Where do adult entertainers go when local zoning controversies close the live clubs, or at least put temporary locks on them? An apparently increasing number are going from real estate space to cyberspace - and at least one Web site is helping them to do it, as best it can.
"More and more adult Entertainers are starting up and joining web sites like (ours)," say Joe and Patti of Gentlemen's Web (www.gentlemensweb.com), a site begun in partial response to New York City's current campaign to cut the spread and influence of adult-oriented nightclub entertainment and related businesses.
The site is a pay site which features live adult entertainment, and the proprietors say they started it in large part to help displaced adult entertainers in the New York area and elsewhere continue working in the business if they choose.
"Although many will feel that these establishments do more harm than good, (we) have met some very good people during (our) 8 years in the business," Joe and Patti say. "(We've) met women that have put themselves through school, taken care of their families and supported their children. Hard working ladies that otherwise might not have been able to reach their goals without this legal means of employment. In many eyes, it may not seem to be a normal means of employment, but again it is a legal one."
The site has received favorable notices in the online world and costs a $7.95 fee for thirty days; $14.95 for 60 days; and, $21.95 for 90 days.
"What's pertinent here," the proprietors say, "is that, in a billion dollar business that's in high demand, people must want to see it - even in New York. And we believe we have the right to view adult content and be entertainers."
