just got asked “Tattooing people you know closely completely free of any charge/exchange is a “big no-no?” I understand not being a scratcher and tattooing strangers for drugs/money, etc., that shit sucks. If it is a safe environment w/ friends, what is the harm?”

See, this is difficult because I do not encourage people doing things which are potentially harmful, and although it is possible that everything would be clean and safe, with attention to preventing cross contamination etc in a situation such as this, it is unlikely. For that reason I won’t say that I think it’s ok.

Possible unpopular opinion but I stand by it:
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with people who are not tattoo artists diy stick and poke tattooing as long as (a) you use sterile needles and appropriate ink and (b) you tattoo only yourself and not others and (c) you dispose of any needles etc in a safe and clean manner.
I’ve seen some of the ‘awful modifications’ blogs here referring to all self-tattooing as bad, and I just don’t agree. Tattooing yourself can be something really positive, and if people are happy with their diy endeavors then that’s what is important.
However tattooing other people in this way is a big no-no and I don’t endorse that in any manner.