SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – There’s no denying the live-cams segment of the adult online industry is thriving. Consequently, live-cam performances have proven both a boon and challenge for revenue-generation. Well-promoted live-cam sessions can bring in significant sums for bona-fide stars, and more than one star-struck newbie broke into the business by starting on a live-cam network.

With the medium accessible to anyone who owns a webcam and new live-cam networks and websites springing up almost daily, though, it’s easier than ever to get lost in the crowd. How can performers and the studios who back them stand out?

Kink.com seems to have come up with one winning solution: By auctioning private live-cam sessions with popular talent, the fetish studio has generated buzz and extraordinary revenue. The company’s trial-run of the auction format in December drew a bid of $42,000 for a one-hour, private BDSM webcam session with Maitresse Madeline, the domme at the top of the DivineBitches.com pecking order.

For an industry that has struggled in recent years, Kink’s innovative plan may offer a glimmer of hope for the future.

Bolstered by the success of its initial, Kink.com’s second auction began Feb. 26 and will continue for three weeks. The prize: a one-hour, private webcam session with Lorelei Lee, director of ElectroSluts.com.

“We want to expand the relationship between the fan and the star,” Lee said. “[Fans] want to worship us, and we want them to worship. But the fantasy doesn’t need to be limited by a play button. We want to interact as much as they do.”

For more information about the auction, visit this page.