Miami 2008 in Review

[gonzo]

Heres the word as I saw the show before it all fades away.

Show attendence a little smaller than last year. Wasnt many people there to just party and with a $350 at the door charge tp just be in the hotel this was a good thing. All in all the people that were there seemed to have a sharp business focus more than ever with the downturn of the economy.

AVN ripped off LAJ for a mix and meet thing that had a room full of tables with people behind them and a little swag thrown out.Several new billing ventures there as usual. One of note is the guys from WebBiling who have a no credit card solution for getting to those surfers in Europe.

You might remember these guys from Sexmoney a few years ago which did and EXCELLNET job initially by installing java code on your machine tha detected the language of the surfer's browser and moved them to a pay site which had coutnry native paysites and billing solutions.

Look for BIG things from them in the near future.

Our very own Forest was out in force as the show with a solution to obtain a merchant account. This expands Forest's business from design and traffic. If your interested in hearing about merchant accounts and etc you should speak with him and see if he has something that is right for you.

As our yearly tradition holds - I opted to forfiet a limo ride into the show from WebBilling and instead rode in with Forest and had a grilled dophin sandwitch meeting at Turks with him. Better use of my time.

Also to mention Firest quickly put our own lovely Ali trolling the show and handing out his flyers to make contacts again making better use of what was on hand than big dicking.

The boys from NATS had an airconditioned tent at the end of the pool. I guess they needed it to escape the heat from all the security and Naked Rhino lawsuits. Apparently all is better at least on those 2 PR fronts. I have to admit that a tent at the end of a pool facing away from the ocean couldnt tempt me so I missed the premiere of the new script release.

Same for tall the cabanas around the pool and up top. I cant say that they were a great investment either as most people I saw were networking on their own and passing up whatever was in there.

As as custom I took my seat at the end of the bar and let the business come to me.

I did have the chance as mentioned earlier to tour the Terramark facility where Mojohost keeps my web 2.0 server. This facility is mega secure, super connected and incredibly redudant.

We had to give up our ids. I coudnt take any pictures so you will have to rely on words. This place is rated to withstnad a cat 5 hurricane, is strictly monitered in all respects as well as double redundant for power, cooling, and pipe.

They have a 100% uptime on all of these issues. The facility is an internap exchange point so there is so much fiber going into the building its not funny. The international telecom cables that run under the ocean all terminate into this building for direct communication to all points south.

I figure my box is safe there along with akemai,youtube, verisign and several government key surver clusters. If uptime is a concern for you along with security of your box then talk to Brad Mitchell about a solution there for you.

Cory [not from Weg or Brads lawyer] did drag out several of us to the greek resturant Opa about 5 minutes from the hotel. Spent some quality time with him and KevinG and his friend the 6' + San Fransisco ballerina.

I will post the picture I have of the warrior prawns I had for dinner. Im glad after all these years to have had a meal there. If your looking for a quiet dinner this isnt the place for you. They gots bellie dancers!

Thanks MojoHost... once of these days Im going to actually be able to pick up my own tab after hanging out with you.

The seminars apparently have settled down to nothing but business as I was told by ClipClinic's Amber that I missed probably the most informative discussion shed ever heard at one of the shows.

I canf find the seminar but apparently there was a great panel on acuasitions and mergers with the boss up there that I know I would have wanted to sit thru. Youll have to get Amber to tell you about if your lucky or just have to make sure to attend at the next show.

All in all there wasnt anything new or ground shaking shown off at the show. What I did see was what we all know that the consolidation is in full force in this business. People are more concerned about the bottom line than taking part in someone's big dicking exercise.

Ill load some pictures in this thread. You know IM not resizing them.

I was promised that new innovations will be announced on several levels in Vegas and finally there would be some new things to work with.

So if youve missed it in my signature... Think Virtual Sex.

[Hell Puppy]

Originally Posted by gonzo

You might remember these guys from Sexmoney a few years ago which did and EXCELLNET job initially by installing java code on your machine tha detected the language of the surfer's browser and moved them to a pay site which had coutnry native paysites and billing solutions.

I remember removing that code from a hundred or so sites a couple or three years back after they seemed to have trouble remembering to pay my ass...

So, let's see....would i want to trust them with my processing?

Hmmmm....

NO VASELINE!!!!

[Toby]

Originally Posted by gonzo

All in all the people that were there seemed to have a sharp business focus more than ever with the downturn of the economy.

Sounds like it would have been worth the trip if that was going to be the only show I attended this summer. I just couldn't justify the expense since I'm going to Buffalo this next weekend then Atlanta Forum next month, and was in SF back in June. Three trips in just over three months is more than enough.

Originally Posted by Hell Puppy

NO VASELINE!!!!

Vaseline is so '90's Maybe they can arrange a volume discount on this stuff.

[softball]

so all in all a bit of a snooze fest....

[gonzo]

Originally Posted by rhetorical

so all in all a bit of a snooze fest....

IF you didnt go with a plan in mind.

Im always invigorated after these shows. I see where everyone else is headed and it gives a lot of ontrospective.

RIght now there are a lot of people looking for someone to show them the way.

Studios,programs, and affilaites.

I see a lot of my friends whom people used to make fun of for being broke that are now making good money.

[EmporerEJ]

Originally Posted by gonzo

I was promised that new innovations will be announced on several levels in Vegas and finally there would be some new things to work with.

So if youve missed it in my signature... Think Virtual Sex.

Well, this has certainly piqued my curiosity.
Let's have more on this?
Oh, and in case you missed it several years ago? You can't say "Virtual Sex," can't use it in your sig, and can't use to advertise any products, 'cause Digital Playground owns the trademark on that, and you're violating their trademark. Very shortly, they will reach their 5 years safety zone, and you all will not be able to challenge their trademark. It will be absolute.


In case you missed the article, when I was screaming about the threat to the industry, you can find it here:

April 2003 AVN Online Magazine, Page 28

http://www.vrinnovations.com/images/...2003Page28.jpg

[gonzo]

Im not selling jackshit...Im telling you think virtual sex.

[Forest]

Originally Posted by rhetorical

so all in all a bit of a snooze fest....

yeah what gonzo said.

I had more meetings with more big money people then at any show going back to my first in 2001.

[TheEnforcer]

Sounds like I mised a hell of a show....

[ali25extreme]

I have nothing but good things to say about the show and the people that I met while attending. It was not a snooze fest, it seemed to be more biz than fun which I thought was great! Not to say that when everything was all said and done i didn't have a good time! It was my birthday weekend so i had a few extra drinks..hehehe

[Brad Mitchell]

I had a fantastic show! Here would be my recap:

The mix and meet was silly with all of the aisles, I was hoping the tables would be around the perimeter of the room so that one could walk the whole space logically. Fundamentally, participating (which we did) was a good deal because it was like getting 4 passes for $1050 instead of $1200.

I spent all of my time in the air conditioning with the exception of a few instances at the pool bar. This probably wouldn't have been the case if we weren't running datacenter tours during the daytime on Friday and Saturday... but it did rain quite a bit too.

I didn't stop by any cabanas but evidently some companies are still giving away swag as our attorney had a whole "swag bag" filled with shirts, hats, pens, mugs, lighters... that's so 2001 but oh well I simply am getting old and don't care for ad specialty. My kids will be able to read soon and then it's all over.

I found the attendees to be, by in large, extraordinarily focused on getting business done. Lots of meetings everywhere and from what I observed a good sense of humility about getting out of the box and learning so that everyone can grow and expand their business instead of shrivel away and die.

As always, the inside bar, lobby, smoking area out back and pool restaraunt were the places to be to see everyone, have meetings and socialize. This event is always a personal favorite, I truly enjoy and appreciate having a closed venue.



Brad

[RawAlex]

I didn't go. Haven't been to a show for while, but from all I have read, nobody seems to miss the show floor at all.

[Hell Puppy]

Originally Posted by RawAlex

I didn't go. Haven't been to a show for while, but from all I have read, nobody seems to miss the show floor at all.

There's no point to making everyone spend the money on a booth.

I agree with Brad, swag is so 2001. I haven't seen anything clever or useful enough to actually make me make room for it in my suitcase in years. If I'm actually interested, give me a business card. You'll hear from me anytime from the next week til sometime 8 months later when I get around to doing whatever I had in mind with your stuff.

All you really need at a show these days is some sort of layout or even where you can get everyone in a common traffic area so they can find each other.

It's usually the bar.

That's why you see me give show promoters shit when the hotel bar only wants to open a few hours a day.

[Hell Puppy]

One trend I'm glad to see is the guys who just come to party, eat and drink on sponsor tits are staying home.

It actually bothers me when a sponsor or biz I dont know that well and do no business with currently is sneaky and grabs a check (cough, Brad, cough). Just southern upbringing, that's not what I'm there for and makes me feel funny. But some of these guys show up at the bar around dinner time and look to get invited to jump in on a dinner train. Most true business men can afford their own meals.

[Hell Puppy]

I asked before, I'll ask again.

Are there too many shows for the current climate?

I think yes.

I personally think there should be two big ones, one has to be Vegas. And then maybe a couple of more roaming regionals.

If you only had one a quarter attendance would be MUCH better. But such is not the way of our business, or most others for that matter. If someone is making a buck doing something, everyone else will try it til it's saturated to the point no one can make anything until consolidation brings everything back in order.

[miz_wright]

Internext Summer maintains its place as one of my favourite shows - and, y'all? I go to a fair number of shows.

I had a few meetings that - presuming all goes as planned - cover this AND other trips for productivity. Sweet.

[Footman]

I had a great time and found it very productive. Met a lot of great new peeps and ran into some old friends.

Liz and Ali I missed you guys... damn. Next time for sure.

Gonzo, Aura, the beautiful tall ballerina, has left her impression on me. A shame we only spoke for a few minutes. I did get a pic to remember her by.

[bluemoney]

Originally Posted by Footman

I did get a pic to remember her by.

This entire post has become useless without that pic

[jdog]

I gotta agree this show was great. And one of the few shows in the US that I like to hit up. And have to agree with the business talk, lots of it and it was great. Met quite a few new people and it's always great to meet up with the people you currently do business with. All in all it was a great show and had a great time - including being dragged places by someone !

[Footman]

Originally Posted by bluemoney

This entire post has become useless without that pic

You're right.. here it is

[bluemoney]

Originally Posted by Footman

You're right.. here it is

My god! Why could'nt you have been a "Titman"

[Toby]

Originally Posted by bluemoney

My god! Why could'nt you have been a "Titman"

Yeah, I'd like to see the whole package too but that's a nice pair of stems.

[Footman]

She does have great legs and feet. She happens to be really nice and beautiful also. I sure wish I had more time to spend getting to know her and get some more pics too.

[softball]

Originally Posted by Footman

She does have great legs and feet. She happens to be really nice and beautiful also. I sure wish I had more time to spend getting to know her and get some more pics too.

Some things I just don't get.

[ali25extreme]

Originally Posted by Footman

I had a great time and found it very productive. Met a lot of great new peeps and ran into some old friends.

Liz and Ali I missed you guys... damn. Next time for sure.

Gonzo, Aura, the beautiful tall ballerina, has left her impression on me. A shame we only spoke for a few minutes. I did get a pic to remember her by.

I have a pic of her!

[Footman]

Originally Posted by ali25extreme

I have a pic of her!

Ali, you have to share

[gonzo]

Originally Posted by ali25extreme

I have a pic of her!

I have a pic of both of you dancing on a table top.

[Footman]

Originally Posted by gonzo

I have a pic of both of you dancing on a table top.

Dude! Post away

[miz_wright]

As usual, I managed to avoid the camera for the most part

^.^

You're all welcome :P

[TheEnforcer]

Originally Posted by LizAEBN

As usual, I managed to avoid the camera for the most part

^.^

You're all welcome :P

I can't get enough pics of ya dear!! Especially with the brunette hair now!!!

[Footman]

Originally Posted by LizAEBN

As usual, I managed to avoid the camera for the most part

^.^

You're all welcome :P

I'm not thankful, disappointed is more like it.

[miz_wright]

*blushing*
Y'all flatter me WAY too much.

This is one of the only pix I've found:

I'm the boring one, with boring hair!

[Footman]

Originally Posted by LizAEBN

I'm the boring one, with boring hair!

Boring? You're nuts.... look like a hottie from here

[bluemoney]

Originally Posted by Footman

Boring? You're nuts.... look like a hottie from here

I agree

[gonzo]

Originally Posted by Footman

Boring? You're nuts.... look like a hottie from here

You should see her from where Im sitting!

[ali25extreme]

I met her and she is a hottie!

[Toby]

Originally Posted by ali25extreme

I met her and she is a hottie!

+1

[mmemmer]

I have to agree with the majority that this show rocked again this year. If there was only a venue in Vegas where the property could be captive to the industry, it would be so much better. The fact that where ever you walk and whom ever you talk to is there to do business really helps to focus the show.

Jim you missed my office, lol with the internet connections suking so royally up in the room, damm don't you all get enough of porn at home, lol never mind you answered that at the show and burned up all of their bandwidth.

Anyway I camped out down on the conference table between the elevators and the concourse to the event halls and was able to see many old friends and made some great new ones.

We keep signing deals at these shows so I hope it translates into a trip to HotLanta.

[miz_wright]

Y'all makin' me blush, now.

My Mama always told me to just smile 'n say "thank you" - so that's what I am gonna do.

Good to see all y'all in FL - though I really wish I could've had more time!

[bluemoney]

Originally Posted by LizAEBN

Y'all makin' me blush, now.

My Mama always told me to just smile 'n say "thank you" - so that's what I am gonna do.

Good to see all y'all in FL - though I really wish I could've had more time!

So will you be in Atlanta next month?

[ali25extreme]

I am stocked up in RedBull so I should be just fine!!!

[miz_wright]

Originally Posted by bluemoney

So will you be in Atlanta next month?

I'm hoping to find out soon!

[Footman]

Originally Posted by gonzo

You should see her from where Im sitting!

I wish I did!

[Footman]

Originally Posted by LizAEBN

Y'all makin' me blush, now.

My Mama always told me to just smile 'n say "thank you" - so that's what I am gonna do.

Good to see all y'all in FL - though I really wish I could've had more time!

You didn't see me Can't understand why you didn't come looking for me. LOL

[mjavn]

This is true, but LAJ is a smart guy, and hey, this is the porn industry. People have ripped off entire shows from us ;-)

Originally Posted by gonzo

AVN ripped off LAJ for a mix and meet thing that had a room full of tables with people behind them and a little swag thrown out.

[miz_wright]

Originally Posted by Footman

You didn't see me Can't understand why you didn't come looking for me. LOL

*sad face*

Sucky though it is, there's only so much I can do in three days

... Now I feel even worse. 'm sorry.

[gonzo]

Originally Posted by mjavn

This is true, but LAJ is a smart guy, and hey, this is the porn industry. People have ripped off entire shows from us ;-)

Alec doesnt like it when people make fun of him.