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Community Profile - 10 Questions for LAJay |
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When did you first become involved with the adult Internet?
I started working in the adult Internet in May 2000 when Seattle-based SexTracker hired me for their Public Relations department here in Los Angeles. They owned YNOTMASTERS (www.ynotmasters.com) at the time so I worked for both companies. It was a welcome relief after doing mainstream PR for a few years for B-list TV stars and syndicated programs that I didn't care about for low pay. I'd been a connoisseur of porn for several years and became quite the savvy free porn surfer starting in 1998. Getting a job in the industry seemed like the next logical step!
What are your duties over at YNOTMASTERS.com?
My duties cover a very broad range. A nice thing about my job overall is that I'm given creative freedom from the bosses and plenty of liberties to make my position what it is. My official title is Communications Director for YNOTMASTERS (www.ynotmasters.com) and Editor-in-Chief for YNOT NEWS (www.ynotnews.com). My position(s) have evolved considerably over the years, but essentially I get my hands dirty in most everything here that doesn't involve sales, finance, legal, and technical. Here is a more detailed version of my responsibilities here:
YNOT NEWS Editor-in-Chief - Write, edit and build each online issue of YNOT NEWS as well as our newsletter. I read and edit all articles (with the help of Otto our legal counsel and editor) and input and format each weekly issue (published on Thursdays at YNOTNews.com) utilizing the system that our technical team built. I don't usually have to solicit around for articles since the publication has taken off over the last few years, but since I tend to work a few issues in advance, it's always nice to plan what I would like each issue to contain and am fortunate in that I have a great pool of writers to choose from.
YNOTMASTERS Communications Director - I handle a lot of the internal and external communication including marketing, public relations, networking and management of various sections of YNOTMASTERS. I deal with most of our support email, manage the Articles and Webmaster Directory sections, Insider news links, and write and manage a lot of the text and daily updates you see on YNOTMASTERS. I'm also a Chat Board administrator. Additionally I offer creative input for the design and functionality of our site, and do a lot of testing and proofreading. I'm also actively involved with our tradeshow appearances and usually attend up to 10 major and minor functions every year. I help build and take down our tradeshow booth, organize seminars, and actively look for press opportunities.
I'm also YNOT Bob's co-host on our weekly radio show "The YNOT Bob Humpday Lunch" every Wednesday at noon (PT) on www.theadultwebmaster.com/chat/. We do our best to entertain all of our listeners every week, and have had some loyal sponsors who have been on board since we hit the air late 2001.
There are other things I do whenever they need to be done, but one very important thing to note, is that YNOT is a very well oiled machine. All of our personal areas of expertise compliment each other, so if something in our company needs particular attention, the right person for the job always steps up, or does so when asked.
How important do you feel Webmaster resource sites are to the industry?
I think the useful resource sites in our industry are indispensable. I personally feel that there are about two-dozen or so really good adult Webmaster resource sites out there. There are reasons why various resource sites have stood the test of time and still manage to bring in the quality traffic that regularly utilize their services and at the same time keep all of the advertisers happy. Much of it boils down to usefulness and variety of services, customer service, originality and navigability, loyalty, and regular updates.
I have to say I really enjoy when I go to shows and random Webmasters approach me and tell me that they have been visiting YNOT for months or years learning about the industry and have put together their business models from what they have learned on our site. Also cool to hear it from old timers and more seasoned Webmasters who visit us regularly. Our site caters to Webmasters at all levels. Really lets me know that we are doing our job and helping out a lot of Webmasters.
What do you feel is the most essential thing an adult Webmaster can learn that will help to further his/her career?
I can think of several essential things. Most importantly RESEARCH and have a business plan as well as a "Plan B" before spending any money. Fall in with a good crowd early on in your career and identify yourself only with reputable people and companies. Learn and practice excellent business ethics and top-notch customer service. Steer clear from people who are hard to reach and "anonymous." Your education should be ongoing - never get the attitude that you know everything and everyone. Have an opinion and be serious when it matters most. Be tough but fair. And lastly, love what you do and the people you work with. If you hate your work and putting in long hours in this industry, you will be a very lonely, miserable person. Oh yeah, and remember who helped you out along the way!
Click HERE for Part 2 of "10 Questions for LAJ..."
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