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| Recent Blogs by LAJ |
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 LAJ |
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| Tuesday, February 19th 2008 11:17:56 AM |
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Huge thanks to the Apple store It's so easy to rant and rave about one thing or another and frankly I'm a repeat offender when it comes to that. It's not hard to come across something that pisses us off and bitch about it whether letting off steam or searching for misery in search of company.
Being a big fan of paying it forward as it were, I don't let it be known nearly enough when I catch someone doing something right. Now granted I usually expect some kind of high quality of service when dealing with one business or another and if I'm dissatisfied, I move on. Unless of course said business has a monopoly, then I'm screwed and have to put up with shoddy work, piss poor attitudes, etc. We've all been there.
So imagine my surprise today when I went to the Apple store to get some glitches fixed on my 4 year old iMac machine and got top quality service for FREE. Nothing too major to be fixed, just a few worrisome behaviors lately that I needed to get ironed out before it became a real issue on my desktop.
I'll probably get ridiculed once again for owning a Mac, but whatever. I'm happy and nothing will shake that.
It's amazing what a 30 minute appointment did to my machine, my wallet and my well being. Thank you Apple store. Not only was I a customer for life anyway, but now I'll further my mission to save the world one PC user at a time.
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 LAJ |
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| Thursday, November 15th 2007 02:07:20 PM |
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Stop shaking the hand that slaps you. Take a stand! This is an industry that likes to bitch. Publicly. This blog not excepted either. It's easy to get your rants out there whether understood, misunderstood, agreed or disagreed with, argued, read and ignored, etc. Whether what you are going for is drama, revenge, a push for change or just airing grievances most of us have done it at one time or ten. And yes I realized I'm all over the place here... and it's only going to get worse, lol. Read on...
I look at it this way... if you are going to bitch about something where there is a call for change and/or action, then hold true to your word rather than just making noise. Annoyed with a board? Stop going there. Annoyed with a person or company? Stop doing business with them and attending their parties. Feel someone or something is full of shit? Then stop talking about them and giving them "life."
Now granted we have seen some definite action taken against major companies in our biz over the last year or so thanks in part to the due diligence of a few webmasters and those that pay attention. But to what end do you yourself do your part to help clean up this biz so to speak? And how much responsibility to we owe it to our peers? For the most part we all want a better industry to work in but given that everyone is only a few degrees of separation from each other at most, at what point do we do our part to hold true to our word? Don't go to various trade shows that do business with companies you disagree with? Don't support awards shows that allow questionable companies to be nominated? And who decides just how fraudulent or not a company really is? And in the end how much does it really matter?
My goal here isn't to answer questions as I clearly just asked more than I answered. But more to just get people to think the next time they acknowledge that person's post on the boards or shake their hand at the next show.
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 LAJ |
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| Wednesday, September 28th 2005 03:33:37 PM |
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Viva YP Mexico! So here I sit trying to piece together the activities of last weekend, and had it not been for FUBAR or Rochard's Bunny Ranch or the several shout out threads on the boards, I'd still be struggling to remember every exciting thing that happened at the 5th annual YP Mexico. Yeah, the 3 day event is THAT good.
Held bi-annually, and started in 2001 by YNOT Bob, the YP events are an industry one of a kind. The YP (YNOT Party) is a lifestyle and toted as a webmaster "falling down." This is a billed as a party event only with some bonding and business thrown in for good measure if you are so inclined... and everyone ALWAYS comes home with some business! After all, how can you not when you are "stuck" on the same small property with 100 other people for 3 days? If you are one to bitch about poor room service, slow Internet connections, weather or food, then YP is probably not for you. An exclusive invite only event with a capacity for a little over 100 people, the YP is for webmasters who "get it" (thank you Steve Lightspeed and YNOT Bob for coining that). I'm also pleased to add that the YP is largely considered to be an industry favorite for several of the attendees!
Held every September at the Baja Seasons Resort (don't let that word fool you, as a 4-star "resort" this is not) the YP is a cheap and dirty 3 day escape to bond with other like-minded industry professionals. There is no Internet... most cell phones won't work, and you have limited access to the outside world.
The success of the YP relies on several things:
1. great planning
2. great attendees
3. several generous sponsors
To break all of that down... the planning for the Mexico YP was put in motion back in May. Taking over an entire hotel for a 3 day party in a foreign country is no easy task! I found myself triple and quadruple checking on things. Next you have the attendees... a perfect mix of webmasters, marketers, program owners, models, newbies, veterans and significant others. The goal is really to create an atmosphere where not only will everyone get along and roll with the punches, but also making it possible for anything wild to happen. Knock on wood that there have been no arrests or major injuries thus far over the years.
And then finally... the sponsors. Ahh... the sponsors. Without their support, the YP wouldn't exist. Three days of open bar, meals galore, parties, fun and more fun. Not to mention that it makes it possible for attendees to get in for dirt cheap. (For a list of all who sponsored and attended and what went down, please visit http://www.wypd.com/mexico/activities.html ).
Everyone who attends has their favorite YP moment... mine would have to be when I got to jam with the band on the guitar: http://www.rochardsbunnyranch.com/pictures/067/233.jpg
I would like to thank everyone again who helped to make this such a wonderful event! Nothing like the post show blues though... the YP is such a high but the few days after a successful show ends can be a downer! Getting caught up with work is one thing, but seeing your hard work planning the show come to a conclusion and then *POOF*... the show is over and everyone had a great time... well, let's just say it's both a relief but also kind of saddening.
Oh well... Here's to the next YP!!!
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 LAJ |
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| Tuesday, July 12th 2005 09:02:29 AM |
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Violence good, sex bad?? In case we needed further proof that the "moralists" of our country have their priorities all ass backwards, this little gem of an article popped up in the news blasting the video gaming industry for *GULP* having s-s-s-s-sex scenes buried within the code of what could arguably be one of the more violent "reality" video games on the market.
The article I reference can be found here:
http://www.ynot.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=news_article&sid=9578 and is titled "Hidden Explicit Sex Scenes in Video Game Final Straw for Family Group".
First of all, it is my opinion that video games of a violent OR a sexual nature shouldn't be in the hands of someone under 18 anyway (henceforth why the damn things have a parental rating on them!), but for a buried sexually explicit scene to bring out the "family groups" and have them up in arms is so ludicrous, but of course, expected.
Its not like I really needed to point out to everyone who reads my blog that "family groups" have a problem with sexual material in any capacity, or that being a responsible parent would warrant that they take an active role in what their kid views and doesn't view, but this latest garbage just really does reinforce to me how the christian right just doesn't "get it"... literally AND figuratively. Or maybe America doesn't get it?
Violence has been seemingly perfectly acceptable and featured in childrens cartoons and games since before most of us were born (The "Coyote & Roadrunner" cartoons for example date back to the 40s) and it has only gotten more explicit with time. Throw a penis into the works and suddenly everyone has a shit fit. I'm not for censorship of any kind really, but c'mon... what's really "worse" for your kid to see... violence or sex??
I don't know about you, but I'll be teaching my kid about the birds and the bees far before I explain to him about all that is violent, evil and frightening in the world.
Ahh... the hypocrisy...
the irony...
the stupidity of it all.
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LAJ |
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| Friday, June 24th 2005 01:20:30 PM |
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Don't let 2257 get your business 86'ed In case some of you were living under a rock yesterday, June 23 was a big news day in our industry to put it mildly. Crunch time for 2257 is upon us, and time is without doubt running out to be covered by the Free Speech Coalition specifically regarding the deal they have in place with the DoJ. If you are not currently a member of the FSC you have until TOMORROW to get on board to be covered for 2257. Don't be caught with your pants down if the DoJ comes knocking! Unless of course the agent happens to be hot...
Seriously though, this isn't something to screw around with. In fact the FSC has set up a telephone call-in center for those of you who need to join. Call 800-681-0403 immediately and you can join by phone. The choice is yours whether you choose to join in the interest of protecting yourself and your company, or if you want to kick it up a notch and consider contributing additional amounts to the FSC for this fight and for any future fights that we as an industry will most certainly face in the coming years.
The sky may not be falling but it doesn't hurt to wear a helmet!
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 LAJ |
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| Monday, June 06th 2005 02:49:29 PM |
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Sick of the adult industry? Love censorship? Then support .XXX today! And don't bother telling us it's "to protect the children." We all know it won't.
In the spirit of problem solving by putting a bandage over a gaping wound (which the right wing fundamentalists have made so popular) .XXX will as an end result (if it becomes mandatory) have a much more negative effect than a positive one, not just for our industry but for free speech in general. If you believe that .XXX is a great way to protect children then you are either so caught up in your own bullshit, are ambivalent toward free speech (and the industry for that matter), or have made a deal with the devil and stand to profit off of everyone in the name of censorship and the false guise of "protecting children."
Or perhaps you fit into all 3 categories.
The very concept of hiding behind the concept of "protecting children" if part of your plan is really about profiting off the .XXX domain sales, then that is the worst kind of child exploitation of all and beyond despicable. You should be run out of this industry.
Is there such a thing as committing adult Internet treason?
As far as I'm concerned, protecting children is all about taking responsibility for your own actions. You want to protect children from viewing adult material on the Internet? You become a better parent.
And you give children their own domain. There's a "G" rating for movies and it has worked for decades. Now is the time to apply that to the Internet.
The last time I checked, the Internet was LOADED with all kinds of inappropriate material that kids can easily view and not JUST porn. Just today linked to Yahoo.com are photos of drug use and violence. All only one click away from the home page of the heaviest trafficked website in the world. Is violence and drug use kid friendly?
Perhaps .KILL or .DRUG could be added to the list of new domains needed to further censor the Internet?
What about sites that preach hate or lifestyle choices or religions that you disagree with or find "offensive"? You see where I am going with this? Support .XXX and other forms of "protecting children" aren't far behind.
Can you see what is happening here? Watching all of this unfold is like watching a car wreck happen right before your very eyes and doing nothing about it. In fact this harkens back to the "re-election" of that guy in the white house whose name I won't even bother mentioning. Seeing this whole .XXX scheme play out gives me the same sick feeling I had in November 2000 and then again in November 2004.
I look at it this way. If you TRULY have the interests of protecting children (as well as free speech) and not your own selfish and misguided interests and "moral" judgments, then you'll support a .KID TLD and push for it to go through. And push hard. Think about it. Any site that is deemed kid friendly will jump on board with a .KID domain, especially if it's totally voluntary. Why wouldn't they? It would be easier for kids to find "safe" sites, drive up all kinds of opportunities for Internet revenue, and having that extension would carry extra prestige, especially if requirements are strict.
Not to mention it would turn the tables and shut up the other "side." Because you are either for us or against us. The flawed logic behind a mandatory .XXX will do nothing but put money in a few people's pockets and pacify the right wing whackos... as well as those looking to exploit the industry for their own personal gain.
Imagine your kid coming home from school, jumping on the Internet and ONLY being able to surf sites deemed kid friendly? No porn, no violence, no drug use, no adult situations or text of any kind. If there is truly to be a kid safe zone on the Internet doesn't it make sense for it to be this way and this way only if you TRULY have the protection of children in mind??
I'll say it again... if you support .XXX, then you clearly don't support free speech, the interests and future of the adult Internet as a whole AND the protection of children. .XXX will be a reality, but it's up to all of us to fight it from becoming mandatory.
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 LAJ |
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| Tuesday, April 05th 2005 09:54:28 AM |
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Reliving part of my childhood at the Phoenix Forum Dodgeball. For several decades just the mere mention of that simple 9-letter word has instilled fear in all underdeveloped American middle school aged children with a sadistic gym teacher.
I was no exception growing up.
And to add to the mental and physical anguish, we had a thing called "over the hill" at my school where at any point during the game the gym teacher would yell it out... essentially meaning that the game was now a free for all... no boundaries... head shots by the biggest guys in class from 5 feet away... jump in the corner and hunker over protecting your face and ribs... game over in seconds.
So why on earth would I JUMP at the chance to participate in the Lightspeed dodgeball competition at the Phoenix Forum? Well, for starters, I'm not that same 88 lb. weakling anymore (so OK, now I'm a 155 lb. weakling), the red rubber balls that leave track marks on your face when hurled at you like torpedoes were replaced with nerf balls... and hell... I wanted my redemption!
And besides... if Lightspeed's name is attached to it... it HAS to be fun AND with prizes and bragging rights.
So with Big E from Mac & Bumble, James from HotMovies (filling in for Marc at Consumption Junction after day 1 when he developed a blood blister the size of greater NYC on a standard Rand McNally map) and both Connor Young and myself from YNOT we set out on our mission to win. And that is exactly what we did... we kicked ass.
After four rounds of elimination (not unlike in the same style of one of the NCAA division brackets) we won the finals and claimed victory for team YNOT. Victory was sweet...
And to add to it... it was a total team effort.
Sure to most people it wasn't a big deal at all, and really just a silly game to have fun in. Well, I'll tell you... for me it was that and much more. To get past the second round I had to take out two guys both twice my size... and all in front of our industry peers. Vengence was mine!
Thank you Lightspeed Cash for having the games.
Thank you Yankscash, Worldwide Content and Adult Lounge for the prizes.
Thank you Eric, Marc, James and Connor for running with it.
And finally thank you to gym teachers Mr. N. and Mr. K (names shortened to protect the guilty) from back in the late 70s and early 80s for allowing me to rekindle my determination to win (and flick off the remnants of the chip on my shoulder that had been long forgotten about that you helped put there) and give myself some closure.
Wow... so I was the big poker winner at the YP Jamaica and the big dodgeball team winner at the Phoenix Forum. I'm feeling lucky... and since luck of all kinds tends to happen in threes, I wonder what is in store for me to win at the upcoming Cybernet Expo in San Diego?
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LAJ |
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| Tuesday, March 29th 2005 12:05:26 PM |
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Where has industry loyalty gone? YNOT Bob started a thread recently on our chat boards entitled "Loyalty in the adult Internet" and it really got me thinking as to what exactly loyalty means in this business and whether or not the concept has gone the way of the Dodo Bird.
And by the way, the Dodo Bird became extinct in 1957, so I apologize if that reference went over your head like a... well... a Dodo bird.
Anyway, that being said... loyalty and actions in this industry are of paramount importance to guys like Bob and myself who regularly preach it. Little if anything upsets me more than when I feel that a business associate or friend has shaken my trust or has been disloyal... no matter how much time is allowed to pass, you can never quite regain that level with me that you once had unfortunately. The fact that we all work in adult and in remote locations all over the globe shouldn't matter. The medium isn't the issue. Those of us who work hard and are ethical and plan to be around for several years to come deserve loyalty. We are professionals who try to put back into the business more so than what we take out of it.
Not to be a total downer here... I still think there are tons of people in the adult Internet who have scruples and are able to see the big picture when it comes to loyalty in business as well as friendship. If I didn't feel that our industry was a great place to work and that the pros far outweighed the cons (literally AND figuratively) I would have weeded myself out a long time ago.
And I come from a background of working in the Hollywood entertainment industry so I'm sure you can imagine the kinds of disloyalty I would see on a regular basis and how I had a pretty high threshold for bullshit when I came into this industry.
Keep in mind that when I refer to loyalty here... I'm not talking about daily ass kissing. I'm merely referring to returning favors... sticking to your word... paying it forward... supporting the good guys and, hell, even a simple "thank you" from time to time.
Knowing who your friends are in this business and sticking to them is of the utmost importance to me. At the very least it enriches your work life. At the very most, it keeps you sane and in business.
What kinds of actions show me disloyalty in this industry? I'll be honest... forgetting who was there for you when you were just getting started shows the worst kind of disloyalty. People who say one thing to you but do another is especially annoying as well... the list goes on but those are two fine examples.
Show me loyalty and I'll show you someone who will bend over backwards for you and come to your defense any chance I get. Show me disloyalty, and you've lost a friend or at the very least made me indifferent.
More on the subject can be found in this thread on the YNOT Chat boards, (click here) and will no doubt be added to ongoing over the next few days.
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 LAJ |
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| Friday, March 18th 2005 07:26:34 AM |
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Three simple networking tips to achieve friendship and fame OK... I kind of jest a bit in the title (and note that I didn't include fortune in the title... that's a whole other topic). Fame is often a misused and abused term and should never be confused with being "infamous" (read: rude and obnoxious on boards for the sole purpose of getting traffic to your sites and getting "known").
But as far as making friends in the industry and leaving a lasting impression with everyone you meet and achieving some level of "fame" in the industry isn't rocket science. I often get people asking me how I know so many people and how they know me. Well, for starters it helps greatly that I work for the oldest and most well known adult resource site on the Internet. It also helps that I'm in marketing, am very outgoing, and very available and accessible both online and off for nearly 5 years. Have no fear though... even if you are new to the industry or not able to get out very much or whatever... some of these tips still apply.
It astounds me though when I meet people in the industry who have been around for years whom I am just meeting now. Sure many in our industry choose to remain low profile and under the radar which is fine. And while to me that means that you probably won't be pursuing any magazine cover stories anytime soon, it doesn't and shouldn't get you off the hook for knowing your industry peers and vice versa. After all... if people don't know you or how to find you... how is your business going to grow?
I perish to think how much business and good times that someone who doesn't network may have lost out on, but to each their own. If it's recognition that you are really trying to get, then read on.
1. Use your ICQ to your advantage.
ICQ is a double-edged sword if you aren't disciplined. (And I feel that everyone should have ICQ in this industry as it's the most popular form of IM.) You can either waste time on it all day, or use it for business only, OR you can find a happy medium, where what might seem as idle chit chat is actually doing business. Case in point... I have an ICQ list with around 800 contacts on it and I make a point of contacting 5 people I haven't chatted with in a long time every single day. It puts me on their radar once again and as well can cheer up someone's day. You should never ever only hit up certain people on your list if the only time you contact them is if you need something from them. It gets old real fast and is bad form in my opinion and yes, we are all guilty of it. Case in point, there are several people on my list that contact me every few months or so... and every time their name pops up I know 100% that they are going to ask me for something before they get to their second message. That's fine because I'm here to help... but to others it might not be. Sometimes it's OK to just say "Hi." In fact, I recommend it highly.
2. Use your phone
Unfortunately if you live in a remote country or work erratic hours, using your phone isn't a viable option much of the time. But if you are in the U.S., Canada, U.K. or other countries with a considerable number of people in the industry, give your fingers a rest and pick up the phone once in a while. If you are the type that hates the way you sound over the phone or feel weird calling people, get over it. Putting face to name helps, but putting voice to name isn't too shabby either. If you see an opportunity to call someone and say hi without seemingly having alterior motives or being a stalker... by all means take it. How many people can you say called you out of the blue to introduce themselves?
3. Go to shows and make yourself available
Again... if it's fame you are achieving, don't hide out in your room and don't hang out with the same group of people every day and night. It's hard for people to meet you if you are insulated with a group of people everywhere you go. And no where else but at shows can you meet 100 new people in such short a time. I prefer to work alone at shows when meeting people and networking. Sure I'll hang out with my friends at night and try to see and talk to everyone I know during the usual 3 days (so many people so little time!) but I also make a point of venturing off both during the day and the evening and introducing myself to anyone and everyone. Not only does it put people at ease and not on the defensive when you are one person approaching them in my opinion, but it will also make it easier for people to remember you. If you are shy this probably seems downright terrifying... but if it's "fame" you are acheiving, then it is a must to meet as many people as possible and to as well make your meeting unique. Talk about something weird... find something mutual that you might have with the other person, etc. It helps jog their (and your) memory for future meetings.
Keep in mind that friendship and fame needs to be nurtured. You can't just network to a point and then just sit back on your laurels and hope that you will be sustained. The face of this industry changes daily.
I hope these tips help you out and not only get you in the door, but help keep you there for years to come.
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LAJ |
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| Thursday, March 10th 2005 10:53:17 AM |
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Seminars at Cybernet Expo As I shift gears here away from the Jamaica YP (yes, it's STILL on my mind) and on over to the San Diego Cybernet Expo, one of my many focuses of putting this late spring show together is formulating the educational agenda to the event for all three days. While this is something that isn't even a consideration for the YP events, it is essentially the part of the very foundation of the Cybernet Expo.
Granted, the networking, the booths, the parties, the dinners, etc. are all a huge part of the show, but it's still the seminars during the day which can set the tone of the show and often times will be how many attendees (and particularly the newer Webmasters) plan out their days every day.
Therefore, putting together an impressive list of seminars, qualified speakers, and proper timing as to what seminar should run and when is critical to the success of Cybernet Expo. After last year's success (and with a few lessons learned) this year's agenda is starting to shape up nicely.
In the interest of allowing for more meal time this year, I have decided to have one fewer seminar per day, I have juggled around the times as to when things should start and end, and as well have figured out a list of the kinds of seminars that in my opinion are not only the most relevant and offer a great variety of topics, but will also capture the most attention at the show given the cross section of people whom I know tend to go to Cybernet Expo AND attend the seminars.
This week I plan to make an announcement industry wide regarding the seminars I have planned for the Cybernet Expo, as well as some of the speakers that are on board early this year. Keep in mind that the list can and will change on a near daily basis, but like practically anything in the adult Internet, it's all a "work in progress."
You may also want to note that TopBucks is once again sponsoring the conference room every day of the show like last year (which screams volumes as to how effective and important the seminars are at Cybernet Expo), and as well we are doing the "prize" sponsorships for individual seminars which proved to be a huge success last year.
While I am getting a press release set up for distribution for tomorrow, I urge everyone reading my blog to visit the seminar page and not only start thinking about attending Cybernet Expo, but also thinking about which seminars they would like to see and if applicable, possibly speak on.
I project we'll have around 750 attendees this year. And considering that we were almost at that number last year, and the busiest seminars saw over 150 people in the audience, a significant portion of attendees go to the seminars!
If you like (or don't like!) what you see or perhaps have questions or comments, please feel free to send me a PM anytime.
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LAJ |
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| Thursday, February 24th 2005 05:59:53 AM |
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Back from Jamaica mon Boy, when I was told you really have to learn to slow down when visiting Jamaica, those in the know weren't kidding. By the end of the YP last week I could feel my usual sprint-like gait slow down to casual shuffle. Not because I was tired mind you, but rather because I had allowed myself to give in to the "no problem mon" attitude of Negril.
Wow were there a lot of great people at this YP! With attendance hovering somewhere in the low 70s, this event for the venue we had it in was the perfect amount of people. A awesome group of Webmasters and industry professionals who "get it" (more on that in a moment). I think the general consensus was that everyone there got an opportunity to meet or talk to everyone else at one point during the 4 day stay. I know that I managed to find the time to talk to every single person there at one point or another during the YP. And all without feeling the stress to do so.
Make no mistake, the YP is not a "business" event, nor should it ever be. The lack of attitude and all the BS left at the door enabled everyone to have a great time and get to let their hair down whether it be cliff jumping, jetskiing, partying extra hard, or simply coming out of their shell. Networking, partying and relaxation happens at the YP... relationships and business opportunities happen as a result.
I have been asked what was my defining moment at the YP and while I had several, I'd have to say that the end of the catamaran cruise sponsored by Lightspeed Cash was mine. I was sitting on the very front corner while the sun was setting on one side of me, the ocean surrounded me on 3 sides, and all the YP attendees were behind me. A peaceful silence blanketed all of us for a few minutes. It was so calming and satisfying.
Back to the part where we are a group of Webmasters who "get it". This was coined by YNOT Bob and Steve Lightspeed, and in all honesty, it's just one of those things where you have to experience a YP... whether it be Mexico OR Jamaica... then you'll know what "it" is.
It is always great to get away for a few days and I think this YP rejuvenated a lot of spirits. Coming home to a pile up of work is always an eye opener, but I think after this particular YP, everything will be no problem, mon.
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 LAJ |
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| Monday, February 14th 2005 10:06:04 AM |
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When it rains it pours Oh boy oh boy oh boy... welcome to my first blog EVER. I'm sure I'll eventually get the hang of this, but please bear with me as I attempt to find my written "voice" again, given that I have taken a back seat to writing articles over the last year.
For now I think I'll focus my blogs on what I know best about the industry including marketing, networking, advertising, company promotions, industry events, personnel, etc. If you come here looking for drama and unsubstantiated rumor you aren't going to find it.
That being said, have you ever noticed that when it rains, it pours in this business? If someone comes up with a good idea (and a seemingly profitable one at that), then a lot of people will eventually jump on the bandwagon and before you know it, that idea will be driven into the ground until the next good idea surfaces. This concept certainly isn't exclusive to the adult space, but we've seen this happen with business models, programs, content, chat board sites, industry events... you name it. This isn't necessarily a bad thing either... it just keeps the movers and shakers on their toes to find the next big thing, and forces everyone to evolve with the times and either innovate or be left behind.
Speaking of industry events (and they have certainly exploded over the last few years)... aside from all us busting ass here on launching the "New YNOT" and that taking priority over everything else, I am presently working on 3 industry events and planning YNOT's involvement in 2 more. How do you focus on 5 industry events much less being the principal organizer for 3 of them? That's a good question and one that I don't want to give too much thought about lest my head explodes... not this week at least! I will say this though... my reputation in this industry for being highly organized and with excellent follow through didn't happen by accident. In fact I often joke that if it wasn't for good follow up, all we'd have is foul up. Henceforth why I'm staying on top of the major events for YNOT for the remainder of 2005.
Anyhow, everyone knows that Webmaster conventions and events are big business in this industry. There is almost always something going on whether it be a regional party on up to a full blown convention. When you talk about attending 4 or more of these events per year you are starting to talk big money. Especially if you choose to distribute or sponsor, or both.
Currently I'm wrapping up organization of the YP 2005 Jamaica event, I'm well into the planning, sales and marketing of the 3rd largest industry event, the Cybernet Expo, and I'm just now establishing dates for the YP 2005 Mexico event for September. Then of course I'm working out final details with YNOT's involvement at the Phoenix Forum as well as getting talks going with AVN for YNOT's involvement at the summer Internext. Am I somewhat exhausted and greatly looking forward to getting away to Jamaica this week and getting that event off my plate? You betcha!
Looking at the big picture, whether you are organizing an event or just taking part in it, it's imperative to get everything knocked out at once and allow for breathing room and last minute fixes later. The last thing you need (and certainly the last thing I need, LOL) is to be sidetracked with other work issues along with tons of last minute fixes. And why would you want to detract from the experience when it's supposed to be fun?Dealing with several industry events so many months in advance might seem excessive to some, but believe me in that you breathe a lot easier in the long run.
I'll have much more to say once I'm back from YP Jamaica with a clearer head and some serious information regarding the Phoenix and San Diego events.
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