The Steampunk Explorer
| Website | |
|---|---|
| Name: | The Steampunk Explorer |
| Owner/Maintainer: | Stephen Beale |
| Dates: | March 8, 2018 to present |
| Type: | Online zine, newsletter |
| Fandom: | Steampunk |
| URL: | https://steampunk-explorer.com |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
The Steampunk Explorer is an online publication launched in 2018 by Stephen Beale, a professional journalist and longtime science fiction fan who resides in the San Francisco Bay Area.[1] The publication provides news, features, event listings, and other resources for fans and creators in steampunk as well as related genres.
History
Beale launched the publication in March 2018. His goal, he wrote, was to focus “on steampunk in the real world. That’s reflected in the name of the site, the idea being that I’d explore the steampunk landscape, including the people, places, and events that drive the culture.”[2]
Major features at launch included 36 “city guides” covering major metro areas in the United States. These guides list museums, galleries, historical sites, retail outlets, dining establishments, groups, and other attractions likely to appeal to steampunk fans.
Later, he decided to place more emphasis on news and feature coverage.[3] In April 2018, he launched “Steampunk Digest,” a weekly news column and e-newsletter that he continues to produce.
Beale produces the vast majority of editorial content, under his own byline and as “staff reports.” Other contributors include photographers who allow use of their work in galleries about steampunk events. Chap hop musician Professor Elemental, a popular performer at steampunk events, has contributed occasional commentaries.[4]
Video Series
In August 2022, Beale launched The World of Steampunk, a video series now available on YouTube and Vimeo. Episodes typically run for about 20 minutes and include a newscast, Q&A with a steampunk personality, and other features.[5]
Interview subjects have included cosplayer Dude Vader, authors Gail Carriger and Leanna Renee Hieber, and performers Professor Elemental and Madam Misfit.
Features
Major features of The Steampunk Explorer include the following:
- News about steampunk events, books, music, games, crowdfunding campaigns, and other developments.
- “Steampunk Digest,” a weekly news column and e-newsletter.
- Listings of fan events including steampunk conventions and festivals as well as comic cons, anime cons, science fiction/fantasy conventions, Renaissance fairs, and book festivals.
- Listings of steampunk performers and authors, including self-published authors.
- Photo galleries from steampunk events and festivals.
- Shopping, travel, and entertainment guides covering 38 regions in North America.
External Links
- The Steampunk Explorer website
- The Steampunk Explorer Vimeo channel
- The Steampunk Explorer YouTube channel
References
- ^ About The Steampunk Explorer, The Steampunk Explorer (Accessed May 28, 2023.)
- ^ Introducing The Steampunk Explorer, The Steampunk Explorer, March 6, 2018. (Accessed May 28, 2023.)
- ^ The Steampunk Explorer Turns 4, The Steampunk Explorer, March 6, 2022. (Accessed May 28, 2023.)
- ^ The Steampunk Explorer Turns 4, The Steampunk Explorer, March 6, 2022. (Accessed May 28, 2023.)
- ^ Our New Vimeo Channel, The Steampunk Explorer, April 26, 2023. (Accessed May 28, 2023.)