opinion

Another Round

I've just returned from the highly successful XBIZ Summer Forum in Las Vegas and I have to say that I have a renewed sense of optimism and enthusiasm for the future of the adult entertainment industry.

I had many enjoyable, enlightening (and occasionally naughty) conversations in Vegas; discussing the current state of the industry and its likely paths into the future, along with some of the challenges and opportunities that it entails — and I found many of the stories I heard inspiring.

What struck me most was the fierce determination of some of these players to not give in to the mounting pressures of today's marketplace and the escalating demands on both company and personal resources that can eat profitability — and destroy the very nature of the business that drew many of us to the industry in the first place.

These guys aren't just looking to be survivors; they have a plan for success and are using it: one old friend used the phrase "entrenchment" to describe his current operation — staying focused on core strengths and optimizing his infrastructure rather than starting new ventures.

This attitude of "riding out the storm" was expressed by a few folks; many of whom are now looking at renewing existing projects in an attempt to improve the profitability of their previous efforts while providing new opportunities for future sales.

Things aren't over for part-time operators and the lone webmaster / affiliate, either.

Personally, I just received an email notification of a $40 PPS sale that fell out of the sky from a TGP text link that I posted more than three years ago; so I know that there's still a few dollars left to be made in adult — And with today's rising gas prices, a few more dollars here and there can make a big difference at the end of the month; so expect to see some old faces returning to the biz — something that we already see happening on our message boards.

At the end of the day, competing today is all about creativity and refocusing proven techniques into much more profitable consumer-driven products — and for some of us this will mean "teaching an old dog new tricks..."

Stay tuned for more…

Copyright © 2024 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

opinion

Why BDSM Furniture and Sex Machines Make an Ideal Match

For BDSM enthusiasts and curious newbies alike, a big part of the fun is discovering and exploring exciting new sensations and scenarios. One way to level up is by combining or layering pleasures you already enjoy, and one surefire way to do that is with BDSM furniture.

Rebecca Weinberg ·
opinion

To Cloud or Not to Cloud, That Is the Question

Let’s be honest. It just sounds way cooler to say your business is “in the cloud,” right? Buzzwords make everything sound chic and relevant. In fact, someone uninformed might even assume that any hosting that is not in the cloud is inferior. So what’s the truth?

Brad Mitchell ·
opinion

Tips for Boosting Ecommerce Revenue With Behavioral Insights

At our marketing agency, we focus on using real data to make better decisions for our clients. We believe every action a visitor takes on a website can tell us something important. This helps us shape our strategies and assist our clients in turning casual website visitors into loyal customers.

Lauren Bailey ·
opinion

Upcoming Visa Price Changes to Registration, Transaction Fees

Visa is updating its fee structure. Effective April 1, both the card brand’s initial nonrefundable application fee and annual renewal fee will increase from $500 to $950. Visa is also introducing a fee of 10 cents for each transaction, and 10 basis points — 0.1% — on the payment volume of certain merchant accounts.

Jonathan Corona ·
opinion

Unpacking the New Digital Services Act

Do you hear the word “regulation” and get nervous? When it comes to the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), you shouldn’t worry. If you’re complying with the most up-to-date card brand regulations, you can breathe a sigh of relief.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

A Look at the Do's and Don'ts of Gift-With-Purchase Promos

Imagine you’re at a store, deciding between two products with similar packaging, features and pricing. You’re not predisposed toward either brand and you haven’t seen any reviews — but one of them offers, “Free gift with purchase!” Does that win you over?

Vanessa Rose ·
opinion

The Perils of Relying on ChatGPT for Legal Advice

It surprised me how many people admitted that they had used ChatGPT or similar services either to draft legal documents or to provide legal advice. “Surprised” is probably an understatement of my reaction to learning about this, as “horrified” more accurately describes my emotional response.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

Tips for Navigating a Completely Remote Job in Sexual Wellness

Anyone working in the sexual wellness and pleasure sector has at some point had to deal with issues like bias against the industry, as well as limited marketing and advertising options.

Bryony Lees ·
opinion

Free Agent Auteur: Casey Calvert Expands Her Directing Horizon

Now, having brought that highly-awarded polyamory trilogy to a close, Calvert is concluding the exclusive Lust Cinema directing chapter of her career and charting a new course out into open creative waters as a free agent.

Alejandro Freixes ·
profile

Marina Valmont: From Beauty Queen to Naked News Anchor

Marina Valmont grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, spending a lot of time walking in nature and enjoying Canada’s beautiful parks and lakes. She describes her younger self as an avid reader who spent a lot of time at the library, as well as a girly girl with a deep love for Disney, fantasy movies and Barbie.

Alejandro Freixes ·
Show More