I ask this question, because there's a news story that's crossed my desk, and I find the very fact of its existence to be offensive: Odious; unnecessary and truly unworthy of publication at XBIZ.
It's not that it isn't "news" if the allegations are true. It's not that our competitors (and undoubtedly many mainstream media outlets) won't run it. It's that this story is a vicious attack on a politician whose wife happens to be a porn star.
What bothers me about the story, however, is that it was sent to me by someone within the industry: someone who spent a good deal of time researching and reporting on the personal details of a couple, one of whom works within our industry — the other of whom reportedly worked with Sarah Palin — and therein is the likely reason that this couple was singled out for a vicious, partisan attack by someone who should know better.
I doubt he would have so carefully reported on the resumes, real names and contact details of another porn couple; with a headline that read "The guy at the hardware store's wife is a porn star."
This was a cowardly attack that I can't help but feel was politically motivated. But my issue with the story isn't about politics; it's the message that it sends: unless you are a total scumbag that will never do anything "beyond porn," or have any relationship with someone outside the industry, you don't belong here — because if your enemies don't expose you, then your "friends" will.
This industry may have its share of bottom feeders, but it's the talented brain trust that is comprised of some of the best minds you'll ever encounter that make our businesses thrive and that will "save" porn. But you simply cannot attract the caliber of people that we need now and in the future when these attacks persist. Sure, you can expect it from the porn haters, but from people who make their living among us?
They say that misery loves company, and doubtless most of these personal attacks are the result of miserable people with too much time on their hands. But that doesn't justify it.
I also am so personally offended by the way this story was presented because I and my wife were similarly attacked by anonymous haters who felt that our families should be punished for our personal choices; and took it upon themselves to expose our operations in great detail to our parents and others. It was the act of a coward that I would very much like to meet.
I'll extend more courtesy to the pusher of this "news" than he did to the people whose lives he just ruined, and not tell you this guy's name or URL. I do hope, however, that he learns from this just how inappropriate his actions are.
We need to be looking out for each other now more than ever; even if it means you need to ignore a "hot story" — if only because it blackens the eyes of our brothers and sisters.
Think I'm wrong, biased, and over-protective of the adults who choose porn as a profession? Or do you think I'm right and that we should leave the attacks to our enemies? Post your comments below:
