I don't know whether to pity or laugh at Harker Jones. While everybody knew that GayVN couldn't make it as a standalone publication, it wasn't for lack of potential advertisers and content. It was because Paul Fishbein doesn't understand the gay marketplace and let Jeremy Spencer and his cronies (specifically Chi Chi Larry) set both the editorial and advertiser policies -- positioning the magazine as pro-condom.

Which means that it was cut off from the growing portion of the business. The portion that is still selling good numbers and making money. The portion that has the need and the resources to advertise.

Not that barebackers didn't try to advertise in the publication; they just were given the ugly red-headed stepchild treatment... we'll take your dirty money but don't expect editorial coverage and certainly not product reviews!

Of course, this implies that GayVN actually covered relevant news, as the industry publication of record, which it did not and ultimately, lost all standing in the industry. GayVN was basically good for reading about Chi Chi Larry's latest antics, who Titan sued, and reprinting verbatim the press releases that arrived via fax.

By the time that Fishbein realised that GayVN was a loser and gave Jeremy Spencer the boot, it was too late. The only consistent bareback advertiser in the book was New Barbary Coast Distribution which is wholly owned by Treasure Island Media's Paul Morris. Ironic because they are the one company that can throw cash around and it truly matters not. For those that advertising effectiveness matters, GayVN not only provided little assurance that the vehicle would reach the intended audience, but actively worked against the potential advertisers' interests by advocating what is essentially a political stand.

And now, with cocktails and gossip!