Online pornography to be blocked by default, PM to announce

I thought I'd add a post about what this business is and what people seem to be ignorant of. This might dispel a few nonsense arguments, and it might actually dispel some of the fantasies of guys who enjoy it too, so sorry about that guys!

Spoiler alert!

Fact 1. The adult entertainment business is not the same now as it was back in the 1970's and 80's. You might imagine that there's some overweight greasy haired man with a mustache doing lines of coke while a couple of people get it on for his cameras. This is entirely wrong. Every company I work with has male and female staff in all aspects of the business, gay and straight, married and single, porn stars and not, old and young. There are thousands of professional women running the cameras, writing scenes, hiring performers, designing sets, doing makeup and performing too. Women are an important and intrinsic part of the adult entertainment business and their presence is across the board whether it's a gay or straight studio. Just last week I saw a behind-the-scenes video by a client of mine at a gay studio with two lesbians doing all the camera work and directing.

Fact 2. This is not some seedy and illegal activity. Contrary to popular belief, the adult entertainment business has to comply with all the same laws that a company making advertisements has to work by - and more. There are licenses issued, checks made, premises inspected, working environments regulated... an adult studio doesn't just turn on a camera, hand someone $100 and make a video. There are masses of paperwork involved in the creation of one scene or movie.

Fact 3. There are events all around the world, conferences, that the adult industry holds every year. Yes, think of something like Comicon for adult B2B. Performers mingle with other studios, meet up and swap numbers, make plans for partnerships, studios meet with advertisers and suppliers, a lot of really boring stuff goes down. But a lot of fun stuff too, of course! It's really no different to any other industry in most respects, the same things that happen at insurance industry conferences happen at these events.

Fact 4. This is all ACTING. Sure, some people love their work more than others, but the fact of the matter is these people are going to work, spending 8-12 hours on set, taking breaks, planning, directing, filming and then everything goes to editing. This really is no different to making a commercial or an episode of a TV show. What you see is the result of a couple of days of writing and casting, set design and planning, a day (sometimes two) of filming, then a week or more of editing, and another week or more of post production.

Fact 5. Adult entertainment businesses work damn hard to keep their content secure. They do not want it being spread around on tube sites and file sharing networks. They spend millions every year trying to stop it. This is not just because they are losing money, it's because their content is then given a bad name because anyone can access it. They do not want kids accessing their videos any more than a parent does! Why would they? It's not like a teenager can sign up and spend money! People seem confused about this, blaming the professional and responsible companies for the sharing of content that's been stolen from them. The next time you see a full movie on a tube site, remember that the studio doesn't want that to be as easily available as it is either. They are not the ones giving it away and letting little Timmy watch it. It's not in their interests as a business and it's not morally responsible - the studio is not to blame, any more than Brad Pitt is to blame for people sharing World War Z on the net.

I hope that helps some here to look at the adult entertainment business a little differently. There seems to be a lot of women here especially who have a very stereotypical and cliched opinion of what this business is all about. It's insulting to see such nonsense, with people acting as though this is somehow "not a real business". The companies I have worked with are all extremely professional (more professional and responsible than other mainstream companies I've worked with!) The people involved are all lovely individuals, intelligent, clever, witty and highly professional men and women.

So, enough with all the "degrading to women" nonsense, and enough with this perception that it's all seedy and nasty. Now you know more about it and can hopefully form a more valid and adult opinion.

Originally posted by Rocker2013
So, enough with all the "degrading to women" nonsense, and enough with this perception that it's all seedy and nasty. Now you know more about it and can hopefully form a more valid and adult opinion.

It isn't all seedy and nasty, but it isn't all rainbows and sunshine either.

Drugs and increased chances of suicide etc ... is certainly a part of the industry more than other industries. Media in general is actually, so it's not exactly a huge leap to take note of the issues in the pornography industry. Yes, even the really dodgy operators follow the law buuuuuut ... to pretend like every single shoot is like an episode of TV is misleading.

There are many back yard companies, and some of the videos I've watched researching gender studies gave me permanent mental images that I couldn't get out with oven cleaner. These weren't 80s recordings, and the aftermath of some of the recordings is quite well documented.

It's a difficult topic to discuss on a board like ATS and I wouldn't want to try and talk around the issue so much but, if this is the experience you've had, then you're fortunate. It isn't the only type of experience you can have and, even whilst the worst experience may not be likely, it is more likely than in many other industries.

I don't think there is anything immature or 'non adult' about what I've just said.

reply to post by Pinke


But by the same token, look at what happens to some actors in non-adult roles as well. Heath Ledger, Chris Farley, and John Belushi, just to name three. It's prevalent in mainstream Hollywood as well as the adult industry.

Originally posted by Zaphod58
reply to post by Pinke

 

But by the same token, look at what happens to some actors in non-adult roles as well. Heath Ledger, Chris Farley, and John Belushi, just to name three. It's prevalent in mainstream Hollywood as well as the adult industry.

Bad example with Heath Ledger.

... Broke Back Mountain ...

reply to post by Timely


I just went with the first three names that popped into my head. He was fine after that though, it seems it was the Joker that pushed him too far. From what I've heard, he had a hard time coming out of that role.

Originally posted by Pinke
It isn't all seedy and nasty, but it isn't all rainbows and sunshine either.

No business is.
We can translate this to any industry, and the same criticisms about cowboy companies and irresponsible activities can be found.

Much of what you are suggesting is about the personal choices of the individuals involved. There is drug use throughout Hollywood, throughout the movie and music industries, there are regularly actors and musicians overdosing and being caught up in all kinds of things...

Isn't this more about the lifestyles they find themselves in and their social circles? Again, this is nothing to do with the studios. This about the personal lives of those involved, which seem no different to the lives of millions of others in all kinds of industries.

I'm not disagreeing with you, there are of course negative aspects, but that's the case in all industries, especially in entertainment. What I am arguing against is this notion that adult entertainment equals some seedy and illegal business where everyone involved is a prostitute, where women are abused and used, where hedonism is par for the course.

The perception many here seem to have about this business is just nonsense, especially the views of many female members who seem to have a very one-sided view based in nothing but their own hang-up's. Some of the things people have said about the adult business are so totally unfounded, like they've just watched some "feminist hour" special on the "dangers of porn" and are repeating some line of propaganda in an effort to attack something they personally don't like.

reply to post by MountainLaurel

The OP's original point was that blocking porn in the UK was a good thing, I disagree for the reasons we have discussed, but I think to deny the negative effects some porn has on some people is as insane as trying to regulate porn.

I am not denying and others I would assume would have their own views, however "certain porn and the effects it has on certain people which in turn affects society one way or another" is a great thread on its own and probably best suited in health and well being or some other medical forum discussing the psychology involved and many other factors.

To bring something as complex as this issue into what you said the OP was about and you disagreeing for the reasons we have discussed in my opinion moves the main focus of what the OP is to another issue, which is related, but to not lose the main point of the OP and what many disagree with in this thread,
I think what you bring up as an issue would do it self more justice with a thread of its own

reply to post by MountainLaurel

The fact is 1 in 4 women have been sexually assaulted in some way.

What are the numbers for men who have been sexually assaulted?

If you find those please post them, I would assume just like women that many, many go unreported and would assume that a man would be less likely to report a sexual assault.

I have to believe every person in this thread is against rape, and you are moving or creating large issues that need discussion of their own not to derail this thread and the implication it could have if such a ban is put in place.

"lets end rape" is another thread that you are creating by inserting much of your personal experiences and clouding the issue of the thread.

You have my sincerest empathy and compassion and I am sorry so many humans not just women but men and children experience this daily world wide, lets not bring in any race, its a human disease that all nations of the world suffer from.

I support your views and beliefs and the need to voice them, like I said I believe they would be much louder and better heard in a thread of their own.

reply to post by Rocker2013


you know what the golden rule of life is? Find something you like to do, or at least tolerate, and make money. I really do hope the people who are in the porn business enjoy themselves somewhat otherwise its a drag or worse abusive.

people are going to have hang ups no matter what. you can try to talk common sense in to them by explaining things, but helping them overcome their bias is not easy. in the end it doesn't matter because its their problem and their problem alone. not everyone should be a psychiatrist. lets leave the psychology and psychiatry to the professionals.

i appreciate you explaining the field and at least trying. thanks!

reply to post by Rocker2013


Is there still all the hands pushing heads down, and erupting and suckling?

I think your business side description evades the content.

Sorry, I'm on the side of free speech here, but I can't agree that just because women play many parts in the business, that makes it less demeaning to women. I happen to know a woman that has worked for years close up, but behind the scenes
in that industry. It definitely corrupted her thinking.

reply to post by SunnyDee


How can you become corrupted when you were a progressive to begin with? People who participate in this business know what they are getting into beforehand and most likely wanted to be there. You dont go there by force, and if you do you wont last.

Its like saying i joined the air force but i am not willing to put my life on the line for defending the nation. its hypocritical.

reply to post by EarthCitizen07


You are right and you are wrong. She was in the movie industry, lost her job, divorced, could not find a job for the life of her, and then this job in the porn industry came available to her. I guess it's my interpretation that it corrupted her, but she definitely went into it, embarrassed and ashamed and came out proud of things like how hot a top woman star looked and would share pics of these "stars" and tell us stories that I certainly found to be demeaning to all.

Originally posted by SunnyDee
I certainly found to be demeaning to all.

But how do you know the other people involved found them demeaning?

reply to post by Zaphod58


I clearly wrote "I".

I figured readers here would understand from my entire paragraph that that was my perception. Although, when someone becomes corrupted by something, they are usually the last person to realize, or at least admit, a problem.

Originally posted by SunnyDee
reply to post by EarthCitizen07

 

You are right and you are wrong. She was in the movie industry, lost her job, divorced, could not find a job for the life of her, and then this job in the porn industry came available to her. I guess it's my interpretation that it corrupted her, but she definitely went into it, embarrassed and ashamed and came out proud of things like how hot a top woman star looked and would share pics of these "stars" and tell us stories that I certainly found to be demeaning to all.

It is the conservative mindset that views sex as demeaning. If you are liberal then you can become progressive i suppose. I dont view sex as dirty and further its just another show business. people who like exhibitionism would love hollywood, both mainstream and fringe.

if you were a hot man or hot women and like sexual performance, then what is wrong with that? I think there could be jealously issues here. some people ARE SUITED for this business and others are not. its not rocket science.

reply to post by SunnyDee


But for some it's NOT a problem. Some people are just into different things than others are, and they don't see it as a problem, they see it as something they enjoy. "Different strokes for different folks."

Some people are naturally submissive types, and like to be dominated. You and I may see that as degrading, but they don't. Others may be a more dominant type, again, not for you and I, but right for them. Who is to say what is a problem and what isn't? It's not our place to shove our morals, or our ideals onto others.

reply to post by EarthCitizen07


Oh geez, did you really go there? Jealousy?
So, now an intelligent conversation has turned to belittling. Nice.

I am as normal as the next person. I did not procreate at knife point. I am all for free speech, including the porn industry. It will alway be around, but there really is no debate that it is not an innocent industry. I don't think there is any debate that if one visits it long enough, it becomes a mindset that does not add value to everyday life.

reply to post by InhaleExhale


I found this source which seems to indicate that 3% of men have been sexually assaulted as children or adults.

www.oneinfourusa.org...

I appreciate your responses and those of other members, perhaps my personal feelings interfere with my ability to discuss this subject "rationally" and you know what really sucks, I do know better. I thought I understood how certain "triggers" influence a much more sinister agenda to "divide and conquer"...and some reflection on my part is in order......

Originally posted by SunnyDee
reply to post by EarthCitizen07

 

Oh geez, did you really go there? Jealousy?
So, now an intelligent conversation has turned to belittling. Nice.

I am as normal as the next person. I did not procreate at knife point. I am all for free speech, including the porn industry. It will alway be around, but there really is no debate that it is not an innocent industry. I don't think there is any debate that if one visits it long enough, it becomes a mindset that does not add value to everyday life.

Both men and women can be jealous. Its a fact of life. I woudnt mind having a hollywood career if I was suited for it. But I dont have the exhibitionist personality, the looks, the drive, etc. Its not a bad career though. Being a deep millionare and followed around.

How many women like brad pit? How many men like angelina jolie? I rest my case.

Originally posted by SunnyDee
reply to post by Rocker2013

 

Is there still all the hands pushing heads down, and erupting and suckling?

I think your business side description evades the content.

Sorry, I'm on the side of free speech here, but I can't agree that just because women play many parts in the business, that makes it less demeaning to women. I happen to know a woman that has worked for years close up, but behind the scenes
in that industry. It definitely corrupted her thinking.

I guess it all depends what you watch then, doesn't it?

Without getting into all the details, there is a niche for everyone and everything, where roles are reversed, where no women are involved, where ONLY women are involved... so would you also say that ALL PORN is degrading to women even in the many hundreds of thousands of instances where women are not even depicted in the action, or where it's only women?