opinion

Bit Torrent Blues

The roving minstrels of Internet pornography are singing impassioned, angry songs these days about a torrent of trafficking in stolen goods and the jackals who feed on the ensuing human traffic. Indeed, we have heard these songs many times before, so what's different now?

Maybe the jangle of easy money no longer drowns out the rushing gush of lost revenue as millions upon millions of eyeballs feast on an unending supply of hot sex delivered free of charge; content, of course, that is plundered on a daily basis in a simultaneous orgy of theft-in-plain-sight.

Or maybe the incessant struggle to protect content and track down thieves, not to mention being forced to alert self-avowed thieves of their own theft, has worn patience too thin.

On the other hand, maybe the crimes we think we see are really nifty sleights-of-hand, Trojan horses hiding bands of digital salesmen eager to slay unwary surfers at their most vulnerable moment.

What if the argument is true that the unfettered sharing of digital content cannot be stopped, and that it is better to work with the system rather than against it? People have mined gold from torrent sites so why not play the game the smart way — as Internet players have been doing for years — and beat the torrent sites at their own game by seeding them with your own content, netting a few sales in the process and maybe more?

Or would that be like betting against the house as a business model?

The issue of stolen porn is not new, except that now it is more than images and video clips that are being shared wholesale, but entire websites, which renders the concept of seeding ludicrous for those who have been cleaned out. It goes without saying that some of the biggest names in the business got their start stealing content.

Now, many of them are upstanding citizens of the industry, best mates with their old marks, partying and reminiscing about the good old days. But they stole from one another under controlled circumstances during a time when it didn't really matter.

Today it matters and control is an illusion. Today, for many people the margins are wafer-thin and getting thinner. Now a whole new breed of old timers is coming on board; men mostly who have a history of how to skim off the top and an idea of how much is OK to take and how much is not so OK. I think the pile of manure they are about to step into is going to surprise and displease them.

My opinion about the torrent sites is simple: they are a scourge. Because of the global, multi-jurisdictional nature on the Internet, I do not think they are going to go away, however, so a rational person might have to consider whether it makes sense to come to an accommodation, though what that accommodation would be that equally counters the threat is beyond me.

As to the question of those in the adult affiliate network who also have ads on torrent sites, I tend to find their various justifications unconvincing. But I also know that some products thrive in that environment and nothing will keep them from making money there. Would I boycott them if I were a content producer? Damn straight I would.

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

The SCREEN Test: How to Prepare for Federal Age Verification

For those who are counting, there are now 20 enacted state laws in the United States requiring age verification for viewing online adult content, plus numerous proposed laws in the works. This ongoing barrage has been exhausting for many in the adult industry — and it may be about to escalate in the form of a potential new AV law, this time at the federal level.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

How to Master Team Dynamics for Business Success

Having the right team in place is everything. Whether getting a startup off the ground and thriving, or safeguarding an established company, the right — or wrong — people can mean the difference between a successful venture and a failed dream.

Juicy Jay ·
opinion

Eight Steps to Fast-Track AI Site Approval for Processing

Artificial intelligence is a hot topic these days. AI technology is speeding up the way we do business across all industries and offers numerous benefits, from automating processes to increasing efficiency and scalability.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

How to Secure High-Risk Transactions With Network Tokenization

Ensuring the security of data as it moves through digital channels is the foundation of safe transactions, and crucial for your success. If your business can’t secure transactions, you’re exposed to myriad processing traumas.

Jonathan Corona ·
profile

WIA Profile: Reba Rocket

As chief operating officer and chief marketing officer of Takedown Piracy, long at the forefront of intellectual property protection in adult entertainment, Rocket is dedicated to safeguarding the livelihoods of content creators and producers while fostering a more ethical and sustainable industry.

Women In Adult ·
opinion

Protecting Content Ownership Rights When Using AI

In today’s digital age, content producers have more tools at their disposal than ever before. Among these tools, artificial intelligence (AI) content generation has emerged as a game changer, enabling creators to produce high-quality content quickly and efficiently.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

How Payment Orchestration Can Help Your Business

An emerging payment solution is making waves in the merchant world: the payment orchestration platform (POP). It’s quickly gaining traction as a powerful tool for managing online payments — but questions abound.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Fine-Tuning Refund and Cancellation Policies

For adult websites, managing refunds and cancellations isn’t just about customer service. It’s a crucial factor in maintaining compliance with the regulations of payment processors and payment networks such as Visa and Mastercard.

Jonathan Corona ·
profile

WIA Profile: Laurel Bencomo

Born in Cambridge, England but raised in Spain, Laurel Bencomo initially chose to study business at the University of Barcelona simply because it felt familiar — both of her parents are entrepreneurs. She went on to earn a master’s degree in sales and marketing management at the EADA Business School, while working in events for a group of restaurants in Barcelona.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Gregory Dorcel on Building Upon His Brand's Signature Legacy

“Whether reflected in the storyline or the cast or even the locations, the entertainment we deliver is based on fantasy,” he elaborates. “Our business is not, and never has been, reality. People who are buying our content aren’t expecting reality, or direct contact with stars like you can have with OnlyFans,” he says.

Jeff Dana ·
Show More