opinion

To Skim or Not to Skim?

One of the most annoying things for the surfer frequenting TGP/MGP sites is the fact that nearly all of these sites skim clicks from their links and thumbnails and blindly force the surfer to visit the site’s trade partners. We’ve all seen this in action: you click on a hot looking thumbnail or on a compelling text link and instead of landing on the gallery you hoped for; you’re at a different TGP/MGP.

The reason for this is simple: it’s the primary method by which most gallery post sites acquire their traffic. It’s also a major component of the lack of trust that many surfers have towards adult sites – a lack of trust that manifests itself in the poor conversions that gallery post traffic typically results in.

Don’t get me wrong; the over-abundance of free porn available at these sites is the number one reason why this traffic is non-productive (“Why buy the cow when the milk is free?”), but the fact remains that if the surfer can’t trust you to send him where he expects to go, he’s not going to trust you – or anyone you’re associated with – with his credit card information.

Some sites skim more than others, often to the point where you can click a link a dozen times before hitting the gallery. Some, but very few, gallery posts don’t skim clicks at all. Savvy surfers pick up on this pretty quickly; bookmarking sites that don’t skim (or skim at low, predictable levels) and avoiding sites that skim at higher levels.

I’m not opposed to traffic trading, but many webmasters need to carefully re-think the way in which they trade this traffic. After all, if you were at the mall and about to walk into the food court to grab a bite to eat and someone grabbed you and pushed you into the shoe store, would you be likely to buy a new pair of shoes? Me neither.

Copyright © 2025 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

profile

Sophia Locke Talks Second Acts and Self-Love

Sophia Locke has the kind of presence that instantly makes you want to lean in. She’s confident, effortlessly glamorous and exudes sincerity. Chatting with her feels like catching up over lattes with your best friend — who happens to casually drop that she’s filming three Adult Time features next month.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

The Hidden Cost of Letting Retail Define Pleasure Brands

Not long ago, spotting vibrators and lubricants at a national chain like Target or CVS might have raised eyebrows. Now, it’s almost expected.

Rin Musick ·
profile

Reese Rideout Looks Back on a Career Written in Stardust

With his sculpted features and leading-man charisma, Reese Rideout looks like he would be at home in a Marvel blockbuster — or at least a stylish slasher flick where he plays the crafty guy who makes it all the way to the final act.

Jackie Backman ·
profile

WIA Profile: Kelsey Harris

At sister distribution brands Nalpac and Entrenue, one woman is in charge of leading customers in the right direction: Director of Sales Kelsey Harris. Since Michigan-based Nalpac took the reins of Arizona’s Entrenue, Harris has led both sales teams from her home base in Oakland County, Michigan.

Women in Adult ·
opinion

How AI Helps Creators Focus More on Creating

Being a content creator today is about a lot more than just content. It’s about marketing, scheduling, analytics and writing — a lot of writing. Whether it’s sexy captions, subscriber newsletters or the perfect social post, words matter.

Megan Stokes ·
opinion

The Art of Faceless Brand Building

When I first began working as a content creator on streaming platforms, I made a conscious choice to take an unconventional path. I decided I would always keep part of my face off-camera: I don’t show my eyes. Instead, I rely on a smile, a gesture and the overall atmosphere.

Pussylovekate ·
opinion

Rebranding Sexual Wellness Through a Self-Care Approach

As most of us in the industry already know, sexual wellness remains the black sheep of self-care. Discussions about wellness glorify meditation apps, skincare routines and workout regimens — but mention masturbation or using a sex toy, and most people shy away from the topic.

Hail Groo ·
profile

WIA Profile: Leah Koons

If you’ve been to an industry event lately, odds are you’ve heard Leah Koons even before you’ve seen her. As Fansly’s director of marketing, Koons helps steer one of the fastest-growing creator platforms on the web.

Women in Adult ·
opinion

Why Sex Toy Innovation Isn't What Shoppers Want Right Now

During my first year in the industry, the luxury vibrator on shelves was LELO’s Gigi, priced at $109. It was made with high-quality silicone, boasted an ergonomic design, a travel lock and a warranty. Soon after, Je Joue released its first product, SaSi, which employed “rolling ball” movements to simulate oral sex.

Sarah Tomchesson ·
opinion

What France's New Law Means for Age Verification Worldwide

When France implemented its Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law on April 11, it marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing global debate surrounding online safety and access to adult content.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
Show More