

Finally, out of curiosity, what percentage of your staff graduated from Penn State?

Please write soon!

A Consumer Advisor from Pilot Corporation of America responded with:

Thank you for contacting us regarding your experience with our pens.

Ball point pens have a writing distance of approximately 3,937 to 4,265 feet. Rolling Ball Fine Point pens have a writing distance of 2,624 feet and gel ink has approximately 3,000 feet.

In some cases damage to the tip from impact, writing on a rough surface, or writing at an angle that wears the cuff holding the ball in place will result in a situation such as you describe. Another factor is shelf life. Gel Ink has a shelf life of two years from date of manufacture. Your comments will be shared with our Quality Control Department.

In the interim, we hope the complimentary samples we are sending will serve you well.

We welcome your comments as they assist us in our efforts to provide writing instruments of the highest quality. Once again, we appreciate having this opportunity to address your concerns.

Final Thoughts: My Pilot pen pal Advisor is really on the ball! Knowing the writing distance pens are capable of reaching is intriguing. I could appreciate it even more if I didn’t lose most of my pens before they actually reached that distance. Including four complimentary Pilot pens and a Product Guide with the reply made for a truly interesting and complete package that not only addressed the issues, but also enhanced my consumer connection to Pilot pens.

Next time you’re looking for writing instruments with the write stuff, try Pilot. However, when you’re trying to determine if a business is doing the right stuff, jot down your thoughts and then Write The Company.