Guest Blog: Marie Madison
“What to do When the Porn You’re Buying Sucks”
A Blog by Marie Madison
In my on going attempt to stay somewhat “tuned in” to the Porn World, I visit quite a few fan pages and message boards and there’s a common thread among the threads and it is: porn sort of sucks these days.
Most of the participants of these kinds of discussions typically muse about the myriad of reasons why, but I disagree with the notion itself. This week, I offer my “Top 5 Things To Do When The Porn You’re Buying Sucks.”
1. Stop Buying It
Don’t misunderstand. I’m not suggesting instead you steal it by participating in tube sites and torrents. I’m saying vote with your wallet. If you’ve grown tired of the same old crap being put in front of you, stop buying it. Cancel your subscription, put your credit card back in your pocket.
As a producer, many times the only indication I have as to the popularity of a title or a line, is how many copies are sold, rented, viewed, downloaded, etc. If a title moves a lot of copies, it’s got an automatic green light for a sequel. So, if you’ve been buying from your favorite director or studio hoping that somehow they’ll “figure it out” and start giving you more or less of whatever you like, you’re sending the wrong message.
I read it all the time. “Why did so-and-so stop doing this?” or “Why doesn’t Mr. Director do this or that?” Every single time, Mr. Director’s response is “Well, it keeps selling, so you must be the only one who doesn’t like it.” If you want to let porn studios and producers know you’re not happy, you have to stop buying it. Everyone knows “money talks”–well, it works both ways.
2. Get Specific With Your Search Engine
So you get down to thoughts of MILFs with Big Butts and Little Tits who like to wear pink t-shirts and wear purple leg warmers with cotton panties? Yeah…me, too. Try typing it into your favorite search engine. Get real, real specific. And not just with the look, but with the action of the scene too, since that’s the point. Want your MILF with Purple Leg Warmers doing an ATM? You might be surprised at what you find.
The Internet has become the main point of distribution for millions of solo girls, web amateurs and couples who have been making dirty movies for a lot of years. Millions. Just because you don’t see them covered in the ‘Porn Press’ doesn’t mean they don’t exist. But, they aren’t going to come to you. You have to look for them, and when you find them…
3. Support The People Making What You Like
Most Web Amateurs don’t have the resources to have the technical infrastructure and online distribution enjoyed by the mainstream companies. It might mean paying a little more for a DVD, and if what you like is really obscure, it might mean sending a money order in the mail. But the payoff of finding “good porn” is worth it.
For most of these Web Amateurs and Indie Producers, you’re dealing with maybe one or two people who pay their rent selling clips and cam shows and believe me, they’ll appreciate your business. You might be surprised at how professional and easy to deal with most of them are.
I’m not going to ignore the fact that when you go to the web for niche content, you are typically not going to receive the same technical quality as the “mainstream”, but again…money talks and you might be surprised at what smaller producers are capable of with a few more loyal customers.
4. Demand It Where You Shop
Look, I’m not suggesting you abandon your favorite smut shop. There are good reasons why you shop there–the convenience, the staff and the service. All things you shouldn’t have to sacrifice in your quest for quality porn. But understand that if you didn’t know about this Indie Producer or Solo Girl, then your favorite store hasn’t heard of them either. Write an email (or a hundred) or talk to the store manager. Let them know what you’re looking for and let them do their job in supplying it to you.
When I began in the adult industry over 10 years ago, I started by supplying single copies of my movies to video stores who were filling custom orders. Someone went in and asked for it, and said, “Call Marie Madison.”
5. And, if all else fails…Go Custom
If your tastes are so specific that you can’t find it from a web producer, then you have the option of a “custom video”. Understand, you are asking the model or producer to make something specifically for you, so you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $1000 or more for the pleasure of getting exactly what you want. But for many, having your exact fantasy played out on video (right down to the outfits and dialog) is a pretty big thrill and worth the price tag.
Many adult stars offer “custom video productions” and there are tons and tons of web amateurs who offer it as well. So if you’re going to go this route, do some research and really look around to make sure you get exactly what you want.
If you put in a little bit of effort, porn can not only be good again, but actually a little bit of an adventure to seek out. And who doesn’t love an adventure that ends with a cum shot?
-Maddy
