Feature Articles

trends

AI Is Coming: A Look at What's Ahead and Its Implications

The AI era has dawned, and the impact of this technology is beginning to be felt in the online adult industry. We are already seeing a plethora of content, synthetic interactions and customizable avatars enabled by artificial intelligence.

Alejandro Freixes ·
opinion

Navigating Fraud Prevention in Credit Card Transactions

In the digital age, credit card transactions are essential to global commerce, providing unmatched convenience for consumers and businesses alike. With this convenience, however, comes the risk of credit card fraud, which can result in considerable financial losses and harm brand reputation.

Jonathan Corona ·
opinion

A Guide to Avoiding Scams in Hard Link Media Buying

‘If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” So cautionary wisdom reminds us, yet people still get scammed all the time. Fortunately, there are “red flags” you can watch for to help you identify scams and thereby avoid them.

Juicy Jay ·
opinion

The Dos and Don'ts of AI-Generated Content

AI is a hot topic. From automation to personal assistance to content generation, AI technology is already impacting our daily lives. Many industries, including adult, have had positive results using AI for customer support and marketing.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Strategic Upscaling of Non-4K Content

If content is king in adult, then technical quality is the throne upon which it sits. Technical quality drives customer acquisition and new sales, while cementing retention and long-term loyalty.

Brad Mitchell ·
profile

'Traffic Captain' Andy Wullmer Braves the High Seas as Spirited Exec

Wullmer networked and hobnobbed, gaining expertise in everything from ecommerce to SEO and traffic, making connections and over time rising through the ranks of several companies to become CEO of the mobile business arm of TrafficPartner.

Alejandro Freixes ·
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

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 settled 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

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 ·
profile

WIA Profile: Holly Randall

If you’re one of the many regular listeners to Holly Randall’s celebrated podcast, you are already familiar with her charming intro spiel: “Hi, I’m Holly Randall and welcome to my podcast, ‘Holly Randall Unfiltered.’ This is the show about sex, the adult industry and the people in it.

Women In Adult ·
trends

What's Hot Now: Leading Content Players on Trending Genres, Monetization Strategies

The juggernaut creator economy hurtles along, fueled by ever-ascendant demand for personality-based authenticity and intimacy — yet any reports of the demise of the traditional paysite are greatly exaggerated.

Alejandro Freixes ·
opinion

An Ethical Approach to Global Tech Staffing

One thing my 24-year career as a technologist working to support the online adult entertainment industry has taught me about is the power of global staffing. Without a doubt, I have achieved significantly more business success as a direct result of hiring abroad.

Brad Mitchell ·
opinion

Finding the Right Payment Partner

Whenever I am talking with businesses that are just getting started, one particular question comes up a lot: “How do I get a merchant account?” It’s a simple question, but it has a complicated answer.

Jonathan Corona ·
opinion

The Taxman Cometh for Every Business

February may be the month of romance, but it is also a time when we need to think about something that inspires very little love: taxes. April is not far away, and the taxman is always waiting. This year, federal and most state income taxes are due Monday, April 15.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

The Continuous Journey of Legal Compliance in Adult

The adult entertainment industry is teeming with opportunity but is also fraught with challenges, from anticipating consumer behavior to keeping up with technological innovation. The most labyrinthine of all challenges, however, is the world of legal compliance.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
profile

Alexzandra Kekesi Takes Charge as Aylo's Head of Community and Brand

While Alexzandra Kekesi was earning her bachelor’s degree in women’s studies from the Simone de Beauvoir Institute at Concordia University, feminist thinkers influenced her deeply, inspiring her passion for sex work advocacy.

Alejandro Freixes ·
opinion

New Year, New Tools for Tackling Chargebacks

Happy New Year! Looking back, 2023 saw some important developments for the industry. Visa lowered the limit on credit card surcharges to 3%, AI continued growing fast and Mastercard published an update to its Business Risk Assessment and Mitigation (BRAM) program.

Jonathan Corona ·
opinion

The Next Frontier in Computing, Storage Is Here

While I typically steer clear of diving too deeply into the technical nitty-gritty, in this month’s column I’m making an exception, because there’s a technological evolution underway that has the potential to fundamentally enhance technical outcomes and, more importantly, grow revenue.

Brad Mitchell ·
opinion

Raising Awareness and Taking Action Against Financial Discrimination

While foes of the adult entertainment industry often focus on “moral” concerns and perpetuate social stigmas, another form of attack can be equally or even more damaging: financial discrimination.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
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