This Edition of #SteampunkChat is all about Steampunk Conventions: Why we go, what we love about them, who we want to see, and what we could use more/less of.
To read the transcript in chronological order, start from the bottom and scroll up.
Update: #SteampunkChat WILL be continuing over the summer with either myself (@artificer13) or @Jenny_Schwartz + guest at the helm.
artificer13 G’night all, it’s been splendid. Feel free to chat until your clockwork hearts are content. #steampunkchat #steampunkchat -9:16 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones @artificer13 A kilt! I might enlist you to help me talk hubby into going for a kilt. I think he would look smashing in one. #steampunkchat -9:10 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 @MarshallGabe right now it’s only on FB and word of mouth private commission. #steampunkchat -9:06 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones Seconded! RT @Jenny_Schwartz: @artificer13 Thanks for another great hosting job. #steampunkchat See you all next week! #steampunkchat -9:05 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 @MerryBones Thanks! I’ll be easy to spot. I’m in a kilt, pith, khaki tunic & partial leather armour. (and the vendor’s stall) #steampunkchat -9:05 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones Seconded! RT @Jenny_Schwartz: @artificer13 Thanks for another great hosting job. #steampunkchat See you all next week! #steampunkchat -9:05 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MarshallGabe @artificer13 What si your website anyway? #steampunkchat -9:04 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
cassiecaine Until next time! #steampunkchat -9:04 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz @artificer13 Thanks for another great hosting job. #steampunkchat See you all next week! -9:04 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones @artificer13 Toot away! Oh, wait that didn’t come out right. Regardless if I get to make the trip, I’ll def stop at your shop #steampunkchat -9:04 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 Thanks all for discussing #steampunk conventions & the things we love about them. Tune in next week, same time/channel. #steampunkchat -9:04 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 At the risk tooting my own horn, I’ll be vending at @TeslaCon_3. Stop in for Armour, harnesses, and various leather bits! #steampunkchat -9:02 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MarshallGabe @artificer13 Not yet, but maybe a project soon. #steampunkchat -9:01 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz @MerryBones LOL #steampunkchat -8:58 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones @Jenny_Schwartz I’m usually just on the bad kid list 
#steampunkchat -8:58 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones @Jenny_Schwartz Yay! That’s just the kind of list I like to show up on! #steampunkchat -8:57 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 In our last few minutes, does anyone want to plug personal appearances/ con projects/ etc? #steampunkchat -8:56 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz @MerryBones Absolutely! You’re on THE list: Win lotto, book trip to Nantes, take Merry 
#steampunkchat -8:56 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 I have 2 bands & 3 writers I’m dying to meet in person @prof_elemental, @thecogisdead & @cmpriest, @DelilahSDawson, @Meljean #steampunkchat -8:55 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones @Jenny_Schwartz Oh you better take me with you! Pweeeeeze 
. #steampunkchat -8:55 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz @MerryBones If I ever get to France, forget the Eiffel Tower, I’m going to Nantes for the elephant! #steampunkchat -8:54 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones With you there. RT @Jenny_Schwartz: @cassiecaine Yes! and everyone in the Steampunk Bible yeah, Im greedy Love that book! #steampunkchat -8:53 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz @cassiecaine Yes! and everyone in the Steampunk Bible … yeah, I’m greedy #steampunkchat Love that book! -8:51 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MarshallGabe @cassiecaine Isabella crew was great at WWWC. Abney Park was as well. #steampunkchat -8:51 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones @Jenny_Schwartz Oh, yes, Gail Carriger & definitely Cherie Priest. #steampunkchat -8:51 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
cassiecaine @jenny_schwartz Ooo, yes, her! Cherie Priest, too. #steampunkchat -8:51 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz No surprise, my steampunk heroes are authors. People like Gail Carriger who is awesome in her love of steampunk #steampunkchat -8:50 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 @Jenny_Schwartz That’s the bunny! Who would you walk on coals/crawl over broken glass to see at a con?! #steampunkchat -8:49 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
cassiecaine I hear a lot of great things about the crew of the Airship Isabella. And Abney Park was great the one time I got to see them! #steampunkchat -8:49 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones Agreed! RT @MarshallGabe: @artificer13 League of Steam definitely. Awesome panels, great shows, stand up people. #steampunkchat -8:48 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
cassiecaine @artificer13 I have hobbit feet after years of walking on metal bits, pins & needles, etc. #steampunkchat -8:48 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MarshallGabe @artificer13 League of Steam definitely. Awesome panels, great shows, stand up people. #steampunkchat -8:48 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones @artificer13 I want to be an Abney Park groupie. #steampunkchat -8:47 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz @artificer13 the crawl over broken glass to see if they ever came to Oz kind? Hmm thinking #steampunkchat -8:47 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones @artificer13 In that case, yes, everyday XD. #likepettingrazorblades #feelingcheeky #steampunkchat -8:47 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 @cassiecaine I hate it when the blooding things get into my feet! – I cut a LOT of brass. #steampunkchat -8:47 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 In our time remaining, are there bands, VIPS, etc you’d go out of your way to see? #steampunkchat -8:47 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
cassiecaine @artificer13 I hate it when metal shavings get into the carpet… #steampunkchat -8:46 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 @MerryBones possibly. ;0 #steampunkchat -8:46 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones @artificer13 Does hubby’s facial stubble count? #steampunkchat -8:44 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones @cassiecaine @artificer13 Yes! That could work! I like where this is going. #steampunkchat -8:44 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 @MerryBones Have you spent much time around razor-sharp metal shavings? #justasking #likepettingrazorblades #steampunkchat -8:43 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
cassiecaine @merrybones @artificer13 You could teach mech. movements jumbo-sized, pre-fab pieces, like a science museum exhibit #steampunkchat -8:42 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones @artificer13 LOL, that’s how I roll. Set the bar high or go home. #steampunkchat -8:42 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones @cassiecaine Maybe not a panel, could be too long. Maybe workshops on the side. #steampunkchat -8:42 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MarshallGabe @Jenny_Schwartz Biggest pricing issue tends to be with tickets to stuff like teas and concerts. Can add up. #steampunkchat -8:42 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 @MerryBones Is it a “Bring your own metal lathe and mill” situation? That’s setting the bar quite high! #steampunkchat -8:41 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
cassiecaine @merrybones Hmm. Now you’ve got me thinking on how something like that could happen at a con. #steampunkchat -8:41 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 @cassiecaine That’s a very valid point. Not every con/panel can handle ALL t/attendees, but it still hurts 2 choose sometimes #steampunkchat -8:39 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones For those of us who were liberal art majors & no mechanical skills, I’d love panels on how to make your own little automatons #steampunkchat -8:38 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 @MarshallGabe Coming from the Gaming world, I think #steampunk cons are VERY affordable. #steampunkchat -8:37 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 @MarshallGabe That’s brutal. I know scheduling is an art, but it’s so very important at cons, as are VIPS. @cassiecaine #steampunkchat -8:37 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz @MarshallGabe Pricing is a huge issue I’m guessing. Covering costs but also making accessible #steampunkchat -8:36 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
cassiecaine @artificer13 Sometimes that helps with crowd control, but I agree, sometimes it’s just annoying. #steampunkchat -8:36 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MarshallGabe One thing I do like is most cons have reasonable ticket prices. Salt City $17 for 36 hours. SteamCon $35 entry for weekend #steampunkchat -8:36 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 One thing I dislike is when all the “Premiere” events happen at the same time. It’s either/or, never all! #steampunkchat -8:35 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones @artificer13 I sadly agree that all the costs involved is prohibitive for us. Hopefully more cons will develop nearby. #steampunkchat -8:34 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MarshallGabe @cassiecaine WWWC there was two big complaints. Panels didn’t start on time. Some promises for VIPs were broken. #steampunkchat -8:34 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 @cassiecaine Expensive hotels, (or hotels that seem cheap, but gouge for services that are included elsewhere!) #steampunkchat -8:32 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones @Jenny_Schwartz If you can tolerate my cooking, then I’m sure I can enjoy yours, lol! #steampunkchat -8:31 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
cassiecaine And yeah, like @MarshallGabe says, lateness or general unprofessionalism from staff. #steampunkchat -8:31 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 @MarshallGabe Excellent points! Although Distance is a relative factor #steampunkchat -8:31 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz @MerryBones Every second day! Fair’s fair, you get to endure … um enjoy! my cooking too #steampunkchat -8:30 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones @Jenny_Schwartz If you didn’t live half a world away from me, I would invite you over for tea every day . #steampunkchat -8:30 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz @MerryBones Oh scones. With jam & cream & hot tea &…were you inviting me for afternoon tea? #steampunkchat -8:29 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
cassiecaine @artificer Poor layout/space concerns, for one. Expensive hotels. For returning attendees, no variation in events each year #steampunkchat -8:29 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones Oh dear I mean @Jenny_Schwartz, not Schwarts. Silly finger slipped. #steampunkchat -8:29 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MarshallGabe @artificer13 Lateness, repetition, cost, distance. #steampunkchat -8:28 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 @Jenny_Schwartz You’ve no idea You’re just lucky you’re 1/2 a world away. #steampunkchat -8:28 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 Not to drift to the negative, but what are a few things that turn PPL away from Cons? #steampunkchat -8:27 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones @artificer13 @Jenny_Schwarts Scones! I haven’t had a good scone in forever. Yes, seances & scones, delightful! #steampunkchat -8:27 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 RT @MerryBones: How about a good old-fashioned seance. Those Victorians loved their seances. #steampunkchat -8:27 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz @artificer13 Then I’d best not talk to him! Busy people tend to share out tasks *runs away* #steampunkchat -8:27 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 @MerryBones Oh, that would be very fun – #steampunk #spiritualism! Seances & Scones #FTW! #steampunkchat -8:26 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz @MerryBones Fab idea! Seance #steampunkchat -8:26 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 @Jenny_Schwartz Just talk to Lord Bobbins of @TeslaCon_3 sometime. He’s the busiest man I’ve met in a LONG time. #steampunkchat -8:26 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones How about a good old-fashioned seance. Those Victorians loved their seances. #steampunkchat -8:25 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 @MarshallGabe and t/massive damage a seemingly innocent tool can do to the inattentive hand. #steampunkchat @Jenny_Schwartz #SoManyScars -8:24 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz @artificer13 I’m seeing running a con is complicated #steampunkchat -8:24 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz @MarshallGabe @artificer13 Ugh practicalities. Yeah, I guess knives & sharp tools might worry insurance companies #steampunkchat -8:24 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 @Jenny_Schwartz and dealing w/ the widely varying skill levels of the workshop attendees! #steampunkchat -8:23 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
cassiecaine You could definitely do writing workshops, though. Not really supply- or space-intensive. #steampunkchat -8:23 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MarshallGabe @Jenny_Schwartz Some aren’t too bad. Always a matter of insurance concerns as well. @artificer13 can talk on sharp tools #steampunkchat -8:23 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz Re DIY demos: I guess it’s always a challenge, balancing interactivity with chaos #steampunkchat -8:21 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 @Jenny_Schwartz I know @TeslaCon_3 was talking about DIY panels at 1 pt, but it’s difficult/expensive/time consuming. #steampunkchat -8:21 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones Now if there was a con that offered zeppelin rides, nirvana would be achieved. #steampunkchat -8:20 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MarshallGabe @cassiecaine Understandable. And @jenny_schwartz Some do have those. Probably could use more though. #steampunkchat -8:20 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
cassiecaine @marshallgabe Oh, I’m not saying get rid of performances!Just don’t want my whole con to be sitting in a seat watching others #steampunkchat -8:19 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
SelestedeLaney @Jenny_Schwartz World Steam Expo had a couple of those I think #Steampunkchat -8:18 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 For Panels – what would you all like to see? I’m a guest/interview panel fan. #steampunkchat -8:18 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz Are there any DIY shows at cons? #steampunkchat Like how to make a fascinator? Can’t think of a better example -8:18 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones @artificer13 That doesn’t like much at all! Maybe, just maybe, it could happen. I’m gonna click my heels together bunches. #steampunkchat -8:18 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MarshallGabe @artificer13 Eventually would like to! WWWC is hoping to do that somewhat, but isn’t quite on the same scale. #steampunkchat -8:17 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MarshallGabe @cassiecaine Workshops would be great. Panels are important. I know at cons I’ve gone enjoy having performances to watch #steampunkchat -8:17 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 @MerryBones Start now! The tickets are still only $55 for the whole weekend! #teslacon #steampunkchat -8:17 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 @SelestedeLaney I appreciate that too. As someone who tends to work cons, there’s nothing worse than missing the good stuff #steampunkchat -8:16 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz @SelestedeLaney That sounds perfect! #steampunkchat -8:16 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones @artificer13 Gasp! I wonder how much begging/pleading/whining it would take to get hubby to take me to Teslacon. #steampunkchat -8:16 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
cassiecaine @selestedelaney That sounds like a great con setup! #steampunkchat -8:15 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 @MarshallGabe You should make the big trip to #teslacon! A WHOLE weekend of immersion! (including the ball) #steampunkchat -8:15 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
SelestedeLaney I liked that most of the music/acts/performances were in the evenings and lifestyle, literary, practical panels were daytime #steampunkchat -8:15 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 @MerryBones Teslacon has a ball on Saturday nite. I plan on turning it into a masquerade. #steampunkchat -8:14 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
SelestedeLaney Went to my first #steampunk specific con at the end of May (World Steam Expo) Great music, great vendors, fun panels. #steampunkchat -8:14 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
cassiecaine …not having panels shoved to the waysaide for yet another bellydancer.) #steampunkchat -8:13 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 What do you (or would you) like to have at cons? Panels, Music, Vendors, Free time to chat? #steampunkchat -8:13 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
cassiecaine @marshallgabe Funny, I was thinking in the other direction – more workshops/panels, fewer performances. (Or at least… #steampunkchat -8:13 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones Oooo, I wants a masquerade ball. #steampunkchat -8:13 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz @MarshallGabe With all the clocks in steampunk, you’d think punctuality would be a given #Steampunkchat -8:12 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz My perfect con? Mtg other steampunk enthusiasts, seeing costumes, hearing live music, funfair food, BUYING stuff #steampunkchat -8:12 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MarshallGabe Immersion is important for an SP Con. Non-panel activities. Good speakers. Music options. And everything being on time #steampunkchat -8:12 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones @Jenny_Schwartz Its super fun to let one’s imagination run amok, isn’t it? #steampunkchat -8:11 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz @MerryBones Me too! #steampunkchat -8:11 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MarshallGabe @artificer13 Wife and I like an excuse to travel and dress to the nines #steampunkchat -8:10 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
cassiecaine I’d love to see a con elsewhere. Been to the Steampunk World’s Fair 3 times, so I’d like to know what others are like. #steampunkchat -8:10 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones Someday I hope to travel to various cons, but until then I let out-of-control cons play out in my head. #steampunkchat -8:09 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 @MarshallGabe Goodness you’re a busy chap! I feel rushed having to prep for 1 con in Nov/Dec! (but I’m working) #teslacon #steampunkchat -8:09 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MarshallGabe I’ve got 4 Cons lined up in the next 9 months. Salt City Steamfest, SteamCon, unnamed local con, and Wild Wild West Con #steampunkchat -8:08 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones @artificer13 Absolutely! Some green fairie a day keeps the blues away . #steampunkchat -8:08 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 @Jenny_Schwartz Well what would you hope to see at a con? Music, vendors, panels, sp. guests? #steampunkchat -8:08 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones @artificer13 Everything I listed is my wish list. #steampunkchat -8:07 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 @MerryBones Thank you, I think everyone needs a little more green fairie in their lives as well. #steampunkchat #absinthe -8:07 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
SteamParrot I haven’t attended any #steampunk cons so I’m listening but have no experience to share #steampunkchat: I haven’… http://t.co/6onIDhZY -8:07 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones @artificer13 So far I’ve only been to one. Where I previously lived they had just started & there really isn’t one here 
#steampunkchat -8:07 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz I haven’t attended any #steampunk cons so I’m listening but have no experience to share #steampunkchat -8:06 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 @MerryBones Which cons do you like attending? #steampunkchat -8:05 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones …circus acts, costume contests, burlesque shows #steampunkchat -8:04 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
cassiecaine Yeah, I was finally able to put a face to a name recently. Was interesting. #steampunkchat -8:04 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones Freak shows, mad science labs, fast draw competitions, ghost/graveyard tours, Poe story reenactments, absinthe bars….. #steampunkchat -8:03 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 For me, one of the best things about ‘cons is to actually put faces to names/avatars. #steampunkchat -8:03 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 Welcome all to the discussion on #steampunk ‘Cons. Why do we go, what do we love, what could we use MORE of? #steampunkchat -8:01 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MerryBones Ooooooooh yeah, let’s get this party started right! #steampunkchat -8:00 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
MarshallGabe Still cooking dinner but will be in on the chat tonight for the most part! #steampunkchat -7:55 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 7 minutes until #steampunkchat! Tonite’s topic is Conventions: What we come to see & do + what we’d love to see at them. #steampunk -7:54 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz Have coffee, will #steampunkchat ! -7:54 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 25min until #steampunkchat! Tonite’s topic is CONVENTIONS! What do you love, hate, or need more of? Follow along at http://t.co/p7p4vbmB -7:37 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz RT @artificer13: 3hrs until #Steampunkchat! Tonite’s topic – Conventions: Our fav ‘Cons, what we go to see/do, & what we’d <3 to have at them #steampunk -6:58 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz RT @artificer13: Just over an hour until #Steampunkchat! Tonite’s topic is Conventions: The things that make us go & what we’d <3 to see! 9EDT / 6PDT -6:58 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 Just over an hour until #Steampunkchat! Tonite’s topic is Conventions: The things that make us go & what we’d <3 to see! 9EDT / 6PDT -6:50 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
waynezurl RT @MDKenning: Clockpunk reporting for duty! #steampunkchat -5:41 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 3hrs until #Steampunkchat! Tonite’s topic – Conventions: Our fav ‘Cons, what we go to see/do, & what we’d <3 to have at them #steampunk -5:08 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
theresabreaux RT @artificer13: 5hrs until #Steampunkchat! Tonite’s topic – Conventions: Our fav ‘Cons, what we go to see/do, & what we’d <3 to have at them #steampunk -3:11 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
artificer13 5hrs until #Steampunkchat! Tonite’s topic – Conventions: Our fav ‘Cons, what we go to see/do, & what we’d <3 to have at them #steampunk -2:58 PM Jun 22nd, 2012
