It's that time of year again, when members of the Free Speech Coalition vote on the new board of directors. Pretty mundane stuff, to be honest, but as a member of the FSC and industry participant that sees the need for such an organization, as well as taking comfort in the protections afforded the members vis-a-vis 2257 litigation, upon receiving Diane Duke's email regarding the elections, I clicked over to the candidates bios and statements to review the choices.

Even in an industry that does its best to eat its young, I was shocked to see Gill Sperlein, Titan Media's in-house counsel, running for the Board. And then I was insulted by his answer to the FSC's first question, specifically, "What is the biggest challenge facing the adult industry today?"

I believe lack of unity is the greatest threat to the industry because it affects our ability to effectively confront the other problems we face. However, it's not surprising the industry is defragmented since it is comprised almost entirely of small businesses. We should not look to blame our members for their rebel spirit. Rather, we should acknowledge and celebrate the individuality of our members so we can move beyond the differences and focus on common threats: government intrusion, social bias, copyright infringement, the economic crises, etc.

To be succinct, what a crock of shit.

Gill, in the unlikely chance that you're reading this, let me give you a clue: the single entity most responsible for bifurcation in this industry, at least on the gay side, is your employer. And as their legal mouthpiece, you are at the center of the divide.

Now, I think that Titan's work stopping piracy is terrific. Go after the pirates who steal your content! Shut them down! Prosecute them out of the business! Titan's strategy has worked, at least form them, as I read Keith Webb quoted saying that they know it has worked becuase several well-known websites have statements out front saying that no content originating with Titan Media will be allowed, period.

On the other hand, I also know porn stars whom Titan has harrased and forced to take down pictures of themselves on dating, hook-up and social sites becuase the images are owned by Titan. Nevermind that Titan owes their success to these guys who are willing to fuck on camera. Nevermind that the *free* publicity that Titan receives from these stars' self-promotion innure directly to the sales of the films (and not to the stars themselves, who after their appearance fees see not one more dime from their work).

I guess what I'm trying to say is that Titan goes overboard when it comes to whatever cause they see as important.

And that's why I find Sperlein's statement of unnecessary division so outrageous.

Gill, take this one to hungraw1 Webb, Cam, and everyone else at Titan: welcome the barebackers into the industry -- and stop treating them like red-headed stepchildren -- and maybe then you can talk about bringing the industry together, and your lament about the rebel spirit won't sound quite so self-serving and hypocritical.