My Steampunk could be easier to see in a bunch of pictures, or a Facebook post. Facebook’s algorithm really will pick up on goggles and grab, because that’s what Facebook wants – gorgeous, magnificent, strange Steampunk stuff. Not some event promoter in a t-shirt.
My Steampunk could be simpler.
My songs could all be about pistons and oil.
I could write about gears and mad scientists all day long.
I could cater to every Steampunk stereotype, and people would love it – not because people are conformists, but because we are a tribe, a tribe that’s small and close-knit and we are excited to see tribal symbols in ourselves in each others. Goggles, top hats, corsets? You must be one of us. T-shirt and a funny hat? We’re not so sure, and it’s hard to put yourself out there for someone who might not love you as much as you are ready to love and join with them.
I don’t care.
Your Steampunk is magic.
Your Steampunk is power.
Your Steampunk is you, individually, by yourself, made by you, accountable only to you – and it is your admission, your declaration, your contribution to our wild Steampunk tribe.
Steampunk has limits, sure, but we break them, shatter them, leave them behind.
Create Steampunk. Create the Steampunk you want. And have no regrets. None.
Make Steampunk your own. You deserve it. Make it bigger and better, and we will love you for it. That’s the secret.
No fear. No regret. Just creativity. And that’s more than enough.
Grinding gears and mechanical stars,
~Jeff Mach
