UK STEAMPUNK WEEKEND - THE ASYLUM, SEPTEMBER

[TimeTinker]

From the outset I asked people for input on the subject of publicity.  The policy adopted was that promotion should be done by steampunks rather than open advertising etc.  That policy does seem to have worked since we are getting the bookings and enthusiasm.

There are two issues here.

Do we want publications to cover us in advance of the event so that we attract more attention and hopefully sell more tickets?

Do we want publications to cover the weekend after the event so we get to see pictures of ourselves etc and an idea of what we got up to in print?

If we decide on the former then we need to start putting out press releases etc.

If the latter then we need to consider who we would like to do this.

I am with Herr Doktor, I would prefer it to be done by some of us but as ever I am open to a full and frank discussion.

[Rosel]

I think an insider newletter like Peter harrow describes sounds like a good idea.

[TimeTinker]

So are we saying we would like our own newsletter produced during the event and distributed immediately afterwards?

This could be made available on line for people to peruse and download on the Monday or Tuesday after the Asylum. (Or maybe even Sunday evening.)

Is this what people want?

Are there volunteers willing to do it?

[AndiiV]

My personal opinion is that, with future Asylum-type events in discussion, there wouldn't be too much harm in letting outside, selected, publications flag it up in advance, or even cover it with all the suitable permissions Tinker mentions above. I think that the fact it will most certainly be sold out will only add enthusiasm for subsequent and larger events. While I'm sure there will be a percentage of associated readerships who'll want to temporarily jump the bandwagon, we might just pull in a few new and genuinely steam-minded patrons.

[TimeTinker]

Publicity for future events is a totally different issue Andii and that is why I wanted to make the clear distinction. 

Personally I would like to see us get good reviews from whoever we think matters - we just need a consensus on who that is. Principally for me that is those of you who attend in whatever capacity.

Heck we are grafting on setting the damned thing up - it is very reassuring to know when we are on the right track.  I don't want flattery or people telling me I am doing a good job but it is nice when someone says - that is a good idea or decision, I like that.  Statements of what you don't like or want are useful too but they are ten times more useful when an alternative is proposed.

I'm not moaning, just pointing out how you all can help us create the event you want.  Of course we can't make it perfect for everyone but we will try our damnedest.

It will be special, we will have a great time and we will all want to be back for the next one!

[Vampyre Master]

My personal opinion is that, with future Asylum-type events in discussion, there wouldn't be too much harm in letting outside, selected, publications flag it up in advance, or even cover it with all the suitable permissions Tinker mentions above. I think that the fact it will most certainly be sold out will only add enthusiasm for subsequent and larger events. While I'm sure there will be a percentage of associated readerships who'll want to temporarily jump the bandwagon, we might just pull in a few new and genuinely steam-minded patrons.

From my experience on the fetish,goth and vampyre subcultures bigger does not mean better!!

regards
Colin

[mocata]

I had an idea.

How about recording all the music over the weekend and putting out an Asylum CD? This is something that used to happen regularly at the hardcore punk all-dayers I used to go to.

Have one or two tracks from each band, use the profits to help next year's event? It would also be the first 'steampunk music' compliation - demonstrating the variety of sounds.

Obviously this depends on the other bands being up for it, but The Men would love to do something like this.

[TimeTinker]

Excellent idea Andrew. I will put it forward to folks.

Hope you are well.

How's preparation going for Edinburgh and are you going to advertise yourself here please?

[SteamBlast Mary]

FINALLY got around to booking our accommodation- we're going to be at the Carline Guest House (they still have one twin room left if that's suitable for anyone's needs). Seem friendly enough & appears we'll be in good company/

You lucky people, you're going to be subjected to the sight of me over breakfast

[Matt_Splicer]

with regards to the press, any attempts to impede their portrayal of the event will only lead to poor portrayal.

if they want to see what we do, then let them.

we are all honest folk with nothing to hide, and letting them do so will possibly bring more to the fold.

At the very least, i think that Lincoln's local paper should be invited to the fun.

cheers.

matt.

[lady sakara]

with regards to the press, any attempts to impede their portrayal of the event will only lead to poor portrayal.

if they want to see what we do, then let them.

we are all honest folk with nothing to hide, and letting them do so will possibly bring more to the fold.

At the very least, i think that Lincoln's local paper should be invited to the fun.

cheers.

matt.

Im afraid with the press, being honest and open doesnt mean a damn to a journalist with an 'angle' If they want to make an event/person/ etc etc look bad /take the proverbial ,they will find their angle to do it.
yes to The CHap, no to anyone else...

As for coverage..id say post event..perhaps send an account to say BBC website....i do believe they have a local events section

[TimeTinker]

I am sorry to say this Matt but we have already had problems with the local press.  They contacted me and asked me to do an interview for them.  I said I did not want to do an interview as I wanted to finalise some of the details with the council before making any definitive statements.  I said if they could wait a couple of weeks to get the details sorted then I would be delighted to  do a proper piece and I would supply pictures etc for them.  They said OK.

They then ran a piece anyway. Quoted me when our conversation had specifically been off the record and then phoned the council up and asked them why they were not helping us bring this event to Lincoln.  That did lots to help us didn't it?

Consequently the Lincoln Echo will not be welcome at the Asylum, I will not be helping them in any way because they have the morals of worms.

I have a simple creed.  I will show you respect and I will expect respect in return.  Shit on me and you may want to start watching the skies for falling brown stuff.

[lady sakara]

I am sorry to say this Matt but we have already had problems with the local press.  They contacted me and asked me to do an interview for them.  I said I did not want to do an interview as I wanted to finalise some of the details with the council before making any definitive statements.  I said if they could wait a couple of weeks to get the details sorted then I would be delighted to  do a proper piece and I would supply pictures etc for them.  They said OK.

They then ran a piece anyway. Quoted me when our conversation had specifically been off the record and then phoned the council up and asked them why they were not helping us bring this event to Lincoln.  That did lots to help us didn't it?

Consequently the Lincoln Echo will not be welcome at the Asylum, I will not be helping them in any way because they have the morals of worms.

I have a simple creed.  I will show you respect and I will expect respect in return.  Shit on me and you may want to start watching the skies for falling brown stuff.

yes indeed. Local press can be the worst as theyre always looking for stuff to fill their pages!
My twin sister alter ego is an assassin, if you ever need her services..im sure something can be arranged 

[Capt. Dirigible]

They then ran a piece anyway. Quoted me when our conversation had specifically been off the record and then phoned the council up and asked them why they were not helping us bring this event to Lincoln.  That did lots to help us didn't it?

Yes, well that's journos for you! Over the years I've been interviewed on TV and in papers and  mags when with the Vampyre Group at large gatherings or monthly meetings and they all they really want to know is 'Do you drink blood?' 'Do you sleep in a coffin?' 'Do you believe yourself to be a vampire?' and no matter how many times we stressed that we don't..that was still the angle they played up often editing and quoting out of context to give the opposite impression.

I'm of the opinion that The Lincoln Echo saw a story and were going to run it with or without your assistance, Time Tinker. It's what they do! Usually they just make stuff up..on this occasion they probably saw it as

'LOCAL COUNCIL PREVENTS CONVENTION'
'Huge tourism opportunity veto'ed by local council' Shock! Horror!

Journos can be more trouble than their worth and I don't trust any of them!

[SteamBlast Mary]

I'm deeply saddened to read about the local press's actions, if they did take the "Huge tourism opportunity veto'ed by local council" then they manged to (inadvertantly or otherwise) stab all parties in the back under the guise of supporting us.

I'm starting to feel, the hells with publicity, let's pull together to make this a really special event in every way we can and people can interpret it in any way they see fit (or in a way that will sell most copies of their rag, whichever.) Much as we'd like to portray to the world what a nice, sane* bunch of people we are, I for one am not going to waste any more engery than it takes to be pleasant and polite to the locals (which goes without saying) in an attempt to ward off accusations of, oh, whatever the media feel like saying we are.

As an aside, I'd be interested to hear about how the Whitby Gazette initially reported on the WGW. Now they do souvenier editions and put together the opposing team in the charity football match but was it always like this?


*yes, I know.

[Llrael]

Aww, man. I've had bad experiences with the press in the past. The local Echo came in and interviewed my weekend music class because the locals were trying to force a noise abatement order on the school. Never fully recovered from that.
I'd second Mary's approach; if they want to drag the steampunk name through the mud just to sell a few copies, that's their business. Anyone who believes everything they read in the papers is unlikely to appreciate our culture at all anyway (or anyone else's, for that matter), and those who don't only have to meet us and see that we're all polite, intelligent, fairly well-adjusted people.

(That football match thing got me thinking how epic it would be to have a sort of Sub-culture World Cup. Punks vs goths vs steam vs cyber in the League to end all Leagues.)

[Dr cornelius quack]

I don't think goths play football.

All that healthy running about might put some colour in their cheeks.

[Sir A Poiselamppe]

Found part of the article online...

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/news/Lincoln-city-Steampunk/article-957363-detail/article.html

The off the record quotes are not really used in a helpful context... guaranteed to get eh councils unofficial hackles up....

Mind you the thing most known to me about the area are the sausages... which says a lot...

mmmm breakfast....just off to the shops...

[darkshines]

Is there a Victorian Steampunk Society? 

[James Harrison]

I was just thinking that too...

[darkshines]

complaints@pcc.org.uk The email address for the Press Complaints Commission....

[TimeTinker]

Thanks Darkshines.  It won't do us any good though. So perhaps best to let lie. Anyway I have found in the past that the best way to get your own back with local press is simply to make it clear that you do not give permission for them to take/use photographs. They hate it but can't legally get round it.


Yes there is a Victorian Steampunk Society  as it says on the home page of the Asylum website. We formed it on the advice of experienced con runners as a not for profit society for running the Asylum and other future events.   It is basically an administrative organisation giving us a corporate identity for securing public liability insurance etc. We have a website for the VSS since it is now starting to offer other events (the Broads Boating Event thread included this link already):

http://thevss.yolasite.com

Don't get excited, nothing special but it does allow us to operate within the current laws and regulations of our green and pleasant land.

[Sir Ninian Marsh]

Not that I condone then Lincoln Echo article or quoting Tinker out of context but what's done is done and I actually think it may have a positive affect.  The slant of bringing tourism and a boost to the Lincoln economy while casting the Council in a poor light may actually move the council into action and take positive steps regarding the event.

Maybe the paper targets the council on a regular basis, I know the local paper here in York is always reporting the councils failings, they seem to regard the council as their arch nemesis. Which means either the council will ignore the comments thinking that the paper is doing what it always does or it will take positive action because it doesn't want to be cast in a negative light.

[TimeTinker]

Well the council certainly haven't improved any I am sorry to say.  We are still having virtually no luck talking with anyone at all.  They keep saying that they have been restructuring and then have local elections so don't have time to talk to us.  When you manage to speak to someone on the phone they are very nice but they don't bother to send the emails they promise, pass on links or numbers etc.  I have given up with them to be honest.

I am sure the paper are just council bashing.  Everyone from the City I have spoken to has said they are useless and the paper does it regularly.  I just don't like us being used as a stick to beat the council with so will not make it any easy for the local paper henceforth.

The event is sorted and will go ahead in spite of the hiccups we have had.  When we are bringing a substantial amount of  money into the local economy in a time of recession though you really would think that they might at least return the odd email or phone call.  We will keep plugging away, we have several weeks before we have to finalise some of the features but since we are doing this part time as volunteers it is sometimes an uphill struggle.

Cry havok and unleash to Dogs of War (but let them sniff at journalists and council officers first)   I mean no disrespect to our esteemed colleagues who earn a crust with other local authorities.  I am aware of the codes of practice etc.  Mind you we often do paid work for a number of other authorities and there is a code of practice on payment schedules too that they manage to ignore by routing through internal systems etc.... Codes of practice = nice words, cleverly ignored. Grumble over, back to being cheerful, positive Tinker.

[Chris Siddall]

Right, I have now infiltrated the environs of Lincoln and will be on the ground for the next couple of days. Met stiff local hospitality at the County Show and was forced to eat lovely lovely pies and drink beer. Will be surveying crinoline and bustle friendly promenade routes on Friday as parts of the street plan around the Bail and the historic parts of town are positively medieval and there's a distinct concentration of topography. If there's anything else that needs doing with boots on the ground... Oh no they've got sausages...