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Author Topic: Orthodox Steampunk  (Read 861 times)
Argus Fairbrass
Zeppelin Overlord
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England England


So English even the English don't get it!


« Reply #25 on: July 16, 2012, 08:17:28 am »



*Steampunk Dalek Voice*

This rule must be strictly observed to at all times, those who deviate will be EXSTEAMINATED!
« Last Edit: December 19, 2012, 09:57:40 am by Argus Fairbrass » Logged

Have her steamed and brought to my tent!
Madame Curatrix
Snr. Officer
****
United States United States



« Reply #26 on: July 16, 2012, 05:01:31 pm »

When it comes to the whole genre of Steampunk, the only true constants are that Steampunk should begin at some point around the beginning of the Reign of Queen Victoria and end around the end of the Boer War, with some form of Georgian Punk taking place until the end of the First World War.

Now, I'm no historical scholar, so those who are feel free to correct me if I am wrong.

But I was under the impression that what is colloquially referred to as the 'Georgian' period in history was largely confined to the 18th century, namely, the 1700's, named for King George III of England. The period following the Victorian era, and up to World War I, I believe, is commonly known as the 'Edwardian' era, named for the English monarchs, King Edward VII and (until he abdicated) King Edward VIII.

At least, that is how I have always seen these periods defined when researching period fashion and art. Smiley

That being said, while I personally prefer to adhere to a more Victorian-era interpretation of Steampunk, I find interest and artistry in many divergent interpretations of the genre. I may not admire certain participants' efforts as much as I adore the creations of others; but that doesn't mean that those I feel less affinity for ought not have a right to exist. After all, restrictions upon self-expression? Pah! Forget that nonsense!
« Last Edit: July 16, 2012, 07:08:08 pm by Madame Curatrix » Logged
pakled
Zeppelin Captain
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United States United States


Minions Local 305, at your thervice!


« Reply #27 on: July 16, 2012, 06:41:17 pm »

We are the Steamborg; your mechanical distinctiveness will be added to our own.
He who is not against us is with us...Wink
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Argus Fairbrass
Zeppelin Overlord
*******
England England


So English even the English don't get it!


« Reply #28 on: July 17, 2012, 12:49:43 am »

Lol, even those that attempt to adhere to the Victorian science fiction thing are pretty doomed to failure. Because (if one wanted to be pedantic) Victorian science fiction, or Science Fiction Romance to use the archaic term is exactly that…Victorian. Steampunk didn't come along until the eighties. Some of the lit that comes under that category isn't set in Victorian times at all. It just has a vibe reminiscent of the C19th.

But really (imho) it's just a springboard for ideas, I've never seen any reason why it shouldn't develop and inevitably it has. Historically speaking I tend to stick with the Age Of Steam idea (1770-1914) I take it up to 1920 purely to coincide with Dieselpunk. I mean is anyone really saying that as a potential historical influence Thomas Newcomen couldn’t be even just a lil Steampunk? but he was born in 1663 and died in 1729. Nowhere near being a Victorian. Could anyone claim that Puffing Billy or Wylam Dilley aren't even vaguely Steampunk? I would disagree but they both predate Victoria's coronation by a good few years, as did many other amazing inventions and inventors. Also Rudolph Diesel invented his engine in the late C19th and steam power was really put to the test in WW2. And that's just actual history not fantasy.

The Victorian thing has it's place, it's a decent enough starting point if you want it to be . But I don't know if anyone truly has the big picture of just how diverse this thing has become, and there is still a way to go.

Anyway that's just how I roll, others no doubt see it differently, but wouldn't it be dull if we were all the same.

« Last Edit: December 19, 2012, 10:05:51 am by Argus Fairbrass » Logged
S.Sprocket
Administrator
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United States United States


Industria Proficiscor In!


« Reply #29 on: July 17, 2012, 02:20:37 am »

Admin note to other Mods:  don't worry I'm watching this thread.  No need to say anything yet Smiley

Now, my actual post for the thread:

So the question was, "Is there such a thing as Orthodox Steampunk?"  From there, it seems there's a bit of a discussion of what exactly IS Steampunk.  As one must define something before one can determine it's scope.  As we've had many nasty threads turn into train wrecks allow me to point everyone to one of the more civil threads we have stickied which talks about Steampunk as a sub culture:

http://brassgoggles.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,40.0.html

In the thread we talked about some of the basic themes and activities that Steampunks do (such as changing the world around them)  Other than the cultural aspects, Steampunk has always been speculative fiction.  Give those two elements, I hope you can make your own mind what you think Steampunk is.

Now that you know what it is, we can get back to the scope, which is the subject of this thread.
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"It's what a cove knows that counts, ain't it Sybil?  More than land or money, more than birth.  Information. Very flash." -Mick Radley

"Teaching boys to bake cakes? That's no way to maintain an industrial empire." --Fred Dibnah
SteampunkObserver
Gunner
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United States United States


« Reply #30 on: July 21, 2012, 02:05:54 am »

It exists.

The question is: Are you ready for it?

Probably not.

~S.O.
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von Corax
Immortal
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Canada Canada

Leverkusen Institute of Paleocybernetics


« Reply #31 on: July 21, 2012, 05:43:06 am »

It exists.

The question is: Are you ready for it?

Probably not.

~S.O.

The question is: Do we want it?

Probably not.

~D.P.vonC.
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