Noga, a longtime affiliate marketer for CyberErotica and other programs, has been out of the business for only a few years, but seeing her here was a surprisingly moving reminder of the colorful cast of characters that has populated this business and these events. There are other old faces here – my own included – but also a healthy number of new ones, many of whom attended today’s seminars, sponsored by YappoDollars.
The first seminar was Newbie 101: Adult Website Basics, moderated by YNOT president Connor Young and a panel that included Hammer (PornSitePros), Avalanche (Cherry Pimps), Vic (Kick Ass), Gonzo, (Oprano), KevinG (JoannaAngel.com) and attorney Eric Bernstein.
As he has done many times before, Young directed his speakers to address all of the major points newbies need to know in order to have a fighting chance at long-term success. Though the requisite knowledge base needed for survival has not changed, some of the suggested emphasis by panelists has.
Now, newbie are advised to focus on being creative, making sure that what they produce is different and stands out from the crowd. While each panelist drove home the point that solid business skills are still a requirement, there was a clear suggestion that unique content is the thing to focus on.
A Sponsor Orientation followed, during which attendees got the layout of the show and a chance to meet and learn about the companies that make it all possible. Then it was off to lunch and a chance to check out the Hilton Hotel and the pool. No one seems to be spending a great deal of time outside, perhaps due to the pretty extreme humidity, but a thundershower heading this way promises a slightly cooler evening.
The afternoon saw two more seminars, one an All About Traffic panel, moderated by Brandon “Fight the Patent” Shalton, and speakers KevinG (JoannaAngel.com), Gunner (ATKCash), Forest (SexMoney), Scott (TrafficDude) and Michelle (Eroticy), and the other a seminar on Solo-Girl Sites and Content Production: Creation and Operation. That panel was moderated by Jay Kopita from YNOT and featured Joanna Angel, Kevin (MediumPimpin), DirtyD, (HowIGotRich), Dan (CamZ) and DaveCummings (DaveCummings.com).
The traffic panel saw some lively discussion on the challenges of staying up to date with changes Google makes on almost a daily basis to the way it monitors and evaluates adult websites, with some very valuable insight from KevinG. The content panel had a very specific focus and a refreshing new mix of speakers with first-hand knowledge of what it takes to succeed in the solo-girl niche.
The last informational event of the day was a keynote address by yours truly. I could not possibly evaluate my own performance, but I can say the room was almost full, to my surprise and pleasure, and that I felt as if I said what I had come to say. I’ll leave further comment to others.
Tonight’s main party is the Porn Poker Tour, sponsored by Netbilling, CamZ, SammySmack, Eroticy, MPA3, DatingGold and CapitalBucks.