My lords, ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pleasure that I introduce myself to you all. Long time lurker, first time poster.
My name is Olly, but I refer to myself as Lord Vespertine, because that's considerably more interesting as a sobriquet. Forgive me, my dears, if this introduction is maddeningly inelegant, but, alas, first impressions are not my forte.
I hail from the heart of the Empire, Her Majesty's England, where people adore eccentrics (but don't want them living next door) and where it rains so hard it makes your head bleed. I have been very interested in the Victorian era for as long as I can remember and, because of my affection for uchronism, anachronism and numerous other big words ending in 'chronism', steampunk fascinates me.
I learnt of your fine website on the 20th July this year, when myself and my better half were in Camden Town, queuing up to meet that vivacious violin-vixen, Emilie Autumn, at her signing in Cyberdog. One of your number, (sadly, I cannot say who exactly) asked if he could take our photograph, declaring that we were 'so steampunk'. I must confess, I was rather flattered by this declaration. He told me about the website and provided me with a link and so, you see me here before you.

I've been flitting about, observing and watching, but have only just plucked up the courage to take the plunge and introduce myself as a member of your community. Please be nice to me...
