first big sponsor 2257 statement

[basschick]

"Lightspeedcash 2257 Announcement

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ok, everyone seems to be waiting to see which sponsor will be first with their 2257 annoucement. I'd also like to wait and see what everyone else's plans are before announcing ours, but I want to give our webmasters as much time as possible to make required changes.

The 2257 law is here, and it is no joke. Under the best case, this law will be used only to give the people who exploit actual children exactly what they deserve: JAIL TIME.

The media and governments have lumped legitimate adult entertainment companies together with child pornographers for too long. This is our chance to show some real responsibility and SET OURSELVES APART.

However under the worst case, this could be the beginning of a real challenge to the adult internet as we know it. Honest and legitimate company owners could be jailed for simple record-keeping inadequacies. The law seems written in a way that no one will be able to comply with 100% accuracy.

I believe the 2257 law as written has several flaws that will not withstand a legal challenge. Most importantly, the safety and privacy of performers has been completely ignored. It is unconscionable to sacrifice the rights of performers the way this law demands. That is why Lightspeedcash has donated our financial support to the Free Speech Coalition, who plan on filing for an injunction against the 2257 law before the June 23 enforcement deadline. We all must support them and their objective, so donate what you can. Spread the word that there is a fighting chance.

The only prudent course of action for now is to follow the law as it is written and to error on the side of caution. I feel strongly enough about the privacy and safety of our models that I WILL NOT RELEASE THEIR IDS TO WEBMASTERS. There is a better solution for Lightspeedcash, our models, and our affiliates:

Effective June 23, 2005, Lightspeedcash will no longer authorize affiliate use of SEXUALLY EXPLICIT content to promote our sites.

We may be one of the fortunate companies, as 90% of our content is softcore/nonnude in nature already and our internal 2257 records are perfect. We recommend affiliates use text links and/or SOFTCORE thumbnail links to our HOSTED CONTENT wherever possible. Take advantage of our hosted galleries, hosted TGP, hosted bookmarks page, and our hosted Picture of the Day links. Hotlinking content or the use of IFRAMES will not be allowed. Simply link to us and let us worry about the documentation. This policy APPLIES TO EVERYONE, not just our US webmasters. I won't put our US webmasters at a disadvantage. Failure to comply with this new requirement will result in the termination of your Lightspeedcash affiliate status, and the forfeiture of any outstanding earnings. We simply can't and won't take no for an answer.

I also make a request to the TGP and MGP owners to allow existing galleries to be modified to comply with the new 2257 requirements. We are all in this together. No one wants to lose their traffic or their revenue, but without bending the rules about modifying existing galleries, you will put yourselves and your submitters at risk.

Lightspeedcash is 100% committed to this industry and to our webmasters. We will be available to answer any and all affiliate questions and concerns. I know this solution will not please everyone, and I apologize now if you are inconvenienced by our choices. We are all connected to each other, that is the biggest strength of this industry. Let's not turn in into our biggest weakness.

Steve Lightspeed
CEO, Lightspeed Media
Lightspeedcash.com"

http://www.gofuckyourself.com/showthread.php?t=476823

[Bec]

Well said ... and it's really about the only option available at the present time.

[GLBTcity]

Steve,

That is by far the nicest 2257 compliance announcement I've seen yet. I agree with your decision 100%.

It is obvious that you are concerned about your models and their welfare.

It is obvious that you are concerned about your affiliates.

It is obvious that you are not going to close your doors.

It is obvious that you are not going to simply close your eyes and ears and shout "I don't want to hear it".

I second Bec's comment... Well Done!

PapaBear

[basschick]

i think he's doing the right thing - as is paul markham. i can understand giving the i.d. to someone you know and trust, but the same webmasters who would post the phone numbers from paris hilton's phone when it was hacked aren't going to have a lot of problems posting a model's real name or address.

also several times, i've seen i.d. on a gallery where the webmaster never looked at the pics, and the content provider put the i.d. in the main folder. if the i.d. is provided with address, how much worse that will be

[gaystoryman]

I am a bit confused here. so excuse the question but uh doesn't all that is posted online is the address of the custodian of records for either a primary or secondary producer but that those records (kept at your place of business) must have the ids, addresses, and all that other stuff? That in fact no model names, id's or addresses are required to be online? Just yours...

Just curious is all.

I mean I can see not wanting to divulge that information to every webmaster affiliate as well, but the information is not for posting online as I read it. or am I totally being blonde?

[Matt 26z]

You are correct GayStoryMan, but there are a lot of "fans" who know how things work and will post model ID's online in a "look what I found" manner.

[basschick]

gaystoryman - what happens when surfers discover they can get their favorite pornstars info by signing up for a program as an affiliate? they'll post how to get info on models on boards all over, and soon every surfer will be signing up for programs, so they can get michael brandon and jenna jameson's i.d. and info.

[gaystoryman]

I totally see the risk involved, just that it seems many are equating giving the information to webmasters as actually having to post that info as well... just wanted to clarify that is all...

I think one side benefit (if you can call it that) is that sponsors are going to have to be more selective in who they allow as affiliates. It should also help in how many simply sign up for the free content.

The first few cases are going to be interesting to see when this eventually gets into the courts...

just my view though.
Ian

[Lee]

Its going to be interesting to see which other sponsors follow suit with this, especially the LARGE sponsors.

They cant possibly have every peice of ID needed for the millions of images they have in their members areas.

Regards,

Lee

[Fetishlady]

very well said and stated!
good one Steve!