I have a pounce and I love it. For those of you having problems here are a couple of suggestions.
1. Once filled, hit a few times on your hand to get the chalk to go through the fibers.
2. If it doesn't seem to want to come through, take your nails and comb through the fibers on the pad.
3. Just rub softly across template and a fine imprint will appear.
( You don't actually pounce ) Irons off easily when your done quilting.
Hope this helps...........