The old "my answer's not quite on there" thread that most polls (anywhere) tend to spawn.

I have a bunch of calligraphy supplies, and I occasionally do a little bit of Chinese calligraphy on my own, but with zero education or knowledge of the art. I don't actually "plan to" learn calligraphy (my response), but I practice a bit of it on my own for kicks. I've also found that my ugly, flowing writing style comes out really well with a fine-tipped calligraphy brush, if that counts. Not that you can read it, but it looks nice...

Anyone else have a response that falls between the options, or just have anything on your mind about calligraphy that you want to share?

Yes I tried it, I like it, but...I don't have the time...hopefully I will some day in the future, that's why I checked "plan to"

Yeah, I mean, I love writing the Chinese characters, I have several brush pens, I've used real brushes before, but I don't own any. Whenever I write these characters, I try to make them look neat and as close to calligraphy style as possible. But, I've never formally "learned" calligraphy, and I don't really know where the line is drawn between screwing around with Chinese characters and actual "calligraphy" so I just answered no.

Technically I have learnt Chinese calligraphy, because I attended classes for one semester. However, I quickly discovered that it's not my thing. I'm not artistic, and so I just didn't really get into it. My calligraphy looked awful and, although perhaps with some practice it could improve, I don't think my calligraphy will ever be any good. I have studied it, but I have not really learnt Chinese calligraphy. So my response fits between plan to and learned...it goes something like I have taken classes but realised it really wasn't for me.

I've really got to get around to learning it some time. My 絶命詩 will look silly otherwise!

I know that Chinese calligraphy has millenia of history, but my personal take on it, if I'm ever to put much effort into it, is that I'd rather find a way to make what I can do look good than worry too much about conforming to a certain style. I don't really have much artistic talent, but I think that the audacity to try something new and different, even in a field that's been developed over millenia, is a good trait.