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Klixxx Magazine Archive - For Women |
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Inspiring Women on the 'Net - A Proud History
Nearly a year ago, Klixxx Magazine profiled several women, all of whom are well known in the adult Internet industry for their achievements and successes. Due to popular demand, and reader requests, this article will profile several more women who have made their mark on our industry, changing its shape, and even perhaps its destination, forever.
With the able assistance of the KLIXXX staff, I sifted through the list of women nominated for inclusion in this piece, and was fortunate to work with many virtually unknown, behind-the-scenes professionals. People on staff, like Jennifer, who works as an Advertising Executive, and Anna - a fellow writer and copy editor for KLIXXX, cranking out the vital tasks, which so often go unrecognized. In the future, I hope to do another article for this series, focusing on the unseen "little people" who make us all look so good.
The women selected for this piece were chosen not only for their popularity and influence, but also due to their diverse experience, backgrounds and current occupations within the Internet business world. Representatives of content providers, sponsorship programs, webmaster resources and other industry services were chosen, so that all areas might be touched upon, proving the highly effective presence of women within the growing world of our adult Net.
"We've Come a Long Way, Baby!"
Since the dawn of the Internet, women have progressed quickly from holding the position of "content", to becoming successful owners of businesses, service companies and even diverse corporations. I had the opportunity to speak with our interviewees about their thoughts on this subject and about how it has affected their lives.
Lee Noga, VP of Marketing for the new Gay Division at CyberErotica.com and veteran of the Net since the old BBS days of 1989, has seen the progression first hand and made an interesting observation. "Having started selling content licensing to webmasters as early as August 1995, the landscape has changed dynamically. The women that joined the 'webmaster' movement in the early YNOT days had the same equality as the gents, but it came at the price of having to 'prove' we had a place in this business. Back at inception, many of the ladies that came out were content for their site, and now women are in high demand to fill management and marketing positions."
Jen, of Pornication.com sees some change, but would like to see things continue to improve for women who work within the adult Net. "The industry itself perpetuates a very contrived and demeaning view of women and some people in the industry became inundated and jaded by that view. The idea that women are just content is still out there, but it has gotten better thanks in great part to all the intelligent women who are proving that stereotype wrong."
As PR Manager and Webmaster, of HomegrownVideo.com, Stefanie can see a fine line between earned respect and a natural assumption that most women in the industry are merely content. "I definitely feel as though I get respect from my male colleagues, but at the same time, I always hear 'so, are you naked on your site?' at some point. I don't think the question ever comes with disrespect, because there are a lot of women who are both webmasters and stars on their sites, so it is a plausible assumption that I am as well. As a woman working in adult, you have to expect that question."
Some women are thankful to those who have gone before us, forging the way and creating the path of equality that we all enjoy today. Chrystal, of StreetBucks.com gave homage to her heroines; "I see the future for women in this industry about to explode. With huge role models like CJ, of purve.com and Lee Noga, from Cyberotica, I have learned that there is respect in this industry for women, and that we are not all viewed as content, or brainless tits. This industry is no longer the boy's club it started as, and I am proud to be part of the new breed of women pornographers."
Bestat, co-owner, creator and marketer for Exclusive Media Group, says she has had a very positive experience in the industry. She tells us, "I think a woman's role in the industry is exactly the same as a man's; work hard, work honest, and make money - after all, that is what we are all here for."
Aly Drummond, Director of Marketing at PythonVideo.com and DollarMachine.com summed it up best, "In this area, the adult industry, like most, is simply a microcosm of the world at large; some people perceive women as respected equals, the others can kiss my corporate butt."
"A Change of Seasons..."
The greatest benefit, of the changes that have evolved since the dawn of the Net, is the wealth of opportunities that have developed for women. Oceania, owner and creative force behind VenetianDreams.com, says, "Opportunities have definitely expanded since 1996, when I started. At that time, it seemed that only amateur talent, porn stars, and porn 'wannabes' were recognized positions for women in the Web industry. It was a boy's club, and women were viewed as a commodity. I remember seeing several notes on OTR referencing women who had taken gender-less aliases so that their identity would not be an obstacle. This enabled them to talk business, rather than be the business."
Now women seem to enjoy a larger variety of positions within the industry - and are quite successful as well! One prime example is Holly Moss, Vice President of Marketing & Sales, at iGallery, Inc. In addition to marketing one of the largest companies on the web, Holly also co-hosts a bi-monthly Net radio talk show, at WebmasterConfessions.com. She holds her own against the big boys of the biz, keeping the show informative, on topic and of value to the webmasters who tune- in, for insider info on webmaster issues and concerns. Holly admits that being a woman can have its advantages as well. "If you act like a professional, you will be treated as a professional. Being a woman does give you a little edge... I use a lot of my good nurturing, communicating and listening skills, when working with clients at iGallery and co-hosting the radio show."
While many of the women in our industry are self-taught, a lot come from diverse and highly educated backgrounds. Allison, a partner in the hosting resource site, Hosts4Porn.com has extensive experience outside the adult biz. "Prior to starting Hosts4Porn, I worked in the Internet industry with a couple of Internet companies, including a software start-up, a large Canadian media portal and an online resource for Web developers. While I worked with these companies, I attended University for my Bachelor of Journalism. In April 2000, I completed my Bachelor of Journalism and together with our Director of Business Development (Stephen), helped find investors and negotiate start-up capital for Hosts4Porn."
Cathy, who works with iBill -one of the adult net's top credit- card processing services- has worked with some of the largest Internet services on the net. "Until a year ago, I participated in the Internet industry as an access provider, working with Worldcom/UUnet. Moving to iBill introduced me to the application end of the Internet Industry. I have watched the Internet go from virtually untapped, to being exploited as a resource for information gathering, as well as becoming the fastest growing media for new businesses. The greatest benefit for new start-ups today, is the early Internet history. While it's not been long, there're enough successes and failures out there for us to learn from."
"If I Knew Then What I Know Now..."
Admittedly, things have really changed since women began working within the adult industry. Everyone has always wondered, if they could take all the knowledge and experience they have today, and time-travel back to the beginnings of the Net - would they do things differently?
"I think I would still do the Anime Content, though I would have a better understanding of how long it takes to make a profit from it," explains Bestat of Exclusive Content, one of the net's leading resources for anime, hentai and 'toon content. "Actually, I think I would do everything just about the same as I have done."
"Gosh, I think I'd turn off my computer and go outside for some fresh air, instead! Failing that," laughs Aly of Python, "I really don't see that one area of the adult industry is any better to be involved in than another. They all have their headaches, they all have their rewards, and they're all very much dependent on each other for success. What knowledge and experience have taught me is that integrity and flexibility are what will keep a business- in business- for the long-term. That may sound trite, but it's true."
Chrystal, from Streetbucks.com, is happy where she is, and satisfied with how she got started. "I don't think I would do much different at all, other then launch a women-only site a couple of years earlier. I enjoy what I do and the people I get to meet while doing it, and, well, it's pretty profitable, too."
Hosts4Porn's Allison, feels that the opportunities available are endless and that anything is possible. "Taking my experience into account, I would have to consider the business model. With the right team, business model and direction, I feel it is possible to be successful in whatever direction you choose."
"Webmaster education would still be my passion, my coming to the Internet was never about money," asserts Lee Noga, who in addition to her work with CyberErotica, has been instrumental in running one of the Net's most popular gay adult webmaster resources. "It was about making a difference. Money is a tool, not a way of life."
"A Look to Our Future..."
Surprisingly, in the days of "gloom and doom" under the new US Administration, our interviewees had a bright outlook for the future. "As for the future of women in the Adult Industry," explains iBill's Cathy, "I have never really thought that there was a gender bias on the Internet. In fact, it's really an outlet for an individual's ideas and creativity. The Adult Industry has been on the cutting edge of Internet technology and has created a sound business model. I can't imagine a better place for an individual to gain experience or to learn, for future applications."
Oceania is excited about our future. "The future is boundless! You're dealing with an evolving technology and with diverse public tastes - both of which are constantly changing. So the future is as fertile as the imagination and guts of the woman presuming it, but then that goes for both sexes...all sexes on the Web."
"A Little Help From My Friends"
Women seeking to get involved in the adult Net need not feel there's too little room for newbies. In fact, they can be assured that there are webmasters out there - not unlike the women who participated in this interview - who are willing to spend time with new webmasters, show them the ropes and point them toward the road to success.
Bestat feels that networking is one of the most important things a new webmaster can do. "With so many gatherings, conventions and expos available, almost anyone can attend at least one. In my opinion, nothing compares to the business you can accomplish in a one-on-one opportunity."
iGallery's Holly, gives great advice to newbies who are endeavoring to work within any area that focuses on customer service. "One of the most important services you can offer is an open line of communication. Whether your on-line business is selling content or sponsoring affiliate programs, maintaining good, reliable business support is the key to longevity and success."
"Every aspect of the adult Internet industry has grown substantially over the past few years and I can only imagine that it will continue to grow," adds Jen. "I think that the opportunities for women will keep growing, too. The industry as a whole has failed to capitalize on the female consumer. I hope that the Internet future will bring more opportunities for women to work for sites that are geared towards the female consumer. In fact, at Pornication, we are just getting our toes wet with female consumers at our site, LiveforWomen.com!"
Positive Role Models
If I learned anything during this interviewing experience, with these fantastic and charismatic professionals, it's that our future is definitely brighter because of the contributions they have made over the years. The experience, respect and know-how that these women have brought to our industry will affect generations of webmasters, in the years to come.
Unlike their male counterparts, who can easily become big-name successes across the board internationally, these women have had to make their mark one step at a time, one company at a time, and one webmaster at a time. Without the courage they've displayed in the face of adversity, the tenacity they have shown in the face of negativity, and the creativity and business sense that has helped them carve out their own niches - many programs, services, and products would not be on the market today.
Women have been a major driving force, and invaluable asset, in the adult industry from the very beginning. They have proven their ability to work just as hard as their male counterparts and have earned their respect as well. In a nutshell, the Net is a better place for us all, thanks in part, to a woman's touch.
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