a voltage less than that for air such as argon and helium can be envisioned also it should be clear that each gas which can be used will have its own optimal distance defining gap 27 although 20 microns is used as an example the system could be optimized by adjusting gap 27 referring also to fig5 where like numerals represent like components as described above there is shown an exemplary electrographic writing head system 70 according to the disclosed invention nibline 74 comprises a series of electrodes or nibs 24 arranged in a longitudinally extending array supported by substrate 22 or an insulated mold not shown on either side of substrate or mold 22 there are adjustable spacing members in the form of retractable slabs 76 78 as seen in the drawing retractable slabs 76 78 are positioned a distance above nib line 24 for example the 20 microns discussed above or any required distance causing an increased gap between medium 30 and nibline 74 although the figure shows retractable slab 76 positioned above nibline 74 it can be envisioned that retractable slab 76 may also be positioned below nib line 74 adjustable positioning of slabs 76 78 may be optimized for the gas being used in gap 27 or the particular application or for any other purposes the adjustable.