A Geographical Organizing Of Steampunks? Is it possible?

[Roderick Hellyer]

Hello everyone,

this is a interesting discussion, one that has been touched upon in Metaphysical (steampunk communities threads) and I started a thread in anatomical about Victorian self defense http://brassgoggles.co.uk/bg-forum/index.php?topic=10400.0 . So i am interested in this idea but wary as well.

I was in the SCA for 15 years, from the early 80's through the mid - 90's.  While I find the educational aspect of the SCA fantastic, i feel the power structure lacks any type of truly ombudsmen like check or balances.  Something for this to work in the Steampunk community would need strong checks and balances so strong personality's cannot run rough shod over not as strong, so that people who love costuming do not become split into fashionistas and critics and those who just want to have good fun.  As for combat, whether your proficient in cane fighting or not should have no impact on any supposed rank or power over your fellow members. 

If you really want to do this i be interested in attending the first planning meetings... where in the US would they be held..or should they be in the UK? or online via skype or somehting like that? 

 this could be an amazing endeavor or a road to hell paved with good intentions....

So whats the next step here...

R. Hellyer

[Dr. Munro]

From my own background as a Quaker I've witnessed the organisation of huge gatherings without anybody really lording it over anybody else - just a thought as to whether we really need a strong centralised power?  Anarchists have been doing it without leaders for years as well.

[Captain Brandsson]

I would imagine that anything that would by coincidence so much as resemble a central authority would really just be those poor souls saddled with some temporary administrative duty for a specific project (i.e. Doctor So-And-So is only in charge in-so-far-as they are in charge of reserving a hall).

[Roderick Hellyer]

Captain Brandsson ,

Please don't misunderstand me...I do not think the endeavor you are proposing will fail, on the contrary I think it will succeed and wildly at that, which is why you need to plan more for success then failure.  You will need a central authority if just for logistics.  The proposal here has amazing potential for everything from education to DIY community labs (fab labs) to the gaming aspect to arts and crafts to the promotion of science and history.  Those aspects are just off the top of my head, with thought all can be expanded upon.


there should be a meeting set up...like a the constitutional convention of old for many to come together and help craft this. Where anyone can have a voice.

one of the first practical question is...is it a NPO? a LLC?  no matter what its corporate structure you will need people to admin this part who are legal corporate officers.

I think a proper structure can be created that makes this a positive force in the scheme of things rather then not.  But don't kid yourselves...what your proposing will be a organization that has bylaws, collect dues and moneys has a budget and will be responsible to be transparent to its membership...it will be work but work well worth doing.

I look forward to this discussion continuing...

R. Hellyer

[Captain Brandsson]

The biggest problem, at this stage, is that I have no idea what it is I am endeavoring to plan. 

[Ely Von Rigby]

Though I have not read over the entire thread – I do have a clear grasp of the concept.  I also worked at the ren faire in So. CA for 4 years.

If this actually becomes more than a concept, but something that people want to do, I will offer my services.  I am project manager/developer (tangible items) by trade.  I will be more than happy to assist people in putting together the event.  My organizational skills are second to none.

Opening Topics
Location
-   US (sorry – can’t assist in the UK)
-   Parks do not require guarantee’s on attendance
-   Hotels would consider this a convention
Dates
   - Best time of year (seasons etc)
Marketing
-   How do you market and where?  Funds?
o   Myspace
o   Websites
o   Word of Mouth
Food / Drinks
   -
Vendors
-   Fee for booths – requirements for how booths look
o   Percentage of sale – etc.
Attractions
-   Overall Look and feel
-   Bands
-   Dance
-   Social
-   Speakers
-   Theater / Circus (oh my favorite)

Ely Von Rigby

[Captain Brandsson]

You may be a godsend, VonRigby, as your resume shows many skills that I am either uninformed of or lack completely!

What is your opinion regarding something like a renfaire...  themed like a science fair or expo... for steampunk?

Essentially an excuse to show of inventions, creations, wears and clothing among ourseves and to the public.

[Ely Von Rigby]

In all honesty – I don’t know. 

Ren faire grew out of a curiosity of the era.  It started in the backyard of a teacher who wanted to teach her students about Elizabethan times……    it grew to a low cost event in a small park and then as we now know it – but it took 30 + years.

I was unable to attend the convention – I do not know what happened, what events where there etc.. So I won’t be able to fathom how many people would be interested in a larger scale than that.

However I do think that if you change gears (oh..  oh!!  Lol) and think about it this way…. 

Have a “Brassgoggles” event and build off of Brassgoggles members, then you could have something.   Within the Brassgoggles event, you can have your CosPlay as well as your TechPlay and dance , theater etc..   

… and as for my resume (I’m in Marketing and Project/Product Development in tangible/manufactured goods and currently seeking employment in San Diego hahahaha)

[Dr. Munro]

As far as the UK side of things go I would be willing to gather a small team around myself to get things moving.  My CV may not be as impressive as Ely Von Rigbys but I'm the Chair of the Labour Society here in Loughborough (having gotten the whole thing off the ground and moving) and have quite a long history of getting people motivated and getting things sorted (getting a person into an elected position is no small amount of orgnisation and strategic planning! )

[Captain_Sadeian]

I hadn't had a chance to mention this but after the success of the Whitby steampunk meeting I have arrsnged for the past two years. I have been putting into action a plan for a large residential steampunk convention in the UK. The convention will be held in Brighton and is planned for September 2009. This should be quite the event and the guest artists roster is filling quickly, we have some wonderful names. It would however be nice to get some idea of numbers for attendees. If you are interested in attending, please e-mail me at sadeianlaboratories@hotmail.co.uk

Also I will be hosting a steampounk event in London in December, more news yet to come.

If anyone would like to exhibit, sell, perform, etc. at any of these events or indeed at future ones please contact me with your details at the above address.

[Dr. Munro]

That's certainly saved me alot of effort!

[Ely Von Rigby]

Grins -

[Captain Brandsson]

All good things.

How would you suggest such a thing begin, Von Rigby?

My thinking had been (and still is somewhat) that if something with a bit of competition were to be organized, that would encourage the formation of teams (crews, leagues, guilds, the name is unimportant) to band together to persue the goal.

Perhaps I am in the minority regarding the appeal of gentlmanly (and gentlewomanly) associations battling politely for supremacy of "the new age".

[Ely Von Rigby]

To begin?  Like any good voyage -

List the goals of the event first as clearly as possible - this will become the mission.

Once you have a clear vision of what the mission is you may wish too gather resources - this means sending out posts and emails looking for people willing to donate their time and idea's.

Again, I would consider working directly with Brassgoggles crew.  If they are interested, they can mass mail and assist with sending out public notices.

You may also wish to contact persons responsible for the latest convention to broaden it's scope.

EVR
Post Script - I am not and do not wish to be in competition with our UK counterparts. I believe we are allies in expanding and growing Steampunk if the Universe allows.   I hope to, if this fly’s, work in partnership with them.

I would someday love to visit there, its just not feasible for me in the near future.

[Captain Brandsson]

To begin?  Like any good voyage -

List the goals of the event first as clearly as possible - this will become the mission.

That is the hard part.

EVR
Post Script - I am not and do not wish to be in competition with our UK counterparts. I believe we are allies in expanding and growing Steampunk if the Universe allows.   I hope to, if this fly’s, work in partnership with them.

I think you misunderstand me and my concept of competition.
Firstly, it would not be US vs UK, it would be more local... 
Secondly, it would not be competion of events, but rather competion at events, like any game freinds play when gathered together. 
Not unlike softball, bowling, darts, etc. only with the steampunk theme in mind.

For example, the idea of a “Mad Science Fair.
Let us say, for the sake of hypothetical discussion, that the challenge is set to build “The Greatest Mousetrap Mankind Has Ever Seen”.
The builders, gadgeteers and inventors among us (singly or as a team) are tasked with creating the device and getting it to the fair.
This would also provide them with the opportunity for them to show of their other inventions, should they choose.
Other artists and craftspeople might have a chance to not only show off wares, but perhaps do a bit of commerce.
Those of us that simply enjoy dressing up will have a chance to walk about in their finery and enjoy the expositions, demonstrations and (perhaps) some light shopping.
The role-players among us could easily spin a tale of intrigue at such an event concerning the implications of such scientific breakthroughs (“Ladies and gentlemen, this mousetrap could change the world/spell our doom/be worth a fortune and it must be completed/stopped/brought under our control” or “Lord/Lady Whositz-Smythe will be attending the exposition and the Society of the Jade Monkey/League Of Calamitous Intent/Saint George Club must assassinate/discredit/protect them at all costs”).

Perhaps I am hopelessly naïve, but this seems like the perfect “something for everyone” setting.

[Silas P. Morgan]

One of my other hobbies is Pyrate Re-enacting.

Inside the front cover on on the web page for No Quarter Given is a list of Pyrate Groups sorted geographically... with a contact person... Now the Pyrates don't have any rules other than what each group decides. Some groups are very exclusive, and some more easy going (the same goes for historical accuracy)

In Geographical, people will post about local events, but a contact list of Steampunk Groups would be very helpful for finding a group of steamers near you. A Flicker map for Steampunk Groups might also be handy....

I think the only reason any rules would be needed is if a group wanted to participate in LARP-like combat...

[Captain Brandsson]

Inside the front cover on on the web page for No Quarter Given is a list of Pyrate Groups sorted geographically... with a contact person... Now the Pyrates don't have any rules other than what each group decides. Some groups are very exclusive, and some more easy going (the same goes for historical accuracy)

In Geographical, people will post about local events, but a contact list of Steampunk Groups would be very helpful for finding a group of steamers near you. A Flicker map for Steampunk Groups might also be handy....

I think the only reason any rules would be needed is if a group wanted to participate in LARP-like combat...

Thank you, Morgan.
Your post describes something that comes quite close to what I had in my brain when I first posted this thread (a brain that has since gone hither and thither a few times), I would simply add regular interaction between the various groups to whatever useful and amusing end.

[Ely Von Rigby]

I did see a Steampunk map recently on one of these threads.

Please let me know if I may be of assistance in the near or far future.  Feel free to email/iM me.

[Roderick Hellyer]

Is the purpose of this endeavor organizational?

Is it to create a sort of educational recreation company ala SCA?

Is it to make a international larp group like the Camarillia is for whitewolf?

Is it to make a real world base of interaction for craftsmen and the like?

Is it to spread the philosophy of steampunk and diy to people to encourage a sustainable and individualistic way of life that has real world impact on all systems of human development (politics, education, shelter, critical thinking, etc)?

each one of these directions is possible... but one needs to be decided upon to progress forward...

someone has to step up as a leader and say, this is the direction we need to go in whos with me?

so which do you people want?

Sincerely

R. Hellyer

PS sorry if I am short in my language today but I am dealing with a flair up of the very steampunk aliment gout so i am a psychotically grumpy bear today.  I thank you for your understanding.

[Dr. Munro]

I believe the purpose of this organisation would be to promote and instigate events within the steampunk community by providing some form of "base of operations".  Have I understood this correctly?

[Ely Von Rigby]

Yes yes!  I agree with Mr. Hellyer completely.   

I do not wish to be a leader in this.  I wish to be an associate. 

I have been involved in SP for about - oh...   2 weeks, I can not offer any knowledge on the subject, just observations.

I am by nature a person who likes to be involved! (and am pretty good at it).

I also am not an inventor.  My skill set is limited to an overactive mind and a knack for hand sewing quick costumes (smiles). 

Who shall Captain this adventure?

In regards to future thoughts...

I also strongly feel that others need to be involved including Brassgoggles personnel and perhaps the convention people.  The convention associates would be able to supply a clear understanding to the interests of the participants as well as an analysis of, or post mortem of their event.  With this information in hand, you, or the "captain" will have a better idea of what is required for a successful event.

This is not SCA.  It would rather difficult to ask Steampunks to meet at a camp ground, put up some 4-man's and feel like CosPlay or TechPlay etc.  Again, its my opinion, but buildings or rooms may be required to create a backdrop for whatever it is this becomes.  (slowly gets off soapbox)

EVR

[Dr. Munro]

Well, in my eyes there can be only one man for the job - the good Captain Brandsson.

[Captain Brandsson]

Is the purpose of this endeavor organizational?

I started this thread to ask that very question as well as “What do we want?”
I know what I would enjoy, but I would not ever be so bold as to impose that in any way (not that I even could).

Is it to create a sort of educational recreation company ala SCA?

Yes and no.  Parallels would certainly exist, but be limited due to the variant structure and lack of a martial focus.

Is it to make a international larp group like the Camarillia is for whitewolf?

Such is not my desire, but I would not hinder anyone with such ambitions.

Is it to make a real world base of interaction for craftsmen and the like?

That is one desire I do have.

Is it to spread the philosophy of steampunk and diy to people to encourage a sustainable and individualistic way of life that has real world impact on all systems of human development (politics, education, shelter, critical thinking, etc)?

That is another desire of mine, or at least to present such integrations as options in life, to whatever degree.

PS sorry if I am short in my language today but I am dealing with a flair up of the very steampunk aliment gout so i am a psychotically grumpy bear today.  I thank you for your understanding.

No need to apologize.  Such plain speaking comforts me.

I believe the purpose of this organisation would be to promote and instigate events within the steampunk community by providing some form of "base of operations".  Have I understood this correctly?

Well, perhaps not “base of operations” as such…  But promotion and instigation sound agreeable.

I also strongly feel that others need to be involved including Brassgoggles personnel and perhaps the convention people.  The convention associates would be able to supply a clear understanding to the interests of the participants as well as an analysis of, or post mortem of their event.  With this information in hand, you, or the "captain" will have a better idea of what is required for a successful event.

Well, the thread is here and I can assume they are aware of it.

This is not SCA.  It would rather difficult to ask Steampunks to meet at a camp ground, put up some 4-man's and feel like CosPlay or TechPlay etc.

*laughs*
That would be an amusing sight!

Well, in my eyes there can be only one man for the job - the good Captain Brandsson.

This is not a declination, but honesty demands that I give a bit of a current biography:
I am not a regular con-goer or an avid LARPer (although I have done both).
My personal steampunk style is integrating anachronistic and fanta-scientific flourishes into my daily life.
I have no experience in organizing anything involving more than half a dozen folks (granted, I have had some success at that in the past). 
My support is limited as I know no other local steampunks and my wife, bless her, is wary of my schemes by this point.
We are a single income family and disposable income is limited (when it exists at all).
Skill-wise, I am a jack of a few trades but master of none.
My true ultirior motive is to create a recreational steampunk atmosphere that I can escape into and offer the same to anyone else who wants the same.

Having laid all that out…  If anyone still wants me at the wheel of this lead zeppelin, feel free to say so.

[Silas P. Morgan]

Quote from: Ely Von Rigby on November 05, 2008, 08:54:17 PM
This is not SCA.  It would rather difficult to ask Steampunks to meet at a camp ground, put up some 4-man's and feel like CosPlay or TechPlay etc.

*laughs*
That would be an amusing sight!

But that's what the Bomb Bay Tea Company did at Burning Man this year....

It started as a post here in Geographical, and then at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/brassgoggles/ and a bunch of us got everything together and made it happen...

[Ely Von Rigby]

I do appologize Mr. Morgan, it was my assumption - 4 years in 4-mans at Ren Faire was quite enough for me.  Smiles.  Give me flushing toilets and beds that do not deflate.

EVR