Who the hell are we? The Rotten Studios question.
By Razor | October 27, 2008
So I have been doing alot of thinking as of late. And I thought I would let you in on a little bit of what those thoughts were. As many of our members know, when you join one site like RottenStar.com, you get access to SexyAlhana.com as well. In the future it will include Alhanas Smoking site which is a store front on the free side that dedicates content to that fetish. On the inside though, it is all access pass and thus nothing will change for our members. I would like to say that when you join one of our sites, you are part of the Rotten Studios Networks. But as an independant artist, that has a little bit of definition problem as the word Network has a different meaning to what we are use to.
The site we left to become exclusive on our own was a “network” site as are many of the sites we interact with. FreakDaddys, WildRose, DreamNet, and there are slews of others. Those examples are what I define as “network” in that they rely heavily on models contributing images in exchange for a percentage of sales. In a nutshell, pretty straight forward and the models usually keep ownership of their content should they leave. I tip my hat to those Networks as its a job that would drive me insane. I try my hardest to run things hardcore down the road business with no feelings involved when it comes to what needs to get done. And I know shit happens and some models have to exit their present network for whatever reason, but human nature would kick my ass, knowing that hard work or even the fate of the network always would rely heavily on the models to provide the content to keep things running smoothly. Again, my hats off to you folks and its definately a job I deeply respect and I wonder how you guys and gals dont go insane from time to time.
For us, we wanted to avoid the hassle and heartache. Not only for the reasons listed above, but because our skills had not matured to take on a venture like what those fine networks do. All our models are considered contractors as they are for standard Networks. The difference is that we pay the models to shoot content that in turn they release the ownership of those images to us. It can be costly at times depending on the content shot, but the content is ours free and clear with their written consent via releases and the paychecks they cash. As long as we do not use the images in an attempt to intentionally hurt the model and use the images for the commercial use, they can never be removed and we can concentrate on marketing such said images.
Now that has not completely made things easy. Even though it is all laid out in black and white, we still get an occasional model who feels she has the right or need to have her images removed from one of our sites. Had it happen three times out of 17 models that we have worked with thus far. Even though we have it in writing and we are in the right, still makes us sigh a breathe of sadness to think how people go through life. Some people have our checks cashed before the ink even dries. Anyways, things will never change and its just a similarity between what we do and how “Networks” operate. And when I say things wont change, I meant that we will not forfeit material that we paid for. Business is business and we did not get to where we are by handing out to charity cases.
But it still leaves the question……what the hell are we? Let me know and have a great Monday.
R
Topics: Rotten Studios | No Comments »
YIKES!!! Can you help me find something?
By Razor | October 25, 2008
Looking around I cant seem to find where I left my motivation and time to write here. Its not as if I dont have anything to write. I am just plain lazy when it comes to this. Actually I have been busy as of late. Adding pages to SexyAlhana.com and re-arranging RottenStar.com a little. Economy is hitting everyone pretty hard, so we also decided to drop the prices of our memberships. Also made some video sale more visible, which may piss some people off who have worked with us, but thats tough because this is our bread and butter. Life as an Adult Producer and Entertainer is fun when your getting paid, but its not easy at times.
Anyways, some have been asking when the Fallen site was going to be ready, and all I can say is…its tough to find paid help somedays. Wanted to get it ready by Halloween but unfortunately the models who were going to participate have sort of disappeared. We will get something rolling soon and hire on some bigger contract paying gigs for those who want them. No biggie. We will get things done…sooner or later.
And now on to what I lost. Time. Where the hell did it go? Well we are looking for some recreational fun and have a couple of friends we are going to make time for that write and keep in touch. Ash and Angie, we are ready for that time off. Ash is a real sweetheart and we have to get down to see her soon. And tomorrow I am going to write again. Any ideas? Shoot me comments and I will ponder on them.
R
Topics: Entertainment, Rotten Studios, Thoughts | No Comments »
Tortured Tree Frogs and Marissa
By Razor | July 31, 2008
Moving right along with the introductions for this years newest RottenStar’s we have Marissa and her lovely tree frog tatoo’s. Actually they are poor little saps as I have told her. There is one above each breast and they are pointing down as if they want to perch on her nipples. Now that is torture. To see something you want so bad but will never get there. Poor little fuckers will never suckle on the tits they want so badly.
Alright, got that out of the way. Marissa has been getting quite a bit of camera time in the last few weeks and she is finding her own niche. A very sexy girl who is getting into the role of what we do here. And she even picked her own stage name and that fucking rocks. I have got to say that we are some of the luckiest people to be surrounded by such beauties. Its almost a crime that we should be having this much fun. But you know what? You have to grab life by the fucking balls and squeeze what you want from it. Marissa does, as well as our other girls. I will hopefully have some more thoughts a bit later and I will continue. Till then.
R
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Reyes Reigns the Camera
By Razor | July 29, 2008
Its 2am and I am at a complete loss as what to write. So lets just roll with what comes to mind. And speaking of “blank” thoughts, I will tell you that the majority of the stage names you see on our sites are left to me for some unknown reason. I am not sure why, but everyone thinks I can come up with names like I put on socks. I really struggle at times, because its not as simple as some other things that come to me. Creative I can be, but when choosing a name that fits an idea I have about a model is really tough.
So our model up after Calysta, whom I really struggled hard with for a name as well, is “Reyes”. My first impression of Reyes when I opened the door for our first meeting was, “Damn girl, your tall”. And rightfully so as she stands over 6′1″ and I am only 5′10″. Not that that is of any importance, but you must understand that she is just as gorgeous if not more so than she is tall. Add the fact that she is super talkative and has the charisma that would brighten any room, and you have star power. When I die, I want Reyes at my funeral to be sure everyone is having a good fucking time.
Alright, so the shoots went great and she is a blast to photograph. But, no idea of what to go by in terms of a name. Fuck. Ok, no problem. It took me two to three days and I just couldnt come up with a name that would justify her stature. I looked online through baby names and meanings and came up with zilch. During this whole process I kept returning to a name from a girl I had known and adored in school. RaShell was just as charismatic and an absolute doll that I totally fell for in middle school. Reyes had the same qualities that kept bringing me back to that one name. In the end I didnt really want to use RaShell because it sort of holds a special spot in my heart of the past. So my next best bet was to think of a name that would work well if my friend of old had a sister or a twin….and it came like lightning. Reyes and RaShell and thus how it came to be. Sometimes the hardest creativity is only a memory away if I put a little bit of my heart into it.
Reyes, you rock and thus far have shined beyond our expectations and are a most wonderfull friend. Tommorow, I will present our third model in the “New RottenStar Generation”.
R
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Live by the Guns, Die by the Guns
By Razor | July 27, 2008
Been awhile and I know thats a bad thing as I have been told as such by a few people. “What the fuck?”, I say. Well I guess I will roll on some tunes and post. I have alot more to write about such as tortured tree frogs, Reyes, Marissa and a few other thoughts I have banging around in my head. But lets get on with it shall we.
My wife and I, since we have been doing this full time for the past few years, have been able to enjoy a great many things and nights out. No “stand by” or corporate head telling me when I have to work or when I can or can not take time off. Sure, we have to be, probably, more responsible for when we actually do work and make sure we get our shit done on a day to day basis. But the freedoms are more rewarding.
Last night we indulged in going out to another concert. 4th Station Bar in St. Paul hosted Bang Tango, LA Guns and Faster Pussycat for our sonic pleasures. I have to admit, this is the shit I grew up on in the late 80’s and it still amazes me how I used to see these bands in large arenas and stadiums and how things have changed. For the better I think as it is more personable and enjoyable when bands play smaller venues. Kind of like our little business. We are more reachable, or at least we hope so, to those who actually venture onto our pages.
In ending tonights entertainment report, we both agree that LA Guns stole the show as they seemed to have a longer set and probably should have been the closure to the night. Meh, they all rocked, and it just goes to show that after 20 years, the music sounded as fresh as it did back then. Next week….Nine Inch Nails is on tap. Until my next scribblings….
R
Topics: Entertainment | 1 Comment »
Freedom, Lights, Action
By Razor | July 3, 2008
Fourth of July. Independence Day. Most Americans will be out celebrating a national holiday by attending parades, throwing family picnics and basically drinking themselves silly. And why not? This is the day that we declared that we would stand on our own and run things how we felt fit. It was a fight that gained us the freedoms and life we enjoy today. For the deep down basics of it all, anyways.
Sort of thing happened to me two years ago. Working an 8-4 job for a public utility and was the victim of downsizing. No big deal as we had been working in the art of sex on the internet for about three years before that time. For me, that was my independence day. A few people around here know what we do, and some even thought it was cool until we were no longer on their favorites list. No biggie for me as I certainly do consider myself above those people and besides, when your raking in on something some people only can dream about, I would say all this hard work is paying off.
But I don’t want to get away from what this original post was intended as. It is intended for the models who are now joining us for this second year of RottenStar and other projects. For them, shooting with us is their independence day and some of them are 18 and that is a double bonus for them. Feeling of adulthood and the freedom to express themselves sexually for all of you to see. I dig that. I know all about it. I live it. And I just wanted to point out that should anyone ever decide to start drama over what they do should they happen upon this site…I will crush that persons very existence. And believe me, I have been looking for a fight and to hurt one of my friends and to try to belittle them would bring out ferocity like none have ever seen.
And there you have it folks. A wonderful holiday for all to enjoy. We fought many years ago for it so why not light up some sparklers and let the little kiddies go nuts on the cotton candy. From me to you, keep it safe. From me to our models, you ever have a problem, hold your head high and I have your back 100%.
R
Topics: Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
RottenStar, Calysta, and the Future
By Razor | July 2, 2008
So lets move on from the last post entry I did as that is old business that had to get taken care of before moving forward. I said my peace and look forward to continuing relations with FD as well as individual Charms to make for a better opportunity to get our ideas and creations across to the masses that desire to view them. The past is gone and today is the dream of the future.
As many of you know, July 1st was RottenStar.coms first year anniversary of being on the World Wide Web. I hope you enjoy the new paint job and trimmings we have incorporated in the new design. You see, many webmasters and models have the same look and feel to their offerings and by no means is that a bad thing. Not at all and I applaud all who are in this business and respect their creativity and process of doing business. I, on the other hand, cant leave well enough alone and need to tweak as our ideas and progress advance. What you see today on RottenStar is our realizing a vision coming to light by one small leap.
And that vision that I have had for over two years is being brought to your screen with a very talented and beautiful close friend of mine, Calysta. Her ideas, thoughts, and vibrant nature is what RottenStar needed. Very few people can say they have the fortunate luck of working with such a person, but I am very blessed to have such a gorgeous friend who wants to work on making RottenStar what you see today. I love you girl and the future looks bright. Our other models, as much ass as they kick, have a tough act to follow with what we shot. But I think the energy and creativity will certainly be up a level from last year.
And now on to the future. If RottenStar is all that is glamorous and vibrant, Fallen-X.com will be her evil twin sister. Look for some dark galleries along with poetry, writings, and other works of art that will be the inspiration for what is to come on Fallen-X. I will be working with Calysta on many of the ideas and outlays so for those who loved her first update on RottenStar will be overjoyed to see her take on a darker role. Although it will be more of a “once a month” update, it will be an addition to what the members will get to experience with their RotteStar/SexyAlhana ticket of admission. As always and promised, any creative work we publish will be all access to our members no matter which door they choose to enter.
R
Topics: Rotten Studios | 1 Comment »
Southern Charms and FreakDaddys
By Razor | June 30, 2008
As a great many of you know, Alhana and I got our start in the Adult Entertainment Business by submitting our content to Southern Charms to be displayed on their web pages. It was great fun and the models, staff, and most of the people we met or dealt with were and still are good eggs. Also, many know that we parted ways with SC and within I want to make it clear as to the reasons why. I have had heard some crazy ass stories circulating and even though writing about it wont erase some peoples ignorance, it will set the record straight for the rest.
First and foremost, our involvement with SC was that of a 3rd party contractor. We submitted images and we held ownership rights to those images and videos. SC placed those images on a page built for us and thus retained 50% of any revenue generated by the page built for us. By standard terms, we were the content wholesaler and they provided the outlet store to get the product to the consumer. Nothing more, nothing less.
In 2006 we, Alhana and I, wanted to try our hand at creating our own sites and taking full control over what we do and present. As such, SexyAlhana.com was born and we were off and running. We were now full time website owners who were not bound by anyone’s rules and ideals. A year ago we opened RottenStar.com and again, it was ours 100%. All the while we still upheld our stance that a part of our income would come from SC and we continued to update that site with content.
Rotten Studios, which is our brand for which our sites fall under, is our devotion and vehicle in which we create, market, and display the images you see on our sites. We had to shrug off the part time attitude and structure a working model that would suit our best interests and the interests of our consumers. Marketing is one of the things that are on the bottom of my “fun things to do” list along with accounting and paperwork. But it is required and Freakdaddys was the first place we started building that marketing partnership. We were marketing our sites from SC as well as our own products and times were pleasant from a business standpoint.
Up until the fall of last year, FreakDaddys.com and SC were on good terms. They had even exchanged many ideas and it seemed as the two went hand in hand. FD provided cam shows for SC girls to promote their sites on and SC linked back to FD for the videos Cyrix sold that Charms could utilize for extra cash. Bottom line was that there was a great tool for models to use on both sides of the fence to further their business. But that was to come to an end and a lot of innocent bystanders were about to have a dilemma due to a conflict they had no part in.
My opinions are my own and I certainly am not stupid when it came to what happened to start the feud between the two networks, SC and FD. But my opinions, as true as they may be, are not the point of this post and certainly have no merit of blame as the past is gone and we are standing in a new perspective. The facts of why we left though are important as it may give insight to how you do business, either as a model, webmaster, or a client wanting to know how sites run.
SC forbids any model appearing on their site to be affiliated with or have contact with FreakDaddys. I certainly could and would respect their wishes as it pertained to the images SC were licensed to use in the running of the site they built for us. But they had also forbid any marketing by our own independent sites, SexyAlhana.com and RottenStar.com. RottenStudios was not to affiliate themselves with the “enemy”. What we had built from the ground up was now being dictated as to what and where we couldn’t do business. This also applied to many of our friends who also had their own sites apart from SC and they did and felt as we did. Packed up our content and left as we felt our interests were not the heart of their issues in the feud as much as it was just being two big kids on the block fighting it out. We were pawns being used for selfish bickering.
Now we certainly are not competition for either SC or FD, and that’s fine by us. But we do hold very hard to what is ethical for running a business in which others can look over and respect. SC did not respect our own accomplishments and let their personal grudges force bad business practices. It has always been said, either you are with SC or you are with FD. Let me clue you in, we chose Rotten Studios and our fans/members. If you are wondering, this is being written on a site WE own and I run the motherfucking outfit with a sadistic pleasure. We do not receive money from either SC or FD. We do however market our wares with FD because they had and still have the integrity to keep our business relationship professional and respect us as a business in our own rights.
I have heard many outrageous things such as sticking with SC because of principle. First off, it was one individuals personal fight that led to the dispute and to side one way or another did not help pay the bills. We stick to very black and white ethics that state we will not take part or side in personal or business conflicts that do not serve our interests as an independent studio. People still ask if Freakdaddys pay is better and if it was worth staying with them. Again, ignorance runs deep and is fruitful by those who have no idea what happens around them.
In closing, I would like to say that we hold no ill will towards SC or any of the models there and never will. We have some great friends there as well as on Freakdaddys. We will continue to stay in touch and do business with charms and FD alike as long as it is peaceful keeping our clients needs in our best interest. It is our fans and members that are number one. Our business practices and ethics is driven to serve them as we are their servants creating the products they purchase and request. Too many people put themselves above the consumer or enter this business for personal sexual enjoyment among others who feel this is a lifestyle with a few paychecks for fun. I am here solely to create and express with the hopes that the members request more and demand my work to progress to something we all can enjoy together.
Period
Razor
(Fucked Up Royally: Also I must throw in that without RottenStar and the ability to promote that site, our models would hurt financially due to our lack of budget to hire them. They are some great people and very close friends who we see often and they are our world. I dedicate this post to them and promise that I will never practice business ethics or rules that we were subjected to that forced our leave. Models, Members and Fans come before personal bullshit, and I dont care how you try to justify it, business owners should know better.)
Topics: Rotten Studios | 1 Comment »
Blood Types and Good Friends
By Razor | June 30, 2008
I am super fucking late on typing something here when I said I was going to. Shame on me again. Break me down and beat me, I can take it. I welcome it as I need new ideas for my next project coming this fall. Anyways, this is an entertainment report and I better get on it.
Two weeks ago we went to see Type O Negative and Hatebreed. Opening for them were Scum of the Earth and 3 Inches of Blood. First of, 3 Inches of Blood really didnt fit in this concert and was way beyond my tastes. And I like heavy music at times. Scum of the Earth was a reminiscence of Rob Zombie and I came to find out later that they actually were most of the solo Zombie band. Crazy. Hatebreed was a bit much but they had some pretty damn grooves. It sort of pains me to write this as it may seem to some that it “shows” my age. Fear not, I still love the shit out of Slayer, Overkill, Testament, and bands that really laid down some evil shit. LOL.
Type O Negative was the band I wanted to see. And it was a pretty decent show. But I was a little disappointed that they didnt play some of my favs from them (Life is Killing Me, My Girlfriends Girlfriend, I Dont Wanna be Me, etc). I think I will chalk it up to them having to play their heavier tunes to keep conformity to the other acts that night. And that is fine and it still kicked ass. Not only because it was yet another concert, but because I got to hang out with two very sexy ass ladies that night. My wife Alhana and a personal close friend, Calysta, who kicks ass and I am sure as hell glad I met her long ago. I can actually say that there are some people that are worth the extra effort to wake up each day. Family and friends like Calysta. In fact we took her to see the Family Values Tour last summer and she is the perfect concert going freek. I love you girl and here is to many more concerts in the future.
R
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Lazy Ass Me
By Razor | May 2, 2008
You got it. I have tons to say but too fucking lazy to write it down. But you know what? Now I have no choice but to write something every freaking day until this FreakDaddys contest is over showing the ass I have attached to me. It in itself is not lazy, but you get my point. So if you happen to run across an ass that looks like the one below and there is a little spot to select it as your favorite….do it. Vote for my ass. And look to tomorrow for an actual post on this great and wonderful place in which wonderous things can be said…but havent. Someone needs to kick the ass pictured below to keep on this. So in All American fashion, technically I could blame you. Let me sleep on it.
R
Topics: Rotten Studios, Thoughts | No Comments »