What I can tell you now is that the group owning these websites, Various Inc, has been sold for $500 million to Penthouse Media Group - that's the Penthouse magazine publishers. It's not thought that this will make any difference to the workings of affiliates.
Penthouse CEO Marc H. Bell says:
"We are very excited to welcome Various (previous owners of FriendFinder etc.) and its employees as a part of the Penthouse family. Various is an attractive addition to our already strong print platform, and one that puts Penthouse in a very robust position in the ever-growing online social networking arena. We like where the business combination puts us and that this transaction will enhance PMGI's current and future licensing, print and interactive ventures."Lars Mapstead of Various is also excited!
"We are excited to be combining our substantial Internet presence with one of the most recognized entertainment brands in the world. Together we will expand in many areas, both online and offline, to solidify our position as the world leader in adult entertainment."This really illustrates the strength of this market. Friendship, in it's many forms, is massive business. AdultFriendFinder, for example is a Top 50 Web Site and is one of the most trafficked web sites in the world, with over 18 million members.
Though they have a huge slice of the cake there is still enormous potential plus, with the now backing of Penthouse, there is money to be made by switched on affiliates.New Year is a peak time for when people search for friendship, romance and so on. It's a market worth considering if your blog is suitable.
Good luck,
Mike.
