HOLLYWOOD, FL — The suitcases have been packed, the banners have been removed, and the trek back home from the 2006 summer Internext has begun in earnest. When the sleep deprivation and alcohol haze recede, attendees of this year’s summer Internext will likely remember good times, good information, and strong warnings that there’s a legal storm brewing and they’d best be thinking about how to weather it.Saturday and Sunday were days of well-attended celebration and lesser populated panels and presentations on serious legal matters.
Having soaked up entirely too much sun with my pasty Pacific Northwest skin while admiring SilverCash bikini contestants and schmoozing, I was revived by a cool shower and thus boarded one of the Top Bucks’ My Big Fat Greek Dinner Party vans – and was glad to have done it. “Upo!” we all shouted as we entered Giorgio’s Grill and were served ouzo directly from the bottle – and entertained by belly dancers, a cascade of branded napkins, a gorgeous view of Florida’s waterfront, lovely industry women, friendly industry men, a splendid array of Greek style meats and appetizers, and plenty more free liquor. TrueCash’s Twinkley made sure that those assembled knew that it was my birthday by having it announced over the loudspeaker, which prompted the ever-attentive Bobby and Woody from Swappernet to bestow two perfect, long-stemmed roses upon the Dark One, herself.
We danced, we sang, we watched the sun go down, we pondered the presence of manatees, we made and reinforced our business friendships, and we returned to the Westin Diplomat, having had a fabulous time.
Those who had eyes for anything other than the bevy of beauties gracing the pool, parties, and social areas enjoyed a spectacular heat lightning storm that lit up the ocean for miles and brought a brief, pleasantly warm rain.
It was a relaxing way to spend a day that had included a variety of business and legal advice offerings, including a powerful special presentation about the wide variety of legal pitfalls that the federal government especially has placed in the way of adult content providers. Attorney J.D. Obenberger, accompanied by an informative slideshow, waxed eloquent on topics to 2257, d2257A, 4472, obscenity, and dealing with inspections – and those were just for starters. Obenberger fielded a large number of questions and ended with a passionate call to arms for the industry, urging those attended to join the Free Speech Coalition and become more proactively involved in defense of the industry and themselves.
The importance of this was driven home the following day during Sunday’s War on Porn panel, the only offering for the day, whose timing was unfortunately mislabeled in the trade book. Moderated by YNOT president Connor Young, the panel discussion featured six industry attorneys and their observations and recommendations. At the very end of the gathering, after Greg Piccionelli, Larry Walters, J.D. Obenberger, Rob Apgood, Jeffrey Douglas, and a pinch-hitter whose name I do not know, offered their advice and insights, Jim Manley, an employee of Ray Guhn, took the microphone and observed that in a convention of this size, the small turn out for this panel was disappointing. Although dealing with fearsome legal matters is certainly not one of the more enjoyable aspects of this industry, it is a chilling reality. Manley gave this reality a face when he explained that the door to his home had been busted in, everything he owned had been taken, he had lost to his daughter, his domains had been sold, his livelihood ruined, and is facing the possibility of 30 years in prison if found guilty of violating RICO statutes as part of a legal battle that includes accusations of prostitution, as well. He urged those assembled to become more active and proactive, while also appealing to the hearts of his fellow industry professionals for financial assistance via RayGuhnDefenseFund.com, which is helping fund those affected’s legal battles, as well as helping them keep bread on their tables.
The panel members supported Manley’s suggestions by urging those involved in the adult industry to join the Free Speech Coalition, and to speak on the record about the huge burden that 2257 regulation has placed upon them and their ability to function professionally and creatively. Douglas pointed out that so far only three people have done so. A pathetic percentage of those affected.
Michele Freridge, exiting executive director of the Free Speech Coalition, also encouraged industry professionals to become involved in the dialogue concerning the development of business standards and practices, something that has traditionally been a sign of professionalism and has contributed to the survival of other industries.
And survive is one of the things those of us dedicated to a long and successful life working in the adult industry want to see. Better yet, if we think and work smart, we can do more than survive. As we’ve already shown by our ability to gather together in lively and festive social solidarity – we can thrive.
Now that’s something to celebrate.
