Hollywood, Florida police had their hands full this past weekend with a radar gun in one hand clocking limos to and from Internext parties, and a “gaydar” gun in the other aimed at the entrance door of The Westin Diplomat Hotel.Hollywood, Florida police had their hands full this past weekend with a radar gun in one hand clocking limos to and from Internext parties, and a “gaydar” gun in the other aimed at the entrance door of The Westin Diplomat Hotel. Fortunately for all of us they got the signals crossed and were chasing Mary Kay Cosmetic Caddies the whole time.
This year’s speakers on the gay Webmaster roundtable at Internext were a “who’s who” on the gay Internet market, featuring long-time established Webmasters like Gary-Alan from GA Media Corp., affectionately known as the “Gay Guru” for his knowledge, plus the lovely and talented Karl Edwards from Bedfellow.com. Caryn Goldberg from Specialty Publications could not be there (she probably got caught up running from the paparazzi), so Dustin Tyner from Specialty Publications stood in. His background includes assisting with the creation of the many magazines that allowed all of us Canadians to survive through the long cold winters. Rob Novinger from Channel One Releasing (C1R), who joined with ChiChi LaRue in 1999 (has it been that long?!), was the driving force behind me getting high-speed cable into my home. Morgan Sommer, president and co-founder of Cybersocket Magazine, who just may be North America’s answer to Dame Edna, completed this cream team.
The seminar got started with some brief introductions and then entered into an open session with questions and comments targeting newbie needs. Since there were actually very few newbies in the crowd, the seminar jumped around covering a variety of topics and issues.
Each roundtable discussion for gay Webmasters I have attended in the past seemed to include the same questions but with different results each time. As usual, “Where is the trend of gay content going?” was asked. Karl was quick to mention that, outside of giving handjobs for feeds, producing original content is a good option for smaller Webmasters who are battling to gain a following as opposed to selecting content that is not original and found on other sites. Cost factors also play a part in that a Webmaster may be able to produce his own content, thereby avoiding monthly feeds that may or may not be more expensive. Yet, the battle goes on as Rob added that Webmasters interested in cost savings may be sacrificing quality. Gary-Alan brought us all back to the basics in that it’s the one-on-one critique with clients that will direct a Webmaster, which is the best route to follow.
Karl kept us in tune indicating that if one is not able to offer handjobs, then an overview of the market should be as follows: Always attempt to produce your own content and update it frequently. When it comes to the industry, it has developed more into creating relationships that form bonds as to whom you can or cannot trust. Regarding online advertising, free content, and sign-ups, it’s as simple as “show ‘em enough to get them buying then show them enough to get ‘em off!!!”
By understanding your market you will know your target audience and the best way to keep them is to realize that we are not living in the first days of the Internet. We don’t have time to make mistakes and quality should be the highest on your Web site agenda. If you are starting out, then consider focusing on the niche market since the following will be dedicated members as opposed to the basic Web site where members are not as loyal and are continually searching for higher quality and more readily available content.
Morgan demonstrated his style and corporate ideals by stating that his company is not there to judge anyone, but in a one-on-one situation his company will vent any ideas whether good or bad. “We are there to promote, not to tear them apart,” he stated.
He also added that he sees over 100 new sites added to his network every week, thereby showing a steady growth in the gay market. Drawing upon Cybersocket membership surveys, Morgan stated that 40% of the readers have broadband and the remaining 60% are still on a dial up with still some potential clients on a 14.4 connection, concluding that when developing a Web site it is best to keep your tech aware of the market that you are reaching and not to overdevelop a site to the point that you will not get sign ups simply because of the assumed idea that everyone has broadband. Keep it simple.
Gary-Alan tackled the question regarding the lesbian market, noting it does have a few differences. He suggested that a pictorial of girls on girls be chosen, both shot and developed by a male perspective rather than female. Content for the lesbian community should focus more on the written word rather than gifs and jpgs. He also stood up on the issue of bareback content, stating that at no time should models put themselves at risk and that the gay porn industry as a whole promotes safe sex. Each member of the panel agreed as the audience watching cheered the strong stance.
Rob is one of the few content providers that offer such quality and trust within the gay community. Not only was Rob in agreement with the remainder of the panel, he added a few more insights from one of the best providers this side of the rainbow – you have to have content that is good. Simple as that – it needs to be fun, full of variety and for the Webmaster you need to deal with a company that truly understands what the surfer is looking for.
Dustin noticed that within the gay community there were fewer charge backs than the straight market. This gave way to theorizing that straight men have families and reputations to protect where the gay man may not be as uptight. The most notable comment from Dustin came when asked about those who steal content. “Always turn a negative into a positive! I just turn them into affiliates!! Hell, if they like my stuff that much to steal it, I tell them I will give them a piece of the action and they become affiliates.”
In short, it’s all about content, connections, communications and control that will allow you to survive in the gay market. Content, whether produced by yourself or not, requires quality. Connections within not only the industry but to the end users are necessary in order to understand where we are going so as not to get left behind, leaving your mortgage to be 100% funded by twinks. Communications between the surveys, market leaders, Webmasters and your own clients is essential to keep your head above water – this is no time to be a bottom. Finally, control over your Web site, your content and clients. Lose it anywhere down the line and the house of cards may fall.
In conclusion, there was one final key question that was asked by this reporter for YNOT NEWS, who apparently was the only one with the balls to inquire from each of the roundtable members – “boxers or briefs?” All but one answered boxers although someone not to be named suggested that he would change to briefs if only they belonged to YNOT Bob.
Rob “TheLegacy” is the Director of Marketing for Sexxxycontent.com and can be reached at 416-361-9190 or via ICQ# 102612416.
