Porno movies, sexy videos, xxx. Adult DVD Talk at your service. 6409 Posts 11/99
Posted - Sep 28 2002 : 2:00PM
AVN Online is writing an article on independent review sites. The writer sent me a list of questions - basically looking for what are independent review sites all about, what makes them different, what makes us/adt different, what's their place in the industry, etc.
The main gist of my answers is that we're a community. So along that line, I thought I should ask you guys/gals if you have anything you want to say about review sites, about adt... how have review sites changed porn shopping for you? is it comforting to know that there's a whole lot of intelligent, "normal" people who like porn? does having an outlet for your opinions make a difference? does writing reviews change how you watch porn? have sites like adult dvd talk helped you explore your sexuality? anything general you'd like to say about review sites or online porn communities?
Well this site is a great place for fans to interact with stars, tell studios what they like and don't like, get updates from studios, and just get information on titles that are coming out.
Sure there have been trouble makers and members who just cause trouble in the forum, but this forum and the reviews section are very helpful in my purchasing decisions. Not only that, but the price search is a great feature.
The best part is the reviews. Sure AVN does reviews and lots of them, but AVN is geared more towards owners of stores and gives them the inside scoop on what to stock and what not. So not too many porn fans may read AVN magazine.
There are quite a few review sites that I look at, but Adultdvdtalk is the best, in my opinion, with Rog's review sites being a very close second.
This is definitely a community. Sure its had its ups and downs, but this site is always evolving into something better. And now with more and more people discovering it, reading the reviews, and more and more stars and studios joining the forum to interact with fans, this site will always be a great and informative place to visit.
Poor Turkey running for her life with Christmas Hat 3713 Posts 9/01
Posted - Sep 28 2002 : 3:56PM
ADT's reviews are searchable by keywords and by stars. AVN's reviews used to be searchable, but is no longer so. I cannot search for the latest reviews of a specific star or of a specific keyword. As such, AVN's reviews are useless, unless I want to read all the reviews. I am usually too lazy/busy to read everything and so a searchable database of reviews is absolutely necessary.
AVN's reviews are not trustworthy. They have never seen a bad gay porn video (althought it is true that they have seen some that were better than others - possibly because of higher advertising budgets of the particular DVD's studio & producers).
~ GaySatyr
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DenverDon Benevolent
Firmly Embedded in Depravity 5914 Posts 7/02
Posted - Sep 28 2002 : 4:33PM
The simple fact that you asked for the opinions, views, and input from the members of the ADT Forum points out one of the facets that makes ADT different. It is not the views and ideas of just a select few, but the combined efforts, experience, opinions, and depth of knowledge across the spectrum of the porn industry that makes ADT what it is.
In my opinion, ADT has the best mix of porn fans, industry performers, and industry studios all interacting and talking with each other with the single object of trying to make it better. That’s not necessarily easy with the numerous genres that exist, but when most participants recognize it is a matter of opinions and allow differing opinions their space, it works.
Review sites, ADT in particular followed very closely by Rog’s Reviews have dramatically changed, and assisted me, in the way I shop for porn. ADT requires that an overall star rating is given when a review is submitted. That, in conjunction with the many varied styles of reviews that for the most part explain what they liked and what they didn’t like about a particular movie makes it an invaluable information tool to assist readers in deciding whether a particular title will fit their needs and interests. Even when a reviewer didn’t like a movie, but explains what they did not like and why they did not like it, it provides information to the fan community so they can make their own adjustments and become a better informed buyer.
Writing reviews (even though I have done only a few) has changed the way I watch porn movies. I still watch and think, wow that’s great, or that stinks, but it forces me beyond the simple impressions into thinking how I would express to someone else my thoughts on the movie. What made it great, or what made it poor? I would want to give someone else enough information that they could make an informed decision to buy or not to buy, and then be happy with their choice based upon information I gave.
I like ADT in particular because I get the feeling of friendship and community. We try to inform each other, we help each other and any new members that posts into the forum, and for sure we also nudge each other in the ribs. But it’s not on to put others down. We’re here for information, enjoyment, and camaraderie among a group of intelligent, ‘normal’ people that enjoy porn, sex, and want a place to talk about it and share it.
Yep. Community would probably be the big answer, but also that even though there are some screeners for reviewers, none of us are paid for the reviews. Since nobody's paid for a review, there isn't as much pressure to give high marks, which I think makes many of us more honest. Due to the forums, there's also the option here where the people reading the reviews can interact with the reviewers (as well as quite a few studio reps) and find out more information about a particular movie or similar movies without too much effort.
Has it changed how I buy porn? Yep. For the review portion I learn who's reliable and who's not, or who's tastes come closest to my own. Through the forums I get a feeling about which companies seem to care more openly about their customers and what they want, and I almost always buy their products as opposed to somebody who doesn't want to lower themselves to talking with the regular people or who are too afraid that somebody might attack them.
Does writing reviews change how I watch porn? Well, now there are only calluses on my hand where I hold a pen rather than having it cover my entire hand.
Is it comforting to know that there's a whole lot of intelligent, "normal" people who like porn? Normal people scare me, but it is nice to know that I'm not alone in some of my opnions and turn-ons.
Have sites like adult dvd talk helped you explore your sexuality? Sure. Most things sexual are a little uncomfortable at first, and the amount of support from others and tips have made some things easier for both mrs. knight and myself.
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Planet Sex Deactivated User
1951 Posts 6/01
Posted - Sep 28 2002 : 5:27PM
ADT calls the shots in the entire american porn market. Directors come to us asking for advice, guidance & enlightement. Pornstars rely on us for moral support and deep evaluation about their performance. PRs poo their pants when they see a bad review, for they KNOW they have a stinker in their hands. Companies pray to us every night, on a ritual that involving Jell-O, a gerbil and a chicken suit. We are the Alpha and the Omega of all creation. We are what we are. And what we are is larger than Life itself. And on top of that, we´re as humble as humble can be.
Blessed be.
Seriously, now:
How have review sites changed porn shopping for you? The fact that you can can interact with the reviewers makes the choice of what to watch/shop easier, for sometimes you know where they (the reviewers) are coming from, and WHY they have such opinion on some particular kind of movie/performer/director.
is it comforting to know that there's a whole lot of intelligent normal people who like porn? Depends on what you call "normal". To be sincere, the amount of REAL sick wackos who also watch porn is relatively small. In fact, so far I haven´t encountered none. People with excentricities and idiosyncrasies, yes. Potential serial killers, never.
does having an outlet for your opinions make a difference? As a watcher, yes. And all the better when we know that the directors and perfomers are listening.
does writing reviews change how you watch porn? I don´t write reviews for ADT, but I did a lot of reviews for other magazines, and you have to watch every porn as a whole - as opposed to people who just rent a porn to watch one scene, pop their load, and save the energies to the next. You have to consider the amount of scenes/price you paid, rhythm, technical specs (lighting, editing) etc. That´s EXACTLY what ADT reviewers do, sometimes providing scene breakdowns and even screengrabs, so you have a better idea of what the movie is before rental/purchasing.
have sites like adult dvd talk helped you explore your sexuality? Yes.
anything general you'd like to say about review sites or online porn communities? The more independent and VARIED their P.O.V.s, the more reliable they are. Sometimes ADT has the same movie reviewed by different people, so a second opinion is always cool.
Yes a community of varied opinions on a variety of subjects is how I see this site. The people for the most part are all courteous and give well thought out responses to a variety of topics. I used Rog's site a lot for reviews when I was getting vhs and still read all reviews from him on dvds and like his Daily News section. Here my favorite features would be the reviews, both reading and righting them which I have done a lot of the latter lately and it has been fun and it makes me think how I want to describe a scene. Another feature here I absolutely love is the chat room which is jumping every Wed. night. It is also very cool how studios such as Evil Angel and RLD particularly ask us what we want to see and also tell us what is coming out as far as new releases, Wicked and Anabolic do a good job on the new releases as well. Nowhere on the net is there a site that does everything ADT does and does it as well as things are done here and credit goes to a lot of people starting with Drew and Steph!!!!! WTG guys on running such a great site and I wish you both continued success as the site develops through time!!!!
Everyone has hit on the community aspect, and it's definitely the key. After a while you get to know the reviewers and their individual kinks and tastes. You can gauge the reviews and tailor them to your own needs. I for one look to this site as the premier place for purchasing information, as well as just a great place to hang out with others who share my liking of porn. I have recently begun to review DVDs myself, and it does change the way I view my porn. I certainly feel myself to be much more educated on the entire business than I ever did in the past. I mean, how often do consumers get to chat with Tricia Devereaux, Tom Byron, Jenna Jameson... (no offense to the multitudes of greats I have omitted), as well as the directors? Where else can I provide direct feedback that counts toward a very strong personal hobby. Bottom line, ADT is the best thing that ever happened to porn!
How have review sites changed porn shopping for you? They have allowed me to make a more intelligent shopping decision so I don't end up with titles like Disco Party anymore. ADT has also offered a collection of reliable stores to purchase from as I can honestly say that I have never had a problem with one that wasn't easily worked out. Something I can not say about some of the pre-ADT stores.
Is it comforting to know that there's a whole lot of intelligent normal people who like porn? This was actually something that I knew before finding ADT, but not to get off track, yes.
Does having an outlet for your opinions make a difference? Yes, by the exchanging of ideas the porn consumer becomes more educated and able to make better porn decisions. For example, suggestions from ADT have caused me to find films I probably never otherwise would have.
Does writing reviews change how you watch porn? Yes, I've found myself being far more critical of what I watch now and noticing the little things that I never noticed before. I'm not sure if this is a curse or a blessing yet.
Have sites like adult dvd talk helped you explore your sexuality? Yes.
Anything general you'd like to say about review sites or online porn communities? Anything that brings together consumers to help them is great, especially something such as porn which has such a bad stigma in some circles, Allowing people to talk together about their likes and dislikes also allows people to know they are not alone in what they like and may through time remove some of the thought about porn being such a dirty bad thing.
What makes ADT different Not to be down on many of the sites out there, but most of the sites where consumers share their opinions there is too much of the egg head super techies that put people down for what they don't know and the cliques that like different types of porn and attack those people who don't share these opinions. Although that problem loomed here, great administraters were able to stop it before it got to bad keeping this site a friendly place to share ideas and feelings. Basically what I am saying is the friendly environment here and the fact that everyone is willing to help everyone else instead of condemning them is what makes ADT different. The fact that industry members are also present and actually talk with the consumers makes ADT stand out as well.
How have review sites changed porn shopping for me?
They have only had a limited impact on my shopping habits. They have only rarely talked me out of getting a movie I was interested in but they have brought to my attention some new directors (ie Jules Jordan) whom I wouldn't have even bothered to check out otherwise. Though I would say that this site has a bigger impact on my buying then magazines like AVN due to the real time interaction I can have with the reviewer. If I have a question about the movie I can ask.
Is it comforting to know that there's a whole lot of intelligent, "normal" people who like porn?
Well I think you may be stretching the definition of "normal" a little bit but I for one enjoy being able to have an intelligent converstation with someone who isn't always focused on masturbating to what we are talking about.
Does having an outlet for your opinions make a difference?
In what regards? I would say it does in the area of the companies themselves. I am more willing to be loyal to a company that has shown an interest in the consumers opinions then to one that ignores us. If you mean just a place to rant and vent well that helps too
Does writing reviews change how you watch porn?
When I am watching for a review it does because I am more likely to focus on all aspects of the DVD but when I am watching for my own enjoyment it I would say no. However, I am noticeing more mistakes now a days.
Have sites like ADT helped you explore your sexuality?
Not really because of DB and that pesky court order just kidding. I would say that it has helped me feel less like a pervert when it comes to my interest so in that regards yes. Has it pushed me to try new things outside of adult dvds, no.
Anything general you's like to say about review sites or online porn communities?
Well being one of the most computer illiterate people at the site I have only visited 1 other forum. It however is in it's death throes as we speak though the owners may not agree. The main problem with it is the controlling nature of the people running it. From posts to chats you can tell they are editing out things they don't want discussed even when they are valid questions/points. ADT doesn't do that. They may lock the thread on you but at least they explain why and the reason has so far never been a self serving one.
How have review sites changed porn shopping for me?
In more ways than I could count. They've helped me learn to find higher quality movies and find much better prices being the two biggest reasons. They've also gotten me to buy more titles since I am far less likely to be ripped off after reading a decent review of a dvd.
Is it comforting to know that there's a whole lot of intelligent, "normal" people who like porn?
Not really. I've always known a lot of normal people watched porn but it's good to share your perspective with like-minded folks and be guided towards other titles that you might like by someone other than a minimum wage clerk at a local store.
Does having an outlet for your opinions make a difference?
Yes, it helps me vent over some of the crud companies release as much as extoll the virtues of the titles they get right.
Does writing reviews change how you watch porn?
Yes, it makes me far more likely to take a critical look at something by a standard that has less to do with a quick session of pocket pool. It has also pushed me towards companies that put some effort into their releases like Wicked, Evil Angel and Simon Wolf while avoiding companies that obviously don't care about consumers like Extreme Associates, Venus, Caballero, and many, many others.
[steph edit - that's a very unfair statement about Extreme Associates who came here, faced the criticism, admitted their mistakes and are working to correct it.]
Have sites like ADT helped you explore your sexuality?
They've helped me learn to appreciate different aspects of porn that I might not have known about or considered otherwise.
Anything general you's like to say about review sites or online porn communities?
Each has it's own flavor and not all of them are best for each consumer. ADT has many strengths that other sites can't touch and other sites fill in the few gaps that exist here.
...which points to one of the best things about ADT. That is the ability to provide feedback directly to any manufacturer who wants it (well...even if they don't want it). I love the fact that producers come here asking what we want to see.
...which points to one of the best things about ADT. That is the ability to provide feedback directly to any manufacturer who wants it (well...even if they don't want it). I love the fact that producers come here asking what we want to see.
I couldn't agree more and that is truly one of the best points about ADT, the fact that studios do listen, and do care about the consumer, and that is just great.
Well, I was commenting based on my experience with the company's mentioned. I'll defer to your more up to date information but I still recall them releasing poorly mastered dvds that often had less material on the dvd than on the VHS. If they have turned over a new leaf in recent months, kudos to their newfound marketing smarts.
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Planet Sex Deactivated User
1951 Posts 6/01
Posted - Sep 30 2002 : 2:16AM
There´s something I would like to point out about it.
DVD is a very recent media. The entire process of authoring isn´t exactly hard, but it is a little tricky.
Small, independent studios don´t have millionary budgets like Fox or Columbia to churn out anamorphic, remastered, THX-certified edition of their titles, so they usually resort to cheaper, not-exactly-pro guys with a computer and a DVD authoring program.
You CAN create a very decent DVD master (in the case, a DLT tape) on your own house, if you have a good equipment. But you still have to pay attention to small details like encoding bitrates, sound encoding, etc.
The same thing goes to the replication process - it´s fast, cheaper, but requires a little more care than the one associated with the replication of VHS tapes.
I firmly believe that, in some cases, some companies simply aren´t AWARE that they´re putting out faulty, mediocre titles. So it´s up to us, consumers, to point out when they screw up and give ´em tips to improve their work.
Remember the first Anchor Bay titles? Man, they SUCKED! And today, everybody loves ´em. Cause they learned by trial and error, but at least they pursued the improvement.
Of course, there ARE other companies who doesn´t give a rat´s pattotie about the consumer. But they´ve been doing that since the old VHS days, so it doesn´t come as as surprise, and no one should expect ´em to change.
Besides, the number of companies that DO care and ARE putting out decent product on the market may be not large, but for now it´s big enough to supply the demand.
How have review sites changed porn shopping for you?
ADT has done wonders for me. It really helps on what to avoid too.
is it comforting to know that there's a whole lot of intelligent normal people who like porn?
lol Who's Normal? I can't call that but there are great deal of intelligent people at this site. Speelie wrote a book on World War II, 'nuff said.
does having an outlet for your opinions make a difference?
Totally. I was reading and lurking before I could even rent a porn flick. Once I started buying and renting myself, just like others, I felt the need to review or talk about it. I've came across my favorite titles by reccomendations.
does writing reviews change how you watch porn?
Slightly, yeah. I don't think I'm at all hard to impress when it comes to sex on camera. That will probably never change. For example, I don't know what "average" sex is so that rating's basically irrelevant to me. Chances are, if I rated the sex below 3 1/2 stars, the sex was okay or flat out bad. I rarely come across anything bad sex wise. It drastically changed my views on Male performers and Directors. I've seen a handful of terrible hired guns, mostly new guys. I use to ask why, "WHY!?" does Mark Davis, Vince, David Perry, Erik Everhard, Mr Marcus etc have to be in all my got damn movies? Reviewing made me appreciate the fact that they're dependable and help the Ladie's performances. When I use to sneak my older brother's ol' movies I never sat and said to myself, "Damn, this was directed very nicely". I was oblivious to the Director factor, they meant absolutely nothing to my porn perspective. Now I realize how crucial a good director is to the overall product.
have sites like adult dvd talk helped you explore your sexuality?
Not Really
anything general you'd like to say about review sites or online porn communities?
I've been missing out on Wednesday chat for technical reasons. If my computer was good to me, I'd be in there every week. I don't post at RAME much but here I do. I pretty much like the usual suspects here anyway. Plus questions rarely go unanswered here. All the info in the world on Titles, Pornstars, Directors etc could be found here. Hell, I still marvel at how many Industry folks post here. Here is where it's at!
Well i agree with a lot of the points the other ladies and gentlemen have made with reference to ADT being one of the best of such site's, mainly due to the fact, and this again is reiterating a previous point, that it allows likeminded individuals to exchange views and help each other out with questions and suggestions.
My real beef, however, is with the frustrating lack of any seriously decent reviews. Not to be picky but i generally read a review of a movie if i have an interest in buying the movie, but much to my amazement, even on sites where the item is for sale and you would think its promotion would be of fumdamental importance, i find the reviews to be simply stale regurgetations of the blurb on the rear of the movies case.
No offence to anyone who writes such reviews, but it would be reassuring to read a review where it appears the author has actually seen the film.
I dont know maybe i'm asking too much, answers on a postcard!!!
xander, are you directing this criticism at the "pro" review sites, or at ADT? I can assure you that ADT viewers really watch the DVDs, and that they are not paid to put out advertising blurbettes that mimic the back of the box. I for one rarely even read the back of the box.
No not at ADT, like i said ADT provides a useful and reliable service that helps and informs likeminded individuals. No its the many other so called professional sites that seem to kop out when it comes to reviewing movies, even when it would seem they consider it one of the main features of their site.
If you read a postive review in a retailer site of a DVD that they are trying to sell you, how much faith would you actually put in that review?
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DenverDon Benevolent
Firmly Embedded in Depravity 5914 Posts 7/02
Posted - Sep 30 2002 : 8:54PM
Bill Broderick said:Very little.
Those reviews seem to be done to sell, sell, sell. That is why I like the independant review sites for the reviews I read. ADT and Rog's Reviews are at the top of my list. At the same time, I can't say that I have been to or seen all of the independant review sites. But when I have about 99% of my review needs from a few sites, I don't feel the need to search all of the others.
DenverDon
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Planet Sex Deactivated User
1951 Posts 6/01
Posted - Sep 30 2002 : 9:13PM
Some adult retailer sites have reader´s reviews. Some of those can be trusted, but not all.
It all depends on the reviewer, but is generally true. Although I think he's an exception, I've long considered Diesel one of the best and most reliable reviewers out there.
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DenverDon Benevolent
Firmly Embedded in Depravity 5914 Posts 7/02
Posted - Sep 30 2002 : 11:11PM
astro,
Thanks for pointing out an exception. Diesel is a good reviewer, and an exception.
"how have review sites changed porn shopping for you?"
ADT has made it too easy to spend way too much money on porn. Your high standards for afiliates has made it next to impossible to get burned, and the price search, coupons, etc. grease the transactions. Your kickbacks are pure evil genius, thank you very much.
"is it comforting to know that there's a whole lot of intelligent, "normal" people who like porn? "
Yes... if only we could get them to join the site..
"have sites like adult dvd talk helped you explore your sexuality? "
God no
"does writing reviews change how you watch porn? "
Since I started writing reviews, I've seen more porn than I ever dreamed I would. I now watch it only with plenty of alcohol and my therapist's number handy.
