Adult Movies - "taboo" business

[mike.davis]

Sorry to go off a tangent, but I often wonder if it's worth getting into a taboo business as the competition may be lower. Not necessarily porn, but things like gambling, Viagra, sex products etc.

What does everyone think, are these sectors less competitive?

Please tell me this is sarcastic?

 

[ScottNelson&Co]

Please tell me this is sarcastic?

Ok gambling and viagra was a bad example. What I meant was things in the offline world. I was suggesting that one of the barriers to entry into the Market would be the embrassment factor.

 

[alexft]

After reading this I got few ideas one of them I will share for free.

Local porn studios where couples, lovers are assisted for a fee to make they own porn. They can also hire extras there. Can be a present for b-day, etc.

Now who wants to be my first customer?

 

[laguna]

PORN on the internet?
What ever will they think of next???

 

[Paidpal]

Sorry to anyone who thinks this is unnecessary, but the OP was unconvinced that his idea would work, so much so that he didn't want to invest his own money into it.

No, no, no and once again no. Throughout whole topic there's huge misunderstandig I'm trying to point out and make clear.

I AM convinced it will work, and I am (and will) willing to finance it all by myself should that be the necessity. But if there's a way to get some money injection effortlessly, why not to use it? If no, and that would cost me to much time - I won't even bother. As simple as that.

I am watching the market since it started in 2000, and some of my futue competitors are doing very well (regular updates, opening new sites), despite average quality and lack of creativity.

 

[laguna]

After reading this I got few ideas one of them I will share for free.

Local porn studios where couples, lovers are assisted for a fee to make they own porn. They can also hire extras there. Can be a present for b-day, etc.

Now who wants to be my first customer?

About 3 years ago we were looking into a streaming live "Fly on the Wall" BIG BROTHER (Adult anything goes orgy) type of thing - allowing a one time FREE 30 second logon (preview) or £20 1 day passes!

Naturally we argued who would man the cameras - except for my brother...
He wanted in on the action!

 

[Paidpal]

Naturally we argued who would man the cameras - except for my brother...
He wanted in on the action!

Yeah... some people here don't understand, that even if for some bizzare reason I'll happen to fail, I will learn so much from this experience... and obviously, will have "time of my life" while learning.

 

[90DC]

Yeah... some people here don't understand, that even if for some bizzare reason I'll happen to fail, I will learn so much from this experience... and obviously, will have "time of my life" while learning.

Go for it. I can catergorically say that you wouldn't get a business loan/grant for it. If you have all your own money, start it with minimum costs if possible, trial it and if it doesn't appear to be getting anywhere then consider it the next thing in line that didn't work. No hard feelings with the idea and swiftly move on.

Time and time again have i heard about people going on wild business ventures, spending tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of pounds on it, selling the car, mortgaging the home, selling the home, just to fund something that would never have worked, if it was going to work, they'd have made a profit before investing X amount of money. What i'm trying to say is don't try making a Hollywood style porno. Think about how much you can afford to lose. Then just go for it. Don't borrow money just because it's available to you. You have £8k saved, stagger how you spend this if possible, maybe max a credit card out, but have a cut-off point and don't be stupid along the way.

You said it's a learning curve and you'll have the time of your life along the way. If it seems right, go ahead with it. But take on board all the advice anyone has ever given you. Be careful too, wouldn't want to infringe another country's law.

Good luck.

 

[Lorro2]

So much of this is out there free of charge and can't believe any sane person considering this type of business in this day and age.

 

[altwebdesign]

Have you done any research into the current state of the adult industry?
I can tell you for a fact now, it's not in the best shape it's been, adult webmasters are ripping each other off, affiliate programs arent paying and payment processors are pulling the plug and freezing peoples funds.
On top of that piracy is at its highest ever rate, you can pretty much find anything within a week or so of it being placed on a membership site for free.

 

[Paidpal]

Have you done any research into the current state of the adult industry?
I can tell you for a fact now, it's not in the best shape it's been, adult webmasters are ripping each other off, affiliate programs arent paying and payment processors are pulling the plug and freezing peoples funds.
On top of that piracy is at its highest ever rate, you can pretty much find anything within a week or so of it being placed on a membership site for free.

Very good points indeed.

I did as much as I could, I searched the traffic on sites like alexa (not the best indicator, but couldn't find anyone to hack the competitors' websites and check their own statistics)

At some point I even befriend one guy who is the owner of one of the sites and he gave me plenty of informations, including number of customers he's got. Not a breathtaking number, but surely pays his bills, and that's a good result bearing in mind that he's not advertising at all.

Piracy? That can be the issue, but again - I myself hardly can find paid stuff for free online. Besides we want to offer customers something special, so only the ones registered will be able to get the "full service".

But again, whatever will happen, that will surely be the most exciting learning process since I finished University few years back!

 

[altwebdesign]

Very good points indeed.

I did as much as I could, I searched the traffic on sites like alexa (not the best indicator, but couldn't find anyone to hack the competitors' websites and check their own statistics)

At some point I even befriend one guy who is the owner of one of the sites and he gave me plenty of informations, including number of customers he's got. Not a breathtaking number, but surely pays his bills, and that's a good result bearing in mind that he's not advertising at all.

Piracy? That can be the issue, but again - I myself hardly can find paid stuff for free online. Besides we want to offer customers something special, so only the ones registered will be able to get the "full service".

But again, whatever will happen, that will surely be the most exciting learning process since I finished University few years back!

Believe me when i say pirated content is everywhere, it is every where.
Just a quick google for something along the lines of "free porn videos" will bring up a lot of free resources.

I'm not saying there isn't any money in the industry, in niches there is, but the days of a simple guy with no major experience making $2-3k a week are looooooonnnnnggggg gone unfortunatly.

And you know what it dosen't make sense, if anything the last 5-10 years the client potential has increased significantly, online HD streaming can compete with DVD's, yet adult sales are down. . . . .:|

 

[Paidpal]

Believe me when i say pirated content is everywhere, it is every where.

And you believe me, when I say this content has not been published online, it hasn't been published. Unless there's something additional to all mtorrents, DC++, emules, edonkeys, rapidshares, hotfiles, sendspaces etc that I do not know about, but surprisingly enough you can find everything in there. Mythical piracy eldorado.

You're not talking to average internet user here, trust me.

 

[altwebdesign]

Believe me when i say pirated content is everywhere, it is every where.

And you believe me, when I say this content has not been published online, it hasn't been published. Unless there's something additional to all mtorrents, DC++, emules, edonkeys, rapidshares, hotfiles, sendspaces etc that I do not know about, but surprisingly enough you can find everything in there. Mythical piracy eldorado.

You're not talking to average internet user here, trust me.

i think i may of slightly misunderstood what you said, what i was syaing is, there are 4-5 top adult programs who run a majority of sites, they do an update on friday, its downloadable via torrent/file share on sunday.
I was just saying how bad the industry is with my point being that with so much free content out there, why would people pay?! - Would love to hear your thoughts on this.. !

 

[Paidpal]

I was just saying how bad the industry is with my point being that with so much free content out there, why would people pay?! - Would love to hear your thoughts on this.. !

You will - just read few of my previous posts in this thread, because there's no much point of quoting myself... or there is?

I know, I know, it's 10 pages long now, but it's really interesting!

 

[Wiggy]

Interesting reading though.

Working on the assumption that the OP has identified a genuine unexploited niche, (rare but not extinct)
I'm particularly amused at how many people have encyclopedic knowledge of porn fetishes and can declare with confidence that every niche is catered to.


I'm amazed that there has been so much negativity about the business idea and so little about the funding issue.
One or two folks pointed out a moral objection to using a grant [taxpayers money] for this. I agree that any such grant should benefit the economy either by creating employment here or generating tax income here.

What I really don't get is this::|
How much do you expect to make from this business?
A mere £1k/month of profit will represent a ROI of 150%/annum
If you leave your £8k in a bank, you will be lucky to get 5%!

Whenever I have a decent business idea, the last thing I want to do is share it. If I don't fancy the risk, it's clearly not a great idea [unless it's an out and out gamble] The only reason I would ever seek external funding would be simply that I didn't have the startup money.

You have £8k, if you believe in your idea, invest the money! If you don't invest the money, admit that the business idea does not justify the startup cost.

If the only actual problem is one of matching investments with your partner. That's simple. Value his/her contribution [equipment] and share the company proportionally.

 

[Esk247]

I still think it's easier just to trial it, small scale, like you'd do with a new product and monitor the uptake.

You never know until you trial a product with say 500 customers (or whatever) and get some feedback or monitor the uptake.

It's a strange thing to be linked with but it's still business I s'pose.

 

[altwebdesign]

i dont think niches are dead, sure theres a lot of saturation but theres still little gold mines. I've been in the adult industry (design/programming) for over 5 years, by far i dont know it all, but i've watched the deline, my main point i was trying to raise is that, content theft in the adult industry is at an all time high, i'm not syaing dont do it, hell i'd love to have my own studio and shoot my own content as i believe thats where the money is, probably was, at.

 

[Paidpal]

I still think it's easier just to trial it, small scale, like you'd do with a new product and monitor the uptake.

If the idea is based on monthly subscriptions, how would you suggest start on the small scale? Because I hear it from time to time, yet I have no clue how to possibly implement that in my business model, so I will appreciate any suggestions

 

[altwebdesign]

If the idea is based on monthly subscriptions, how would you suggest start on the small scale? Because I hear it from time to time, yet I have no clue how to possibly implement that in my business model, so I will appreciate any suggestions

Good question!!
Adult sites usually shoot any where between 3 and 6 months content over a few weeks and then release it over a time period. i guess going on a smaller scale would be just shooting far less content. . . .
Maybe also use an affiliate program for webmasters like ccbill, its already pre-made and will save costs developing somehting like NATS. I guess that would put things on a smaller scale and also reduce costs at the start up.

 

[Esk247]

small scale trial as in less content, smaller website, lower budget, less shoot time etc etc. trial that over a 12 month period (or however long you wish) see if you have a reasonable uptake even for that small amount of content, if you have zilch the idea is dead, if you get more subscriptions than you bargained for you could begin introducing new content and keep members up to date via e-newsletter.

 

[mike.davis]

Yes - do it on a smaller scale, that's a much better way to compete with big companies. (that was sarcastic in case you couldn't tell)

 

[Esk247]

Yes - do it on a smaller scale, that's a much better way to compete with big companies. (that was sarcastic in case you couldn't tell)

no, the OP doesn't know whether the 'product' will be taken up by enough people.

they didn't release Lloyd Grossman sauces without testing the product on a selection of people and then testing it in a few supermarkets while monitoring the uptake.

the OP says this is a niche market, but wants to invest money in it, I dont know if there is a market for his 'niche' so why doesnt he trial it and say: 30 days, 30 sign ups, £300 achieved << example!!!! NOT REAL FIGURES!! WARNING WARNING! because i bet ya someone will say 'how did you know the figures' :| FACEPALM!

 

[Paidpal]

Yeah, all got all your points, the ~8,000GBP I am talking about is close to what I'd call "small start". Noone will subscribe to the website with little or no material, so not only I need to make the first, initial content worth signing up, but I also need to have material for 2 months of updates, hence initial 5 - 8k required.

But this thread and real life situations made me really think if the guy I am dealing with now is a good choice. Yes, he's got similar mindset to mine, yes, we've got the same fetish, yes, we've got similar ideas.

Money is the issue though, and since he's got nothing to offer money-wise, plus he contributed almost nothing to the business yet (I spent tens or hundrets of hours looking for appropriate girls and dealing with them), I am not only considering cutting him off, but did first step to look for a replacement.

 

[90DC]

Yeah, all got all your points, the ~8,000GBP I am talking about is close to what I'd call "small start". Noone will subscribe to the website with little or no material, so not only I need to make the first, initial content worth signing up, but I also need to have material for 2 months of updates, hence initial 5 - 8k required.

But this thread and real life situations made me really think if the guy I am dealing with now is a good choice. Yes, he's got similar mindset to mine, yes, we've got the same fetish, yes, we've got similar ideas.

Money is the issue though, and since he's got nothing to offer money-wise, plus he contributed almost nothing to the business yet (I spent tens or hundrets of hours looking for appropriate girls and dealing with them), I am not only considering cutting him off, but did first step to look for a replacement.

You've done right in getting rid of your business partner IMO. It seems he expects you to do the work, you to fund it and him to sit around calling himself a business man or a pornstar. Find a decent partner if that's what you need, sort out your website, find some girls, get shooting (Movies) and upload the content.

Let us know how it's going and once it's up and running, and you're confident it's working, let us into the secret of this niché market

Good luck!

 

[Paidpal]

You've done right in getting rid of your business partner IMO. It seems he expects you to do the work, you to fund it and him to sit around calling himself a business man or a pornstar. Find a decent partner if that's what you need, sort out your website, find some girls, get shooting (Movies) and upload the content.

Let us know how it's going and once it's up and running, and you're confident it's working, let us into the secret of this niché market

Good luck!

It's quite unique to see such encouraging post in this thread, thanks.

Well, I didn't get rid of that guy yet completely, but for the moment I am not going to contact him to see if he'll show any initiative, what will it be, and how long it will take him.

I also contacted other guy who's got more technical knowledge, and whom I know for 7 years now.

And as a sugar on top, I will put few ads on related websites, maybe I'll be more lucky this time.

If not, f**k that, I'll do it myself!

 

[simbathedog]

Do you think I'd consider investing money in something I can easily find free in internet? The reality is - I can't find it, my research skills I consider way above average, so to my best knowledge, it doesn't exist.


The snag is I say "adult", you think "porn". Reality is that there are things you have no idea about, that show no sexual intercourse or even nudity, but are turning people on, more than anything mainstream adult industry had to offer since 1970.

It's like trying to explain Goldfish that she's wet. Won't work, but thanks for your comment

I reckon the OP's niche market is girls eating marmite !
That's a fetish (not one of mine though)

 

[Merchant UK]

When I looked last year, there were very few grants available at the moment. They few that were around were for creating permanent employment in certain areas of the country.

Given the nature of the business, I suspect that you will not be taking on any employees.

I would asumme most will be volunteers

 

[Hedgie]

How about not flooding the market with more degrading garbage and put your money into something more morally viable.

 

[MASSEY]

How about not flooding the market with more degrading garbage and put your money into something more morally viable.

So pornography is not "morally viable" ?

 

[ORDERED WEB]

whats wrong with organic growth?

Pic's are easier to produce than video, and cheaper to host
Forums are easy to set up, and will generate a client base

If the subject is a good one, the ad revenue will be reasonable. when you have enough in the pot to fund the next step go for it

 

[Consistency]

So pornography is not "morally viable" ?

Pornography is sleazy, disease ridden and fake. It may make money but so does drugs. Just because it is legal does not make it right, not in the eyes of decency anyway.

 

[Naughty Vend]

I posted on this thread 'page 1' and was surprised to see it back up on the front page of the forums, my God what is wrong with you people... The original poster has maintained what is admirable patience with certain postings and contributors, the object is to give advice about the business with particular range to the niche business area they are considering and some are offering this... others please visit the Mary Whitehouse rant page for whilst we appreciate your contribution it is far from relevant.

Now OP you are still green despite the advice you have been given here so either (a) this is a student project to generate a laugh or two, well done or (b) you are serious and need to step back and take on board what you have been told. Even producing your own content is difficult and every pervert has their own perversion, your object is to find the ones with the money whom can not satisfy that perversion online any place else and for the minimum outlay... indeed any demand you satisfy will be distributed via non-official channels within days if not minutes of release and the majority of potential customers will 'get their rocks' for free and thus satisfy their needs long before they ever reach for their credit card and purchase your content. I am very surprised that you can't find this online and that's what made me think this thread could be a classic wind up, it's a beauty if it is by the way... I've been in online content provision for almost ten years under the same domain with anything between three hundred and over a thousand performers online at any one time, I know producers just like you would like to be and they've nearly all sold their Bentley Continental GT's and Range Rover Sports with all the options fitted... . A cold hard fact is that in this industry and those like it nobody wants you to make money and succeed, particularly at the moment for example as an exhibitor at Erotica 2010 this year it was noticable how different the list of exhibitors were and the difference in footfall - it is a very different industry to that of a few years ago.

We wish you luck but if you are for real I think you need to do a good bit more diligence ad perhaps get involved in something less ambitious, you've been talking on this thread long enough so some motivation towards your goal would be primary to your advancement. It's a hard game..., oh sorry that wasn't meant to a pun...

 

[oldeagleeye]

MikeJ - as I said, it's about a niche (trust me, you can't find it in internet, I tried! ) and quality. Fulfilling fantasies rather than watching busty blonde groaning.


What If - as I wrote, I can cover all expenses myself, but simply I don't want to, especially if there are creative ways of finding funds. The question is - what are these ways, and that's (also) what I am trying to learn in here, so all ideas appreciated (more than put downs)

Talk about shoot yourself in the foot. What you are saying is that you don't want to risk your own money. Tough.

There ain't no grants for legitimate business that want to grow let alone a porno business and no the objection porno is not just blind prejudice. It is because it is sleazy and absolutely boring.

If you really want erotic try looking into a womans eyes.

Rob

 

[Naughty Vend]

...niche?

Got the niche for you!

People having a nice cup of tea and civilised conversation over scones, fully clothed with all flesh modestly hidden from view... phwoaarrr.

 

[Magsite]

I've spent a bit of time building up a magazine business, and even having some adult themes such as Adult Magazines and pornographic magazines

I thought these would be very popular as who wants to buy from the local newsagents and be glared at by the shop assistant! I can still recall when aged about 18 buying one, thats quite alot of years ago..

It would be interested to hear what this niche is but incase later down the line you manage to set this up, then click on my "add your site" for a reciprocal backlink!

Good luck, people in the adult industry have in the past made millions!

 

[MASSEY]

I think too much free porn has killed it for the start up wannabe millionaire porn dealers

 

[MASSEY]

Pornography is sleazy, disease ridden and fake. It may make money but so does drugs. Just because it is legal does not make it right, not in the eyes of decency anyway.

Most porn is fake yes...

But how can you compare porn to drugs?

Owel your entitled to your opinion

 

[Consistency]

Most porn is fake yes...

But how can you compare porn to drugs?

Owel your entitled to your opinion

They are both addictive.
They both bring disease.
They both are used as an escape from reality.

Thinking back when we were younger and probably knew better then before we were corrupted, we used to laugh at the sad old winker with his dirty books and if we saw an idiot walking awkwardly with his bag of glue we would think that they were freaks. Now the winkers and freaks seem to be admired as they are part of the in crowd.

There are many similarities between drugs and porn. One of the main ones is that once one particular type has become the norm, acceptable and loses its risk and feeling naughty, then it leads to more often than not wanting something harder.

Those same old days when we were younger we used to think knickers were naughty but now they are the norm and the music channels that the children watch make those children grow up quicker.

Do you like a wink our Massey?

 

[paultnl]

They are both addictive.
They both bring disease.

What evidence do you have for this?