There are no steampunks, there are only kids who think they're steampunks. It's a meta-movement at best. You know you're in trouble when the D&D and Cosplay nerds make fun of your almost-subculture.
In October, I think it was, I heard a paraphrased version of this quote from William Gibson, who said he heard it from Cherie Priest, who attributed it to some friend on Twitter, who said she didn't remember where she'd heard it but she hadn't made it up.
Steampunk is a reaction to disposable electronics we can't tinker with and the dominance of smooth plastic-encased machines whose inner workings are all hidden. People have started to crave gears, rust, grease, and steam.
Sorry to get all Mudede here, but I've seen it this way for quite some time. I have no use for steampunk myself, though. I mourn for the space age.
Daniel steampunk: for goths who prefer earth tones. (Wed, 03 Nov 2010 21:10:27 GMT)
Great minds think alike or fools never differ?
Goths seem to have a whole edgy angsty depressed aura going on.
Steampunk is more like Edwardian costuming with a twist. No angsty depression required.
Both are a bit peculiar, sure, but Steampunk is more fun.
*Full disclosure: I actually consider myself a goth.*
True story.
Sorry to get all Mudede here, but I've seen it this way for quite some time. I have no use for steampunk myself, though. I mourn for the space age.