Webmasters, why don't you go to shows anymore??? - Page 4 - GoFuckYourself.com

Gerco · 01-17-2008, 12:40 AM

The shows really don't offer anything anymore. Simple as that. In Vegas people are spending all their time running from one thing to another... the floors all but dried up and it's really just to hard to actually meet someone. I still like the Florida show better, since it's way more relaxed, but again... it's almost impossible to meet anyone. Been doing this now since 1999, been to MANY conventions, but I'm guessing very few of you could even put a face to me.

The only time I really had fun at the vegas convention is the year that Jackie Martling hung out with myself and the Commander during the show... Suddenly we where able to get into every party there was lol. I hooked a few of you up with pictures etc with him... (Juicy)

. But since then not much has been going on.

Things have REALLY changed in the last few years. Back on 2000 you could ask questions if you need help and people actually tried to help. Now, everyone seems to be be afraid they might give some big secret away or something.

Some of the best stuff I ever shot was due to meeting and working with Porno Dan at a Vegas Internex, all because we had scheduled up a shoot with Anton Fury and Rhiannnon. A LOT of good stuff came out of that and some friendships where formed but, I don't see that happening today.

So, it's really hard to justify spending a grand on plane fare, and another grand on Hotel etc (Not to mention thats it's a huge pain to fly anyways) I would rather drive down to Florida from Cincinnati and spend a 3rd of what I would have spent in Vegas, have better weather, Meet the same people, and possibly get some diving in to boot.

If anyone just wants to get together in the Cincinnati area and work out some stuff, I'm all for it. Just Drop me an ICQ at 4009474.

ztik · 01-17-2008, 12:41 AM

I have no reason to goto shows. I can get drunk and party here with friends. Why fly to vegas to do it with people I don't know? Not like the place is full of hot (non content) chicks.

pocketkangaroo · 01-17-2008, 12:44 AM

I'd also add that the perception shows give off on a lot of the boards may also play a part in people not wanting to go. Most of the talk you here about shows is about which parties to go to, who got some cool pics, and what bros bought you dinner/beer. I don't think I've seen a single post or thread about something in business nature coming out of these shows. I haven't seen people talk about something informative they learned at a seminar, or some new product you just had to see. I think if the shows gave off a more professional feel, it may attract more webmasters. For right now, it sometimes comes across as a giant bro circle jerk on which bro bought the next the most beers.

There are a lot of webmasters like me that just don't really need to get into that.

Ross · 01-17-2008, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Socks

Because people crowd around like this and don't let you in!

Ahhhhh! That makes me happy! Hail Hail

venus · 01-17-2008, 01:39 AM

There used to be a time when only a few sites had affilaite programs, then CCBill came out with the turnkey affiliate program and now everyone is a "program owner"

the only people left to join programs are TGP, MPG's and such and the people who dont have sites so all they do is submit to TGP's.

Personally I do not go to shows anymore because they are boring. All it is is everyone trying to give their card away and trying to get you to send your traffic to them...

It used to be a great place to go to see what new content is out and such, but not any more.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gianna_CECash

I was just on another thread and brand0n made a good point - there are way more sales reps and owners then webmasters at shows now a days... What happened to the good old days?? I remember going to internext and it was ALL webmasters... Where are you guys??? why don't you attend the shows anymore???

venus · 01-17-2008, 01:55 AM

a couple of me from AdultDEX 98 , Las Vegas

CyberHustler · 01-17-2008, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by venus

a couple of me from AdultDEX 98 , Las Vegas

Nice tits, show nipples!

Zorgman · 01-17-2008, 02:08 AM

Ibill, hahahahahahahahaah

venus · 01-17-2008, 02:20 AM

thats the other thing about the conventions, all guys and all have cameras and all standing around like 15 yr old schoolboys waiting for a girl to flash her tits. I tell you just as I told everyone else, I dont flash, you want to see, you buy a membership like everyone else - otherwise dont bore me with acting like a highschool kid who has never gotten laid.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyber-Hu$tler

Nice tits, show nipples!

fuzebox · 01-17-2008, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by desus

This is why I had my little infamous "Ghetto Playboy Illegal" Afterparty in the lobby at webmasteraccess. I must have met at least 30 people who were at Webmaster Access but had no tickets to the playboy party. So their friday night was basically sit in their hotel rooms while everyone else partied.

I met about 25 people at that little get together and ended up doing business with at least 5 of them. And all of these guys would fall into the "small, webmaster, one man shop" folder.

That's awesome, I always thought having a convention with the main party being invite only was in pretty bad taste.

SuzzyQ · 01-17-2008, 02:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yngwie

I may have been in this industry for 10 years, but I'm still a small time webmaster so going to shows would be pointless. I'm not whale so I would get ignored. If the shows actually had things that could help/benefit the small to medium webmasters than it would be worth going to.

informative seminars based on different aspects of the industry would be a big plus, but that's not going to happen. All the deals that get made at these shows are between 2 or more big fishes and never any small to medium ones. So it's a complete waste of $ for us small to medium guys/gals.

I've never been to any shows and never will unless they actually become helpful for everyone that attends. Ya, partying is all fun, but that doesn't accomplish anything. People get drunk and make "deals" that they will never do so what the fuck is the point?

Of course, the way this business now is fuck the little guy. Not help him/her to be successful. But, if you're not in the "bro" club you're shit out of luck. Don't we help each other anymore? Then we wonder why so many people do no so legal things in order to make $.

That pretty much sums it up for both of us. The BF/future husband and I have a few sites and we send a few sales a day.

We went to 1 show years ago and it was a "bro" fest. We felt so out of place that we never went again. Since we are not sending 10,20,50 joins a day, we were treated like we don't exist by most of the reps. We felt VERY unwelcomed.

It had nothing to do with the economics of going. For us, it came down to feeling like we did not belong. Im sure other webmaster feel the same way after attending a show.

We will never go again.. Even if a show is in NYC, We will never go... And both of us work in NYC.

Sands · 01-17-2008, 02:49 AM

I've yet to attend a show or convention due to budget restraints and also because I haven't been active in the online adult industry for very long. However, I am sincerely looking forward to attending my first event. I don't drink, and I usually enjoy a more laid back setting rather than an "off the hook" party with hookers, devil's dandruff, and people talking 125 decibels too loud while standing about 3 inches away from each other.

I would very much like to meet all of my clients, past and present, to shake their hands, to thank them for their business, and to get to know them better. More importantly, though, I think that attending a show would be a great show of dedication to my role in the online adult industry... that it would somehow prove, at least in some small way, that I'm not a fly-by-night character, that I'm quite serious about the work that I do, and that I'm one of the sexiest fatties in North America.

Keep an eye out for me. I'll be the one throwing handfuls of my business cards into the air and dancing as they shower down around me.

SuzzyQ · 01-17-2008, 02:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yngwie

I may have been in this industry for 10 years, but I'm still a small time webmaster so going to shows would be pointless. I'm not whale so I would get ignored.

Of course, the way this business now is fuck the little guy. Not help him/her to be successful. But, if you're not in the "bro" club you're shit out of luck. Don't we help each other anymore? Then we wonder why so many people do no so legal things in order to make $.

DING! DING! DING!... Thats EXACTLY how we feel and how we were treated at the only show we attended.

If your not a 'bro', sending 50 joins a day, or have a zillion hits a day, you don't exist.

Both of us have tried to network with other webmasters only to be given the cold shoulder because we dont have a zillion hits to trade or anything.

Gianna_CECash · 01-17-2008, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kelli58

How do you find them? There are a ton of noob threads on this board. Start with that. Help them out. REALLY help them and you would be surprised how amazingly loyal those people will be. Your help may not always pay off but with some it will and those are the ones that will be extremely loyal and some of them will one day have decent traffic.

The things I think the bigger companies need to focus on is spending less time on coming up with new hosted galleries or whatever and spend more time on education. Teach your noob webmasters how to be successful, REALLY provide them tips and advice.

They can then take what you've taught them to improve the quality of the site and the amount of traffic they get. They will appreciate your efforts and hopefully pay you back in kind by sending your program their new found traffic and hopefully if you helped them enough, new found 'higher quality' traffic.

About how going around the country and offering seminars in 5 or so major cities that will -- get this -- not promote your affiliate program but actually provide quality advice on how the people attending your seminars can improve the quality of their website and get more traffic. Bring with you 2 or 3 hot "booth babes" as if you were at a show and make sure they all have your company logo on their shirts but minus that one tiny promo, really really really really really focus on teaching these people something.

Now that would be money well spent. I think a company would get far more business out of those kind of things than by spending the money they do as shows like AEE. If you factor in the cost of a booth, the money for each employee to attend, the cost of models, rooms for everyone and then a party suite which in some cases can run $5,000 to $10,000 per night .... then yes .... it's just not worth it.

Anyway I've completely gotten off subject here. If you want to find webmasters that need your help a) look on this board and dig up all the posts in the last 6 months with people who ask questions like "I'm about to start my first blog and ........." and b) go through your own program and find webmasters who have signed up and have really low traffic. Go through their websites and if you see they suck, help them. Invite them to your private classes, etc.

You give great advice

and hopefully enough affiliate owners will see this thread? who knows, this can be the beginning of some positive changes...

Peaches · 01-17-2008, 11:28 AM

I love Vegas. I've been IN Vegas during every Internext show since 1999 except last year. But attending "the events" and walking around getting free pens at the booths isn't important to me personally. The problem with being able to talk to 10 of the "big guys" at shows is that you also have to be friendly to a thousand of the assholes you'd rather not have to deal with, lol.

EVERYONE should go to a big show at least once or twice just to meet and greet. But there's a certain point where you just don't need to. Most of the program owners stay in offsite hotels, have their own private parties and I daresay most of them don't attend the overcrowded free pour booze fests - if they do, it's usually for less than an hour.

I can talk with any of the "big guys" 12clicks mentioned w/o going to a show. Heck, I think anyone can. I've seen them all post here and other places and answer any question they've been asked. In fact, you probably have MORE access to them online than you do when you're competing with 100 other folks for their attention.

Shows remind me of frat parties - fun for your freshman and sophomore year year, but once you're a senior, they start to lose their charm.

baddog · 01-17-2008, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pocketkangaroo

I don't think I've seen a single post or thread about something in business nature coming out of these shows.

Here ya go:

I found a connection, at a great price, for a friend on mine that needed a DRM solution.

I hooked up a friend with someone that sold erotic/fetish clothing. Said friend then introduced me to a friend of hers that is interested in a couple things we offer.

I was able to make arrangements with four sponsor programs to enable me to plan some major changes for my AVS system.

I always get additional users to PRadult after every convention.

I was able to discuss in detail what I can do for a couple people that were looking at our hosting solution.

That enough biz for three days?

RedShoe · 01-17-2008, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baddog

Never. I am never really sure if you are looking for more work or not, so my comments may or may not apply to you.

They do man, I'm just letting you know you kicked me in the virtual ass. And you're right.

This could be the year... I come out.

RogerV · 01-17-2008, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fuzebox

Where's the incentive? I go to shows because I like to party and I can afford to go, but there is no business to be done for me. As an affiliate any information I need is right here on GFY, the last thing I need is a few hundred reps handing me business cards and telling me I should switch all my links to their program and they can hook me up with a super special $30 payout if I can send 200 sales a week.

Also a lot of the affiliates from "back in the day" have started their own programs and hired on new people, so those people are still going to shows, just not the newer webmasters.

When you factor in the lack of value of a show for a full-time webmaster nowadays (no companies doing big sponsored thank you dinners, lack of open bar at parties, no cool events like gameworks), the real question is "why should we go"

Very interesting. Even when I did all those things webmasters still didnt send traffic.
but like you said most biz is done online now. tons of programs out there doing great who have never attended a show or ever sponsored anything webmasters dont care. times have changed i do agree.

baddog · 01-17-2008, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedShoe

They do man, I'm just letting you know you kicked me in the virtual ass. And you're right.

This could be the year... I come out.

Contrary to the assertions of the naysayers, there is biz to be done. Hell, give me a percentage of your revenues and you can stay home and I will take care of the promotions if you are too shy.

Jennyfer · 01-17-2008, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SleazyDream

i know that's why I stopped going...

that and time..... dealing with a couple real estate projects right now and can't get away.

after attending over 50 shows I need a little break too, will start up the circuit again soon though

You should start with Costa Rica Bash

We had a good time dancing

01-17-2008, 02:38 PM

very interesting reading material indeed.

Maqua · 01-17-2008, 02:50 PM

Way back when 9+ years back the shows were targeted, directed and made for webmasters.

They were even called webmaster events, we went to meet up with friends and to meet the sponsors who welcomed us with open arms.

At that time it did not matter if we sent them 1 sale a month or 500 we were important to them.

Sure the big guys grouped together and had their parties but they made a point to make us feel welcomed and important, the events they threw the whole weekend to show the webmaster their appreciation were huge and made the weekend feel worth while.

At that time the sponsors main goal of sponsoring the event was us the little guys and they wanted our business and worked hard for it

Anthony · 01-17-2008, 04:27 PM

I did 90% of all my business that I planned in the first 3 hours being there, while everyone was lucid and sober.

Going to the parties helped meeting new people. In turn seeing them the next day was easier to talk business.

I was able to actually enjoy myself at all of the suite parties, with the exception of two, were open to the public.

How you spend your time at a show equates to it's productivity. I've done the hookers and blow at a show, get drunk off your ass. Back in the late 90's. Now it's all about ROI. Your business, at the end of the day.

Kevsh · 01-17-2008, 04:42 PM

A lot of very true points here and so many are true, so clearly there are a LOT of issues affecting the decision not to attend.

For me personally, I did see the clique element and only after a few shows did anyone I didn't already know act evenly mildly interested in talking (business or not). It wasn't that they had attitude, it was almost like they didn't know what to do. Clearly a lot of reps are not really going to shows to do business and/or they aren't skilled in how to interact with others.

Those that are, seem to stand out as they are out there working and not just talking about "what party are you going to tonight?"

LAJ · 01-17-2008, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuzzyQ

DING! DING! DING!... Thats EXACTLY how we feel and how we were treated at the only show we attended.

If your not a 'bro', sending 50 joins a day, or have a zillion hits a day, you don't exist.

Both of us have tried to network with other webmasters only to be given the cold shoulder because we dont have a zillion hits to trade or anything.

Come to Cybernet Expo San Fran... seriously

Hit me up with any questions.

GTS Mark · 01-17-2008, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pr0

you guys are all just anti-social

i have a blast at shows & meet tons of new people....close tons of deals

free dinners/hookers/shooting range/helicopters/jet fighters......all on the companies comp cards

why not fucking go?

LOL! I think we were seperated at birth. I agree with Pr0, there is lots of business out there you just have to go out and get it. You can't expect that it will just come to you...

We had a great time at the show, got quite a bit of business done (trying to follow up with most of it now).

Everyone has the right to an opinion, but i have done very well with shows in the past and have built my business to this point by connections and relationships I made at them. Just my 2 cents anyways...

C H R I S · 01-17-2008, 11:33 PM

This thread delivers!

Seriously, I have been looking at solutions to this for the past two years. The dwindling number of "new" and or established webmasters attending "shows" has been a major concern for us as it has effected our shows tremendously over the past 2 years. We made major adjustments and evolved the show each year in hopes of staving off this decline. I think this Internext turned it around - alot - but there is more work to do.

I have some great ideas that I have brought to sponsors, exhibitors and advertisers (some of which have been implemented, some in progress) to bring in new webmasters and potentially the ones who just dont come.

I think there are three types of webmasters -

Those that attend.

Ones that will NEVER come.

Ones that can't come because of cost limitations or any number of reasons.

We cant do much about the second group - but the third is a great variable that can be changed.

When I meet webmasters at shows, and I met many new faces in Vegas this week - I take the time to get feedback and see what we can do to serve them better. I welcome comments, feedback, good or bad.

Bottom line - there are a multitude of shows (probably more than we need), gatherings and events to choose from. They are here because the sponsors want to do more business and meet new webmasters and entertain current ones.

I will do my part to bring in more - stay tuned at Miami and Internext Vegas 2009.

Paul Markham · 01-18-2008, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gramma

Someone hosted some small localized gatherings a few years back - CE was there in Chicago - lots of GOOD networking with fewer people - which is what the Phoenix Gathering started out being.

Another board is doing a small get together in the UK I will bet money it will have a better ROI than Vegas. The reason most don't go is it's not worth it for them. Even the parties aren't worth it any more. But I never was much on the parties.

baddog · 01-18-2008, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevsh

It wasn't that they had attitude, it was almost like they didn't know what to do.

Comes with the territory. People that spend their lives behind a monitor may find it difficult to interact in real life. May explain the drinking.

c0ld · 01-18-2008, 03:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcpent

Best response in thread. Cheers to you and the well thought out response. You are definitely the kind of person we would like on our team.

Would you trust someone who doesn't have alot of sites (and probably potential) with tickets? I think programs only give tickets to people they know will convert..

12clicks · 01-18-2008, 06:46 AM

this nonsense about not cliques and not being able to talk to people at shows is silly.
Perfect example. I'm in an elevator with a guy, he's got a badge on. I say to him, "what do you do in our business?"
He replies with,"I'm a free site operator"
I say,"wow, you're a rare breed. What type of sites?"
The conversation continued.

I really don't think we can take the word of a handful of recluses on how easy or difficult it is to meet people at shows.
I good number of the people in this thread are merely trying to justify their poor decision of not attending.
I meet new people and expand my business every show.

Dollarmansteve · 01-18-2008, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pocketkangaroo

I'd also add that the perception shows give off on a lot of the boards may also play a part in people not wanting to go. Most of the talk you here about shows is about which parties to go to, who got some cool pics, and what bros bought you dinner/beer. I don't think I've seen a single post or thread about something in business nature coming out of these shows. I haven't seen people talk about something informative they learned at a seminar, or some new product you just had to see. I think if the shows gave off a more professional feel, it may attract more webmasters. For right now, it sometimes comes across as a giant bro circle jerk on which bro bought the next the most beers.

There are a lot of webmasters like me that just don't really need to get into that.

If you honestly think that's what the show is about - then that's too bad. REAL business gets done at shows.. not small time 1-2 joins a day kind of stuff (that does happen all the time though.. lots of traffic deals to be had), but real business involving millions and millions of dollars.

Wanna meet the owners of say.. ohhh, nasty dollars? orrr python? orr <insert giant company here>, then you'll only ever do it at a show.

Sure, there are people who go to shows and get nothing done and party all night and sleep in all day, but to each his own. You can get as much or as little as you want from a show.

Anyone who's view of the industry is so small to think that it's about "bros" (a term made up by a bunch of small time board trolls as far as I can tell) buying eachother drinks... well.. not everyone is destined to do something big, I guess.

kacy · 01-18-2008, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarolCox

Hanging out at the NatNet suite with SweetT and the boys was always fun and relaxing. Those were fun times.

carol xoxoxo

Yep, good times

Miss hanging out with you guys!
This was the first Vegas show I missed in 10 years, crazy..

Nardimus · 01-21-2008, 05:09 PM

shows are worthless events for program managers to look cool in fubar's galleries.

fuzebox · 01-22-2008, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 12clicks

Perfect example. I'm in an elevator with a guy, he's got a badge on. I say to him, "what do you do in our business?"
He replies with,"I'm a free site operator"
I say,"wow, you're a rare breed. What type of sites?"
The conversation continued.

That is a good example. I can't say if I got any "real" business done at any shows this year, but I did meet a ton of people from all sorts of diverse parts of the industry, in turn building a network of contacts that will be useful for me in the future.

RyuLion · 01-22-2008, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xmas13

The show itself is the business.

$$$$$

you can say that.
Its good to see peeps face to face, but that's all..unless you're going to be doing meetings all throught the day with different clients..and try to stay sober

RyuLion · 01-22-2008, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fuzebox

That is a good example. I can't say if I got any "real" business done at any shows this year, but I did meet a ton of people from all sorts of diverse parts of the industry, in turn building a network of contacts that will be useful for me in the future.

I forgot to tell you where to send all your traffic to..

Kelli58 · 01-22-2008, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yngwie

I may have been in this industry for 10 years, but I'm still a small time webmaster so going to shows would be pointless. I'm not whale so I would get ignored. If the shows actually had things that could help/benefit the small to medium webmasters than it would be worth going to.

informative seminars based on different aspects of the industry would be a big plus, but that's not going to happen. All the deals that get made at these shows are between 2 or more big fishes and never any small to medium ones. So it's a complete waste of $ for us small to medium guys/gals.

I've never been to any shows and never will unless they actually become helpful for everyone that attends. Ya, partying is all fun, but that doesn't accomplish anything. People get drunk and make "deals" that they will never do so what the fuck is the point?

Of course, the way this business now is fuck the little guy. Not help him/her to be successful. But, if you're not in the "bro" club you're shit out of luck. Don't we help each other anymore? Then we wonder why so many people do no so legal things in order to make $.

Great words, worth repeating. Sadly those who need to hear them won't. But you did nail it on the head.

polish_aristocrat · 08-07-2008, 06:49 AM

good thread

CaptainHowdy · 08-07-2008, 07:04 AM

I think they don't go anymore because they've realised all the afilliate manager flirting was a lie ...

Nikki_Licks · 08-07-2008, 07:59 AM

I think attending a show or two a year is a good thing. We attend shows to meet new and existing program owners. I think it is somewhat of a bonding/get to know you type of scenario. Shows are a getaway for us, along with the fact we can see our current friends and business associates that live to far away to visit.
I don’t think we have ever been treated poorly at any show. The people we have had the privilege to meet have been very friendly and helpful.

The costs may be a bit pricey, but what isn't? Get out, live and enjoy meeting new faces.

01-17-2008, 12:40 AM	#151
Gerco Confirmed User Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 2,052	The shows really don't offer anything anymore. Simple as that. In Vegas people are spending all their time running from one thing to another... the floors all but dried up and it's really just to hard to actually meet someone. I still like the Florida show better, since it's way more relaxed, but again... it's almost impossible to meet anyone. Been doing this now since 1999, been to MANY conventions, but I'm guessing very few of you could even put a face to me. The only time I really had fun at the vegas convention is the year that Jackie Martling hung out with myself and the Commander during the show... Suddenly we where able to get into every party there was lol. I hooked a few of you up with pictures etc with him... (Juicy) . But since then not much has been going on. Things have REALLY changed in the last few years. Back on 2000 you could ask questions if you need help and people actually tried to help. Now, everyone seems to be be afraid they might give some big secret away or something. Some of the best stuff I ever shot was due to meeting and working with Porno Dan at a Vegas Internex, all because we had scheduled up a shoot with Anton Fury and Rhiannnon. A LOT of good stuff came out of that and some friendships where formed but, I don't see that happening today. So, it's really hard to justify spending a grand on plane fare, and another grand on Hotel etc (Not to mention thats it's a huge pain to fly anyways) I would rather drive down to Florida from Cincinnati and spend a 3rd of what I would have spent in Vegas, have better weather, Meet the same people, and possibly get some diving in to boot. If anyone just wants to get together in the Cincinnati area and work out some stuff, I'm all for it. Just Drop me an ICQ at 4009474. __________________ Http://www.extremehole.com ** CLOSED ** 400 HOURS of exclusive custom extreme content, already on external HD in Raw DV ready to encode. over 150,000 exclusive images and more.

01-17-2008, 12:41 AM	#152
ztik Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Nomad Posts: 5,196	I have no reason to goto shows. I can get drunk and party here with friends. Why fly to vegas to do it with people I don't know? Not like the place is full of hot (non content) chicks. __________________ .

01-17-2008, 01:55 AM	#156
venus Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Phoenix, Az Posts: 3,112	a couple of me from AdultDEX 98 , Las Vegas __________________ Muscle/Fitness Adult Affiliate Program Since 1997 www.venuscash.com

01-17-2008, 02:08 AM	#158
Zorgman Confirmed User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 6,103	Ibill, hahahahahahahahaah __________________ ---

01-17-2008, 02:50 PM	#172
Maqua E.M.O Industry Role: Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Possum Lodge Posts: 2,028	Way back when 9+ years back the shows were targeted, directed and made for webmasters. They were even called webmaster events, we went to meet up with friends and to meet the sponsors who welcomed us with open arms. At that time it did not matter if we sent them 1 sale a month or 500 we were important to them. Sure the big guys grouped together and had their parties but they made a point to make us feel welcomed and important, the events they threw the whole weekend to show the webmaster their appreciation were huge and made the weekend feel worth while. At that time the sponsors main goal of sponsoring the event was us the little guys and they wanted our business and worked hard for it __________________ T.G.D *Two Guys Domains, In business since 1997, lets make$$ EMO Domains, your one stop shop for premium and expired domains!! Twitter @maquaed* or Email maqua @ tgtld.ca, Keep your stick on the ice!!

01-17-2008, 12:44 AM	#153
pocketkangaroo Confirmed User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 8,452	I'd also add that the perception shows give off on a lot of the boards may also play a part in people not wanting to go. Most of the talk you here about shows is about which parties to go to, who got some cool pics, and what bros bought you dinner/beer. I don't think I've seen a single post or thread about something in business nature coming out of these shows. I haven't seen people talk about something informative they learned at a seminar, or some new product you just had to see. I think if the shows gave off a more professional feel, it may attract more webmasters. For right now, it sometimes comes across as a giant bro circle jerk on which bro bought the next the most beers. There are a lot of webmasters like me that just don't really need to get into that.

01-17-2008, 02:49 AM	#162
Sands Confirmed User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: 418194907 Posts: 3,134	I've yet to attend a show or convention due to budget restraints and also because I haven't been active in the online adult industry for very long. However, I am sincerely looking forward to attending my first event. I don't drink, and I usually enjoy a more laid back setting rather than an "off the hook" party with hookers, devil's dandruff, and people talking 125 decibels too loud while standing about 3 inches away from each other. I would very much like to meet all of my clients, past and present, to shake their hands, to thank them for their business, and to get to know them better. More importantly, though, I think that attending a show would be a great show of dedication to my role in the online adult industry... that it would somehow prove, at least in some small way, that I'm not a fly-by-night character, that I'm quite serious about the work that I do, and that I'm one of the sexiest fatties in North America. Keep an eye out for me. I'll be the one throwing handfuls of my business cards into the air and dancing as they shower down around me.

01-17-2008, 11:28 AM	#165
Peaches Old broad Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Away Posts: 13,933	I love Vegas. I've been IN Vegas during every Internext show since 1999 except last year. But attending "the events" and walking around getting free pens at the booths isn't important to me personally. The problem with being able to talk to 10 of the "big guys" at shows is that you also have to be friendly to a thousand of the assholes you'd rather not have to deal with, lol. EVERYONE should go to a big show at least once or twice just to meet and greet. But there's a certain point where you just don't need to. Most of the program owners stay in offsite hotels, have their own private parties and I daresay most of them don't attend the overcrowded free pour booze fests - if they do, it's usually for less than an hour. I can talk with any of the "big guys" 12clicks mentioned w/o going to a show. Heck, I think anyone can. I've seen them all post here and other places and answer any question they've been asked. In fact, you probably have MORE access to them online than you do when you're competing with 100 other folks for their attention. Shows remind me of frat parties - fun for your freshman and sophomore year year, but once you're a senior, they start to lose their charm.

01-17-2008, 02:38 PM	#171
ThumbLord Guest Posts: n/a	very interesting reading material indeed.

01-17-2008, 04:27 PM	#173
Anthony Keyboard Warrior Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: One of the outer rings of Hell Posts: 9,653	I did 90% of all my business that I planned in the first 3 hours being there, while everyone was lucid and sober. Going to the parties helped meeting new people. In turn seeing them the next day was easier to talk business. I was able to actually enjoy myself at all of the suite parties, with the exception of two, were open to the public. How you spend your time at a show equates to it's productivity. I've done the hookers and blow at a show, get drunk off your ass. Back in the late 90's. Now it's all about ROI. Your business, at the end of the day. __________________

01-17-2008, 04:42 PM	#174
Kevsh Confirmed User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: TO Posts: 8,619	A lot of very true points here and so many are true, so clearly there are a LOT of issues affecting the decision not to attend. For me personally, I did see the clique element and only after a few shows did anyone I didn't already know act evenly mildly interested in talking (business or not). It wasn't that they had attitude, it was almost like they didn't know what to do. Clearly a lot of reps are not really going to shows to do business and/or they aren't skilled in how to interact with others. Those that are, seem to stand out as they are out there working and not just talking about "what party are you going to tonight?"

01-17-2008, 11:33 PM	#177
C H R I S Too lazy to set a custom title Industry Role: Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Marina Del Rey Posts: 10,845	This thread delivers! Seriously, I have been looking at solutions to this for the past two years. The dwindling number of "new" and or established webmasters attending "shows" has been a major concern for us as it has effected our shows tremendously over the past 2 years. We made major adjustments and evolved the show each year in hopes of staving off this decline. I think this Internext turned it around - alot - but there is more work to do. I have some great ideas that I have brought to sponsors, exhibitors and advertisers (some of which have been implemented, some in progress) to bring in new webmasters and potentially the ones who just dont come. I think there are three types of webmasters - Those that attend. Ones that will NEVER come. Ones that can't come because of cost limitations or any number of reasons. We cant do much about the second group - but the third is a great variable that can be changed. When I meet webmasters at shows, and I met many new faces in Vegas this week - I take the time to get feedback and see what we can do to serve them better. I welcome comments, feedback, good or bad. Bottom line - there are a multitude of shows (probably more than we need), gatherings and events to choose from. They are here because the sponsors want to do more business and meet new webmasters and entertain current ones. I will do my part to bring in more - stay tuned at Miami and Internext Vegas 2009. __________________ C H R I S Retired Porn Veteran BH4L

01-18-2008, 06:46 AM	#181
12clicks Too lazy to set a custom title Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: God's right hand Posts: 19,779	this nonsense about not cliques and not being able to talk to people at shows is silly. Perfect example. I'm in an elevator with a guy, he's got a badge on. I say to him, "what do you do in our business?" He replies with,"I'm a free site operator" I say,"wow, you're a rare breed. What type of sites?" The conversation continued. I really don't think we can take the word of a handful of recluses on how easy or difficult it is to meet people at shows. I good number of the people in this thread are merely trying to justify their poor decision of not attending. I meet new people and expand my business every show. __________________ I'm not a dinosaur, I'm a crocodile. I've seen dinosaurs come and go and I'm left unimpressed.

01-21-2008, 05:09 PM	#184
Nardimus Confirmed User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Seattle Posts: 418	shows are worthless events for program managers to look cool in fubar's galleries.

08-07-2008, 06:49 AM	#189
polish_aristocrat Too lazy to set a custom title Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 40,377	good thread __________________ I don't use ICQ anymore.

08-07-2008, 07:04 AM	#190
CaptainHowdy Too lazy to set a custom title Industry Role: Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Happy in the dark. Posts: 92,977	I think they don't go anymore because they've realised all the afilliate manager flirting was a lie ... __________________ FLASH SALE INSANITY! deal with a 100% Trusted Seller Buy Traffic Spots on a High-Quality Network 1 Year or Lifetime — That’s Right, Until the Internet Explodes!

08-07-2008, 07:59 AM	#191
Nikki_Licks Confirmed User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Behind The Lens Posts: 6,323	I think attending a show or two a year is a good thing. We attend shows to meet new and existing program owners. I think it is somewhat of a bonding/get to know you type of scenario. Shows are a getaway for us, along with the fact we can see our current friends and business associates that live to far away to visit. I don’t think we have ever been treated poorly at any show. The people we have had the privilege to meet have been very friendly and helpful. The costs may be a bit pricey, but what isn't? Get out, live and enjoy meeting new faces. __________________ Amateur Content ICQ: 292 356 077