Steampunk Links

Steampunk on CNN's "Geek Out!"

2011-09-20T16:55:00.000-07:00

As one ventures outside the world of Steampunk, into larger media sources, one wonders if articles produced, which "explain" Steampunk, are providing a benefit to those who may not be familiar with the genre (in the sense of focusing on unique and creative aspects of the genre), or use Steampunk as a simple filler piece for harried journalists. A majority of press pieces of late have been positive, though at times some are head-scratching odd, when trying to figure out an article's storyline (beyond "those crazy people who dress like Victorians").

Fortunately, CNN's "Geek Out!" provides a nice review of Steampunk, focusing on Dragon*Con, and touches on convivial aspect that the majority of Steampunks enjoy. Additionally, the comments are well balanced, with a compendium of satisfying retorts to the inevitable trolls by people who do appreciate the genre. Worth a look, imo, so please follow the link here... http://geekout.blogs.cnn.com/2011/09/05/steampunk-trend-barrels-ahead-at-dragoncon/

The Gatehouse Gazette, Issue #19, is on the virtual newsstands!

2011-07-19T15:48:00.000-07:00

One feature I always look forward to indulging in is the latest edition of the Gatehouse Gazette! Issue #19 is ready for one enjoyment, including fashion reviews, an overview of Hispanic Steampunk, and much, much more! To read yet another outstanding edition of the Gatehouse Gazette, please turn to: http://www.ottens.co.uk/gatehouse/gazette-19.php

The reason why the Sherlock Holmes section has been removed....

2011-04-30T15:08:00.000-07:00

Sadly, it seems that many anti-virus software have identified a variety of viruses as "sherlocking", or some derivation of this little software virus. Aside from notifications from others, I started to get warnings of the sort as well. So... after a bit of detective work, I removed the "Sherlock Holmes" sidebar of the Steampunk Links, and the problem was eliminated. My apologies to admirers of the Grand Detective, but alas, it seems that for once, technology has triumphed over Mr. Holmes! (A travesty, nonetheless!)

Abney Park's newest album, "The End of Days", is available for download...

2010-11-06T09:07:00.000-07:00

The newest album from Abney Park, The End of Days, was released earlier this week, and is currently available for download (and purchase, of course - but most people are too impatient to wait for snail mail to get the CD, including myself)! To take advantage of a quick and quality download, please visit the Abney Park Market, at: http://abneypark.com/market/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2

Of course, to learn more about the band's current hi-jinxs and performance schedule, please do pay a visit to their website, at: http://www.abneypark.com/

2010-10-28T09:52:00.001-07:00

Steampunk Reviews - Episode #16

2010-04-17T05:54:00.000-07:00

Back from her everyday travails, Miss Yankee999 has released Steampunk Reviews, Episode 16! Please do enjoy!

The Passing of Gatheryn, a Steampunk MMORPG

2010-03-12T17:50:00.000-08:00

The last airship leaving Gatheryn...

In late 2008, Mindfuse games announced plans for the first Steampunk-specific MMORPG, which was to include a series of mini-games, adventures, social interaction options, and a variety of other unspecified Steampunk activities. Alas, after the end of their Beta trials (in the fall of 2009), it appears that Gatheryn (and Mindfuse.com) have passed along into the great beyond.

A view of the seaport, near the edge of the Beta map

I admit to being disappointed in seeing its demise, but having played it, can see that it had a number of huge hurdles to overcome. The main coin to obtain items in Gatheryn were obtained by completing mini-games - which would require a good amount of time to collect even enough to purchase a "Steampunk" hat (sigh). Seriously, with limitations of the ability to personalize one's avatar after the initial av design, a lack of in-world build options (unlike Second Life), and perhaps the most damning of all, the lack of participants (in spite of extensive media coverage in the MMORPG blogs and magazines), it didn't stand much of a chance against other established Steampunk online communities (again, most notably being SL, but Neo-Steam and a few other sub-communites (e.g. in the now-defunct There.com)). The last bit of information (via Massively.com) was that the company "ran out of funding", and sounds like it fell victim to difficult economic times.

A docking bay in Gathryn, which is sparsely occupied, as one can see

So, it was a noble effort, but excellent screen captures cannot make up for the shortcomings that plagued Gatheryn. A visit to the Mindfuze website produces the dreaded "Link is Broken" display, essentially placing a period at the end of the adventure for Gatheryn.

Steampunk Gatherings: Late January and February, 2010

2010-01-20T13:13:00.000-08:00

Caberet du Neant

Paris, France

http://www.facebook.com/frenchsteampunk

Temple Con

Warwick, Rhode Island

http://www.templecon.org/10/index.php

Steampunk Ottawa

Ottawa, Canada,

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=132477834641&index=1

(undergoing update - but for more information, please visit the Steampunk Empire! - link on the side bar)