PFIQ
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
PFIQ is the acronym and common name for a publication known as Piercing Fans International Quarterly, which was published by Jim Ward from the 1970s through the 1990s. Ward pioneered the field of body piercing and operated The Gauntlet, which was the first commercial establishment to offer the service in the United States.
Although the early editions of PFIQ were in a black and white newsletter format, the magazine quickly evolved into a full color glossy. PFIQ was well known for its detailed documentation of various piercings, and its articles provided valuable how-to advice on the subject of body piercing.
Besides photographs, interviews, and technical advice on the piercing process, PFIQ also featured artwork and fictional stories. It also sold its share of advertising, but eventually a related publication, Pin Pals, was created for the express purpose of allowing people with body piercings to meet each other through personal ads.
PFIQ was a controversial publication, due to its graphic portrayal of nudity and the piercing process. In some countries it was considered obscene, and was confiscated by postal officials. It ceased publication in the late 1990s at the same time that The Gauntlet closed its doors.
