I’m not going to scare you about porn and the law this time. My hope is that you’ve been sufficiently frightened already. My wish is you realize that as an adult webmaster, you stand on shaky ground.

In a perfect world, the laws covering our business would be clear. Even before the Internet, obscenity law was at best, a gray area. Oh sure, our lawmakers give us laws but which ones do we follow? International laws? Federal laws? State laws? City or county laws? The advent of the World Wide Web has simply added to our confusion. How can community standards apply when our customer base covers the planet? Why is it that when we comply with all they demand, they go and add more regulations, tucked inside new bills?

"No. This is not a scary article. This is one written to help you. This is where you discover that there are people and professionals in your corner."

It just isn’t fair. The Internet porn industry has done more to remove sex workers from the clutches of pimps, gangsters and slave-traders than any I know. Our models are of age, well paid and can leave any time they want to leave. When we discover underage porn or cruelty, we expose it and report it. How many women have been rescued from a life on the street by the security and safety of webcam performance? How many lives have we saved by keeping horny college males out of bars, off the roads and away from STDs? What are the thanks we get? Social scorn, police harassment and legal bills that force us into bankruptcy. Not fair. Not fair at all.

No. This is not a scary article. This is one written to help you. This is where you discover that there are people and professionals in your corner. From lawyers to lobbyists to organizations, fighting the fight on the front lines, you have options before you and places to turn. Whether you need a basic contract or you need serious assistance, there are sites and organizations that are adult-friendly and sex positive. These are people that believe in your cause and will battle for your right to make a living:

ASACP
(http://www.asacp.org)
Started in 1998, this organization is a shining example for our industry. Formerly the letters ASACP stood for Adult Sites Against Child Pornography. Now they stand for Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection. Regardless, the mission is the same. This is where you report CP, without fear, without judgement. Take the time to read ASACP’s Best Practices Page. Get your site labeled for compliance. Become a member.

Free Speech Law
(http://www.freespeechlaw.com)
Lawyer, Lawrence Walters is a rock star! One of the most noted defenders for our profession. If you’ve read about a high-profile obscenity case, chances are Larry is involved. See him at Conventions. Watch him in seminars. Consult him for your legal needs.

Adult Site Law
(http://www.adultsitelaw.com)
A. J. Comparetto is an original Cozy Academy Professor. Not only does A.J. provide top-notch legal council; his site is bursting with free forms and checklists for adult webmasters. Open your pocket and spend some money on his excellent book: ”How to Make Adult Films for Fun and Profit”. Eric Bernstein & Associates LLC. (http://embalaw.com): Eric is one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. Don’t let his graciousness fool you. When you need a shark, he’s your personal man-eater. Eric specializes in Internet law and Free Speech Law and is part of the Free Speech Coalition.

Chad Knows Law
(http://www.chadknowslaw.com)
If you’re a member of Cozy Campus, then you’ve probably had the lucky opportunity to read his threads. This man takes the time to answer your questions in a thoughtful, instructive manner. Chad Bellville can help you with issue, ranging from 2257 compliance to criminal defense.

Free Speech Coalition
(http://www.freespeechcoalition.com)
This is our lobby in Washington DC. FSC has been on our side since 1991. This organization has clashed swords with the US Department of Justice as well as patent extortionists, Acacia Technologies. They are our champions and you would be wise to become a member or at least make a donation.

You know, reading about all the bad things that happen to innocent adult webmasters is scary. Porn webmasters have enough to face without having to worry about FBI agents knocking on their doors. Even if they do come knocking, wouldn’t it be great to know that your records and your business are in compliance and under the protection of great defenders?