The large social networks command an enormous share of consumer interest today, making them an irresistible audience for adult marketers; many of whom, unfortunately, have not exercised a deft touch in their efforts — relying on a churn and burn approach that sacrifices user accounts in the name of expediency and spam-master efficiency — but this shortsighted practice eliminates the prime benefits of the relationship building that is possible via social networks; and is a truly shameful waste of profit potential.

The reason for the trade-off is simple: it takes a significant investment in time and energy to develop and maintain a decent following that can be profitably monetized — making a spam-driven quick buck enough for many shortcut fans, some of whom may just not know any better.

For that latter group, mainstream social networks don’t want your porn; even if some, such as Twitter, may be tolerant of your responsible adult marketing efforts. You might notice the word “responsible” there, as it’s the key to unlocking mainstream networks, and is not the same thing as posting thousands of explicit porn photos to Pinterest or of adding your affiliate URL to every “Like” post you make.

While adult specific clones such as Pintease.com are springing up, these sites do not have the traffic levels of those they seek to emulate, and although they are a viable traffic source for adult marketers, finding a way to work with the big boys may be the best bet.

Adult social media guru Peter Housley of Naughty Tweet (www.naughtytweet.com), however, recently warned the industry against improper tactics such as buying followers or Twitter trains, saying that it defeats the purpose of social media, diluting its value.

“Twitter has been a great resource to the adult industry while other networks have censored and blocked adult;” Housley explained, adding that Twitter’s rules are simple to follow and notes that “it is our responsibility as an industry to not sabotage ourselves and adhere to the spirit and purpose of social media.”

Housley cites Twitter’s recent lawsuits against web tools and providers that allegedly facilitate the spamming of its members, and also notes that many user accounts are under investigation, and could be suspended or terminated for violating the company’s terms, as other reasons to follow its guidelines (support.twitter.com/forums/26257/entries/18311).

Although each mainstream social media outlet has its own terms and conditions, they all share a prohibition against posting obscene or pornographic images, either in posts or as your profile picture, or in customized user page backgrounds.

Likewise, other prohibited practices typically follow Twitter’s cue; with the buying and selling of user names and followers, unsolicited marketing to other members, as well as reposting of other users’ Tweets as your own, all singled out as against Twitter policy.

Housley also warned against creating or purchasing accounts to gain followers and “using or promoting third-party sites that claim to get you more followers.”

At the end of the day, most mainstream social media sites are seeking to maintain the quality of their site’s user experience, by ensuring organic growth without “cheating” and the offering of acceptable content to users. Play by the rules and you can profit. Take the easy way out, and out is what you’ll get.