Porn 101: Out of the Dorms, In to the Halls

As some colleges try to shut down peer-to-peer networks so that their students cannot illegally trade music and pornography in an attempt to keep them from breaking the law and to keep porn off campus, one education institution is doing quite the opposite by hiring a well-known pornographer to speak to its students. According to the Associated Press, Adam Glasser (a.k.a. Seymore Butts) recently made a visit to the University of Pennsylvania's Houston Hall to give a lecture on the ins and out of the porn industry, the marketing behind his own adult film company, and his Showtime reality series, Family Business.

A vet of the porn biz for over 12 years, Glasser makes over $300,000 anually via his DVDs and videos, which ain't too shabby for a guy who spent many of his working years with his pants around his ankles. He is also, along with John "Buttman" Stagliano, one of the originators of the gonzo style so popular and profitable today.

"The movies have really been a running chronicle of my life for the past 12 years," he told the students. "I know the world doesn't see me as Mother Teresa. I want to show people that everyone involved in this industry isn't sleazy."

He went onto to discuss how porn is used for sex education and can help open up lines of communication between lovers. Glasser also talked about how to build a successful business from the ground up, emphasising the benefits of vertical integration and the importance of overseas marketing and distribution, and stressing the need to have "constant control of your product."

"We thought it would be an interesting twist on business and entrepreneurship," co-director of Connaissance for the Penn Social Planning and Events Committee Mark Guterman, who was quite pleased with the appearance, told AP.

"I think it's relevant, and it's a topic that should be discussed," seconded sophomore Topher Brown, who supports open discussions about the pornography industry and sexuality in general.

Sounds pretty-open minded, eh? Quite frankly (and I'm always Frank), I'm surprised there wasn't some up-in-arms parents, disgusted teachers or embarrassed students amidst the pro-porn peeps. Have we loosened up that much as a society in recent years? Hell no! Just look at the national uproar surrounding Janet Jackson's right breast.

But if this is an educational trend, then other bright porn performers and auteurs should jump in. I can see it now, Jenna Jameson University. Stormy High. Asia Carrera 101. I'll bet not one student will miss these classes!

Man, I wish I was back in school...

This item was corrected on February 6, 2004.