Shannon Larratt

Shannon Larratt (1973-2013) was a Canadian publisher, writer, and body modification pioneer who founded BME (Body Modification Ezine), one of the earliest and most influential websites dedicated to body modification culture. He launched BME in 1994, which became the largest and most comprehensive source of information about body modification practices, helping to document and legitimize the modern body modification movement. Larratt authored multiple books including "ModCon: The Secret World of Extreme Body Modification" and "Opening Up: Body Modification Interviews 1995-2008," which provided in-depth perspectives on body modification culture and practices. His written work explored the philosophical and cultural aspects of body modification beyond its aesthetic elements. Beyond publishing, Larratt was known for his advocacy of individual rights regarding body modification and his efforts to build community among practitioners and enthusiasts. He faced significant health challenges throughout his life, including a connective tissue disorder called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, and documented his experiences openly through his writing and online presence. He continued writing and documenting body modification culture until his death in 2013, leaving behind a significant legacy in both digital publishing and body modification history. His final book, "Meet Tommy: An Exploration of Private Body Modification," was published posthumously.

Readers view Shannon Larratt as a documentarian of body modification culture through his work with BME and his memoir ModCon. Reviews frequently note his honesty in discussing both positive and difficult aspects of the body modification community. Readers appreciated: - Detailed firsthand accounts of body modification history - Personal insights into running BME - Raw writing style about mental health struggles - Documentation of subcultural practices Common criticisms: - Writing can be disorganized and rambling - Some readers found certain body modification descriptions disturbing - The memoir format leaves gaps in the historical record Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (56 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (12 ratings) Several reviews mention his impact on body modification acceptance, with one reader noting "Shannon's writing helped me understand and accept my own modification journey." Critics point to passages that "jump between topics without clear transitions" and "could benefit from tighter editing."

ModCon: The Secret World of Extreme Body Modification (2002) A photographic documentation and narrative exploration of extreme body modification practices and the people who undergo them.

Opening Up: Body Modification Interviews 1995-2008 (2008) A collection of interviews with body modification practitioners and enthusiasts originally published on BME (Body Modification Ezine).

Meet Tommy: An Exploration of Private Body Modification and Play (2012) A case study documenting one individual's extensive journey through extreme body modification procedures.

MEET TOMMY: The Second Edition (2015) An expanded version of the original text with additional content and updated information about the subject.

BMEvolution: Body Modification - Past, Present and Future (2012) A historical overview and personal perspective on the evolution of body modification culture and practices.

IAM: A Decade of Digital Community Performance (2012) Documentation of the first ten years of the IAM community website and its impact on body modification culture.