Does the Summer Slowdown Still Exist?

Wanna know how summers used to be in the jizz biz, back in the good ‘ol VHS and DVD days? Well, I’ll tell you.

Every year starting in mid-April just around tax time, as the sweet smell of spring beckoned the dog days of summer and companies got involved with mathematical machinations all pointing at the “tax season blues” — summer loomed and that meant fans viewed less porn. Thus began adult’s summer slowdown.

Those of us who have been in this game long enough, know the term. Those of you more recent arrivals can learn. Remembering, if you will, that the fans rule. That without the viewing public, we become but a memory. Whether it be downloadable, upgradeable, on PPV, VOD, payper-minute, not paid for at all, pirated, store bought, on your computer, in your DVD player, on your laptop, PC or Mac, no matter how they see it, the customer is always right. And, so if the fans are watching less, the video stores will be buying even less. No need to re-stock during the summertime. “I got stock I haven’t put on the shelves yet,” was a common cry of buyers at any one of the many mom and pop stores that the hundreds of salesman throughout all the sales rooms of all the manufacturers in the iconic San Fernando Valley, would hear daily.

Moreover, if the stores weren’t buying, well there was no real reason for the producers to shoot more product for a period which would last through mid-September. In the western states even a bit longer. Four or five months and everyone felt it; actors, actresses, producers, directors, writers, crew, make-up artists, salespeople, office staffers…everyone. Yes, indeed, the summer slowdown.

The slowdown didn’t hurt nearly as much. In fact it hardly touched you. They still needed movies for the 24-hour a day programming they were offering and it was worldwide. It was better than business as usual for the savvy companies that worked with and distributed the product through cable and PPV outlets and eventually through satellites. That’s where all of the good product was going. The smart producers knew that. They knew too that you could offer a “soft” version of the hardcore movie and extend not only your fan base but also your income. It paid to be smart.

Then something happened — the Internet hit hard. The four or five thousand video stores — most of which carried adult material slowly, at first, then, more rapidly — began to dwindle. Local video stores were absorbed by large chain operations. The mom and pop smaller local brick and mortar storefront was soon gone. It became obvious that technology would make the VCR and later the DVD player, a thing of the past. A new word came into the adult entertainment lexicon… content. Content for the masses. Easy access to everything — all at once. At the speed of click the planet gets a collective hard-on; and all the women are nymphomaniacs. It’s a technological orgy of flesh.

No more need to go to the store for porn. No need to go to the local smut palace to watch on the big screen. No need to even pay for it. Just click. What “Summer Slowdown? ... Don’t Get Me Started!

Related:  

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

opinion

Payment Systems: Facilitator vs. Gateway Explained

Understanding and selecting the right payment platform can be confusing for anyone. Recently, Segpay launched its payment gateway. Since then, we’ve received numerous questions about the difference between a payment facilitator and a payment gateway. Most merchants want to know which type of platform best meets their business needs.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Reinventing Intimacy: A Look at AI's Implications for Adult Platforms

The adult industry has long revolved around delivering pleasure and entertainment, but now it’s moving into new territory: intimacy, connection and emotional fulfillment. And AI companions are at the forefront of that shift.

Daniel Keating ·
profile

WIA: Sara Edwards on Evolving Clip Culture and Creator Empowerment

Though she works behind the scenes, Sara Edwards has had a front-row seat to the evolution of adult content creation. Having been immersed in the sector since 1995, she has a unique perspective on the industry.

Jackie Backman ·
profile

Segpay Marks 20 Years of High-Risk Triumphs

Payment processors are behind-the-scenes players in the world of ecommerce, yet their role is critical. Ensuring secure, seamless transactions while navigating a rapidly changing regulatory landscape requires both technological expertise and business acumen.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

The SCREEN Test: How to Prepare for Federal Age Verification

For those who are counting, there are now 20 enacted state laws in the United States requiring age verification for viewing online adult content, plus numerous proposed laws in the works. This ongoing barrage has been exhausting for many in the adult industry — and it may be about to escalate in the form of a potential new AV law, this time at the federal level.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

How to Master Team Dynamics for Business Success

Having the right team in place is everything. Whether getting a startup off the ground and thriving, or safeguarding an established company, the right — or wrong — people can mean the difference between a successful venture and a failed dream.

Juicy Jay ·
opinion

Eight Steps to Fast-Track AI Site Approval for Processing

Artificial intelligence is a hot topic these days. AI technology is speeding up the way we do business across all industries and offers numerous benefits, from automating processes to increasing efficiency and scalability.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

How to Secure High-Risk Transactions With Network Tokenization

Ensuring the security of data as it moves through digital channels is the foundation of safe transactions, and crucial for your success. If your business can’t secure transactions, you’re exposed to myriad processing traumas.

Jonathan Corona ·
profile

WIA Profile: Reba Rocket

As chief operating officer and chief marketing officer of Takedown Piracy, long at the forefront of intellectual property protection in adult entertainment, Rocket is dedicated to safeguarding the livelihoods of content creators and producers while fostering a more ethical and sustainable industry.

Women In Adult ·
opinion

Protecting Content Ownership Rights When Using AI

In today’s digital age, content producers have more tools at their disposal than ever before. Among these tools, artificial intelligence (AI) content generation has emerged as a game changer, enabling creators to produce high-quality content quickly and efficiently.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
Show More