One major reason why the adult Internet is successful is because of the inherent anonymity of the web. If you're a porn buyer, nobody has to know but you and your credit card processor. If you're an adult webmaster, you can work from the privacy of your home.

"Individuals in this industry earn respect. Just because you say you're Mr. Big doesn't make it so. Remember that this is the Internet. Anybody can claim anything and some people are full of crap."

There are thousands and thousands of adult webmasters quietly earning a living around the world. Some make big money. Some make enough to support themselves comfortably. Some are struggling. Very few use their real names, preferring to be identified by their nicknames. All of them have one thing in common. They sell smut on the net.

Our commonality should put us all on an even field. The truth is there's a whole faction of human society that thinks we're scumbags no matter how rich or honorable we might be individually. Moralists lump adult webmasters in the same category as drug dealers and murderers. In reality, even the adult Internet has a caste system. From the lowly newbie to the lofty player, we label each other all the time. Is it fair? No. Is there anything you can do about it? Yes. The first thing you've got to do is get real.

Self-confidence is an admirable trait. It's important to believe in yourself. But there's a huge difference between self-confidence and arrogance. If you act like you're somehow superior to all, you might fool the fools but you won't con anyone else. Adult webmasters are obsessively cynical. Words and hype won't wash. They want proof and results. Individuals in this industry earn respect. Just because you say you're Mr. Big doesn't make it so. Remember that this is the Internet. Anybody can claim anything and some people are full of crap.

As said, self-esteem is a vital personality trait in this crazy biz. Of course you should have faith in your gifts. Of course you have the right to be treated with dignity. Just keep in mind that you get what you give in the Internet porn community. If you give out attitude, you'll get back attitude. If you act like an asshole, you'll be treated like an asshole. If you're fair and civil, you're usually treated the same.

Make no mistake. There are those that will be jerks no matter how you act. That doesn't mean you should reciprocate the jerkiness. Others judge you as much by your reactions as they do your actions. It's easy to be nice to folks that are nice to you. A true test of your character is how well you respond to hostility. If someone decides to pick on you the worst thing you can do is respond in kind. When another webmaster makes a ridiculous accusation or comment just stay cool. If you get upset, you give them power. Type whatever nasty retort you want, just don't hit the submit button.

If you hold your own and do your work, then you'll find your place. It's a big Internet and there's room for you. If you have a goal then do the steps to get there. Just make sure your goal is an achievable one.

Too many newbs believe they're going to be millionaires just because they decide to sell Internet porn. They're positive they will change the face of the adult Internet. They don't listen to advice. They take criticism badly. They lash out at sponsors and peers and refuse to see the light. Then when they fail, they blame the industry.

Just be real. It's the best way to go.

We're in an anonymous world. We do our jobs and deal with people we might never meet and some we'll never ever know. Let others play identity games. Let them maintain their falsehoods. Let them waste time and energy trying to sustain some imagined ideal of a rock star pimp porn mogul. You don't have to be anything but who you are. Be real. Be proud. There's not another like you and there never will be.

You are the unique combination of your genetics, environment and beliefs. You are what no one else can be. You are you and that's something anyone should be proud of.