Traditionally, we are brought up using pencils to do math work - so we can erase mistakes......

but since a few years ago, i have really stopped using pencils for math work and started using pens more and more...

this may be odd but like, if my hands are dry and i touch paper, i get this wierd feeling and discomfort... i mention this because this is the same feeling i get when writing with a pencil on paper.... does anyone else feel this discomfort? I can relate it to like hearing someone scratch their nails on a chalk board.... it's really really dibilitating to me - i literally stop working when i get this feeling...

So, as of this Fall, I will only use pen for my math work....

pros of using pens for math:
- the ink stands out more on paper over time whereas pencil becomes faded / tough to read
- i can write faster with pen than pencil
- no worrying about breaking tips

cons of using pens for math:
- you can't erase it (yeah, i know, unless you use erasable pens)


So I am simply wondering - what do you use for math work? pen or pencil?

I use a Frixion pen if it's near me so I get the best of both untensials, and a pen if it's simply between that and a pencil. The only time I use a pencil is on math tests because the space provided leaves no room for crossing out.
I get the same feeling you get when I run my nail across paper. Makes my teeth hurt xD

whoa you get the same feeling? LOL - wow... i thought i was like going out on a limb posting that.... we really have to figure out what the heck the name of that feeling is - because it has to have a name! plus, we have to figure out what causes it and how we can not have it happen......

aside - i looked at one of my math notebooks from mid last year - i had use a .5mm pencil on it... the lead on the paper is becoming sooo faded... i really feel like selling / getting rid of the couple of pencils I have... i will keep one for nostalgic reasons... LOL

7/2/09 edited by oneloneman for language.

My brother uses frixion pens as well so he can erase yet it looks nice like pen, i still use pencil :p

I really don't know what to call the weird feeling, but I know I'm not the only one who experiances it at my school. One of my friends can't stand writing with a pen that's out of ink because of the scratching against the paper :(
We're not alone!



7/2/09 edited by oneloneman for language.

Wow - i found a lot of people asking about this sensation.... here are a few links --

http://www.yourdictionary.com/community/forums/viewthread/2791/#28942

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060613220621AA0wuhh

this focus' on the sound but i think it's related to the texture we feel on paper and the subsequent 'mystery' sensation.....

and, just to add - i get the same feeling when scratching metal and metal or scratching a fork on a porcelain plate.........

XD ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh