The Sorry State of Porn Today
by Kevin Tipple

Instead of the meek inheriting the earth, it has become the mindless. No, I am not talking about the voting problems in Florida (more than enough guilt to go around for everybody there), I am talking about those of us who buy or rent adult videos and the like. It is time to make our voices heard that we will no longer accept junk.

Today it seems that as if anyone with a stray camera that can find a woman gets his or her video on the market. Billed as "amateur tapes" these videos flood the market and people actually seem to like them. As an aspect of personal expression that is fine, but it is sad that the concept seems to have taken over the industry.

For the most part, gone are the days of a video having a plot or storyline. And totally forget character development. Now, companies are turning out videos right and left with the amateur style format. Cheap and easily made over the course of an afternoon or at best a couple of days, they have all the style and substance of a Mike Tyson hook to the face. You know the drill if you have seen anything at all recently.

Some woman pops up on screen (after all those annoying phone sex ads) and says something stunningly stupid as "Hi, my name is Stacy and I just turned 21 and I couldn't wait to make this movie. So, watch me as I get naked with (fill in the name of the actor)." Or some drivel along these lines.

Said female prepares herself in the bathroom, all the while filmed as she flirts with the camera. Somehow, this is supposed to make the viewer more involved in the video. How, I have no idea. I have a severe desire to yell at her to watch what the hell she is doing.

Then, she goes out and gives another brief interview, poses solo in various positions, then seductively strips out of her clothing. Then, of course, a male star appears and the act commences. Numerous positions are successfully attempted accompanied by much screaming and groaning. All the while, the woman is repeatedly facing the camera, playing to it, as if that will really draw us into the moment. Once we have obligatory messy proof that everyone has had a good time, the male star is interviewed for his reaction. Not once have I ever heard the guy say anything negative. It is always along the lines of he never had better as the woman smiles stupidly for the camera. Enough!

The fact that everyone lasts far longer than normal people is expected. What annoys me is the sheer mindless stupidity of it all. The premise is nothing more than-- I am naked, you are naked, and lets go. It has all the subtly of a PBS documentary about the mating habits of a cheetah.

Instead, lets convince the powers that be that we want quality in or erotica. We want a plot, storyline and character development along with full frontal nudity and graphic sex. We want stories to be told that just feature sex as a part, but not the only thing. In short, we the people demand quality today!

We want videos of the old days in the style of the Marilyn Chamber's movies. Movies like Insatiable that were definitely about sex, but also erotically told a story. Or more recently, The Witch's Tale. Sure the special effects are a little cheesy, but the plot is good and the sex is red hot. The point is that there are quality videos out there that are actually worth something.

So, take volume whatever back to the store and ask for the good stuff. If they don't know what is good, you are going to the wrong place. Demand quality in this area, just as you would in your produce, your car repair, or anything else in your life. If we, the viewers and consumers, send a message, they will listen and change or be driven out of the marketplace.

©2000 Kevin R. Tipple

In addition to his published fiction, Kevin is the new review editor for Peacockblue Note:. This article originally ran on http://www.KatyTerrega.com