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Originally Posted by The Heron
9 year old contents probably not worth too much really.... I mean what's the future profit you'll get from it?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tony286
Probably next to nothing and 9 yrs it's paid for itself.
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Lots of good comments in this thread - thanks!
Granted, my equipment and skills are significantly better than 9 years ago (plus I need to re-edit my older content to larger formats - back then video had to be delivered in 1-minute 320x240 clips, and stills were 600 pixels on the long axis).
However, I assure you that people DO still join websites for old photo sets, particularly when it is of a model that they are obsessed with, and they know there will be no future content. I still get sign-ups whenever I add a "missing" set/video from years ago, or when I re-release old content in newer/larger formats.
I presume that everyone is aware of instances when a model becomes famous and then old content surfaces which make a small fortune for the photographer (think Vanessa Williams, Madonna, Miss California, etc). That could be one reason they want the photos suppressed (to avoid being outed).
As for the comments about having a strong pimp hand, yeah, I don't hire crack whores, and I don't deliberately try to degrade models/performers, so I guess I'm not a pimp.
I have removed some content in the past, although in every instance, after receiving a perfunctory thank you, that was it, while I took an action which I know in some cases decreased my sales. I have even removed whole web sites to avoid drama or as a gesture of kindness (my first two solo websites).
On those occasions where I have said NO to removing content, I never heard of any issues for the models involved after that. I should note that the times that I have said no is generally when I have had a few models try to pull the, "I was underage when I shot for you" trick. I find that deeply insulting, since I keep good records and never shoot without signed releases, ID photos/video, etc. To me such threats are practically extortion, and threaten my business and potentially my freedom, and I do not react kindly.
I operate my business legally. I don't try to con models, or misrepresent anything. In my pre-shoot interviews, I ask models about their future plans (what they are studying in school, etc), and I have either talked potential models out of modeling, or at the very least made sure that they understand that adult modeling and performing is not for everyone, because the photos and videos will potentially be out there forever.
As an analogy, I was hit with a DUI almost two years ago (I was stopped for a headlight, otherwise I would never have been stopped in the first place), and I had to pay nearly $2,000 in fines, had my license suspended for several months, did community service for a week, and I will be on probation (or subject to a much more serious punishment) if I get busted on another DUI for years to come.
Oh yes, and my mandatory insurance due to the DUI has caused my insurance premiums to go up hundreds of dollars per year (for several years). The insurance company doesn't care that I quit drinking and haven't had a drink in over a year, my insurance rates will remain high as I continue to pay the price for a mistake I made in my life.
At one time I entertained the idea of entering politics; I was a student body leader and activist back in college, and some of my friends have gone on to prominent political positions. I could try and run, but I realize that it would possibly/probably come out, so I dashed that notion a long time ago, and I deliberately play a support role out of the spotlight for the groups/causes that I support, so that my being in porn does not negatively impact them. Being in adult, even if you are not a model, can have an impact on your future options.
BTW, for those that suggest I am thinking to shake the model down, I have nude pix I shot of one woman when I was an amateur photographer decades ago, who is now a Mayor of a large City. I could release those pix and either make bank or ruin her political career, but I would never do that. We have never had a discussion about those photos either - I guess she just knew that I would never do such a thing, since she knew me quite well.
I have other models that are non-nude/implied nude models whom have had wardrobe malfunctions (nipple slips, etc), or who had me shoot some "private" photos for them, minus any separate paperwork, so that technically I could probably legally release the content and make a lot of money, but that is not how I operate, and I would never do that.
In starting this thread, I was simply trying to see what others might do, since I am sure this or a similar issue has come up for other shooters at one time or another, and it raises some interesting points.
ADG