One of the good things to happen around covid lockdowns was the development of online events. While I very much like getting to do things in person, that tends to exclude a lot of people. Cost, transport, illness, disability, work, caring responsibilities and more make it hard for many people to go to events. Real world events also leave far bigger carbon footprints than online gatherings.
In 2021, a few of us decided to do an online festival based around Hopeless, Maine. That happened in January 2022 and you can still watch it on youtube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgL8NSDkxNIrRj4x__RlI_X83XuNR-GRt
That event was inspired by a previous Steampunk Over Ether event – also still available online https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgL8NSDkxNIoFsTV0D3jpklsmKFaBbPzn
At this point, I’m keen to keep doing the online events. I’m hoping we can be more regularly active as The Eldritch Broadcasting Corporation. Doing online events makes it possible to include creators who otherwise aren’t able to participate more physically in events – for all kinds of reasons.
Everyone involved in Anomaly was known to me, and that’s mostly how people got involved. I realise that from the outside, that might look cliquey. I also know it isn’t easy asking for space. So, if you’re reading this, you’re always welcome to ask. If you see me doing something and you want to get involved with it, just say and I’ll see what’s feasible. I’m always keen to open up space for others where I can.
I was heavily involved with this event, I participated live on the night, contributed a poem, and short story, and some of my ideas and text made its way into other people’s pieces. I’m also there singing with The Ominous Folk for a couple of videos. It was very much a team effort, and I feel very blessed about the people I get to work with. The creativity, imagination, skill and awesomeness that went into this means I’m proud to have been part of it. Most of us were very low tech, there was no budget.
All of these online events were possible because Keith Errington was willing to make his skills, experience and tech available to all the rest of us, and to hold it all together on the night. Keith is also responsible for the monthly SteamPaper for the steampunk community https://steampaper.co.uk/ which you can support via Patreon if you feel so moved. https://www.patreon.com/steampaper/posts
You can find Anomaly over here, in sensible, snack sized chunks –