grady wrote:
> 
> Two things:
> 
> First, I'm glad to see Margaret back, and while I'm not surprised that
> she came out of "Lurk" for a porn debate, I for one wish she'd stay out
> of lurk for some other stuff as well.
> 
> Second, here is the URL for a.f.u. FAQ page on snuff films.
> 
> http://www.urbanlegends.com/classic/snuff.films/
> 
> Here's my take, after reading their stuff, and thinking for a while:
> 
> film has been around for 100+ years, and video for 30-40+ years. There
> is no question that during that time, murders have probably been filmed.
> God knows enough of them have been still-photographed.
> 
> Given human nature, there is no question that there is a market of folks
> looking to buy video of a murder/accidental death. Hell, you can rent
> that "Faces of Death" series at any mid-size indy video store.
> 
> HOWEVER, neither of these two facts really supports the "snuff film"
> notion that is put forth by MacKinnon. Even she says "My opinion is
> completely to the contrary to the FBI's. I know snuff films exist. These
> so-called official people don't enjoy a lot of trust. In many cases
> they've got one public line, while they move in another direction."
> Asked to substantiate her claims, she replies, "To divulge anything
> would jeopardize my own investigation. But believe me, they're out
> there."
> 

There is a pretty good book on the subject called "Killing for Culture" 
which not only addresses the existence of snuff films for profit but 
also our fascination with real gore. The author of the book comes to 
the same conclusion as Ross, a.f.u. and most people in the know. 

It painstakingly documents every "Faces of Death" and real gore video 
available. What is obvious with this detailed list is that their is a 
real interest in such materials. So much so that producers fake a lot 
of the footage. In fact, the "Faces of Death" series has a lot of faked 
footage. The book also shows that the U.S. is not the leading consumer 
or producer of real gore videos. Japan and Italy cranked out some 
amazingly gory stuff.

What this has to do with Larry Flynt is beyond me. I probably have 
missed some points, but I do recommend reading the book. 

Skip Elsheimer
(This is great, the first time I post to a.m.c-h in months and it's 
about snuff films. My Deja-News resume is looking odder all the time.)