SXSW 2009: Pr0n, caught between a rock and a hard place, takes a pounding.
We were privy to a particularly stimulating panel at SXSW this week, in which the implications of the credit crunch on the online porn industry was vigorously discussed.
Although more top heavy than tech heavy, we figured silicon was silicon after all, so chips or tits, it might be worth a listen in.
Already known as a hard industry to work in, tough economic times are making the online adult entertainment world even more cautious of an upcoming flop, with the panel calling for a severe smackdown on Eastern European piracy and protection against file sharing.
Another shocker for us was all the moaning about how desperate the online porn industry is for talented coders and graphic designers. "We try not to take our coders to trade fairs," said Jay Andrew, a nine-year adult Internet industry executive currently serving as Vice President of YNOT Network. The reason? Other companies will poach them (hmmm, we always knew there was a good reason CES guys try to get in to AVN).
"I've seen so many good online porn companies come and go," Andrew continued as we childishly stifled a giggle.
As for the business model of the future for online fumbling, it's apparently all about interactive intercourse discourse. Basically, luring in the subscriptions by getting models and adult stars to socially interact with paying subscribers on sites like Twitter.
To be honest, we're just happy the porn industry made its... er, position on social media clear and that the industry is finally undressing the issues of a troubled economy and trying to nail down a solution. Just so long as some of those stellar high-budget plotlines don't disappear, we'll be satisfied.
As for us, we're just happy we could bring you all the fully-loaded story.
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Issue: 107 | December, 2009