What is steampunk?

There are plenty of conflicting theories on what is and is not Steampunk out there. My short definition would be that Steampunk is a fabulous reimagining of the world of the Industrial Revolution that melds together alternative history, fantastic technology and a neo-Victorian style. It involves books, comics, films, costuming, gadgets and a thriving social scene.

For another summary of what steampunk is the Wikipedia entry gives a good background:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk

Brass Goggles blog and forum is one of the best sites on steampunk:
http://brassgoggles.co.uk/

Steampunk magazine is great and can be downloaded for free:
http://www.steampunkmagazine.com/

For amazing steam inventions:
http://steampunkworkshop.com/

There are loads of other sites out there and it is being covered in the press too:
Http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/oct/17/popandrock2

The name of this journal and the group comes from an alternate history I have long imagined where South Wales has become a Steam based Republic following the success of the Newport Rising in 1839 and the ensuing triumph of Chartist revolution across Britain. Following The Great Steam War which saw the defeat and  exile of the monarchy and its supporters Engineering and Science flourished under a new regime which emphasised universal rights and education for all, especially as advanced scientific weaponry had proved vital in the battle to establish a more democratic Britain.  In Wales this scientific advance is tied to a rapidly developed Druid order - the Steam Druids as they are popularly called. It is a bit of an antidote to some of the more Imperialistic Steampunk imaginings you see around.