xbiz world
xbiz premiere
opinion

Stratification and Sublimation

I’ve written before about the need for adult webmasters to sharpen their business acumen, adopt best practices and basically “do the right thing,” but my “wishful thinking” in this regard seems to be just that – wishful thinking. While many of my readers have heard my message loud and clear – and perhaps, as a result, changed some of their practices; there exists today a widening gap amongst players in the online adult entertainment industry.

This stratification between the industry’s “have’s” and “have not’s” is becoming faster and evermore pronounced and the distinction between the two sharper than ever before – a distinction that goes far beyond doing the right thing and into doing the smart thing.

My belief on this matter is being reinforced by watching the moves and attitudes of some of the industry’s best and largest players and their adoption of – and integration with – traditionally “mainstream” marketing practices and business regimens at a level that would make any Fortune 500 company proud.

The upshot is that at the highest levels, many slick moves are taking place. Now, I don’t mean “slick” in a “watch me hide my cancel link and send my re-bills through the roof” sort of way, but slick in a “watch me develop detailed metrics on my content acquisition, deployment and monetization cycle, and then use them to increase my bottom line” sort of way.

This is a huge topic, but the result is simple: the guys working it smart are going to make bank, the guys sticking to “business as usual” will be fighting over fewer crumbs spilling from the rich man’s table. Wouldn’t you rather have a seat at that table?

Me? I’m off to sharpen my pencil, because it’s going to get even rougher for those trying to compete out there. I suggest that you all do the same. I’ll see you at dinner…

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

trends

Meet the New Class of Pleasure Purveyors Making Waves

The sexual wellness industry has always evolved in response to cultural shifts, but the current wave of up-and-coming pleasure brands signals something deeper than trend cycles or aesthetic refreshes. These founders aren’t just launching new products; they are reframing what intimacy means, who it is for and how it fits into everyday life. Across supplements, toys, aftercare and even divination decks, a new generation of brands is closing long-ignored gaps — between pleasure and wellness, fantasy and function, science and sensuality, individuality and shared experience.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
opinion

How to Convert Fans Through Scarcity and Exclusivity

Nothing sparks fans’ ongoing desire in the long term like making them feel personally prioritized. It gives them a sense of belonging and sparks a level of loyalty that goes far beyond just loving your work. Forging that degree of connection, however, requires knowing how to employ two key tactics: scarcity and exclusivity.

Sara Star ·
profile

Viben's Kara Liburd on Building a Fulfilling Career in the Industry

“We work in an industry where trust, follow-through and service matter just as much as product quality,” declares Viben sales exec Kara Liburd. “Retailers today want analytics, marketing assets and deeper product knowledge, and brands are stepping up to provide that support.”

Colleen Godin ·
opinion

How to Reinvest Back Into Your Creator Business

Early in their careers, most creators necessarily focus on survival. Money goes toward basic expenses, equipment upgrades and keeping content flowing. Once income becomes more consistent, however, it’s time to begin thinking about growth and sustainability. How can you build something that lasts beyond the next release or trend?

Megan Stokes ·
profile

WoodRocket Delivers Classic Adult Fun With a Quirky, Modern Twist

What does it take to stand out in the industry these days? How about a “Live, Laugh, Cum” keychain?

Colleen Godin ·
profile

Efren Méndez Leads LoveStore Mexico With a Community-First Approach

Fifteen years ago, Efren Méndez and a friend walked into a sex shop. They were looking for nothing more than a few items for a party. Instead, the moment altered the direction of his career, and ultimately his life.

Jackie Backman ·
profile

Kisscat on American Dreams and Creating Content That Connects

The year was 2019. Kisscat was drying her hair when her husband, Alex, walked in and told her about a couple who had become popular on Pornhub just shooting videos at home.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

Guiding Shoppers With Clear Pleasure Education

One of the most valuable skills in pleasure retail isn’t persuasion — it’s translation. Customers often arrive curious but cautious, unsure of terminology, functions or even what questions to ask. The goal isn’t to overwhelm them with specs or explicit details, but to describe product features in a way that feels approachable, relatable and easy to imagine.

Sara Gaffoor ·
profile

Stripchat's Jessica on Building Creator Success, One Step at a Time

At most industry events, the spotlight naturally falls on the creators whose personalities light up screens and social feeds. Behind the booths, parties and perfectly timed photo ops, however, there is someone else shaping the experience.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

High-ROI Marketing Tactics for Online Retail

In adult ecommerce, the marketing landscape never stops shifting. What succeeded brilliantly in March may seem outdated by September. When you look at the bigger picture, however patterns emerge: clear, repeatable paths to strong ROI that remain consistent even as algorithms, platforms and buyer behavior keep changing.

Hail Groo ·
Show More