But nonporn affiliate programs have low commissions when compared with those offered by sex destinations. And they make a lot of money. Sex purveyors gobble up huge amounts of traffic by making sure their Web addresses come up first when certain keywords are entered into search engines. They also pay to have ads pop up on some search sites when certain words are entered. Adult sites led the way in production of effective pop-up browser windows using Javascript and Java consoles that suggest other sites you should visit.
Consumers get access to thousands of images and videos.
To prevent their wares from unauthorized reuse on Web sites around the world, adult sites pioneered the used of specialized policing firms such as Web Posse. The music industry, spurred by Napster, is only now getting into this realm of Internet commerce. The word in the adult industry is, basically, the others just don't get it. While the rest of Internet content providers fret over suspect business models, Ms. Ashe says, the adult Web industry will press on, leading the way for other entrepreneurs. But soda sells and books sell, too.