The Steampunk Explorer

The Steampunk Explorer

@steampunk-explorer.com

Steampunk news and event guide. Producer of "The World of Steampunk" video series. Online: https://steampunk-explorer.com. Social/video links: https://linktr.ee/steampunk_explorer Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/steampunkexplorer

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The Steampunk Explorer
@steampunk-explorer.com

Meta delayed implementation of its controversial new commercial terms until Nov. 20. They were set to take effect Oct. 30. @niemanlab.org has a story that includes comments from legal experts. The terms apply to all business users including #steampunk creators. www.niemanlab.org/2026/10/meta...

niemanlab.orgMeta delays rollout of terms that would allow broad scraping of news sites. Legal experts are still skeptical.Meta's new commercial terms will go into effect three weeks later than initially planned.
The Steampunk Explorer
@steampunk-explorer.com

I've updated my story about Meta's commercial terms to reflect a statement from Meta and new coverage from Nieman Lab. This happened while I was at Clockwork Alchemy, the SF Bay Area #steampunk con. So of course I sneaked in a couple of steampunk photos. steampunk-explorer.com/news/new-met...

steampunk-explorer.comNew Meta Commercial Terms Raise Questions for Steampunk CreatorsUpdated: Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, has raised a firestorm in the media world with new commercial terms that appeared to give it broad authorization to scrape users’ web pages fo...
The Steampunk Explorer
@steampunk-explorer.com

Nieman Lab reports that Meta has revised the controversial commercial terms that are slated to take effect Oct. 30. However, legal experts remain skeptical. Meanwhile, three journalism orgs spoke out about the terms. I provided the tip that led Nieman Lab to the original story.

Nieman Lab@niemanlab.org

On Friday, Meta removed the word “train” from a list of allowed use cases and limited those uses to “advertising and business products." The revised terms will still allow for broad website scraping, potentially superseding robots.txt files, according to legal experts. buff.ly/ByhIcB2

buff.lyLegal experts warn Meta’s new terms still grant broad scraping permissions, despite language changesAllowing scraped content to be used for all "advertising and business products" is a substantial expansion of Meta's permissions.
The Steampunk Explorer
@steampunk-explorer.com

Nieman Lab has a story about Meta's new commercial terms. I'm quoted near the end.

Andrew Deck@andrewdeck.bsky.social

NEW: Virtually every news organization has a Meta business account. Meta’s new terms say it can scrape websites “associated with” those accounts — and use the content to “train” its products. @hanaatameez.bsky.social and I on what this means for publishers: www.niemanlab.org/2026/10/meta...

niemanlab.orgMeta’s new commercial terms will allow the scraping of news sites, legal experts sayStarting October 30, business accounts will consent to Meta scraping their websites if they continue using Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp.
The Steampunk Explorer
@steampunk-explorer.com

I just posted a major story following up on the previous one about Meta's new commercial terms. Steampunk creators should be paying attention to this. Nieman Lab also has a story about it in which I am quoted. #steampunk #facebook steampunk-explorer.com/news/new-met...

steampunk-explorer.comNew Meta Commercial Terms Raise Questions for Steampunk CreatorsMeta has been in the news lately with the introduction of Muse, a new agentic AI app. But another new development that could have significant implications for steampunk creators has largely escaped pu...
The Steampunk Explorer
@steampunk-explorer.com

Scenes from the Anno 1900 Steampunk Convention, held Sept. 26-27 at an open-air history museum in Pétange, Luxembourg. It featured spectacular cosplay plus fantastical creatures from a performance troupe. #steampunk steampunk-explorer.com/articles/pho...

steampunk-explorer.comPhotos: Strange Creatures Join Costumed Steampunks in LuxembourgThe Anno 1900 Steampunk Convention returned Sept. 26-27 to Pétange, Luxembourg, and once again the event was a showcase for spectacular cosplay. This year, attendees were joined by the performance tro...
The Steampunk Explorer
@steampunk-explorer.com

First it was link posts and now this: Meta has quietly previewed terms of use for business users that take effect on Oct. 30. They authorize Meta to scrape your web pages (and other content) for product development and training. #steampunk #meta #facebook steampunk-explorer.com/news/steampu...

steampunk-explorer.comSteampunk Creators Beware: Meta Wants Carte Blanche to Scrape Your ContentUnder Meta’s forthcoming commercial terms, business users must allow the company to scrape any web page associated with their products or services. Meta can then use that data for product development,...
The Steampunk Explorer
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Scenes from a #steampunk picnic near Santa Cruz, CA, including tea dueling and a costume contest. It’s another example of a “DIY” steampunk event. steampunk-explorer.com/articles/pho...

steampunk-explorer.comPhotos: Costumes and Tea Dueling at Steampunk Picnic Near Santa Cruz“Natural Science” was the theme as steampunk fans in California’s Santa Cruz area met on Saturday, Oct. 3, for their annual picnic. This was the 10th gathering for the informal group, held this year a...
The Steampunk Explorer
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Upcoming observances: Oct. 8, is World Octopus Day, celebrating the creatures that have become mascots of #steampunk. That’s followed by Ada Lovelace Day on Oct. 13, honoring the 19th century mathematician regarded as the first computer programmer. steampunk-explorer.com/news/week-ho...

steampunk-explorer.comA Week to Honor Steampunk Icons: Ada Lovelace and CephalopodsAs we await Halloween, it’s also time for two other observances on the steampunk calendar: World Octopus Day on Thursday, Oct. 8, followed by Ada Lovelace Day on Tuesday, Oct. 13. But how do we celebr...
The Steampunk Explorer
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This weekend: The autumn edition of Haworth Steampunk Weekend returns to West Yorkshire, plus Steampunk at Amberley in West Sussex, UK, and Steampunk Stampede in Oklahoma. #steampunk steampunk-explorer.com/news/weekend...

steampunk-explorer.comThis Weekend: Steampunks Gather in Haworth, Amberley, McAlester, MoreThe autumn edition of Haworth Steampunk Weekend returns Oct. 10-11 to the West Yorkshire village of Haworth, famous for its association with the Brontë sisters. Plus: Steampunk at Amberley, Steampunk ...
The Steampunk Explorer
@steampunk-explorer.com

Tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 2) is Bandcamp Friday, when Bandcamp waives its revenue share and musicians keep more of what you pay. It runs midnight to midnight PT. We’ve posted a directory of steampunk artists on the platform. steampunk-explorer.com/resources/st...

steampunk-explorer.comSteampunk Performers on BandcampOn selected Fridays, Bandcamp waives its revenue share on music sales, which means that artists on the platform receive a higher percentage of what you pay. We’ve compiled this list to make it easier ...
The Steampunk Explorer
@steampunk-explorer.com

Our October #steampunk streaming guide is here. Notable arrivals include The Prestige on Netflix, The Bride! on Prime Video, a new series adaptation of Stephen King's Carrie on Prime Video, and a slew of horror classics on multiple streamers. steampunk-explorer.com/articles/str...

steampunk-explorer.comStreaming Guide − October 2026Notable arrivals this month include Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein on Netflix and a new series adaptation of Stephen King’s Carrie on Prime Video. Also arriving on the latter is...
The Steampunk Explorer
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Weekend calendar: Steampunk at Strathearn in Southern California, a picnic in the Santa Cruz area, the International Edgar Allan Poe Festival in Baltimore, and two events in the U.K. #steampunk steampunk-explorer.com/news/weekend...

steampunk-explorer.comThis Weekend: Steampunk at Strathearn, Santa Cruz Picnic, Poe Fest and MoreOur weekend calendar includes Steampunk at Strathearn in Southern California, a picnic in the Santa Cruz area, the International Edgar Allan Poe Festival in Baltimore, and two events in the U.K.
The Steampunk Explorer
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Seen on Friday at Maker Faire Bay Area: Iron Giant head by Chris Mora, inspired by the Brad Bird film. He trucked it to Vallejo, CA all the way from Denver. Eventually he wants to build the rest of the robot. #steampunk #MakerFaire #MakerFaireBayArea #MakerFaire20

The Steampunk Explorer
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Battleground Productions has released the 30-minute #steampunk comedy film “Percy & Reggie and the Great Parisian Air Exposition” on YouTube. The film, produced in 2020, has a visual style inspired by Terry Gilliam and Czech filmmaker Karel Zeman. steampunk-explorer.com/news/steampu...

steampunk-explorer.comSteampunk Comedy Short ‘Percy & Reggie’ Now on YouTubeBattleground Productions celebrated the 170th birthday of H.G. Wells by releasing their 30-minute steampunk comedy film Percy & Reggie and the Great Parisian Air Exposition on the video platform.
The Steampunk Explorer
@steampunk-explorer.com

Many creators and small businesses with Facebook pages (including those in #steampunk) will have to pay $49 to $499 per month if they want more than two monthly posts that contain external links. It’s another example of #enshittification on the platform. steampunk-explorer.com/news/new-met...

steampunk-explorer.comNew Meta Service Brings Unwelcome Change for Creators on FacebookMeta has rolled out a new subscription service called Meta One that offers a variety of features for users of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. But it comes with bad news for creators—including those...
The Steampunk Explorer
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The organizers of Clockwork Alchemy announced the musical guests set to appear at the SF Bay Area #steampunk convention, scheduled for Oct. 16-18. Avalon Rising, a Celtic rock band, will be joined by Field of Embers, The Forgetmenauts, and Unwoman. steampunk-explorer.com/news/clockwo...

steampunk-explorer.comClockwork Alchemy Reveals Musical Guests for 2026Celtic/Medieval progressive rock band Avalon Rising will make their first appearance at the steampunk convention. They’ll be joined by Field of Embers, featuring Maddie Cardoza and Nathaniel Johnstone...
The Steampunk Explorer
@steampunk-explorer.com

Maker Faire Bay Area returns this weekend, providing a showcase for ingenious DIY projects including some with #steampunk aesthetics. One highlight will be El Pulpo Magnifico, a gigantic mechanical octopus. We’ve posted a preview. #makerfaire steampunk-explorer.com/news/maker-f...

steampunk-explorer.comMaker Faire Returns This Weekend to Vallejo; Here’s Our PreviewIt’s time again for “The Greatest Show and Tell on Earth” as Maker Faire Bay Area returns Sept. 25-27 to the Mare Island Shipyard in Vallejo, California. The event is a showcase for DIY ingenuity acro...
The Steampunk Explorer
@steampunk-explorer.com

Weekend #steampunk calendar: The Anno 1900 Steampunk Convention in Luxembourg and Steampunk Day at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome in New York’s Hudson Valley. Plus happenings in Milwaukee and Detroit. steampunk-explorer.com/news/weekend...

steampunk-explorer.comWeekend Calendar: Anno 1900, Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome and MoreMuseums on each side of the Atlantic are hosting steampunk events this weekend, as the Anno 1900 Steampunk Convention returns to Luxembourg and the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome in New York’s Hudson Valley ...
The Steampunk Explorer
@steampunk-explorer.com

Scenes from the LACon V, the 84th World Science Fiction Convention, held Aug. 27-31 in Anaheim, CA. It featured the Hugo Awards ceremony along with panels, book signings, parties, a masquerade, and more. #steampunk #LAconV steampunk-explorer.com/articles/pho...

steampunk-explorer.comPhotos: Cosplay, Hugos, Fan Art and More at Worldcon in AnaheimLAcon V, the 84th World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon), took place Aug. 27-31, 2026, in Anaheim, California, drawing more than 4,500 science fiction fans. The main event was the Hugo Awards cer...
The Steampunk Explorer
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Kickstarter roundup: A new Lady Mechanika tale, plus a Bonsart Bokel novel, a steampunk RPG, and two new issues in a comic book series from Madeleine Holly-Rosing. #steampunk #crowdfunding #kickstarter steampunk-explorer.com/news/new-kic...

steampunk-explorer.comNew Kickstarters: Lady Mechanika Returns in New Comic Book AdventureJoe Benitez is once again on Kickstarter to fund a new installment of Lady Mechanika, his hugely popular steampunk graphic novel series. Plus: A new Bonsart Bokel novel, a steampunk RPG, and two new i...
The Steampunk Explorer
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Preview: Steampunk fans can hang out with pirates and wizards as Amherstburg Uncommon Festival returns Sept. 18-20 to Amherstburg, Ontario, near Windsor and Detroit. #steampunk steampunk-explorer.com/news/amherst...

steampunk-explorer.comAmherstburg Festival Returns with Steampunks, Wizards, Pirates and MoreSteampunk fans can hang out with pirates and wizards as the Amherstburg Uncommon Festival returns Sept. 18-20 to downtown Amherstburg, Ontario.
The Steampunk Explorer
@steampunk-explorer.com

Weekend calendar (U.K. edition): The Isle of Wight Steampunk Festival returns this weekend, plus the Cogwarts Steampunk Spectacular in Wales and happenings in Greater Manchester, Lincolnshire, and Essex. #steampunk steampunk-explorer.com/news/uk-cale...

steampunk-explorer.comU.K. Calendar: Isle of Wight Fest Plus Cogwarts Steampunk Spectacular, MoreSteampunk fans in the U.K. have many choices this weekend, including the Isle of Wight Steampunk Festival in Ryde plus happenings in Wales, Greater Manchester, Lincolnshire, and Essex.
The Steampunk Explorer
@steampunk-explorer.com

Tomorrow (Friday, Sept. 4) is Bandcamp Friday, when Bandcamp waives its revenue share and musicians keep more of what you pay. It runs midnight to midnight PT. We’ve posted a directory of steampunk artists on the platform. steampunk-explorer.com/resources/st...

steampunk-explorer.comSteampunk Performers on BandcampOn selected Fridays, Bandcamp waives its revenue share on music sales, which means that artists on the platform receive a higher percentage of what you pay. We’ve compiled this list to make it easier ...
The Steampunk Explorer
@steampunk-explorer.com

Time for our monthly #steampunk streaming guide. Streaming services are already celebrating Halloween, with “American Horror Story” on Hulu, a Lizzie Borden series on Netflix, and a slew of Universal Pictures horror classics on Peacock. steampunk-explorer.com/articles/str...

steampunk-explorer.comStreaming Guide − September 2026Halloween is two months away, but streaming services are already celebrating with notable horror titles. They include a new season of American Horror Story on Hulu, Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story on...
The Steampunk Explorer
@steampunk-explorer.com

Dragon Con is happening this weekend in Atlanta, with 38 tracks and more than 3,500 hours of programming. One highlight will be a Sunday panel featuring the stars of “Firefly.” We’ve posted a #steampunk guide. #dragoncon2026 steampunk-explorer.com/news/dragon-...

steampunk-explorer.comDragon Con Is Happening This Weekend. Here’s Your Steampunk GuideLegions of fans will head to Atlanta as Dragon Con returns with a jam-packed program of panels, contests, celebrity guests, and more. One highlight will be a panel of Firefly cast members, nearly six ...
The Steampunk Explorer
@steampunk-explorer.com

Weekend calendar (U.K. edition): The producers of Fantasy Forest will present a new festival in Hatfield, plus happenings in Eastbourne, East Sussex, and North Lanarkshire, Scotland. #steampunk steampunk-explorer.com/news/uk-cale...

steampunk-explorer.comU.K. Calendar: A Fantasy Forest Spinoff Plus Happenings in East Sussex and ScotlandProfessor Elemental and Victor and the Bully are among the performers slated to appear this weekend at Fantasy Forest: Libertalia, a new event from the producers of the huge Fantasy Forest Festival at...