One Door Closing

“If you want a happy ending, that depends, of course, on where you stop your story.” - Orson Welles
 

I posted my first entry on this blog on November 09, 2009. It’s amazing how much has happened since that time. This is especially true for Dieselpunk. In 2009, Dieselpunk was relatively unknown. A search on the internet would get you very few hits. However, while the pickings were slim, the choices were legendary.

One of the best of the early Dieselpunk websites was Tome Wilson’s excellent Dieselpunk Forum. I was introduced to Dieselpunk through his forum. Another great site was Nick Ottens’s online magazine Gatehouse Gazette, which published some of my early writings. The website Flying Fortress was also excellent. A great Dieselpunk blog in 2009 was Lord K’s. Later came John Pyka’s fantastic podcast, the Diesel Power Podcast, who I was honored to co-host with for many years.

Those five online sites were pivotal in the development of Dieselpunk. I suspect that without them, Dieselpunk wouldn’t exist today. I like to think that I had a small role in Dieselpunk, as well.
 

Dieselpunk's influence can be seen in so much. That influence goes beyond gaming but can be seen in movies and television. Recent movies such as Nightmare Alley and television shows such as Lovecraft Country are good examples.

However, Dieselpunk as a genre never grew. It never achieved the popularity of Steampunk. Early hopes of Dieselpunk conventions or Dieselpunk organizations never appeared. A Dieselpunk community never seemed to form.

Over time, I’ve found myself pulled to other projects. Later this year, I will have a book on philosophy/ spirituality published. I’m also starting a new business along with writing another book. Plus, I have a life and obligations with family and friends.

Therefore, the time has come for me to move on. This entry is my last on this blog.

Don’t despair. Dieselpunk isn't dead. There are still good resources for Dieselpunk. The torchbearer today is Tony Snipes. His work on Portsmouth Aeroshipbuilding Co. and other Dieselpunk projects is extraordinary. And while the Gatehouse Gazette is no longer around, Nick Ottens is still generating excellent Dieselpunk material with his website Never Was Lounge. Also, while dated, the Dieselpunk Encyclopedia, which I co-created with Lord K, will continue. I also plan to continue posting every week to my Facebook page Dieselpunks After Dark.

I want to thank all of my loyal readers. I especially want to thank those who have inspired and supported my blog over the years.

Peace be with you all.
Larry