Steampunk Philanthropy

[maduncle]

Greetings,

I am not entirely sure what has moved me in this direction, perhaps it is the February 2009 fires I was involved in here in Victoria, or perhaps it is the news I keep seeing about Haiti - but I have decided today that I am basically a very well off person who squanders their earnings a fair bit, so I am going to try and channel some of that squandered earnings towards a better use for others.

Therefore I have decided that all proceeds from the sale of any steampunk items I sell (NOTE: this includes the work I have on display in Oxford, on which I am negotiable) will now go towards the funding of a ShelterBox.

What is a ShelterBox I hear you say? http://www.shelterboxaustralia.com.au/

So I have mentioned this on my blog, and put a sign in my Etsy store.

It means that I have a set of 'rules' now:

1/. No eBay purchase 'cos they look cool - I buy it if I can use it to make something 'cooler' that I can sell.

2/. I cover all manufacturing and raw material costs (fasteners, paint, etc).

3/. the target is AUD$1,200.00 - then I will be able to buy the first ever steampunk funded ShelterBox.

The reason I post this is because I am very interested in what you think - have you experienced similar moments of guilty pleasure, where you think 'well this is fun - but I could do something better with the money I just splurged on a silk top hat/new fancy goggles (or similar).

I guess I am trying to enhance the satisfaction I get from creating - as well as justify the cost of my creative outlet.

Comments appreciated.

[Rowan of Rin]

This indeed something I think about often, and have very mixed feelings about the best way to live. I must say I am a very materialistic person, I love collecting artifacts of interest and significance, with a view of opening a small museum in the future. On the other hand, I spend an incredible amount of money on these things, and when it comes down to it, it is quite a selfish pleasure (I never "need" any of these things, to the same degree as millions of people around the world need food and water and shelter). Sometimes I become a bit overcome with guilt and get rid of a lot of things and give most of the money to certain charities, and then start over.

Obviously some middle ground is the best place to be in, which is what I am aiming for, and seeing as I am not "well off" (being a student and all), I think donating my time and expertise to help others in need would be a much better thing to focus on.

[maduncle]

Thanks Rowan - like you, I have gone through the same 'sell it and donate it' process in the past.

And it is all 'horses for courses' of course - were I still a student I would think the same as you and focus on using my time and skills to help others. But I have reached a point in my finite life on this planet (mid 40's and well off) where I start to question these things. And to me - turning my profit from my creative outlet into some good elsewhere - fits me right now.

Besides - I want to see 'Steampunk ShelterBox' on the list of sponsored ShelterBoxes!

[Angus A Fitziron]

Maduncle - my first thought was "good on you" and my second thought was "what on earth is a Shelterbox?" Now I know, I have to confess it is an amazing idea and yet so simple, as are most of the best ideas.

Philanthropy was a distinct trait in Victorian times and we often assume in these cynical days they had ulterior motives. But I don't think so, folk back then had a genuine care for their fellow beings. I think one of the strengths of Steampunk, particularly in this particular community is that we do keep rein on cynicism and the balance is always supportive and considerate towards our fellow's ideas and actions.

So, your new enterprise is entirely within the spirit of Steampunk and I applaud your inspired move.

[Sgt.Major Thistlewaite]

Good for you, Sir! *applause* Best of luck with your endeavours!

~Sgt. Major Thistlewaite

[BaronPablo]

Maduncle - my first thought was "good on you" and my second thought was "what on earth is a Shelterbox?" Now I know, I have to confess it is an amazing idea and yet so simple, as are most of the best ideas.

Philanthropy was a distinct trait in Victorian times and we often assume in these cynical days they had ulterior motives. But I don't think so, folk back then had a genuine care for their fellow beings. I think one of the strengths of Steampunk, particularly in this particular community is that we do keep rein on cynicism and the balance is always supportive and considerate towards our fellow's ideas and actions.

So, your new enterprise is entirely within the spirit of Steampunk and I applaud your inspired move.

This.

I'm actually considering organizing a local concert to collect money for Haiti.

[greensteam]

Philanthropy was a distinct trait in Victorian times and we often assume in these cynical days they had ulterior motives. But I don't think so, folk back then had a genuine care for their fellow beings.

At the UK Lincoln Asylum 2009 Convivium, the organisers put all the surplus toward Help for Heroes, which was a great idea.