Adult Webmaster Message Boards, Forums and Chat
Like any group, adult webmasters want to get together to discuss business, sponsors and just let off a little steam. Adult webmasters frequently visit these virtual conferencing pages known as message boards. Sometimes located at adult webmaster resource sites, sometimes within the sites of sponsors, there are numerous places by and for adult webmasters only. Here's a description of the types of message boards you will encounter:
The basic message board is the kind where a member posts a message by filling out a form, then after they click the submit button, their message or post is displayed on the top of the series of previous posts. To view messages already posted, a visitor or member will have to scroll down on the board. Some message boards list only the posts made for the present day and provide a search feature to view past/archived posts. Most message boards don't allow a member to post images within their posts, but will accept the attachment of links to one's signature.
An adult webmaster Bulletin Board System or BBS, is like a message board except with more features. Webmasters can ask questions or subjects in the form of topics. The BBS will list these topics on the site where members can read and post replies to the topics of choice. The topics and their resulting replies are known as a thread. For instance, a member will type in the "subject" box a title for their query and the rest of the text in the "message" box below it. The replies to that message are the thread of the topic. BBS usually use a special code called "vB" for posting images and links into a message.
Untitled Page
Chat. Some have Java chat rooms. Some chat with the mIRC program. These real-time venues offer the same contact possibilities as their more static versions. Of course, because one cannot go back and edit a post in a chat room, whatever you say is said for posterity.
Java chat is fairly simple and its success depends on whether or not the applet that contains the chat console loads properly. An applet is a Java application that is sent to the surfer through their browser. A Java chatroom allows the user to post and read messages in real time. Java chats enable some small, pre determined images, but they are mostly graphic versions of emoticons. Emoticons are those little pictures made with text to relay feelings.
mIRC was developed by Khaled Mardam-Bey and is a user-friendly version of IRC or Internet Relay Chat. You can download mIRC from almost any software/shareware website. MIRC requires a little more computer knowledge than BBS, message boards or Java chat. One of it's best features is that you can create your own chat location.
Adult webmasters can be intimidating to the newbie. The anonymity of the Internet enables people to say things they normally wouldn't say in a real life setting. Nevertheless, most adult webmasters are good-hearted people. One of the main reasons they are wary of a new poster is that they have encountered many people on their message boards that are not in the business. Unless you clarify that you are a fellow traveler, they will think you are a surfer looking for free pictures.
The best way to get assistance from adult webmasters is to write a post introducing yourself and inform the members that you are new. While it's not wrong to ask for help, like in any social setting, a proper introduction is called for.
Once the members know who you are, then you can post a "help me" topic.
You can't possibly be friends or agree with everyone you meet at an adult webmaster board. Some adult webmasters will rub you the wrong way or will try to discourage you in your efforts. Never forget these people may be your peers, but they can also be your competitors. The best way to make contacts is to get to know who your peers are.
After a while of familiarizing yourself with them, then you can open yourself to alliances and friendships. After you spend some time reading posts, you will see just who is sincere and who is full of nothing.
Many people who are now successful in the adult Internet became that way because of allying with others. Be open, choose your friends wisely and never, never question another's professionalism or honesty in a public forum without absolute proof.