Bye Bye BBW Awards



It's been weeks since the announcement was released from AVN & Xbiz that the "BBW" category has been eliminated from the annual awards shows and there are many highly upset.  I, do not share that same sentiment.  For me, this is a wake up call to focus on improving MY brand and MY products for relevant and deserved recognition in the industry.

I get it... many are feeling like this was a major set back in getting recognized among our peers but I personally feel that there is MORE that could be done to justify an award for the work in the BBW niche.  I am going to share what I feel are ways we can improve our industry presence and possibly make an award show come back.

BEFORE I do that, let me just explain that awards shows, conventions and the alike are about money.  I know first hand from doing BBW Fanfest that at the end of the day, your passion for a particular cause or genre can be a great motivation for success.  However, the bottom line is going to dictate whether it truly represents your best interest.   For these shows, sponsors dominate the bottom line with financial contributions in exchange for marketing and advertising opportunities.

The sponsorship is not without it's share of benefit as it comes with many visible advertising perks and mention throughout the show.  This is what separates the small time amateur companies from the major industry players, VISIBILITY.   No one can go to your website or purchase your product if they don't know who you are!

So how can YOU make your brand or company stand out and revitalize the BBW genre?

1.  Due Diligence.

It is often neglected in our niche, with very little effort devoted to learning your craft and researching all aspects of running a successful porn business.  There isn't many successful companies to learn from aside from a few websites and dvd lines to simply review and try to immulate what you think is their formula for success.  SCORE GROUP is probably the only professionally run "Plus Sized" production company using the term "Plus Sized" loosely.  Unfortunately, they really only employ thinner but BUSTY models for their productions.  I wouldn't exactly label them a "BBW" genre company.

There are others that exist but FAR from professional.  Between the model recruitment process, communication failures and rumors of unsavory behavior to secure your employment, to low balling shoot rates and often lowered post shoot, among a long list of other highly unprofessional practices you can't blame the industry for not wanting to give them any of the lime light or recognition.  It also doesn't help that THOUSANDS of dollars are owed to many affiliates for unpaid earnings.

Do your due diligence.  Learn the business outside of just what you plan to shoot or the genre you plan to market yourself in.  Familiarize yourself with the way the industry operates so that YOU can be more professional and take seriously.

2.  Conduct yourself as a PROFESSIONAL.

This is BIG issue that exists in the industry but more specifically in the BBW niche.  From social media, communications with a company or producer, working with other talent, conventions, award shows, to on set behaviors; there is much room for improvement to be made.  In order to be TREATED as a professional, you are going to beed to conduct and present yourself as one.

3.  Be recognized and conduct yourself as a BUSINESS not a star.

I realize that fame is something that many of the people in our industry seek, but it doesn't get you the type of acknowledgement that will lead to a more successful experience within the adult industry.  Stars are recognized, businesses generate revenue.  When you treat your craft as a business, you should start seeing your bottom line look more like a business.

Social media followings are great, but they don't determine your income which will inevitably groom your success.  More income = More money to invest in yourself & business = bigger bottom line.

4.  Follow standard industry practices.

This is where #1 really comes into play.  You have to KNOW the practices to follow them.  From getting tested, model release forms and ID's, cancellation policies, hiring of talent, to on set conduct.... there is a level of respect received when you follow industry standards.  Aside from being a respected company or re-hirable talent, you will find yourself with less miscommunication and more productivity.

5.  Hire an attorney.

An attorney to help you follow the law is always helpful but also to make sure you have all your ducks in a row.  From the time you purchase your domain to the time you release your first movie, an attorney will help you remain compliant in all areas of your production and general business practices.  There are countless benefits from having counsel to refer to with any questions you have.

6.  Get Talent Tested.

This should go without saying but if you are a performer, get Talent Tested.  It is much more professional to have your results available through an industry standard website.

7.  Step up your "shoot" game.

Whether hiring a professional videographer or upgrading your existing production equipment, making sure you stay up to date is key in industry relevance.  Of course, it comes with a price tag but your results will definitely help you stand out from being "just a production company" to high quality content creator and business.

8.  Market & advertise your business.

The world and the industry need to know who you are!  You accomplish that goal with marketing and advertising and not just on social media.  Yes, social media is a great way to reach potential sales but you really have to reach the unknown audience that doesn't know who you are yet!

Whether you hire a public relations person or marketing and advertising manager, the need to have help in this area is an important one.  Having a great website or product isn't enough to make it.

9.  Stop "beefing" on social media or in general.  Settle your disputes without feeling the need to involve others in the business.

Being competitive is natural.  We are human.  However, the extent of unattractive bickering and bullying has really given the BBW's in the industry a bad reputation.  Social media displays many of the poorly executed online fights that only turned off companies who might have had interest in working with BBW's or producing BBW projects.  At the end of the day, it's not generating money.

Look at it like this, whenever a major company responds to a situation similarly, it gets publicly shamed.  That's how other companies see OUR social media beefs.  Furthermore, you detour your fans from purchasing your products by diverting their attention to unnecessary drama.  What are you selling?  Tickets to a bitch brawl or porn?

10.  Eliminate complaining.

Nothing is more annoying than to have someone who ALWAYS complains!  Yes, once in a while you will feel the need to express your discontent on a situation but constant and daily negative feedback just comes off as you are perpetually unhappy.  No one will ATTEMPT to please you if it seems impossible.

11.  Run a business, not a fan club

This is self explanatory and basically reiterates prior points.

Side note:  We are not ENTITLED to anything and that includes awards.  Our category WAS a privilege.  What are we REALLY being recognized for?  BEING FAT?  I certainly don't want to be recognized for just being a BBW... so rather than be upset about it I plan to do something about it starting with myself and my business.

Frankly, I want my products to appear in categories that don't LABEL me as BBW.  That's the REAL accomplishment when you can be in a BEST WEBSITE category with Joanna Angel don't you think?  Personally, it's a public display lacking confidence to think that we can't do anything outside of a smaller competitive group of people.  So broaden your horizons and step up your goals!  Let's see YOU in next year's nominations next the industries TOP performers and companies!

I don't expect my opinions to be popular and frankly, don't care.  It's TRUTH.  I am applying these VERY same points to my own product and brand.  Good luck!

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