Expert: Jim Boyd - 11/12/2007

Question
whats up Jim,

My question is about starting an adult website. I've been doing research on a daily basis but I need some clarification on certain things.  First of all i live in Cleveland Ohio from a legal aspect does that hinder my ability to have an adult website?  Secondly, i see that you have experience designing websites,  what do you suggest a person that has never designed a website do? I have observed sites that are similar to what I envision but I lack the technical know how.  Lastly, what type of equipment (type of camera, software) will I need. I know I'm asking alot but i appreciate your time and insight. Oh yeah, I plan on going to the AVN's in January to network, I'm not sure if you'll be there but it would be cool to talk to someone face to face that has experience in the industry.

Answer
Hi Christopher,

You have several questions her so I will address them in order.

Q:   First of all I live in Cleveland Ohio from a legal aspect does that hinder my ability to have an adult website?

A:   While it is not against the law to own and operate an Adult site from Ohio, you CAN NOT produce Adult material there. The ONLY place in the U.S. where it is legal to produce Adult material (film and photographs) is the State of California. So, unless you plan on traveling to California to produce ALL of your content, you will have some serious legal issues. Attempting to produce Adult material in Ohio could land you behind bars on charges related to prostitution and pandering.

Also you want to remember the Federal Laws that relate to Adult Material. Specifically USC Title 18 Section 2257 and CFR Title 28 Part 75. These laws apply to ALL Adult Material and compliance is absolutely mandatory. Failure to comply with these laws will get you up to 5 years in prison.


Q:  What do you suggest a person that has never designed a website do?

A:   HIRE SOME ONE WITH EXPERIENCE! There is much more to developing a successful website than you realize and it goes way beyond the mechanics of site building. You simply can’t build a site, drop it on a server and expect it to make money.

Nearly ALL of the Adult Sites that fail, do so as a result of poor marketing. You can build a site that is perfect in every way, but if you don’t know how to properly market it…..it WILL fail. I would suggest you find a design company that offers marketing assistance to its beginner clients.

Q:  Lastly, what type of equipment (type of camera, software) will I need?


A: Good equipment is expensive, but is absolutely necessary if you plan to produce a quality product. My company uses the  Panasonic AJ-HPX2000 ($30k retail) for Video Production, and the Nikon D2x ($3,500 retail) for still photos.

Software is also very important to producing a quality product. Adobe Photoshop ($700 retail)  is pretty much a standard for editing still photographs, and Adobe Premier ($800 retail) is a good starting point for Video editing.

On a final note: You need to understand that venturing into the any Adult business is going to require a sizable investment of both time and money. You also should be aware that this IS NOT the easy/quick money business that many people think it is. You shouldn’t plan on seeing any kind of profit for the first couple of years.

As for the AVNs, I most certainly will be there along with several members of my production crew, and 4 of our favorite female performers. In addition I am also bringing along 2 brand new, never before seen, girls who we plan to featured in my next film.

I hope you mange to look me up and have time to visit with us.

Jim Boyd