opinion

The Closing of the Old School

According to Wikipedia, the slang term “old school” can refer to anything that is from an earlier era, although it generally implies a vintage of at least 15-20 years.

“Depending on the context and intent, the term can imply a high regard or respect, or be a pejorative,” states the Wikipedia website. “When used to imply a high regard for something, ‘old school’ is applied to things perceived to be of timeless style, wisdom, or quality, or with wide acceptance in earlier times and continued value in the present.”

But what about the pejorative use of the term, to indicate that something is outdated, obsolete and without “continued value in the present” — is the use more typical of today?

When it comes to the economic viability of adult websites, the answer may be “yes.”

While some experienced webmasters may still be earning revenues from pic-posts, link lists, TGP submissions and other “old school” marketing techniques, change within the industry is undeniably escalating, with some operators benefiting more than others.

This may not necessarily be a bad thing, because many past practices have become decreasingly profitable, so fresh approaches are required to satisfy jaded porn consumers.

Although there is no lack of affiliate managers ready and willing to explain how their particular program converts like it is 1998, the relative lack of affiliates willing to listen is evidence of how difficult sales (and payments for those sales) may be to come by.

Another indicator is the recent spate of high-profile domain sales, including the initial premium names offered by .XXX. But that’s another story, because it’s the aged dot com domain portfolios that have come onto the market, with literally thousands of “excellent” names being purged from their owner’s “someday” list, in a last ditch hope to profit from what may be an otherwise parked or unused domain, or long-lost opportunity.

.XXX plays a role in this as well, as its Sunrise period doubtlessly provided the needed motivation for many speculators and others to revisit their domain name inventory lists.

Will the new TLD (or some of the recently transferred .com names) be developed into websites that will open a new school of thought and provide the eye-opening, cutting-edge visitor experiences that are needed to revitalize porn sales today, or will it become another copy-cat subdivision, where all the properties are identical to their neighbors?

Only time will tell, but it is clear from looking at stats, reading adult message boards and eyeing your bank account that the old ways are no longer working and the impact also extends into the billing, content, coding, design, traffic and other industry segments.

They say that it’s hard to teach old dogs new tricks, partly because we are so set in our ways. Add in the stresses and emotional toll of operating for years at “Internet speed” and it becomes clear that changes are needed for many of us: evolving in a progression from yesterday’s familiarity to tomorrow’s uncharted opportunities.

Continuing education is part of attending this “New School,” as forward-looking folks seek to separate themselves from their former competitors — many of whom are now struggling helplessly, stuck in the tar pit of our rapidly receding digital past. It’s not about forgetting the lessons of that past, but of improving upon the knowledge that we have gained over the years.

Like many of you, I fear teetering on the edge of that tar pit, hoping not to fall in. During the coming year, I’ll be kicking it up a notch or two (or three), trying my best to excel in this new school, wherever it takes me. As part of that process, I’ll share what I am learning with you here at XBIZ, because keeping up with all of the latest tools, techniques and technologies is a vital part of graduating from the new school — as is doing your homework. Stay tuned!

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