EDITOR’S LETTER

Cybernet Expo (http://www.cybernetexpo.com) is typically a fairly small show in our industry and really shouldn’t be compared to other larger or regional industry shows, even though Webmasters often do.EDITOR’S LETTER

Cybernet Expo (http://www.cybernetexpo.com) is typically a fairly small show in our industry and really shouldn’t be compared to other larger or regional industry shows, even though Webmasters often do. The vibe is unique, attendance can vary greatly from show to show, and you can either choose to remain part of the group at large, or stay within your own clique. This most recent event in Las Vegas was radically different than the one that preceded it in Montreal six months ago. I personally enjoyed the one in Montreal a little better, largely because I prefer to visit as many new cities as possible (and have personally been to Las Vegas too many times to count… industry related or otherwise). There are other porn friendly cities!

However, I suppose because of the Adult Dex events overlapping those of Cybernet Expo, that this time around holding the event in Las Vegas was mandatory. One major problem with that, though, is that Adult Dex and Cybernet Expo draw in totally different crowds and have very different target audiences (Adult Dex is targeted mainly towards consumers, whereas Cybernet Expo is for Webmasters). The majority of the products and personnel who exhibited on the showfloor for Adult Dex and Cybernet Expo for the most part had very little to offer most adult Webmasters looking to build their businesses, with the exception, perhaps, of finding surfer products to use as upsells on their websites. With only a couple dozen booths present, thoroughly navigating the floor and getting what you needed as a Webmaster literally took less than an hour. Much less if you are the anti-social type. It would really be nice to see more of a division of these two events (if possible) in the future, so that more Webmaster focused personnel and services will want to exhibit at Cybernet Expo in Las Vegas and potentially get a good return in traffic and/or branding and/or ROI (return on investment).

I also noticed a stunning lack of prominent adult companies in attendance this time around, as well as a surprisingly tiny amount of Webmaster resource site operators present to cover the event or at least attend it. Considering that Webmaster resource sites are among some of the most visible online properties for Webmasters (duh!), I’m surprised that YNOT was one of the very few well-known Webmaster resource sites present (If there were several other resource site operators there that I neglected to run in to, I apologize). As well, I noticed that a few sponsors pulled out at the last moment and some people were leaving as early as Friday morning – before the show was even half over. I would say “their loss,” but in this instance we all kind of lose.

Just remember, for what these smaller shows lack in spectacle, numbers and parties, they more than make up for in one on one meetings, productive networking and free time. I always tell Webmasters that all shows are exactly what you make of them… go with an open mind, be available (don’t hide!), have a positive attitude, and a game plan, and you will have a good time, and perhaps accomplish what you set out to do, whether you are sponsoring or simply attending. Speaking of productive networking… at the Tropicana, the best networking essentially took place in three public areas: the hallway outside the showroom extending on up to the bar area about 50 yards away, the hospitality suite sponsored by http://www.lightspeedcash.com and http://www.profitplantation.com with wireless Internet access sponsored by http://www.bigcockcontent.com, and the top floor hospitality suite sponsored by http://www.platinumbucks.com. Thanks tons, folks!

As well, for many, the highlights and best networking opportunities at these events happen during the small intimate dinners. I was fortunate to be invited by Clay and Rand over at http://www.epochsystems.com to dine at Emeril’s over at MGM Grand. The food was exquisite, the company with Epoch and the people from http://www.largecash.com was fantastic, and it all made for a great night.

At any rate, in my opinion the best reasons professionally to attend Cybernet Expo in Las Vegas are for the networking opportunities, some of the Webmaster seminars, and of course for the fun and excitement that Las Vegas has to offer year round. Face to face time is always valuable in this business, and not a common occurrence for most. In addition, by attending shows such as Cybernet Expo, you get to see your industry peers’ true colors (good and bad), as well as getting a sense of who the real and perceived players are and how people match up to their chat board personas, etc. Remember, when people physically SEE you, you suddenly become much more “real,” and that can add to your legitimacy by removing the shield of anonymity. Cybernet Expo has been around for several years, and Fay, Dave, Lee and Alex work hard to keep it going. Attendance is reasonably priced, and the business and social opportunities are certainly there, so make plans to attend these events in the future if you don’t already!

In this week’s issue I would love to thank our reporters who contributed their time and efforts to help cover some of the Webmaster seminars at Cybernet Expo that were sponsored and moderated by the lovely Aly from http://www.python.com (who did an excellent job of helping to keep things lively I might add!)…

Alli from Top Bucks and OneVerify

Kristin from Big Cock Content and Large Cash

Becky from Platinum Bucks and Porno Junkies

Rand from Epoch

I would also like to thank Larry Walters from http://www.firstamendment.com for his very timely monthly legal update and Steven from http://www.snakebabe.com for his coverage of the Adultcon 3 event which took place earlier this month. Be sure to get it all in this issue and thank everyone for sponsoring, hosting and covering the Cybernet Expo. Our industry needs these events! Here are some photos from Julius, Mike and Nikki, respectively, from last week. Enjoy!

http://www.fubarwebmastersadventures.com/vegascybernet…

http://www.sexentertain.com/photos/Cybernet_Expo…

http://feeds.hotwirednet.com/video2/showphotos…

In closing, just a reminder that next week’s YNOTNews will be back to running the regular articles, tutorials and updates, etc., as this issue concludes coverage of some of the major industry events that took place November 2002.

Enjoy this issue, and for those who celebrate it… Happy Thanksgiving! – LAJ

Jay “LAJ” Kopita is the Executive Editor for YNOTNews and the Communications Director for YNOTMasters and can be reached at editor@ynotnews.com and jay@ynotmasters.com.

EDITOR’S LETTER

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