If Marsha Youngs were ever to host her own radio talk show, she very well might begin each program with, "Hello, this is Marsha. I'm listening."
As director of operations for the immensely popular Webmaster resource site XBiz, Youngs, a.k.a. Princess, is listening, helping, and doing all she can to guide Webmasters to success - and around the pitfalls - of the industry. On the phone, at a party, or just about anywhere, Youngs is happy to offer advice or just to kibbutz. She's as approachable as they come in this business, and that style has helped her to tap deep into the heart of the Webmaster community.
What drives her, however, is something much closer to home. "I couldn't have achieved all that I've been able to without the support of the two loves of my life," she says. "My two kids are the reason I work so hard, and considering the amount of hours that I devote to my work, they've been more than understanding."
Hi, Marsha, this is AVN Online. We're listening.
AVN Online: What's your professional background?
Marsha Youngs: Six years ago, I was doing tech support for the ISP at our local telephone company while going through a divorce at the same time. I spent hours reading any book I could get my hands on. Basically, I taught myself almost everything I know.
AO: How did you find yourself at XBiz.com?
MY: I was the office manager for a local credit card processing company and designed sites for local companies in my spare time, which is something I had done for a few years. One day, I became bored while designing a site for a car tag company. I did a search on an adult-related topic, which is when I found XBiz.com. Back then it was called Helmy's 69spot.com. I started posting and asking every question I could think of so that I could learn more. It wasn't long before [HELMY Enterprises president] Alec [Helmy] approached me about employment with him.
AO: What happened when you started at the company?
MY: I basically ran the Webmaster boards at XBiz.com, which was perfect for me since I've always been a people person. But as time went on, things started to pick up and I took on more duties.
AO: Such as?
MY: For two years, I was director of marketing for XBiz, which gave me the opportunity to meet tons of people in the industry. I must admit it was a true joy for me. Since I had been with XBiz almost from the start, I knew the ins and outs of the site and what made it tick. So, after two years, I was promoted to director of operations.
AO: What exactly does the director of operations do for XBiz?
MY: I'm in charge of making sure the site runs smoothly, that updates are completed, and if any changes need to be made, that they are implemented. The best way I can describe it is, it's my baby. I make sure it receives the nourishment it needs to grow to its fullest potential. I delegate the responsibilities to other employees who produce what I feel is the best Webmaster resource site there is. I'm sure there are some that would say that's a very biased opinion. I personally see it as being confident in the quality of work that one performs. Much like the old saying, "The proof is in the pudding."
AO: Is there an operating system you especially like?
MY: I'm a diehard Linux fan. Currently I'm running Slackware Linux. I actually deleted Windows so that I would be forced to learn more about Linux, and trust me, it was the best thing I've ever done.
AO: What is the key to succeeding as an industry resource site?
MY: Being able to listen to what Webmasters are saying, taking that info, and making it into something useful that every Webmaster can benefit from. Above all, caring about others in the industry; taking the time to actually walk them through something they might not understand. I'm still a firm believer that it's the little things that matter so much.
AO: How important is it for you to have your finger on the pulse of the Webmaster community?
MY: It's very important. That's why I take the time to actually talk to new Webmasters. Chances are, if someone is having a particular problem, others might be as well. It's one of the best ways to come up with new ideas for Webmaster tools.
AO: I take it you are constantly surfing the Web?
MY: I personally visit several different message boards so that I can see what others are saying - keep up on what's going on in the industry, not only at XBiz, but all over. Being in the know or "loop," so to say, is crucial. What better way to find out than to do some surfing or post a few messages?
AO: What is your opinion on the state of the adult Internet industry? Is the market in an upswing or have things slowed down given the current economy?
MY: I think things have pretty much been steady for the most part, especially for those companies that have a professional business framework. By that I mean they keep it clean, they pay attention to detail, they care about what comes in through customer service channels, and they don't bow to cheating or underhanded tactics. We've been up against a lot over the last few years, as far as the way people perceive us. We've taken the stand together and have weathered every storm so far. We've let the world know we're not the bad guys in all this, which says a lot for the adult industry.
AO: What has been most surprising about the adult industry?
MY: When I first started, I figured that it would be pretty wild. I can remember my first Internext show in Vegas. I was scared to death simply because I had no idea what to expect.
AO: Is there anything that stands out in your experience thus far?
MY: I think that, for most, it's a close family-type relationship, where everyone tries to help others. It's not a back-stabbing business where we're all stepping on each other to try and make it to the top. I've met some of the nicest people that I've ever had the pleasure of meeting in this business, people that I would be willing to do just about anything for, and I'm sure they would for me, as well. For someone like me who is a people person and just loves people in general, it doesn't get any better than this.
AO: What advice do you generally give to new Webmasters?
MY: To listen to what others are saying, be prepared to do a lot of reading. But most of all learn from the mistakes that others have made. I also tell them that I'm always around to lend a hand in anyway I can, even if it's just letting them vent when something doesn't go quite the way they expected. I think it helps when new Webmasters feel that someone is on their side. After all, this can all be a little overwhelming for someone who's never experienced it. Besides, every new Webmaster that I have the privilege of helping is one more friend I've made, and I can never have enough friends.
AO: Anything new at happening at XBiz we should be looking out for?
MY: We've made a few changes in the last couple of weeks. Most have been design changes or Webmaster tool enhancements. We're constantly looking at things, trying to tweak them or make them better or more productive for Webmasters. I invite Webmasters to visit XBiz in the months to come and see just what we have in store. As most know, we always have something up our sleeves.
