Kathryn,

Some of the things you've stated are completely out of whack.  I work in the adult industry, so please allow me to set you straight here and now.

You said:

Pornography and it's purposes have nothing to do with quality.  Children should be protected from being exposed to pornography in any form, by all responsible adults.  Pornography or any thing that looks like such, should not be on a website with no protections for our children.  Responsible Internet companies, will lose credibility fast if they do not protect children first, before the mighty dollar!  Adult content is offensive to a majority of people and passionately so, who are interested in more intelligent information.

Hubpages is being used by the pornography and adult industries to promote and expose pornography to younger and younger children, and actually - particularly WOMEN! 

Did you know that porn companies, whether they are distributors, producers, casting agencies, affiliates, photographers, directors, or anyone in between, follow just as many laws as anyone else? Did you know that in something so simple as losing a copy of a pornographic film's model release forms (which are papers stating that the model willingly got naked and filmed in the movie) the entire movie would have to be pulled from shelves, websites, promotions and everything until the paperwork could be obtained again?  That companies who do not keep proper 2257 documents can be fined PER OCCURRANCE?  These are legal documents which state that A.) The people in these films did not get raped and were consenting to actions in a legal fashion.  B.) That the actors people see in porn films are at least 18 years of age at the time of filming.

Now, with the structures in place for adult entertainment companies, what in the world makes you think that we (and I say we, as I sit here at work, at my desk, with my XBIZ magazine on my desk and waiting for time to clock back in) would be so unscrupulous as to target children, when it is the members of the adult entertainment industry who work the hardest to ensure that no children are featured in, see, or are used in marketing our products?  Having kept a good eye on things here (partly for business and partly for my own desire to know everything I can about the site I love) I can tell you, the problem with softcore on Hubpages is not due to faceless corporations whom are plotting the demise of your decency even now.

Fact:  Women buy nearly as much pornography as men do.

Next point:

Fact:  The Pornography Industry has a current plan underway to infiltrate more women's sites at this time... IF they can begin to get women, mothers - into becoming desensitized by pornography through the use of "soft-porn", then these women will slowly allow exposure to their children.  The facts about pornography addiction are stunning.  This addiction ruins individuals and families.  Addiction  to pornography  is epidemic already!  People must understand, that this "plan" is real.  These people do not care about your family, your children and your relationships and happiness whatsoever. 

They are consciously moving into places that will allow infiltration - for the sole purpose of exposing women and ultimately our children to pornography.

You couldn't be further from the truth, actually.  There is a large market for pornography and pornographic material amongst all people, no matter their gender, but it is absolutely not an "infiltration."  Every website has the choice what kind of content they display, period end of story.  If I, as an employee for an adult entertainment network, called up WomensHealth.com and asked to place a link to our products on their pages, or commented on a women's health blog with pornography, do you honestly think it would work? NO.  Not unless these webmasters had a policy of only allowing people 18+ to view or register to their site, and not unless they incorporated the proper policies for handling adult material. 

Your accusation that the adult industry has some sort of cohesive plan for assimilating mainstream websites and resources into the fold of porn content is absurd.  In fact, it is also far, far, FAR from the truth.  There is a HUGE difference between a woman's magazine posting scandalous ways to give better oral sex (with full detail and possibly pictures) and that same magazine posting a top ten list of ways to make your partner more attracted to you.

Furthermore, the vast majority of people who work in this industry are normal people like anyone else, with feelings, families and dreams.  They just happen not to be flipping burgers, filing papers, or stocking grocery shelves.  I've been in this industry for a little over six months now, and have met some amazing people - and while not every single person who works in this industry is the kind of person you'd take to a religious function, you can guarantee that 99% of us DO CARE.  We care, because if we did not we would not have a business.  The adult industry relies on following rules and structures while appealing to something which billions of people enjoy in a consensual and sensual environment.

Next:

Fact:  Addiction to pornography can actually result in only ONE exposure!  This is a fact.  There is not anything more addicting to the human mind than pornography!  To take this lightly is to enable the Pornography Industry to continue their plan to grow their business at the risk of our children and families!

If anyone doubts what I am saying here, this is all factual and easy to obtain information about the recent conferences which have been held by the Pornography and Adult Industries.  They have actually hired companies to help them know best -- how to infiltrate websites just like Hubpages.com.

Addiction to candy can result from one exposure.  Addiction to love can result from one exposure.  Addictions to money, fame, happiness, attention, nearly anything can result in addiction after one exposure.  There is nothing more addicting to the human mind than:

Life.

Whether it is the will or wish to live it to the extreme, to live it modestly, whatever you may want to do, LIFE itself is the top addiction for human beings.  Porn ranks pretty low on the list of addictions, religion, fame, wealth, and drugs top the list above pornography.

THE ADULT ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY IS NOT A BOOGEYMAN WAITING TO TAKE YOUR FAMILY AND RIP IT APART AND CORRUPT YOUR CHILDREN.

I apologize for the all caps, but it had to be said.

Just know, that what you do and where you do it, is under a very planned attack of take-over... by some very cunning people.  This is not a joke or over-dramatization of any kind.

Again, Kathryn, though you are passionate about wholesome causes and the like, you are wholly wrong.  There is no conspiracy against Hubpages to see it's content turned into a porn heaven.  Hubpages terms of service do not allow for it, and that is something the industry respects.  It is not the fault of the industry if certain individuals cannot restrain themselves from posting inappropriate content.

Perhaps people spend more time looking at pictures on the weekend than Monday morning.  We haven't changed the way hot hubs are calculated recently, although we do have some subtle improvements in the works (we've made dozens of small changes over the last year, most of which probably went unnoticed).

Mark Knowles wrote:

Sorry SirDent:


The Evolution of Religion

Cain slaying Abel:

Thanks, Mark. 

Mark Knowles wrote:

caspar wrote:

Mark Knowles wrote:

Get rid of the fat-free recipes.

Heathens!

Mmm...full English Breakfast - that's tasty food porn.

Now we're talking. Hmmmmmmmm

Mark

I found myself nodding as I read your posts.  Now where are the hubs on how to prepare a Full English Breakfast and a Full Scottish Breakfast?

Take care

Paul

lol

That would have to be my next hub

I know what I am having for breakfast tomorrow. Sod the diet

pauldeeds wrote:

Perhaps people spend more time looking at pictures on the weekend than Monday morning.  We haven't changed the way hot hubs are calculated recently, although we do have some subtle improvements in the works (we've made dozens of small changes over the last year, most of which probably went unnoticed).

Thanks for answering my question.Surely it has nothing to do with the legal implications or google violations of mixing educational material and adult content, as was brought up earlier.

Lucky for me, I had my paddock boots on, cause it's knee deep in here.

Now, let me get my bags and I'll be on my way.

gamegirl -

I understand that you personally, have experience of six months in the Adult Entertainment Industry.  I am not wrong in what I have posted here --  you have just not found out about the intentions and purposes of those who run this industry - from the top down.  Unfortunately, you and likely other good people are being used as well.

The facts and statistics of the very harmful effects of pornography that are available, are staggering.  This very cunning plan, which is easy to not believe exist - is extremely calculated as to how they bring in more junkies to porn.  It starts off very slow and soft...  just exactly what we are seeing and hearing in response to the current issue here.  Don't look if you are bothered, or just keep writing, or no way that is such an over-exaggeration, etc....  It is a slippery slope.

Desensitization is their tool of choice.  Anywhere they can place "that" which is just a bit more edgy than the norm, and get away with it... they have a victory.  They always have a next move, with just a little more exposure.  Push it just a bit more, until there is no fuss.

Charlotte - I trust that you are a good person.  So, as you are a part of this industry currently,  I would just ask, that you make your own little observation over a period of time.  Trust me, you will see it then.

It is easy to suggest that this type of sounding the alarm - is strictly zealot behavior.  I hope that most of you have come to know who I am by now.  This is not my style.  I do not go around telling people that if they don't accept Jesus, they are going to hell.  You know that is not my MO.

Instead of attempting to disbelieve or even disregard what I have presented here, I would ask people to go out and do a little research of their own...  if they are concerned that this could be a real threat.  Which of course, I believe that the current casualness of HP is enabling - by not insisting on their own policies being maintained.

I do not believe, that one particular company has made a plan to attack HP specifically.  What I do know, is the the Industry as a whole, have adopted a philosophy of how to infiltrate soft-porn and then progress from there.  It is a well planned and well thought out system, which is encouraged by this industry, to all those who perpetuate pornography online.  It is always the little guys, that do the big guys dirty work. 

The big guys do their best to keep their hands clean.  The little guys work for ways to open the doors for the big guys.  Problem is, that the little guys, do not have all the facts.  Currently, we have too many of these little guys, playing innocent, here on Hubpages - pushing the limits.  Right now, it looks as though they are quite successful with the top guys here?

I will not defend what I have posted.  It is the truth.   It cannot be disputed so lightly.  To those who are interested in the facts and statistics of pornography and it's devastating effects on individuals, families and children - there are volumes of credible information that would love to be distributed on an  educational basis.

Charlotte - I believe that you love Hubpages as you say.  I also believe that you feel confident in your Industry and their desire to protect children.  I'm sorry, but the only reason that they have interest in protecting children - is law that must be adhered to, or they will be put out of business.  Big big business!  Much to lose.  They at the top, better darn well play by the rules.

The influence and infiltration plan of this Industry is well known in the Adult Entertainment world.  It is obvious, that this would be vehemently denied by them.  Addiction is their golden ticket.  The younger exposure,  the more valuable customer.  It only makes good business sense, right?

Honestly, do you really think I came up with such an awful conspiracy on my own?  No, this is called the real world.  It is sickening.  This is the kind of stuff that really goes on in this world. It is enabled because of the unbelievability factor...

Kathryn

Kathryn,

I will not type another long response point for point to you again, as you have disregarded it in it's entirety.

I am sorry that you misunderstood my entire response, which took me roughly 45 minutes to type to you because I wanted to make sure that you fully understood what I was trying to convey, but I guess I failed.

I cannot fix the paranoia and inclinations toward conspiracy theory by people.  I have presented honest information gleaned from full immersion in the industry.  I am always available to answer questions, and will NEVER speak anything less than the truth.

Edits to add:

I happen to be part and parcel, in a very large way, of the boogeyman you're speaking out against, Kathryn.  I put food on my table, have a roof over my head and a wedding in a year, all thanks to the paychecks I draw from working in this industry helping normal people create and maintain adult sites that follow all the rules, not just of the government but of our company.

Fact:  The number one source of child pornography reports comes from people within the industry.

I will not debate versus conspiracy or paranoia any further with you.  Please have a blessed day.

LDS Nana,
I believe with some further investigation into the issue, your insights into the issue of pornography and soft porn will prove to be reliable.  Although Gamergirl does present a wonderful argument, IMHO getting facts from the Porn Industry itself is a little like getting facts on cigarettes from the Tobacco Industry.

Have we said every possible thing on this yet?
Let's get back to creating hubs.

No, it's not at all.

You see, whereas the tobacco industry actually KILLS people, pornography does not cause death in those who partake of it (barring freak accidents of complete personal carelessness on the part of a watcher.)

Without divulging precise methods of gaining more affiliates, traffic or sales, I can tell you with 100% surety that this business, the adult industry on the whole, is filled with businessmen and businesswomen who happen to sell consensual and non-prostitutional sex for the general adult populace to view.

It is unfortunate that people believe erroneously that the adult industry is out to turn everyone into debauched sex fiends with one hand in their pockets and children corrupted younger each year.  That's not the purview of the adult industry. 

The adult industry has it's own bad apples, but they are few and far between, as the industry is largely self-policing.

*sigh* I'm going to stop, I honestly feel like trying to show you guys that you've got the wrong idea about the adult entertainment industry is going to go nowhere but more uneducated outsider opinion and fear.

Rochelle,

This is an open forum.  We encourage discussion, and at times you will see a thread go on and on and on beyond the original poster's intention for it.  Healthy discussion is not something to quell, but urge forward.  We can only grow by learning from one another.

As long as everybody has a point to put on here, I think the thread should go on

weblog wrote:

As long as everybody has a point to put on here, I think the thread should go on

Weblog-- I like your new avatar and I just went and read your latest hub. I must say I am very impressed and you certainly have my respect now-- anyone who is willing to change is someone I take my hat off to. Kudos to you, Weblog

robie2 wrote:

weblog wrote:

As long as everybody has a point to put on here, I think the thread should go on

Weblog-- I like your new avatar and I just went and read your latest hub. I must say I am very impressed and you certainly have my respect now-- anyone who is willing to change is someone I take my hat off to. Kudos to you, Weblog

Thanks a lot

topstuff wrote:

I suggest a name to collect all such hubs undre single name ''hubpages gallery''.And this gallery should have its place in topics.

Good idea!

In The Doghouse wrote:

steph,
I totally agree with the observations you have made, I have made similar ones myself.  I have not sent my Hubs to any of my associates to read anymore for fear of what the HOT HUB page might suggest.  It is really a matter of deceptive tagging.  I have been with an associate who happened to go to the Hot Hub page and question me about the Porn on the sight.  I tried to explain the rules about "soft porn galleries" that are exercised at Hubpages, and make excuses for their presence as "they are not really as sexy as they profess... simply a ploy to gain readers etc."  My associate asked,"What kind of comments do these galleries get in their comment section?"  That is when I realized that "soft porn" is simply another word for porn, especially when the author of the Hubs allow the comments that you have pointed out, to remain.  This is eventually going to sneak up on Hubpages and our credibility as a respectable site may be in danger. 

I've seen some of the comments and some of them are really crude. I don't like it-  they say some nasty things- so I am avoiding those sites but even just seeing them on the front pages now- I know the things that are being said in them, Yuk.

The most gross thing I saw was where there was a dad role playing spanking his daughter.  Yes they were porn stars and not related, but that was just disgusting.   I am glad they took that hub down because gee who wants to see that!  Because that person stole the pics from a website that had its name on the photo I now know there is an entire website devoted to this type of entertainment.  Gross

SweetiePie wrote:

The most gross thing I saw was where there was a dad role playing spanking his daughter.  Yes they were porn stars and not related, but that was just disgusting.   I am glad they took that hub down because gee who wants to see that!  Because that person stole the pics from a website that had its name on the photo I now know there is an entire website devoted to this type of entertainment.  Gross

That's just nasty! I'm glad they took that down too!!!!!!!!

ProCW

In The Doghouse wrote:

LDS Nana,
I believe with some further investigation into the issue, your insights into the issue of pornography and soft porn will prove to be reliable.  Although Gamergirl does present a wonderful argument, IMHO getting facts from the Porn Industry itself is a little like getting facts on cigarettes from the Tobacco Industry.

One of my good friend's was engaged to a man who became highly addicted to pornography.  He began to criticize her looks and said she should lose weight so she could look more like the people in the videos he liked to watch.  Eventually they broke up because he was more obsessed with watching porn videos than marrying a real life woman.  One book I always recommend is Ten Stupid Things Women Do To Mess Up Their Lives, which is written by Dr. Laura Schlessinger.  Many people love her or hate her, but no one can deny she has extensive background and expertise in the field of family and marriage.  One thing she always advises women who call into her radio show is that men who view pornography or call sex phone call girls are not going to make healthy husbands or boyfriends.  Many people call into this show telling how pornography has destroyed families and marriages, so what Kathryn is saying about pornography is true.  It does destroy relationships and marriages and I have seen it first hand.