I think Steampunk as a genre and subculture is still growing. I also think there is room for all kinds. Just as a science fiction book can be a straightforward adventure or a commentary on the problems of society past and/or present, participation in the Steampunk subculture can also be either and there is nothing wrong with either approach. To imply that only a certain kind or level of participation is correct is to be exclusionary and reduces the size, impact and potentially the longevity of Steampunk. It also comes across as a bit pretentious.
I admit that my own participation doesn't amount to much more than reading the occasional book, and dressing up for a convention or two each year and for Halloween. I have some vague ideas for a book I would like to write one day and my Steampunk persona (not that it is really much of a persona except in the costume and in my head...I'm not really the play acting type) is loosely based on a vague character idea. But I'm not kidding myself. I may never get around to the book (full time jobs and a family make having time for that sort of thing difficult) but that's not going to stop me from enjoying the Steampunk genre/subculture/whateveryoucallit at whatever level I can. The worst thing that could happen to Steampunk is for participants to look down upon those who do not meet their arbitrary Steampunk standards.
If there is one set of values important to Steampunk I would say that it is to be inclusive, welcoming and friendly to all who have an interest no matter what level of interest it is.
[Updated on: Thu, 05 March 2015 10:09]
Report message to a moderator