Tipp-Ex Rapid Fluid

--- Let's start with a question ---

Tipp-Ex used to be "the" thing to have in your pencil case, but is this still the case?

As we are now fully immersed into the digital computer age has the need for hand written items become obsolete? More and more we hear of classrooms being filled with laptops and interactive digital whiteboards. In the workplace, preparation of digital PowerPoint presentations and electronic invoices sent via email are the norm. So are we going to lose the skill of the hand written message or letter?

--- How bleak is the future or Tipp-Ex? ---

Along with this digital computer age comes bad news for our old friend Tipp-Ex. Although I do actually have a pot in my drawer I can't remember the last time I reached for it and unscrewed that white plastic top. That was until today when I filled in a hardcopy form and made a spelling mistake that normally my trusty spell check would pick up in my laziness to actually think what I was typing.

--- A little history for those who are nostalgic, curious or may be thankful for reading this after tonight's pub quiz ---

The invention of Tipp-Ex took place in Barnsley, South Yorkshire by a guy called Mick Clay. He later sold the secret formula to a German company. The money made from the sale he used to move to Texas and raise Bison on a ranch during his retirement. The Tipp-Ex company itself was established in 1959 in Frankfurt, Germany by Otto Carls. The name "Tipp-Ex" given both to the company and the product was based on the use of this product. "Tipp" is the German word for "type", and "ex" is Latin for "no more". Come 1965 a full range of Tipp-Ex products had been launched that were big sellers in more than 150 countries, mainly for use at this time with typewriters. In 1992 Tipp-Ex tape was launched followed by Tipp-Ex pocket mouse in 1995 which was a massive success. In 1998 the correction pen was launched followed by the mini mouse in 1999.

--- Controversy ---

In 1998 the Ayrshire Education Authority banned Tipp-Ex from all schools under its control as the solvent (1,1,1-trichloroethane) was being inhaled by children as a form of substance abuse. The ban was removed six months later as teachers and parents said things had gone past ridiculous.

--- The pot ---

At only around 5cm in height the housing of the Tipp-Ex is very slender in form, therefore although not used to an extent that it used to be is still small enough to keep in your drawer that it won't find itself in a landfill next week. Labelling is very clear as to what the product is, directions for use and the standard safety warnings (highly flammable, irritant and dangerous for the environment). I've still not quiet worked out what kind of action we should take regarding the latter safety warning.

--- The white stuff ---

My first impression is you don't get much bang for your buck. Just 20ml in a pot, but seen as I hardly ever use the stuff then I shouldn't really complain. The application is straight forward as you get a foam pad attached to the lid that pulls out as you remove the top from the pot. The label states raid, rapid indeed. There is nothing more frustrating than watching paint dry and the same can be said for Tipp-Ex. Nothing makes making that little spelling mistake even more of a issue than having to wait for the Tipp-Ex you covered it with dry as you think over your stupidity. Rapid should be replaced with "in its own time". After the Tipp-Ex has dried however, you are left a chance to reconcile your mistake although the very fact you have used Tipp-Ex is so obvious to the reader that you may have well have crossed it out rather than hiding it behind a brilliant white varnish. The new corrected surface provides a reasonably easy platform to now write on if applied evenly and smoothly avoiding a sandpaper like texture when applied with haste.

--- Cost and availability ---

The price varies, online at amazon.co.uk you can pick up a single 20ml pot for as little as £1.77 or if you are buying bulk you can get a good deal at whsmith.co.uk where a pack of six 20ml pots can be purchased for £5.86 or if you really like the stuff a pack of ten for a mere £10.76.

--- Is Tipp-Ex going to become extinct and found only in museums in years to come? ---

In opinion, yes. Sad as it may seem new research has indicated that the future holds no place for hand writing, as even now a simple note in simple note pad is being replaced by handheld digital organisers.