I don't know if it's just a natural progression but since I joined this forum my tastes on fountain pens has undergone a major change. I was always partial to a gold fill ringtop and hated large ripple pens of any colour or make. When I saw a 'big red' I was mystified as to who could possibly like such an ugly pen. It's now my favourite writer.
I started off by buying a Waterman No. 5 in a job lot. Fully intending to sell. I managed to bugger the lever up repairing. Another NO NO - don't mess with pens when you are tired. I sent it of to my favourite pen repairer Henry Simpole who had it fixed in short order, Then something strange happened. I just could not sell it. Suddenly the red ripple with gold bands looked gorgeous and very classy.
If you follow my posts you will see my latest acquisition is a bluegreen Waterman 94 so not only has the finish changed but the size. It's all Allan's fault.
I still like my little ring tops but don't have the same desire to chase them. I can still be seduced by an unusual CS Dinkie though, although I think I know prefer my Dandy's.
Does this evolution happen to everyone? I dread to think where it will end.