eli5 Why is it hard to rewrite over a spot where a ballpoint pen failed, but scribbling elsewhere works?

Question

I wish I could just attach a picture, but here’s the sequence:

1. Writing and the pen stops working
2. Scribbling and drawing circles to see if the pen still works. It does.
3. Go back to writing in the spot the pen stopped working. It won’t work!!! ?!
4. Repeat 2 and 3

In: Technology

Answer 1

Ugh, ballpoint pens can be so frustrating sometimes! It’s like they have a mind of their own. The paper fibers get all gunked up in the pen tip and it just doesn’t want to play nice in that exact spot. Really annoying when you’re trying to get something done!