Interesting how there appears to be revisionist history here.

In this post from months ago, Pridebucks Joe defends the right of Epoch to make an exclusive sponsorship agreement with AVN. Now, if this hotly discussed topic were incorrectly stated by Joe, one would suspect that SOMEBODY -- either Epoch, CCBill, Cybersocket, or someone with knowledge of the topic, would come forth and clarify.

But instead, Ken posts and, while discounting any specific knowledge of whether or not an exclusive agreement exists, he supports Joe's statement. Granted, he was speaking "unofficially" but AVN was certainly aware of what he was saying, and like it or not, someone posting from AVN is, in the absence of anyone else from AVN speaking, going to be perceived as a voice of AVN.

It seems unlikely (or at least, horrendous PR) that a statement implying defense of a supposedly nonexistent exclusive arrangement would be left unchallenged if no such agreement were in place. Yet no one from any of the parties said anything to refute the implication, which, in my mind, serves as mute agreement.

Not trying to make mountains out of molehills, and not trying to fix blame. On the contrary, I was trying to say that somebody (Epoch) had actually learned from a misstep and made the right move, and that they should be recognized for taking the stand-up approach.

Like I said before, I just wish people would communicate. I would still like to believe there's a legitimate business reason that Epoch made the decision about Lee that they did, and while Epoch can't make that statement publicly, they can certainly speak to Lee, and then announce that they have done so, to avoid any possibility of Lee having the details and not sharing them. (Not saying Lee would do this, just that Epoch could cover themselves by doing that.)

Let's try and nip this one in the bud before it becomes another big stink. Epoch, it's your call. Talk to Lee and be clear on the situation, and let him clarify it for the rest of us.

As for the Summit, let's be happy that both CCBill and Epoch are finally (or were always, depending on whom you believe and what the evidence says) both able to sponsor this event.