I like steampunk but it hasn’t been till now that I’ve gotten into it more I would definitely count myself as a cosplayer more then life style although I haven’t actually cosplayed as a steampunk character yet. For me steampunk is interesting and something to fangirl and obsess about but similar to Goth it is not a fad and I can’t see it as a fad either you like steampunk or you don’t there’s no in between but really what’s it matter if someone is a steampunk lifestyler or a cosplayer? so long as everyone likes and has some know how of it isn’t that all that should matter?

Thank you so much for visiting my blog! I think you have a fascinating perspective on Steampunk at present. I’d be very interested to chat with you more about the Steampunk lifestyle.

For a brief introduction for how I view it, I might I be so humble as to recommend viewing my collection of posts tagged with “Steampunk Philosophy”? I hope this can better illuminate my stance on the Steampunk lifestyle, and perhaps, spark a lively conversation.

Here’s the link if you are interested: http://en.wordpress.com/tag/steampunk-philosophy/

Best,
Audelia

Apologies for the late reply, but I only just found your blog this evening. I to consider myself a lifestyle steampunk. I would be very interested in hearing more about how you interpret lifestyle steampunk. Like you, I do not feel unflattering view of the lifestyler that Cpt. Taineous has proposed is at all analogous to my experience.

Also if I may, I’d like to propose a different scheme that I’ve been thinking about. There are multiple types of Steampunk but two great camps. Although they look a lot alike, they are not actually the same thing. The difference between the two is the approach to the source material.

One, the literalists, which include literary and cosplay steampunks, look to the source material and interpret it literally as science fiction and the domain of fancy.

The other are the figuratives. These include lifestylers, practical steampunks(my term for the purists) and the punks. They interpret broad themes and attempt to put them into practice. Being bounded by such annoyances, like actual physics (what a bother!) means that their presentation is much less flamboyant than their literalist cousins.

As a steampunk I lean towards maker and lifestyler. If I could afford it I would love to walk into my closet and say, “Hmmmm, do I want to be steam or diesel today?” And craft stores along with antique and thrift shops are like crack to me.