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opinion

Marketing the Midway

I’ll be heading up to the Siskiyou Golden Fair this weekend; the largest country fair in Northern California. A popular annual event featuring country crafts, good food, entertainment, livestock exhibits, a demolition derby and even a rodeo – it’s always a summertime favorite.

Sounds like fun, you say, but what does this have to do with online porn? It’s the pricing structure.

Not only do I have to pay to get into the fairgrounds, but if I want to watch the demolition derby (and I do), that costs extra. Want to see a giant horse? What about a huge pig with by far the biggest balls you’ll ever see, or perhaps a truly enormous bull or alligator? Each will add another dollar to the cost of the show. Care for a tasty Polish Kielbasa smothered in fried onions and an ice-cold beer? Perhaps a ride on the Tilt-A-Whirl? That’s an additional cost as well…

With the fair, as with well thought-out online adult entertainment offerings, “upsell” is the name of the game. Charge ‘em for a subscription to your paysite, then offer a cross-sell before they enter and premium, one-on-one video chat once they’re inside. Add an offer for some toys or DVDs and you’ll maximize the number of sales you make to each of your customers and increase your profits.

Oh, and the reason why someone would pay a buck to see a giant horse or other oddity? Because it’s hidden inside of a tent, where you can’t see it for free – and a dollar is a cheap price to satisfy one’s curiosity. Think about that the next time you’re giving away your content...

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