Nina Hartley Shares Advice for New Porn Performers

SAN FRANCISCO — There aren’t many adult performers with chops like legend Nina Hartley who can tell newbie porn performers simply and truthfully what they need to know.

And that’s exactly what the 30-year veteran has done in a column she’s penned for BDSM blog, Kinky.com.

Hartley introduces her 14-point plan in her "Letter to a New Performer" by saying that those reading the article are probably contemplating entering the industry and warns that they’ll probably make mistakes. But she also offers hard-earned advice.

Included in her key points is advice for newbies to have a plan, figure out why they want to get into adult (pay for school, etc.) and stick to it. “Be aware that Porn Is Forever, and anything you commit to camera will be in the ether always, no matter what you do later in life,” she says, adding that would-be performers should only jump in if sex is their thing.

“If your values around sex, love and relationships are on the more traditional side, this is likely not a good job choice for you,” Hartley says. She stresses that talent needs to enjoy what they’re doing — if not, it shows. “A true fan wants to see you have an authentically good time, not a pretend one. Only do acts on camera that you already like. If not, there’ll be a record of you having a shit time and the money will be spent. And if you don’t do anal, then don’t…do…anal. Just don’t. Really.”

The star also talks about getting paid fairly, financial issues and relationships in and out of the industry. And she hammers home the importance of being reliable and responsible.

Of course Hartley warns about the importance of regular testing for STDs and to watch out for talent with skin abrasions on their genitals.

Although she admits the column is only a primer, she points out that there is a lot of support between/among performers along with petty politics and juvenile feuds, “as befits a semi-marginalized, much-maligned industry.”

But she also welcomes new talent and advises them not to be “a doormat or a douche.”

“Show up well-groomed. Bring your favorite lube, robe, towel, reading material, test results and lunch. Have fun, and welcome,” Hartley writes.

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 News

Penthouse Names Hazel Winters August's 'Pet of the Month'

Penthouse Magazine has named Hazel Winters as Pet of the Month for August.

Bree Mills Wraps Production on Pure Taboo Thriller 'The Secrets We Share'

Adult Time has announced that production has wrapped on the thriller, "The Secrets We Share," written and directed by studio CCO Bree Mills.

Evil Angel Drops Angelo Godshack's 'Hardcore Gangbangs 4'

Evil Angel has released director Angelo Godshack’s “Hardcore Gangbangs 4.”

Sabien DeMonia Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Sabien DeMonia stars with Jordi El Nino Polla and Danny D in the latest release from Brazzers, titled “Double Stuffed Sabien.”

Connie Perignon Makes Her Deeper Debut

Connie Perignon has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Deeper, alongside Kazumi and Anton Hardon in “Bare Witness.”

Kaci Kennedy Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Creator Kaci Kennedy stars with her husband Dakota Sexton and Chocolate Rod in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Bad Bella Makes Her New Sensations Debut

Bad Bella has made her New Sensations debut, starring alongside Danny Mountain.

Siri Dahl and Friends to Host 2nd 'Corn Telethon'

Siri Dahl will host the second 12-hour "Corn Telethon" livestream with several of her friends from inside and outside the industry on Thursday, Sept. 4.

Keiran Lee Gets Star Send-Off from Brazzers Ahead of UK Homecoming

Keiran Lee is coming home. Two decades after moving from England to the United States to sign an exclusive contract with Brazzers, the award-winning performer is moving back to the U.K. this week along with his wife, fellow performer Kirsten Price, and their three children.

Lady Dee Stars in Latest From Immoral

Lady Dee stars with Paul Stalker and Charlie Dean in a new three-part release from Immoral Productions.

Show More