Is there a free trial?

Nib Pals does not offer free trials because it would be difficult for you to judge the value of what we offer in just a week or two. Though Nib Pals makes it quick and easy to find pen pals, developing worthwhile connections takes time.

Is there a learning curve? What do I do when I first login as a member? How do I get started?

All great questions, and Nib Pals makes it easy for you. When you login as a member, there are several members-only menu options that appear in the blue menu bar at the top of the site. Most notably, there is conveniently a Getting Started option which highlights the three most important aspects of Nib Pals: the Directory, the Forum, and your profile. Also accessible from the members-only menu are Gallery, Events, and Resources. Though they are valuable features of the site, they are not as crucial as the Directory and your profile. If you still need help or tips getting started, we are just an email away.

Do you offer refunds?

We do not offer refunds, but there are always exceptions. Feel free to reach out by email with any concerns or questions. Most concerns can be settled and questions answered, but in the unlikely event that is not the case, refunds can only be given within the first three days of activation. For more information, read our complete Refund Policy.

Is it safe?

Nib Pals offers multiple layers of security including a real human verifying each application. Your information is never available publicly, and you can hide or remove your information at any time.

Can't I just use [fill in the blank] for free?

You can fill in the blank with Facebook, Reddit, Postcrossing, pen pal websites, or fountain pen forums, and your answer is yes. Many of these are indeed free and you're welcome to use them. But if you are looking to exchange letters and postcards with other fountain pen enthusiasts, Nib Pals is the clear winner. Facebook and Reddit rely on you having social media accounts. Postcrossing is great if you're interested in random matches, often with no way to stay connected. Pen pal websites are not fountain pen-specific, and often have lax security. Fountain pen forums do not have robust profiles, and security can be hit-or-miss. Nib Pals is specifically designed to facilitate the exchange of letters and postcards between lovers of fountain pens and there is nothing else like it.

That is one of the greatest advantages of Nib Pals. Members want to hear from you. By filling out their profiles and providing their address, they've given you everything you need to write to them—permission is implied. Members are thrilled to receive unexpected letters... and you will be, too!

What do I write?

The beauty of Nib Pals is you're not blindly writing to strangers. Our Directory includes detailed profiles making it easy to find pen pals with similar interests... or completely different interests you want to learn more about! Plus, members have access to a growing list of letter writing prompts.

What if I don't have good penmanship?

You don't have to know calligraphy or have beautiful handwriting to enjoy Nib Pals. Members enjoy seeing writing of all types as long as they can read it. It's more about the content of your letter than what your writing looks like. Take a moment to slow down and do your best. Members will appreciate hearing from you.

Do I have to be an artist?

Though some of our members are artists and many are creative, most are not. Nib Pals is about human connection through the written word. If you can't decorate the envelope or write the letter in stunning calligraphy, that's okay. We all have different skills and talents. Members want to hear from you, plain and simple.

Can I send my pen pal gifts?

Yes, but they should be token gifts. Token gifts generally have a value of less than $10. Suitable items might be ink samples, paper, stickers, washi tape, coins, photos, bookmarks, inexpensive pens, etc. It is important to keep in mind that your recipient may feel obligated to return the favor. However, you likely are not aware of their financial situation, so receiving a valuable gift may put your recipient in an uncomfortable position.

What if a pen pal is not compatible?

Just like in the real world, it takes time to find people we feel a connection with. There is nothing wrong with deciding that a pen pal is not right for you. Some people end exchanges by simply not replying. Others feel obligated to send a short thank you note. It's up to you as long as what you do is done so respectfully.

What if I have too many pen pals or just need a break?

We know the feeling! Sometimes life just gets in the way and we need to take a break. Nib Pals gives you a few options. First, consider changing the Response Time setting on your profile. Available options are Days, Weeks, Months, or Sporadic, so using one of the latter two could be enough to give you the break you need. The next option is to simply mark your profile as not accepting new pen pals. It's easy to do with just one setting on your profile. This works well, but members may still write to you without expecting you to respond. The final option is to use the privacy settings on your profile to hide it from other members, preventing you from appearing in searches. Then, when you're ready to get back to the joy of letter writing, you can simply make your profile visible again.

We are excited to talk to people considering joining Nib Pals. We love it, and we know you will, too. Feel free to email us with your questions.