YNOT News is proud to bring you our webmaster interview series, In The Spotlight. Through these questions and answers you’ll learn a bit about familiar names in the adult Internet business, how they got started, what they love about the biz, and where they see the adult Web in five years.YNOT News is proud to bring you our webmaster interview series, In The Spotlight. Through these questions and answers you’ll learn a bit about familiar names in the adult Internet business, how they got started, what they love about the biz, and where they see the adult Web in five years. If there’s a particular someone you’d like to know more about, or if you’re interested in doing your own interview, please contact the YNOT News Editor (mailto:editor@ynotnetwork.com).

In The Spotlight: Derek
Web Site: Xamo.com (http://www.xamo.com/)

Derek of Xamo.com is the head of sales and marketing, but that doesn’t really scratch the surface. Derek, like the other Xamo employees, is a jack-of-all-trades. His general duties include maintaining close relations with, and providing a high level of service to all Xamo customers; promoting Xamo Entertainment both online and offlline; maintaining a visible presence on behalf of Xamo Entertainment such as posting on the popular adult Webmaster message boards and chat rooms; writing press releases (as gramatically incorrect as they might be); following through with contacts and bringing new exposure to the company’s products.

According to Derek, Xamo Entertainment’s mission has always been to be the leader in interactive adult game content. Says Derek, “Quantity is not as important as quality to Xamo. Our games are like no other in the market. They are Playstaion 2 quality. I truly believe that is why we are so successful.”

Xamo has offered the world’s first ever multi-player sex games. “Right now,” says Derek, “we have one complete and we have three more in the works. Man talk about fun! We also have the world’s only Fetish, Gay and Cartoon/hentai games with all different interfaces, menus, and content. And finally we just finished a streaming video version of Strip Poker and Strip blackjack. So instead of seeing stills of a girl/boy getting nekkid you will see custom video. Cool eh!”

So how does one get into porn games? Let’s find out….

YNOT: What drew you to the industry?
Derek: Geez, why do I hate this question? I hate to say it but it was the money. But don’t get me wrong — I was a connoisseur of fine porn way before I knew what money could do. I love the porn! What would I do without my Vivid channel? What type of work were you doing, if any, before you started in the biz? I just finished college. I was taking computer classes with a major in Marketing. Then (the boss man) Mike came up to me after kickboxing one day and made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. His exact words were, “Money, computers, video games and porn.” Where do I sign up? (LOL) The rest as they say is history.

YNOT: When did you get your start in the online adult business?
Derek: I have been with Xamo since the inception of the games but Mike had previous experience with making pay sites. So he helped me out tons.

YNOT: What types of sites and/or targeted business did you start with?
Derek: It’s kind of funny. But I really can’t remember my first customer but I’m remembering it was from a message board. We went after anybody that would listen. We stepped on a lot of toes but it was a great learning experience.

YNOT: Where did you begin gathering info about the business?
Derek: Well with our experience with pay sites, we noticed that games were lacking in quality and those lacking in quality were still getting a ton of game plays. So after a long night of partying we decided to grab the bull by the horns and started doing research by looking at popular games. What made them popular, were that they’re fun, addicting, entertaining and they have an adult element.

YNOT: Did you already have friends in the business?
Derek: I didn’t but Mike did. So that helped a lot. Friends are so important in this industry. They really can make or break you. Make as many friends as possible. This biz is based on favors.

YNOT: Give us your thoughts on how easy or difficult it was for you to get started.
Derek: It was harder than we ever thought. We thought we could walk in and take over the game market. Not too hard since there was none. But we were young and cocky … we got a hard taste of reality early on. But we are quick learners and trust me, there is a lot to learn: From ‘net etiquette to how to post on a message board. Oh yeah … try to keep your spam under control. I learned the hard way.

YNOT: Any funny or interesting stories about the business that you’d like to share?
Derek: When my dad saw my internext pics … I think at that point he knew I was up to no good! But he was so supportive. But I find it so funny when I go out to a club and you know people are whispering about you at the club. “Oh, look, there’s Derek the porno guy! What a freak!” Three beers later they are asking me for usernames and passwords to pissing sites. Damn, I don’t even look at that stuff. Who’s the freak now?

YNOT: What changes would you like to see made in the adult Internet industry?
Derek: Less spam and higher quality product. Also, there are too many people turning out a shitty product to make a quick buck.

YNOT: What do you love about the adult Internet industry?
Derek: The people are the best. So cool! I thought everybody would be a big porno pervert but they are just the best people in the world. If the people weren’t so cool I would have left a long time ago. I love how exciting this industry is. Something is always changing so it keeps me on my toes. Plus I get to talk to a lot of hotties. BONUS!

YNOT: What do you dislike?
Derek: Nothing yet … I have my pet peeves but nothing worth mentioning,

YNOT: Where do you see yourself in one year? Five years?
Derek: One year I see myself doubling our current game line up. Three more multi-player games and more specific niches. Games are still Xamo’s main focus but we have moved into more content. So we are on the up and up. In 5 years I see myself relocating to a major center working in the adult industry, Not sure what area, Hmmmm San Diego, eh. YNOTDerek I like the sound of that. (LOL)

YNOT: What are your thoughts on the future of the adult Internet industry?
Derek: I think that the constant demand for new things, technological experiences, and interactivity are going to push the bar and adult companies that harness and develop for these demands will set the pace for the entire industry, extending way beyond the adult market.

YNOT: If you had one bit advice you could offer new Webmasters, what would it be?
Derek: Don’t try to do it all yourself. Pick up a partner; don’t spend all your time and money on development. Remember marketing your product is key. Learn about affiliate programs.