A black-and-white photo of a person mid-air in a Superman-style body suspension pose, supported by multiple hooks in their back and legs, smiling joyfully toward the camera. They are suspended horizontally in a large indoor space with high ceilings and visible rigging. A group of onlookers—some seated, some standing—watch with expressions of admiration, amusement, and support. The atmosphere is lively and communal, capturing a moment of shared experience and transformation.

So Long And Thanks For All The Fish

After a personally difficult legal dispute over BME, I’ve had to face the potentially insurmountable reality of being massively in debt, and I have chosen to transfer the business to Rachel (the details of this deal are sealed, so please don’t ask). Within the month my role at BME will come to an end, and new staff (made up largely of people who’ve been working on BME for some time as well) will be taking over. I will no longer be writing online about body modification, although I will be maintaining my regular blog and other projects of course, as well as working on several body modification book projects which I am eager to complete.

It’s definitely a very strange and mixed set of feelings, having run this site from the very beginning, over nearly a decade and a half. On one hand I’m very much looking forward to having the opportunity and time to paint and tackle new adventures, and on the other hand I will very much miss both the people and the subject in general that I came to know through BME. That said, when I grew up and fell in love with body modification — and later built BME — this was a very different and much more “outsider” culture, so maybe now, as not just tattooing but body modification as a whole enjoys unprecedented levels of popularity and acceptability, it is a good time to pass the torch on to a new generation. It’s my hope that they maintain the site in the spirit that it was begun, while taking on the challenges of a new environment.

I have very much enjoyed being a part of BME and I leave it with good memories. Thank you to everyone who’s been a friend of the site, and everyone who’s helped bring it to this point. I hope you’ve enjoyed my contributions — I know I’ve enjoyed yours — and I hope that you continue to enjoy what BME brings in the future.

See you in hell! 😛

         Shannon
         [email protected]
         zentastic.com

 

Comments

760 responses to “So Long And Thanks For All The Fish”

  1. MissSio Avatar
    MissSio

    Well damn. I’ve been lurking about BME and this blog for a decade now, I never thought I’d see the day. Good luck Shannon. I sincerely hope your vision won’t be fucked over like it was the last time you left. Have fun with the homesteading!

  2. MissSio Avatar
    MissSio

    Well damn. I’ve been lurking about BME and this blog for a decade now, I never thought I’d see the day. Good luck Shannon. I sincerely hope your vision won’t be fucked over like it was the last time you left. Have fun with the homesteading!

  3. PeterLustig Avatar
    PeterLustig

    this just ruined my day 🙁
    thanks for all your work shannon and all the best to you.
    good luck to rachel, too

  4. PeterLustig Avatar
    PeterLustig

    this just ruined my day 🙁
    thanks for all your work shannon and all the best to you.
    good luck to rachel, too

  5. Gilmo Avatar
    Gilmo

    Good luck Shannon! You’ll be missed … Thank you.

    And it’s certainly like a Hogwarts without Dumbledore … Itäs unbelieveable.

  6. Gilmo Avatar
    Gilmo

    Good luck Shannon! You’ll be missed … Thank you.

    And it’s certainly like a Hogwarts without Dumbledore … Itäs unbelieveable.

  7. hellonightmare Avatar

    that tattoo is awesome, I’ll be sad to see you leave.. probably wont check modblog as often now..
    it’s just not the same without you posting.

  8. hellonightmare Avatar

    that tattoo is awesome, I’ll be sad to see you leave.. probably wont check modblog as often now..
    it’s just not the same without you posting.

  9. Spencer Avatar
    Spencer

    ;____;

  10. Spencer Avatar
    Spencer

    ;____;

  11. eric Avatar
    eric

    i’m officially leaving BME before it gets really bad now. i can just see the extreme section being filtered…

  12. eric Avatar
    eric

    i’m officially leaving BME before it gets really bad now. i can just see the extreme section being filtered…

  13. Lulu Avatar
    Lulu

    This just makes me sad. BME will never, ever be the same without Shannon.

  14. Lulu Avatar
    Lulu

    This just makes me sad. BME will never, ever be the same without Shannon.

  15. silvereden Avatar
    silvereden

    when i got my first tattoo, i was a total bodmod scrub – i knew nothing. i was so uneducated it was almost embarrassing. then a friend at college pointed me toward BMEzine and my life changed. i soaked up every bit of information i could find. i submitted pictures and my stories, i got an IAM account (my good ol’ iam:osiri, how i miss it so), i read and reviewed experiences. i learned about all sorts of things that both shocked and amazed me, the limits to which some people have pushed their bodies, and i gained an all new respect for those who have kept the mod community alive and flourishing all these years.

    since learning about BMEzine i have gained an all-new respect for both modified people and my own body. i have become confident in my own skin, something i never thought possible. through the IAM community i met people who made me realize that even my scars are beautiful, that in this all i am unique, that i can be my own work of art, and in the time since i came here i have gone from loathing to loving myself.

    Shannon, it was you who created and maintained this forum that not only gave me confidence in myself but educated me on the mod world, something that has since changed my life in more ways than i could ever describe in a comment. to see you leave brings tears to my eyes not just because i may not see the “guess what” pictures on ModBlog anymore but because i feel i am losing both a mentor and a role model, someone i have admired and respected for so long (and will continue to admire and respect until the day you vanish off the internet entirely).

    people can say all they want about BME not being about one person, but to many of us it WAS about one person, because Shannon was the one who shared so much with us, and gave so much of himself.

    *raises her glass* it’ll never be the same without you, Shannon, but i like others respect the choice you’ve made and hope that in the end it will be of more benefit than sorrow to you. may the roads rise up to meet you, and the winds always be at your back.

  16. silvereden Avatar
    silvereden

    when i got my first tattoo, i was a total bodmod scrub – i knew nothing. i was so uneducated it was almost embarrassing. then a friend at college pointed me toward BMEzine and my life changed. i soaked up every bit of information i could find. i submitted pictures and my stories, i got an IAM account (my good ol’ iam:osiri, how i miss it so), i read and reviewed experiences. i learned about all sorts of things that both shocked and amazed me, the limits to which some people have pushed their bodies, and i gained an all new respect for those who have kept the mod community alive and flourishing all these years.

    since learning about BMEzine i have gained an all-new respect for both modified people and my own body. i have become confident in my own skin, something i never thought possible. through the IAM community i met people who made me realize that even my scars are beautiful, that in this all i am unique, that i can be my own work of art, and in the time since i came here i have gone from loathing to loving myself.

    Shannon, it was you who created and maintained this forum that not only gave me confidence in myself but educated me on the mod world, something that has since changed my life in more ways than i could ever describe in a comment. to see you leave brings tears to my eyes not just because i may not see the “guess what” pictures on ModBlog anymore but because i feel i am losing both a mentor and a role model, someone i have admired and respected for so long (and will continue to admire and respect until the day you vanish off the internet entirely).

    people can say all they want about BME not being about one person, but to many of us it WAS about one person, because Shannon was the one who shared so much with us, and gave so much of himself.

    *raises her glass* it’ll never be the same without you, Shannon, but i like others respect the choice you’ve made and hope that in the end it will be of more benefit than sorrow to you. may the roads rise up to meet you, and the winds always be at your back.

  17. Kat Avatar

    Such sad news :[

    Good luck, Shannon. It won’t be the same without you!

  18. Kat Avatar

    Such sad news :[

    Good luck, Shannon. It won’t be the same without you!

  19. kc Avatar
    kc

    Bugger…. end of an era. You will be missed.

  20. kc Avatar
    kc

    Bugger…. end of an era. You will be missed.

  21. hupsi Avatar
    hupsi

    It was such a pleasure to read YOUR modblog everyday. Although I don’t know you personally, and you certainly have no idea about me as I hardly wrote any comments, I feel like loosing a good friend. You are an extremely interesting person, a talented writer and a creative painter and I am looking forward to buy your books, visit your exhibition and whatever you create in your future. Thank you so much for the inspiration and joy you gave me!

  22. hupsi Avatar
    hupsi

    It was such a pleasure to read YOUR modblog everyday. Although I don’t know you personally, and you certainly have no idea about me as I hardly wrote any comments, I feel like loosing a good friend. You are an extremely interesting person, a talented writer and a creative painter and I am looking forward to buy your books, visit your exhibition and whatever you create in your future. Thank you so much for the inspiration and joy you gave me!

  23. blacktequila Avatar
    blacktequila

    I don’t even know what to say to this. I’m glad this is in the best interest of both you and Rachel, but at the same time.. no matter what stays the same, and what becomes “better”, you, Shannon, ARE BME. Without you, it’s never going to be quite the same. Regardless, thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you’ve done for us as a community and for personally being such an inspiration and role model for me.

  24. blacktequila Avatar
    blacktequila

    I don’t even know what to say to this. I’m glad this is in the best interest of both you and Rachel, but at the same time.. no matter what stays the same, and what becomes “better”, you, Shannon, ARE BME. Without you, it’s never going to be quite the same. Regardless, thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you’ve done for us as a community and for personally being such an inspiration and role model for me.

  25. Erik Avatar
    Erik

    After checking this site multiple times every day from the day i discovered it some five or so years back, i feel like i’ve formed some type of personal relationship with you shannon. Looking forward to new updates, each one containing a bit of your character in it. Though we’ve never met, i feel like i’ve learned and know much about you.

    It’s much like when the original lead singer of a band leaves. Yes, the band may still be good, but it will not be the legacy it was with all the original members.

    Good luck with all you do, and thank you.

  26. Erik Avatar
    Erik

    After checking this site multiple times every day from the day i discovered it some five or so years back, i feel like i’ve formed some type of personal relationship with you shannon. Looking forward to new updates, each one containing a bit of your character in it. Though we’ve never met, i feel like i’ve learned and know much about you.

    It’s much like when the original lead singer of a band leaves. Yes, the band may still be good, but it will not be the legacy it was with all the original members.

    Good luck with all you do, and thank you.

  27. Tomi Avatar

    Good luck for the future. I hope things won’t change too much in a short period here.

  28. Tomi Avatar

    Good luck for the future. I hope things won’t change too much in a short period here.

  29. Thomas Avatar
    Thomas

    I hate this! I’ve been on BME for close to 10 years myself. I can’t see how it will ever be the same (or, I’m sorry to say, as good). I certainly know nothing about the circumstances. However, I hope to gosh this change is not tied up in some darn divorce settlement. The only individuals who profit are the damn attorneys. It’s no wonder no one wants to get married anymore. Sorry, if I’ve offended, but I just had to vent!

  30. Thomas Avatar
    Thomas

    I hate this! I’ve been on BME for close to 10 years myself. I can’t see how it will ever be the same (or, I’m sorry to say, as good). I certainly know nothing about the circumstances. However, I hope to gosh this change is not tied up in some darn divorce settlement. The only individuals who profit are the damn attorneys. It’s no wonder no one wants to get married anymore. Sorry, if I’ve offended, but I just had to vent!

  31. Sedusmeplz Avatar

    the only way I can describe how I feel about the whole thing is when someone your close to and look upto dies, you have that emptyness remaining, and though the fond memories of them remain its just not the same going to places you once frequented with them.

    you’re going to be missed ALOT . things WON’T be the same without you… You’re pretty much the enbodyment of bme…

    call me lame for that, but its how I feel…

  32. Sedusmeplz Avatar

    the only way I can describe how I feel about the whole thing is when someone your close to and look upto dies, you have that emptyness remaining, and though the fond memories of them remain its just not the same going to places you once frequented with them.

    you’re going to be missed ALOT . things WON’T be the same without you… You’re pretty much the enbodyment of bme…

    call me lame for that, but its how I feel…

  33. Thomas Avatar
    Thomas

    I forgot to say to you Shannon, best of luck always, and thanks for a hell of a ride!

  34. Thomas Avatar
    Thomas

    I forgot to say to you Shannon, best of luck always, and thanks for a hell of a ride!

  35. CPF Avatar
    CPF

    Having read a little about the disputes weathered and what it has taken for this site to be, I’m very very grateful for what you have done. BME, or something very much like it, needs to exist. I doubt that the minds of all people will ever be free, but hopefully strength in a community like this will help more people. Thanks for your bravery and defiance. And good luck with everything you do.

  36. CPF Avatar
    CPF

    Having read a little about the disputes weathered and what it has taken for this site to be, I’m very very grateful for what you have done. BME, or something very much like it, needs to exist. I doubt that the minds of all people will ever be free, but hopefully strength in a community like this will help more people. Thanks for your bravery and defiance. And good luck with everything you do.

  37. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    I always wanted to meet you at a BME bbq someday. It’s a real shame to see you go.

    I wish you all the best with Nefarious and the rest of your life and endeavours. I’ll be watching I Need More Life.

    Thank you so much for everything.

  38. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    I always wanted to meet you at a BME bbq someday. It’s a real shame to see you go.

    I wish you all the best with Nefarious and the rest of your life and endeavours. I’ll be watching I Need More Life.

    Thank you so much for everything.

  39. maio Avatar
    maio

    “There was no force, no coercion — nothing of the sort”

    “I’ve had to face the potentially insurmountable reality of being massively in debt”

    oh yes. no coercion. I understand.
    Ma va là

  40. maio Avatar
    maio

    “There was no force, no coercion — nothing of the sort”

    “I’ve had to face the potentially insurmountable reality of being massively in debt”

    oh yes. no coercion. I understand.
    Ma va là

  41. Jenny Avatar
    Jenny

    :/ Well, Shannon, if you could start an empire as successful as bme, there is no doubt in my mind that you can’t do something else equally as successful for yourself. That being said, I wish you the best of luck, and I’ll keep my eye out for you!

  42. Jenny Avatar
    Jenny

    :/ Well, Shannon, if you could start an empire as successful as bme, there is no doubt in my mind that you can’t do something else equally as successful for yourself. That being said, I wish you the best of luck, and I’ll keep my eye out for you!

  43. lilish Avatar
    lilish

    Wow, I haven’t posted regularly in quite some time, but I have been around for a while (at least since when it was at the old address) and I must say I am floored. I hate that it has to be this way and I’m sorry for all you are going through. Not to belittle all the hard work everyone has contributed, but it really won’t be the same and I don’t think I want to be a part of a Shannon-free BME. It isn’t fair that the cost of this drama pushes you out of something you created. Can you post links to all the sites of yours that will remain in your control so we can all bookmark them?

  44. lilish Avatar
    lilish

    Wow, I haven’t posted regularly in quite some time, but I have been around for a while (at least since when it was at the old address) and I must say I am floored. I hate that it has to be this way and I’m sorry for all you are going through. Not to belittle all the hard work everyone has contributed, but it really won’t be the same and I don’t think I want to be a part of a Shannon-free BME. It isn’t fair that the cost of this drama pushes you out of something you created. Can you post links to all the sites of yours that will remain in your control so we can all bookmark them?

  45. CrimsonKiss Avatar
    CrimsonKiss

    I’m quite upset, I must say.

  46. CrimsonKiss Avatar
    CrimsonKiss

    I’m quite upset, I must say.

  47. Frances Avatar

    This is rather sad but I wish you all the best !

  48. Frances Avatar

    This is rather sad but I wish you all the best !

  49. Cmoon Avatar

    Farewell Shannon.

  50. Cmoon Avatar

    Farewell Shannon.

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