The variety and interest in developing better tools for adult webmasters to work together, to network, has flourished as interactivity becomes the latest trend to hit the internet, including the adult market.
Do we not show the symptoms of our own needs? When we think of what our surfers want, we often think about what we want. And an unsettling pattern is going on as we look to the mainstream to set the next step example, often utilizing the technologies we have made addictive.
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"Do we not show the symptoms of our own needs? When we think of what our surfers want, we often think about what we want." |
As birds of a feather we flock to one another's guidance, company, needs and for the feeling of camaraderie. No longer is there such a thing as the "lone webmaster". From resource centers to message boards, to new products and sites fulfilling needs not predicted by long lived standing models, and with shows and gatherings coming out the ass - how can one be a webmaster and not network? The truth is everyone starts somewhere, but being dynamic and assessing these needs, albeit B2B or B2C, is what the marketing game is all about.
So what are some cool tools out today for networking adult webmasters? We'll of course we have message boards like CozyCampus.com, and each board has its own personality or community type.
When used for promotion boards can be a good tool for getting out general news (threaded "spam" forums) which satisfy the urge for promotion but are not necessarily heavily viewed. Boardtracker.com and tracking centers are great for getting alerts or for searching a quantity of message boards, and are helpful in name drops for increasing traffic to your threads.
When you are a board advertiser, you can promote threads in the main forums, often having them "stuck". However many webmasters need to find techniques to promoting to webmasters for a commission. This lucrative opportunity has made message boards traffic for the taking and often compromises are made to provide board traffic in exchange for advertising beyond a simple sponsor level. We call them "board whores".
Depending on whether one wants to network with newer types of webmasters or are attracted to places where the "old timers" hangout, contacts are to be had wherever you feel comfortable. Truly being yourself, having fun, and promoting your company (or selected sponsor) in a positive way will result in others wanting to do business with you. Regardless of your goals, message boards are an essential part of networking as an adult webmaster.
New sites have come out targeted at adult industry professionals. One new site targeted strictly at full time industry people is AdultWhosWho.com. Here you can create your adult company and individual profile as well as create a historical resume, a humorous description of slightly identifying traits, and add networking '"friends".
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Unlike at a trade show where one often relies on introductions, this type of networking allows you to see contacts of people you do business with, and you can make those introductions online yourself in a friendly way. One of the most lucrative features of AdultWhosWho is their event schedule, where you can see who will be (or not be) attending upcoming events and plan out who to you want to set up meetings and plan to network with.
Similar to Myspace.com, is the adult industry version of Xpeeps.com, where anyone in an adult related field can network. This site includes everyone from strippers, models, hobby and full time webmasters, as well as surfers looking to get into the market. Xpeeps is run by the professionals at the AEBN.net network, who provide both content and affiliate program services. Although many of the aforementioned networking tools are similar in nature to Myspace, it is important to understand that the elements of interactivity are driving this trend.
In addition, a long time known webmaster networking and educational tool are adult webmaster radio shows and networks. Most predominately known is YNOTRadio.com. This network has been committed to creating shows, advertising opportunities, and real time chat for adult webmasters to both learn and talk with other webmasters on the topics being discussed.
Whether it's purely entertainment, which is healthy for all of us computer bound users to engage in, or simply debating the latest industry topics at hand, these internet radio shows are an excellent promotional tool for those brave enough to get on the air and talk about their wares, as well as a place to show your name to say "I'm here!" to others.
Regardless of how you choose to network with other webmasters, the most important aspect is that you simply do it. One cannot survive 100% alone long term in this business. And many find the people you meet in this industry become the best part of working in it. We all have knowledge to share, opportunity to present, and personalities to display.
Enjoy every moment and take advantage. Simple respect and positive promotional techniques can get you a long way in getting your sites and your own talents recognized. There is business to be had, go get it!