Referring to a $5 billion appeal announced yesterday that they expect to file before the U.S. Congress, Hustler Magazine boss Larry Flynt and Girls Gone Wild creator Joe Francis said they want to “rejuvenate the sexual appetite of America.”
Ridiculous or not, I don’t blame them for trying.
Regardless how you feel about pornography, surely you agree that sex sells, right?
With her first Twitter message broadcast nearly a month ago, Jenna Haze also knows about sex and sales.
Until a few days ago, I hadn’t realized one of the adult entertainment industry’s hottest personalities was using Twitter…
On personal limits: I am a private person.. Having a stranger touch my stuff freaks me out.
On shopping: Okay I just spent another 14k on my wardrobe for AVN/AEE! And I still have to get shoes and accessories! Look out Vegas!!
On travel: Landed in Denver. Holy crap it’s like the north pole!
On work: Okay I’m actually too professional to walk out but seriously.. 13 hours and still haven’t done my dialogue!
Jenna (not her real name) is a 26-year-old “pornographic actress,” as described on her Wikipedia page. She’s the recipient of numerous awards, including 2008’s Orgasmic Oralist by the X-Rated Critics Organization.
Her Twitter biography is direct: Adult Icon.
I can’t think of any common interests I share with Jenna, except one: an appreciation for social media and online marketing.
Here’s an example:
Run a Google search on my name and peruse through the 34,300 results. The top 10 include my blog, social networking profiles, and features about me from other people.
A search on her name, despite over 5.6 million results, is not that different. Jenna’s top 10 list also includes her personal website and a mix of fan pages.
Did I mention she tops this list by COED Magazine of twittering porn stars?
You can tell from her use of Twitterific that she uses a Mac. (I use a PC.)
You can follow Jenna’s exploits at @jenxstudios.
Check out the below video which is half clean and half naughty. I especially appreciate the part when Jenna talks about adult toys that are manufactured “toward women” but not “for women.”
While I know little about vibrators, I agree that companies should stop making products aimed at customers. Rather, in the spirit of social media, companies should listen to what their customers are saying, assess and evaluate the popular opinions, and work with the customers and fans to create new products.
I think Jenna Haze would be a great social media evangelist.
But she can’t do it alone. She’s a busy actress.
That’s where I come in.
I’d like to offer my consulting services to the adult entertainment industry.
Surfing through other self-described adult icons on Twitter (and seeing who they follow, too), I notice some, like Ancilla Tilia, a Playboy Playmate from Amsterdam, are experiencing the same frustrations about social networks as everyone else.
Here’s what Ancilla tweeted about 10 hours ago:
I can’t use my facebook because it’s overloaded with friends/requests, applications and other nonesense. Who knows what to do?
I do.
Others, like sexinstilletos, link their Twitter profiles to blogs and MySpace pages; but when you visit those sites, there are no reciprocal links back to Twitter.
Why not? I do. My Twitter links are off to the right side of this page. Let alone right here.
How about adult brands who reply to people but don’t include names of the real people doing the tweeting in the bio fields? See AVNAwards and NaughtyReviews as examples. They should follow the tips I provided about branding the LA Times on Twitter.
Shall I go on?
If you’re interested, I’d like to help. Please contact me.
And if I’m off my rocker, add a comment below. Keep the language clean, OK? If your comment doesn’t meet my blog policies, it will be deleted. Thanks!
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I’d tap (into) that
Good call. So you’re offering your services for mainstream social media. How about the adult-industry specific networks?
Ari,
Very creative and interesting research! I guess you have proven that social media can be used for any industry, from the mundane Draino to ball bearings to adult icons. One other thing you could help Jenna and her peers with is getting back her good name. Yes, @Jennahaze has been brandjacked! Good luck in your quest!
Warren´s last blog post..Please Help David Armano Help Daniela’s Family
I imagine that not many marketing/consulting services or PR folks would even think about working with this particular field, so it must be as if you are trying to venture into uncharted territory.
Interesting.
Geoff Girardin´s last blog post..I can see you.: Be afraid
Ari – you hit the ball out the park on this one. You took one of the touchiest “public” topics and created a serious but playful case on how you could help. Really well done!
Aaron
Aaron Strout´s last blog post..Changing my Twitter Handle
@ariherzog’s post RE Twitter porn & how he can help is not only entertaining but quite clever (& clean). Nice work! [link to post]
– http://twitter.com/aaronstrout/statuses/1104338559
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Shaking my head in pure mystification at @ariherzog’s latest post on Twitter porn. [link to post].
– http://twitter.com/nooozeguy/statuses/1104358366
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Ari, well done. Great post and a very funny look at the topic. One does have to wonder though about porn’s influence on the adoption of technology in general. Why did VHS beat BetaMax? Porn. Why did BlueRay beat HD DVD? Porn. CNN, FoxNews, Britney Spears and Shaq can all get on Twitter…but if it ever were to go mainstream wouldn’t it be porn that brings it to that level?
The issue, of course, is that Twitter is much more public than renting a movie…so how long until Twitter allows you to hide the folks you are following from other people?
Hope someone contacts you before January 10th so you can get a ticket to AVN
Kyle Flaherty´s last blog post..Is Social Media the Same As Marketing? Yes! No!
Laughing at @ariherzog’s bolding of this: “While I know little about vibrators…” [link to post]
– http://twitter.com/nooozeguy/statuses/1104362850
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Finally those years of “research” have come in handy (pun fully intended).
Seriously, this is great stuff!
Porn has led the way on most Web innovations– especially ones which actually make money. It makes perfect sense that the adult entertainment industry would take advantage of Twitter.
Ari, I’m glad you’ve gone ahead and opened up this subject. It’s one that I’d like to see some serious (business-oriented) discussion around.
As you point out, these actors are busy earning their living doing what they do, which leaves little time for untangling the awful mess that is “social media marketing.” Do you propose to ghost-Twitter for them, so they don’t have to spend the time doing it themselves? That kind of destroys the whole “authentic voice” notion of social media.
Alternatively, do you propose to educate them so that they can more efficiently use social media with what very little time they already have to spend using it? To what end? An established adult actor will get new work based on previous work and networking with others in the industry. They could self-promote their personal brand to increase sales of their products, but do most actors earn royalties based on sales? Or, do they get a fixed payment for the work? If it’s the latter, self-promotion doesn’t directly correlate to higher earnings, so how do they justify the time spent?
This is another instance of a solution looking for a problem, I suspect.
Dossy Shiobara´s last blog post..Six weeks in South Africa (Part 1)
What I like most about this post (besides the fact that it was SFW fun morning reading) is that it clearly demonstrates how all brands — business or individual — have similar needs and challenges. Whether a business sells sex toys, cars, electronics, or shopping carts, it needs to build products that customers want to buy, a recognizable brand, and a trust relationship with consumers. Individuals need to build personal brands that help them rise above the crowd, regardless of whether the crowd includes adult film stars, accountants, or even social media consultants.
Thanks for going out on the limb. Let us know how this new venture goes.
Do adult actors really need social media consulting? @ariherzog hopes so: [link to post]
– http://twitter.com/dossy/statuses/1104419010
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Reading the plethora of responses (so far) I should add that Twitter is only the tip of the iceberg. To Cheng and Josh, I’m not focusing on Twitter but it’s the only network to my knowledge that is really open to anyone, so everyone buys into its scalability, whether through a computer or a mobile device.
Yes, adult stars are using MySpace but they’re not really on Facebook (other than a scattering of fan pages). They’re not on LinkedIn; why not?
Many adult stars have their own websites, but few are blogging. This relates back to time.
To this end, Dossy, I don’t want to ghost-tweet for anyone because that tears authenticity. But education is a big part. If you look at @Playboy and PenthouseUS there are different models; the bunny magazine broadcasts like CNN, while the more risque sends replies.
Thanks for your thoughts, all. And, Kyle, of course you’re right about the VHS/Betamax history and how pornography made history. It almost makes me wonder who was the first tweeting porn star, and where on the timeline does that tweet fit?
The porn industry knows what they are doing and the whole bailout is just smart publicity stunt to gain more attention, and why not. I bet you will see more social media revolved around porn and even more interactive things coming along. If they get users interacting with porn stars, forget billions, let start entering trillions for the porn industry. I’m with you as well, wouldn’t mind working for them.
Twitter Porn and Why @ariherzog would like to Help [link to post]
– http://twitter.com/NaughtyReviews/statuses/1104913602
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Thanks for the sound advice on Brand Enhancement via twitter Ari…
The adult film industry has been on the forefront of online marketing from the beginning. One of the first using the web (and making $ at it), first using online video, etc. Maybe the reason why they aren’t as prevalent on FB, Twitter, etc. is because of all the rules on nudity, etc. Porn customers want to SEE what the actors, etc. are doing, not READ it. Too many clicks to get to the good stuff, no?
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You just broke my brilliance meter. Have tweeted.
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commenting on @ariherzog’s latest post… [link to post]
– http://twitter.com/rockstarjen/statuses/1105079978
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If one of the purposes of today’s information superhighway is to narrow the bridge between Luddites and technology adopters, then shouldn’t every social media consultant, PR agency, and government relations group work in conjunction with the adult entertainment industry, which, as everyone including Craig and Jen agree, is leading the charge?
I don’t necessarily want to work for Jenna Haze or Ancilla Tilia. I’d like to work with them and their friends and colleagues.
Social media is about collaboration.
Forget about Facebook and MySpace. As Mashable wrote last year, how about YouPorn?
Imagine the potential. Imagine the innovation. I’d like to help.
Might be on the best posts you’ve ever done Ari, not only did you tie in another niche industry into social media, it was also hilarious…excellent work!
Marc Meyer´s last blog post..Social Media could be the savior for SMB’s
You should totally be in Vegas this week, Ari.
but do most actors earn royalties based on sales? Or, do they get a fixed payment for the work?
It depends. Most of the ones who don’t work for major studios are paid per scene (women make considerably more than the men), with specifics based on which acts they’re asked to do, what they’re willing to do, whether it is boy/girl, girl/girl, or some other combination.
The bigger names are under contract to the major studios (i.e., Vivid) and are paid an annual sum. They are expected to make a certain number of movies per year and participate in a certain number of promotional events in addition to that. Many actresses also dance (strip) and make other appearances, for which they are paid and keep all of it (minus whatever costs they have for security, drivers, etc.).
re: YouPorn – YouTube is successful because they offered a free venue for publishing video content that nobody would pay for, so that users could easily share it with the world, but especially with their friends.
YouPorn wouldn’t work (today) because there’s no need to give away adult video content away for free–even the “worst” content, someone will pay for if you can pair it up with the right buyer. There’s already several ad-supported porn video hosting sites that offer free content. However, while there are still plenty of people who willingly pay for adult content, the paid subscription services and walled gardens will continue to thrive.
For the adult industry, collaboration happens in meat-space–trade shows, conventions, etc. It’s really not an industry well-suited to online networking: collaborations in the industry tend to involve a lot of physical interaction …
Dossy Shiobara´s last blog post..Six weeks in South Africa (Part 1)
Ari Herzog: Twitter Porn and Why I’d Like to Help (via FriendFeed) [link to post]
– http://twitter.com/socialmediawiz/statuses/1105562622
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I don’t know, it sounds like you think this is some glamorous industry, full of sexual celebrities and you want to play on their court, like porn stars are professional athletes or Hollywood actors. You sound a little star-struck and naive about the risks & exploitation that occur within pornography and how much it targets underage girls. Whether sex sells or not is irrelevant, it’s whether you want your reputation tied to a business that is still considered pretty sleazy in much of the U.S.
I’m really surprised to see how playful and supportive all of these comments are, as if there were no drawbacks to you publicly aligning yourself with the sex industry. I’m no prude but I think it’s foolish to have rose-colored glasses and view the sex industry like it’s any other field of entrepreneurs.
While I agree with Liz, in that there are really severe issues with exploitation in porn, pornography has always been around and is a social outlet on one level. Susan Sontag addressed this in her early essay ‘The Pornographic Imagination’ (1967), from her ‘Styles of Radical Will’ (1969). She champions pornography as a means of ‘transcendence’.
‘the traumatic failure of capitalist society to provide authentic outlets for the perennial human flair for high-temperature visionary obsession, to satisfy the appetite for exalted self-transcending modes of concentration and seriousness. The need of human beings to transcend “the person” is no less profound than the need to be a person, an individual.’
Legalized and regulated prostitution would eliminate some of the problems that are faced with trafficking and health issues.
But I’m not sure if this is what you have in mind in consulting for the porn industry’s social ‘network’. Like someone else replied, they’re doing pretty damned well already…
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Thanks for your thoughts and concerns, Liz, but I’m not star-struck. Did it come across that way?
I’m not looking through rose-colored glasses, either. I view porn stars, actors, and athletes as PEOPLE who made career choices not unlike your or mine. I respect your opinion that pornography is sleazy, and while that may be true to some extent, it’s still a legitimate enterprise like plumbing.
Victoria, like you hinted, I’m talking about pornography, not prostitution. Thanks for the comment and for de-lurking.
Loved this post by @ariherzog [link to post] very interesting indeed!
– http://twitter.com/LesleyLambert/statuses/1105989493
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Awesome post by @ariherzog: Twitter porn and why I’d like to help: [link to post]
– http://twitter.com/remarkablogger/statuses/1106154174
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Hooray for mentioning my twitter in this waykewl article! [link to post] @ariherzog
– http://twitter.com/AncillaTilia/statuses/1106156300
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“it’s still a legitimate enterprise like plumbing.”
I’m sure there’s a joke in there somewhere. If nothing else, Ari, you win the linkbait of the day award! Good stuff, man. Seriously funny.
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I can only embrace this. You knew this was coming, I just hope I’m not too late.
Why does porn always have to turn into a human traffiking and abuse issue, it’s sex we’re talking about and the adult industry venturing into social media. You find that regardless of the porn industry.
Great post though, I have some people that I need to find and follow now.
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@ariherzog good piece – Twitter Porn and Why I’d Like to Help – [link to post]
– http://twitter.com/cousinstevie/statuses/1106852994
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How thoughtful of you to provide your “services” to the adult entertainment industry. I bet you would like to. I think you should service Jenna if you know what I mean!
Hilarious, Ari! And well done. And thanks for pointing out adding your Twitter account to your blog; I’m in the middle of a redesign right now (no, I don’t do it myself. I hire someone, I’m lazy and unskilled like that) and Twitter, Flickr, and everything else that’s come about for me since last year, will feature prominently.
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Now reading @ariherzog’s awesome Twitter porn article [link to post]
– http://twitter.com/eunice007/statuses/1107109935
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@eunice007 shame on me! @ariherzog’s awesome Twitter porn article is here: [link to post]
– http://twitter.com/jilliancyork/statuses/1107107369
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I truly enjoyed reading this. I recommend you do the same. [link to post]
– http://twitter.com/eunice007/statuses/1107374222
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VERY interesting read. Wonder how many people send her sexual @ messages. Porn has no demographic..or does it? Either way ‘Jenna’ has mastered the social media aspect of it
Well, Ari … you’ve definitely found a market to offer your services. Ethical issues or whatever aside, I think it’s a smart move from a business standpoint.
That said, I really hope that my boyfriend doesn’t find this post because the last thing I need him doing is tweeting back and forth with porn stars. (Like he doesn’t spend enough time looking at them already.)
Stacy Lukas´s last blog post..The high school notebook: social media casualty?
Russ, when I ran a Twitter Search for messages sent to @jenxstudios, you can read into the context. It’s incredible how moronic some people are. Thankfully, her responses (when she does) are more civilized.
Stacy, wouldn’t it be something if businesses wondering if they should venture into social media but who already are active in sales or advertising look to the adult entertainment industry to emulate?
Twitter Porn and Why I’d Like to Help by @ariherzog [link to post] (Awesome Post!)
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@dspark Here’s the link: [link to post]
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Very interesting post. There are quite a few adult online marketing providers who are on Twitter and other online networks who have been working with and collaborating with all levels of adult stars and businesses on Social Media.
I was a panelist at AVN/AEE Vegas this weekend where we discussed Online Marketing and Social Media Marketing in the Adult Industry during the seminar. It was a great turn out with all seats filled and standing room. It was very, very exciting to see such a great response to this topic and look forward to seeing how much more Adult stars and businesses are going to move toward this technique.
Hmm. As Dossy points out, I doubt porn needs consulting help more than any other industry does. Individuals might, but as a whole the industry is pretty well ahead of the curve regarding any tech development you can think of. In fact, porn is usually first on the scene, from ASCII art to teledildonics. Heard of RedTube? Also, it would behoove any adult with an active sex life to have at least some level of familiarity with vibrators.
This post aroused my attention during an otherwise bland afternoon. I never thought about how most other areas of business have reached out to social networking, and this is probably the first I’ve heard of it for people in the naughty business. Talk about gaining fans in a new way.
~ Kristi
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just thought this was a pertinent link: http://www.pornstartweet.com
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