opinion

Call Me “Four Eyes”

We’ve all heard the old saying; “If you don’t stop it, you’ll go blind!” Well folks, you’ve guessed it: I have another cautionary tale for you today…

Like many of you, I spend an awful lot of time in front of the computer; morning, noon and night, you can pretty much find me here – a habit that’s gone on for nearly a decade and a half – and one that’s finally caught up with me.

I haven’t been able to see too well “lately,” putting off a trip to the eye doctor for the past two years despite my decreasing ability to see clearly at distances too far beyond my computer screen; but I’ve had a nagging headache for a week now that I felt was tied to my increasingly blurry vision, so yesterday I finally went to get my eyes checked.

$700 and a lecture about “living in a three-foot world” later, I was being fitted for a pair of glasses; my once 20/20 eyesight now 20/80. “This is common for people that spend a lot of time in front of the computer,” the Doctor told me. “You need to get up every 30 minutes and let your eyes focus on objects at different distances, or this will get worse.”

At least my lovely wife Dawn held back her laughter while I “tried” to read the eye chart.

So now I’m “focused” (pardon the pun) on taking better care of myself. I started going to the gym with Dawn earlier this week (she works out two hours a day and it really shows); and after seeing today’s “Webmaster Rocco” cartoon, I decided that when my dog Jack puts his paws on my lap and gives me that “you need to take a break” look, I’ll listen to him – he hasn’t steered me wrong yet.

So for all of you that tend to spend too much time at your computer, I can only say, “learn a lesson about taking care of yourself from someone else: it’s easier, cheaper and a smart thing to do.”

I’d think of something else to tell you, but I need to get up now, stretch my back and take a look around the room…

UPDATE: Now that I've had a stretch, I remember the other thing I wanted to tell you about this experience, and it concerns the power of communications and upsell.

The $700 this cost me was because of the efforts of the young lady that helped me choose the glasses and fitted them to me. The base price was $250 for the pair. Want the titanium flex-frame? That costs extra. Impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses? I'm a shooter, so eye protection is vital and worth the extra cost. How about the matte-finish anti-glare coating to reduce reflections? Yep, hook me up – and don't forget the magnetic clip-on sun-shield, too. My $250 pair of glasses is now $550. Add in the cost of the eye exam and it's $700 out the door.

Now if we could all be such good salesmen with our websites...

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

opinion

Scroll-Stopping Social Media Strategies to Capture Short Attention Spans

Attention spans are shrinking across all types of media. No matter how innovative a concept may be, if it doesn’t stop the scroll, it’s quickly forgotten. That’s why Netflix has intentionally been simplifying its content, with executives directing writers to create scripts that are less complex and nuanced, and more second-screen-friendly.

Naima Karp ·
profile

Malik Delgaty Lifts, Pounds and Performs With Heart

Malik Delgaty is America’s favorite straight gay porn star. With his “boy next door” good looks, French accent and Adonis build, it’s no shock that this 6-foot-3 Canadian import has become a regular for Men.com — not to mention consistently being the most searched gay porn star over the last few years.

Ness Miller ·
profile

Sophia Locke Talks Second Acts and Self-Love

Sophia Locke has the kind of presence that instantly makes you want to lean in. She’s confident, effortlessly glamorous and exudes sincerity. Chatting with her feels like catching up over lattes with your best friend — who happens to casually drop that she’s filming three Adult Time features next month.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

The Hidden Cost of Letting Retail Define Pleasure Brands

Not long ago, spotting vibrators and lubricants at a national chain like Target or CVS might have raised eyebrows. Now, it’s almost expected.

Rin Musick ·
profile

Reese Rideout Looks Back on a Career Written in Stardust

With his sculpted features and leading-man charisma, Reese Rideout looks like he would be at home in a Marvel blockbuster — or at least a stylish slasher flick where he plays the crafty guy who makes it all the way to the final act.

Jackie Backman ·
profile

WIA Profile: Kelsey Harris

At sister distribution brands Nalpac and Entrenue, one woman is in charge of leading customers in the right direction: Director of Sales Kelsey Harris. Since Michigan-based Nalpac took the reins of Arizona’s Entrenue, Harris has led both sales teams from her home base in Oakland County, Michigan.

Women in Adult ·
opinion

How AI Helps Creators Focus More on Creating

Being a content creator today is about a lot more than just content. It’s about marketing, scheduling, analytics and writing — a lot of writing. Whether it’s sexy captions, subscriber newsletters or the perfect social post, words matter.

Megan Stokes ·
opinion

The Art of Faceless Brand Building

When I first began working as a content creator on streaming platforms, I made a conscious choice to take an unconventional path. I decided I would always keep part of my face off-camera: I don’t show my eyes. Instead, I rely on a smile, a gesture and the overall atmosphere.

Pussylovekate ·
opinion

Rebranding Sexual Wellness Through a Self-Care Approach

As most of us in the industry already know, sexual wellness remains the black sheep of self-care. Discussions about wellness glorify meditation apps, skincare routines and workout regimens — but mention masturbation or using a sex toy, and most people shy away from the topic.

Hail Groo ·
profile

WIA Profile: Leah Koons

If you’ve been to an industry event lately, odds are you’ve heard Leah Koons even before you’ve seen her. As Fansly’s director of marketing, Koons helps steer one of the fastest-growing creator platforms on the web.

Women in Adult ·
Show More