Q: Which Pen Spinning trick(s) should a beginner learn first?
A: There are four fundamental tricks that a beginner should learn. These four tricks are the Charge, the Sonic, the Thumbaround, and the Fingerpass. You could start with any one of the four at your discretion, but I advise you learn the tricks in the order stated above.

Q: How much time would I need until I am competent at a trick?
A: This varies from person to person. For the four Fundamental Tricks, normally 1-2 weeks are needed for the Sonic and Charge. The ThumbAround can take up to a month to learn. The FingerPass may require up to a couple of months for the months to become smooth.

Q: How can I keep down the noise created when the pen hits the floor?
A: Try to practice newly-learned tricks at home, perhaps somewhere above a bed or a carpet. If you have neither, try spinning on a jacket instead.

Q: What pen should I choose?
A: Some pens are better for spinning and some are not. Please refer to the Pens section. Try to choose a pen that does not easily break when dropped. Mechanical pencils are not recommended for beginners, as the lead inside the pencils may easily break when the pen is droped.

Q: What is the next step after I have become competent at a trick?
A: Since Pen Spinning is a performance art, the Pen Spinning community encourages that you demonstrate your newly learned trick to your friends and relatives. However, please try not to excessively brag about your newly learned trick, as this type of behaviour will give non-Pen Spinners a false image that most Pen Spinners are superficial and immature individuals. Of course, this will not be true if we avoid this type of unnecessary behaviour.

Q: Where should I go if I need immediate Pen Spinning help?
A: The Universal Pen Spinners' Board (UPSB) is a place where Pen Spinners around the world interact. It sets the foundation for the international Pen Spinning community. Shall you require assistance, try look for one of the sticky posts at the UPSB that answer general Pen Spinning related questions. For specific help, feel free to drop us a line at the UPSB. Pen Spinners will probably try to do their best in helping you solve your problems.

Q: How does the Pen Spinning nomenclature work?
A: There are two major nomenclature systems. The first system a frequently used, informal system that many Pen Spinners prefer. The second system is a formal system in which systemized names are utilized to differentiate Pen Spinning tricks and variations. The Troposphere will host a page in the future that will precisely explain how the formal system works.

Q: Who should spin pens?
A: Pen Spinning is recommended for any individual who does not have RSI, or Repetitive Strain Injury. To avoid Repetitive Strain Injury, warm-up exercises are necessary. Pen Spinning warm-up exercises are generally the same as the warm-up exercises for keyboarding.

Q: Are there any safety issues regarding Pen Spinning?
A: There are a few safety issues aside from RSI: 1) When practicing an air trick, please make sure you wear eye protection; 2) When choosing a pen for practice purposes, please make sure the sharp tip is removed or reversed.

Q: Why should I spin a pen?
A: Pen Spinning is a form of art that does not fail in the entertainment of the Spinner and audiences. Furthermore, you could be spinning a pen virtually anywhere, since pens are everywhere. Pen Spinning also promotes the use of the brain, unlike some other activities, like TV-watching, which promote brain-stalling, in my opinion.

Q: Who are the people that spin pens?
A: Pen Spinners range from age 10 to age 70. Pen Spinners are located all around the world. Currently, Pen Spinning is very popular in Far East countries, hence, many Pen Spinning experts have their origins in countries like Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore. After the implementation of the UPSB, the Pen Spinning fever has now been extended to Western Europe countries such as Sweden, France, and Great Britain.