Why this Idiot Likes Steampunk

Recently I read an article, and the writer complained on how they hate steampunk. This is probably the twelfth article that I've read where someone complains about steampunk, and how it's all just a fetishist's version of the Victorian period. For those of you living in a pit and have no idea what I'm referring to, steampunk is fantasy set in a Victorian era world, or at least a world that has tech from that time period. It doesn't necessarily mean that the equipment is powered with steam, most times it's crystals, but it's almost a marriage between sci-fi and fantasy. It also refers to a type of street fashion, but we won't get into that. And for whatever reason, a lot of people are completely against this newish type of fantasy subgenere. Personally, I don't care if someone doesn't like it or not. Everyone is free to their own opinions, even in this dark place called the internet. If someone doesn't like steampunk then more power to them, but I do like it, and here are my reasons why.

The Advancement of Technology-It sounds stupid, but the advancement of technology is always interesting within the world of steampunk. Almost everything I've read has to do in this dreary dark ages world that seems to have completely halted, but the world of steampunk is moving. Whether it's giant airships, or modest guns, you can tell that the world is finally moving and growing.

The Unique Feel- Something about steampunk feels so unique. It can be set in the middle of Victorian-esque London, or it an be set in the middle of the southwest with cowboys and magic trains. No matter what you're doing there's something unique and fun that can be experimented with, and there's fewer restraints than what you would have with a dark ages setting.

Seeing Magic and Technology Side by Side- If you've read a typical fantasy book, magic is usually front and center. However in a steampunk novel, you get to see the two factions side by side. This creates a unique dynamic within the world, allowing you to see the advantages and pitfalls of both practices. There's even times when you can't tell the difference between the two, and times like that makes for a very interesting read.

So these are just my own thoughts. Granted this isn't a very long list, but I'm pretty new to steampunk, and I needed to write something for the blog. A terrible excuse, but I'll have a better article next time.

I'm gonna go eat some dinner now...