Tuesday, November 28th, 2000

You Are Freaking Me Out

Goddess writes: Luke, I am firmly convinced you have a *serious* case of "Gene-is envy." You have been salivating all over the Tragically Hip God of Gossip since he left AVN, and I don't think it has anything to do with the latest scoops against Fish. So here's the deal, Mr. Gene Ross wannabe, you'll need to do the following:

a. start dating one-legged hookers

b. purchase red baseball cap

c. buy a gym membership and ACTUALLY USE IT!!

d. start (and this may be the hardest thing of all for YOU, Luke) writing your *own* *damn* column

e. say the word "f---" so many times you annoy the hell out of everyone

Luke says: I am feeling stupid because a few weeks ago, I received these phone messages from Kid Vegas and his ex-girlfriend Casey blasting each other and I decided that it was too nasty and personal to put on my site. So now I find it all over Gene Ross.

AVN Servers Down

Why have AVN servers been down all day and where are the award nominations? They were supposed to be out Wednesday. Is the fix on?

What will it mean if they are the same as Gene Ross's picks?

Did Gene Ross send some virus over to AVN? All their computers are down.

XXX says: You ain't never going to get a job at Adult Video News. Paul Fishbein's really going to hate you now. You know why he flipped last December when you published about his secret deal with Babenet? Because he got flooded by calls from other internet companies, questioning the conflict of interest.

Do you think Gene's got an axe to grind? Why did he really leave AVN?

I thought it was very conspicous that when Gene interviewed Ken Wood, Ken never mentioned Gene. And Gene was the number two guy at AVN.

Here are some questions I'd like to ask Ken Wood, former managing editor of AVN:

* Did you see or suspect any criminal activity at AVN while you were there?

* Any ties to organized crime or money laundering?

* What do you know about Paul's business partner in Philly? How active is he?

* Did AVN suppress any important news stories?

* Were you ever instructed to slant your coverage, either negative or positive?

* Did Paul Fishbein have sex with any porn stars?

* Did any AVNers boff any porners? Did you?

* What about Paul Fishbein and those women of easy virtue in Prague? Any truth to the story from Chris English?

* How much pull did advertisers have with editorial content? How did they exercise their pull? What was communicated to you from the business end of the AVN operation?

* Did Paul's close friendship with Steve Hirsch influence editorial content and reviews?

* Did Paul's friendships in general influence editorial or reviews?

* Does Paul do secret deals with various porn companies? Does he have financial interests in other porn companies?

* How many companies does Paul have a financial interest in?

* Paul seems particularly close with VCA?

* What was the morale like at AVN?

* What were the major cliques?

* How could a magazine with so many journalists and so much money, in such an interesting industry, be so boring?

* Did you see any evidence of OC in porno?

* How come AVN never mentions OC ties? Such as Metro, convicted in 1/97 for dealing with Gambino family.

* How did Bryn Pryor treat Paul like s---?

* Have you ever seen Paul Fishbein tell a lie?

* Who were the two people who communicated with me at AVN?

* What do you think of the AVN Awards?

Alan Miles Moves Into Chatsworth

An adult publisher and swinger since 1974, Alan Miles has moved from Las Vegas to Chatsworth, CA. He operates www.hedonists.com and two other websites. His wife, Kathee Brewer, is Technology Editor for AVNOnline Magazine.

Porn Crackdown

From the 11/15 Gene Ross: "As soon as we confirm his name, we'll let you know, but sources tell us a certain Los Angeles D.A., instrumental in going after porn mogul Eddie Wedelstedt, is turning his sights locally in the Valley. Peter Kinsler and Bobby Hollander have already been approached about going on wages to the LAPD to rat out the business. Kinsler and Hollander both turned down the generous offer, we understand."

Luke says: I hear that it was not an LA DA but an FBI agent offering bribes. That would make more sense as the case against Edward Wedelstedt is a federal one.

The feds are taking a renewed interest in the porn industry. Not good news for Vivid's IPO.

Playboy Suing Teri Weigel

XXX writes: Luke, Hot scoop for ya, ANYONE and I mean ANYONE who was even remotely connected with Teri Weigel and her website was served with a Subpoena today. Teri herself is in Florida on a dance tour(she left yesterday). I should have copies of the papers later today.

Frank writes: Luke: From what I've been told, this whole thing was a set-up and Teri wanted them to sue her. The photos she published belong to her, she says, and are not copyrighted by Playboy.

No Dirt On AVN

Randy Kaplan aka Rich C. Leather writes: I have been informed that once again you have mentioned me on your website, apparently in relation to recent events at AVN. I cannot imagine why; I have had no connection with AVN for some time, although I remain very proud of my association with AVN. I was told that you are associating me with Ken Michaels in some fashion. After I left the direct employ of AVN, I continued as a freelance writer for them for several years ending in 1998, with the courtesy titles of Senior Reviewer and Business Editor. During that time, Ken Michaels came to work at AVN. I think of him as a friend, but we barely know each other, did not really work together, and I don't know what possible connection you are making between us.

As I have stated in numerous venues on numerous occasions, and to you personally on at least one occasion, I cannot really furnish any "dirt" on AVN, because although I was part of and privy to a fair bit of the internal workings of AVN for some three and a half years, I did not see any dirt to report. Also, as I have stated on numerous occasions, the frequent accusations leveled at AVN in regard to improprieties regarding the AVN Awards, to the best of my knowledge, during and before my time at AVN, are completely false. My colleagues and I worked very hard to make the Awards honest, comprehensive, and worthy of note. I remain proud of that work, too. I consider most everyone I knew at AVN to be my friends. The major exceptions are Yoram Dahan and Bryn Pryor. Dahan's unethical actions at AVN are a matter of public knowledge. I would not make a blanket statement that any enemy of Paul Fishbein's is an enemy of mine, but my emotions are certainly inclined that way, and in the case of Dahan, it is accurate. Bryn Pryor I simply do not like and do not trust. Pryor fired me from AVN, but that is not the source of my dislike, because Dahan, Scott Stein, and Mark Kulkis also attempted to fire me. I cconsider Mark Kulkis a good friend, and I have great respect for Scott Stein, who has accomplished quite a bit in his post-AVN career.

I know virtually nothing of the internal workings of AVN over the last several years. I do not know Ken Wood. I barely know Darren Roberts. I consider myself a good friend of Paul Fishbein, Gene Ross, Tod Hunter, and Mark Kernes. I think they are all honorable men. I don't have anything bad to say about any of them. If any of them have come to a point where they have bad things to say about each other, I am saddened by that.

I continue to revile you, Mr. Ford, as a contemptible human being. I would appreciate it if you would refrain from mentioning me on your website.

Goddess writes Luke: You made this statement on your site yesterday: "December is going to be a fun month leading up to the AVN Awards. We'll have plenty of bombshells." Who is the "we" you are referring to, Luke?

Katja, Jessica Drake, Sylvia, Zoe, Shay, Kamiko, Teens

Ginos Shun Luke F-rd

Concerned writes: I notice that Gene Ross has effectively stolen the thunder of the AVN awards by posting the nominees for his own "Gino" awards. So once again, Mr. Ross publicly gapes the anus of Mr. Fishbein! I also notice that one name is conspicuous by its absence in the "Best Non-Sex Performance" category ... Luke F-rd's tour de force in "Dave Hardman: Working Stiff" is completely snubbed! How could such an oversight occur? Could a dimpled chad be the culprit? A recount seems in order here.

Mondo Family Films Controversy

Pooper writes: Luke, thought you might want some dirt on the demise of Mondo family films. Mondo family films is soon to be history. continuous in fighting between the "family" and the incompetence of its head idiot has brought about its early and inevitable end. like an episode of vh1's behind the music, the whole story is written like a typical supermarket tabloid. camp erotica was a predictable, dismal, boring failure due in all part towards its cliche'd story, writing, and concept. rumor has it, the producer had a fling with one of his paid employees. coincidentally, his wife also had a fling with one of the paid help. she has also rumored to have run off with him during her month long hiatus with her husband. editing and promotion were halted when she ran off with a good portion of the budget while on her hiatus. finally, the main investor one, terry, was so incensed with the incompetence that he has dissolved his end of the partnership and filed a suit against its producer. what else can be said but, typical.

Brother Terry from Mondo writes: Luke, Just saw that you posted an announcement of the demise of Mondo Family Films. This is ridiculous! Col.Rob and I are working hard to make our little company a success. Whoever this aptly named "Pooper" is, he has his facts dead wrong. While there certainly have been some bumps on the road to success, we are still going strong. Mondo Lives!

Luke Gets Mail

Chaim writes: Does she not realize that you are gay? I say it is time to introduce her to the Nancy Boy that lives in your hovel, all decked out like a true (if fallen) Hollywood Queen and lay the cards on the table for her to see. Then you can tell her that no woman has ever been able to reach your inner self. Let's she if she buys this and tries to "convert" you.

Lief Rock from Sin City writes: Hey porn pervs, Just a note to let you know about not one but two shoots coming up in the next two weeks. First, Nic Cramer is shooting Irresistible November 29,30 and 1. It stars Kitty Marie, Gwen Summers, Christina Black, Sharon and April.

Now for the really big news. Michael Raven is shooting is big production for the year entitled Beast. It's a XXX retelling of the Beauty and the Beast fable set in the S&M underground scene in L.A. It features a cast of over 40 including Jessica Drake,Ava Vincent, Miko Lee, April, Maya Divine, Tina Tyler, Julie Meadows and Jade in sex roles, and Chi Chi La Rue, Robbie D, Joey Silvera in non-sex roles. There will be lots of f---ing, bondage, flogging, transvestites, kink and more kink. This will be shot over 4 days, starting December 4, and shoot on the 5th, 7th and 9th, with pickup days to be scheduled. It will feature lots of costumes and special effects, and even the LAPD will shut down four streets in downtown LA for a gunfight scene. This is one you definitely want to cover. It's budgeted well into six figures, and no expense will be cut to make this the Watchers of next year's release schedule.

Luke's Ethics Dilemma

Here's a paper by Adam, a Journalism major at college writing for his Laws and Ethics of Journalism class at Northwestern University:

In April of 1998, a standard for conduct was set in the underground world of porn journalism that shook the industry to its core, scared people to death, and vaulted an unknown self-trained reporter to cult status. His conduct was hardly exemplary - Maureen Dowd and Walter Cronkite's reaction would have had little in common with his - but Luke F-rd had no qualms about his decision, destroying a life in the meantime, though saving several down the road.

The adult film industry is hardly one based on full disclosure and honesty, and has for the most part been void of a regular media since its growth into a billion dollar business in the 1980s. The few bodies that did write about the goings on - Adult Video News Magazine being the most widely read - were part of the industry themselves, and without the impartial perspective of an outsider. Luke F-rd began his own breakneck style of covering the adult industry in July of 1997 on his Web site, l-keford.com, and soon garnered the attention of industry insiders for his unapologetic and unorthodox style. He would often print the tidbits no one else would, and step on toes that no one else dared touch. However, he was hardly a force to be reckoned with, regarded more as a harmless pest than a hard-cracking journalist.

In late April of 1998, Ford began hearing rumblings from several of his industry sources that there had been a rash of positive HIV tests among female performers, and the rumors pointed the finger at a lone source: male performer Marc Wallice. The industry was at the time largely regulated by blood tests, as performers needed regular exams to be allowed to work on movies. However, with no condoms in most scenes and the disorganization of the testing system, it was hardly as safe as it is today. Wallice, Ford was being told, had been faking DNA tests to continue to work, and in the process had infected at least five girls: Kimberly Jade, Brooke Ashley, Jordan McKnight, Nina Cherry and Caroline. With the opportunity at the scoop of the year, Ford decided to run the story on his site immediately after, on April 22, 1998, without getting confirmations or denials from Wallice or Protecting Adult Welfare (P.A.W.), the industry watchdog group that had performed his recent blood tests. The ethical question (and Potter Box definition) arose for Ford with little time to decide: should he run the unsubstantiated Wallice story on his site? True or false, it would clearly harm, if not destroy, Wallice's livelihood.

Most people in the adult film industry would argue that Luke F-rd is completely devoid of values. However, he does have some, just often differing from the norm. Even with two years to reflect on his decision, Ford still holds firm to the value system he employed. Among his most relevant beliefs in this ethical dilemma were immediacy (need to beat competition to the story), an obligation to protect other performers, and newsworthiness. The latter was clearly the one weighed most heavily by Ford. By his own admission, the story brought out a "raw journalistic instinct" that sent him after the story. He was caught up in the adrenaline of pursuing a breaking investigative story, a passion that has led Ford to disregard many traditional ethical rules, seek many breaking stories, and bring on several libel suits as well. The story was incredibly newsworthy if true, being the biggest HIV outbreak in the history of the business, and right in the midst of it with popular performers Wallice and Brooke Ashley involved. And Ford knew he had the opportunity to take this news public and scoop the other industry journalists, who were encumbered with so many restraints and loyalties he was not. He was an autonomous force in the industry, and holding the story out of imaginary loyalty for a stranger (Wallice) would have compromised that.

The greatest value to most observers was the obligation to prevent others from contracting a deadly disease when it could be avoided. If the story was kept under wraps, Wallice would continue to work, and continue to infect unknowing stars. They would in turn work until they tested positive, creating the possibility of an industry epidemic. Ford knew he had the opportunity to prevent this, if the story was indeed true.

Ford was, for the most part, without an obligation or loyalty to the industry or parties involved, so fairness was not a concern to him. If the story was true, he had done a noble journalistic thing. If it proved false, he had ruined Wallice's career, but that was a chance he felt he had to take. The chance of destroying a man's livelihood and presumption of innocence did not rank high on Ford's priority list. Wallice would not be able to get a job on a movie for at least several months even if tests came back negative, and it was a possibility that the rumor of his faking tests would blacklist him permanently. Male performers are readily available and hardly coveted, and the benefits of Wallice's expulsion from the industry, HIV positive or not, far outweighed the chance of him infecting other performers. Part of that were the rumors that Wallice had knowingly faked tests and continued to work while infected, a charge Wallice has fought to this day. While much evidence indicates that it did indeed happen, there is no conclusive evidence.

Though it is puzzling to most, while he works in covering one of the world's more debaucherous industries, Luke F-rd is a devout orthodox Jew, and most of his ethical decisions are driven by that, or at least so he argues. According to him, he had two key principles in making his decision: Judaic law and Mill's Principle of Utility. Immanuel Kant's Categorical Imperative ("what is right for one is right for all"), the Judeo-Christian Golden Rule, and John Rawls' Veil of Ignorance ("justice emerges when negotiating without social differentiations") are directly dismissed, as Ford stated that he would have handled the situation differently if it had been an industry friend, not Wallice, who had been the subject of the rumors, a clear acknowledgment of the lack of morality of his decision.

While running the story would clearly do irreparable harm to Wallice, the possibility of saving lives and protecting an entire industry of hundreds, if not thousands, of performers far outweighed that as laid forth by John Stuart Mill. But Ford claims his most prioritized principle was Jewish law, that states that outside of three specific sins (including murder), anything can be done to save a life. "I will lie, break one's trust, print something after I've said it is off the record, do just about anything if I feel it will help save a life," he said.

The most complex point in the decision comes while analyzing Ford's loyalties in this dilemma. Admittedly, his greatest loyalty is to himself and his own sense of fulfillment and accomplishment. By printing this story (due to the fact it turned out to be true), Luke F-rd made his career. And he sensed it would happen. "It created him. Without [the Wallice story], no one knew Luke F-rd," commented competing industry journalist, Kevin Moore of StunningCurves.com. From that point on "everything increased 25 times - the fear, the hatred, the respect, the loathing," according to Ford. Like him or not, the Wallice story made Ford a fearsome figure in the adult industry. It even gave him 15 minutes of celebrity in the mainstream media, being dubbed "The Matt Drudge of Porn" by such publications as The New York Post and Online Journalism Review, which praised him for his tireless reporting and scoop. Of course, his decision to run the story was hardly such a cut and dry example of good reporting.

Most of the other industry journalists have quite a bit of loyalty to the business as a whole and the people that make it up. You cannot help making friends in any job, and this one is no exception. Everyone from Adult Video News publisher Paul Fishbein to Ford has porn friends, and the normal prejudices that stem from it. And even more powerful in some cases is a loyalty to the industry, a respect for its rogue nature, and a passion for continuing the path it blazes. But not Ford. When asked if he felt any loyalty to the industry or its inhabitants, Ford responded with a blunt "Not at all." Even former friends, such as industry activist and former performer (and P.A.W. founder) Bill Margold broke off all ties, stating in the media that "Luke F-rd is a creation of his time. He's the journalistic suckerfish on the shark of X. We can't get rid of him, and he goes off and does whatever he wants. He's very interesting in a perverse way. But he's a lazy journalist and brings a lot a misery."

The most obvious example of this is the lack of loyalty to Marc Wallice. Though they were hardly friends or even acquiantances, and Ford admitted to "not trusting" him, most onlookers would agree that Wallice was given no slack when the story ran. Ford knew that running the story could potentially (and likely would) destroy Wallice's career, and in turn, put a major chink into the life of a man who had done little else for the previous decade. In actuality, soon after the story ran on l-keford.com, Wallice left the industry and descended into a month-long motel room drug binge, followed by months of aimless wandering and borrowing money from his mother. To this day, Wallice seems to have fallen off the face of the earth, and his whereabouts are known by few in the industry. Attempts to contact him for comment were fruitless.

The true loyalty felt by all involved, even Ford, was the obligation of preventing further spread of HIV. If Ford had decided to sit on the story, an epidemic could have soon followed. And if it had ever leaked out that he had avoided the story, he would have been looked on much as Wallice ended up: a blacklisted outcast. A journalist with no willing sources is hardly an able journalist. But there is a very human need to save a life if it can be saved, even at a high cost. This was the loyalty that Ford pursued, per his Jewish teaching.

Though there were certainly elements of moral obligation to save lives and stay true to the ethical principles of Judaism and Mill, Ford would likely be the first to admit that his ethical decision was mostly shaped by selfish needs: the need for success, the need for the rush of the hot pursuit of a story, the need to grab the industry by the throat and make himself known. That is his greatest value and greatest loyalty - arguably not a rare characteristic among the great journalists of our time.

What should Luke F-rd have done during this whirlwind 24 hours of April, 1998? The story that he reported on his site turned out to be almost completely true, though it has never been proven that Wallice knowingly faked positive tests. Wallice was quickly driven out of the adult business. If it had been proven false, as many thought it was at the time, the clarity of hindsight would call for a far different judgment. But as history stands, Ford should have stayed true to his loyalty to success and self, yet embraced the more traditional ethics of journalism with his reaction. Instead of running the story without an attempt to confirm or deny it from Wallice, he should have taken the standard steps of a reporter, something Ford admits willingly he did not, nor had any desire, to do in the heat of the moment. He should have at least given Wallice an opportunity to deny the charges before the story ran (something he did two days after publication), and proven to himself beyond a reasonable doubt that the story was true. Instead he plunged headfirst into the story without any confirmation of truth. It can not be expected that Ford would operate like a "traditional journalist" since he is a unique character in a unique position. But balancing that with the demands of good reporting would have simplified the situation, and made for both a good story and a journalist not feared and despised by his subject matter.