Is Everybody Going Broke?

[Dianna Vesta]

Originally posted by Paul Markham@Dec 8 2003, 08:31 AM
Did not bother to read some of the replies as they were getting too stupid. But:

We are finding that sales are growing, however we are getting a lot more newsletter emails being returned "No such address" which means there was one and is not now.

I think the Visa 1% is going to weed out a lot of crap and that in the end will be good for the business.

Paul I don’t think Visa 1% will weed I think it will kill that part of the industry and force us into alternatives. Something that should have been anticipated a year ago. Remember all the discussions about alternate payment options? I’m really surprised no one jumped on that but then again the course has been unpredictable.

I never put all my energy into adult. I always have a non-adult income coming in. I learned this the hard way. I’ll never do that again. At the same time I enjoy working in adult so I guess I’ll ride this wave.

Something that has really been odd is that you have a shit load of people who seem like they want to get involved in creative deals but when it comes down to it they haul ass. I’m getting fucking dizzy with these people. I can’t figure it out really…if it’s business insecurities or lack of knowledge and or funds. I think that few people are willing to take risk today.

On the other hand I seem to be busier with clients who are willing to be creative and innovative. Since I do have other sources of income I’ll work for them on % only because I know I can produce. This is very hard for many people to do today and most certainly a risk. At the same time I see great benefits in these mergers and partnerships. The day of adult internet companies doing everything in-house is quickly dissolving. I’m seeing a lot of this and more owners personally getting involved in the nitty gritty instead of depending on staff to do it. Everything is at stake now.

I keep saying it over and over… it’s going to get far worse before it gets batter. Personally I wouldn’t invest in subscriptions sites today. I’d float them as long as I can but I would be looking far into the future at this point. Beginning to create a new market then waiting for the public to catch up to me. Digital transition- cable, satellite, wireless…all factors in things to come. Running around and trying to bleed what’s worked for the last 5 years is just crazy shit. Let it go.

Did anyone see that article in AVN this month?

A Comeback For Micropayment Systems?

December 1, 2003

NEW YORK - You might have thought the idea disappeared with the dot-com bust, but apparently it's back: A number of companies are said to be thinking the Internet can hit full potential - and they can hit better toward full potential profits - if Netizens could pay small amounts for small amounts of content. http://www.avnonline.com/issues/200312/new..._120103_7.shtml

Hooper I think there’s going to be a very small handful of companies that herald a new internet. Complaining about the fatalities and struggling is just futile.

DV