President Bush’s economic stimulus plan, which involved sending out checks of up to $1,200 to every taxpayer, has provided a boom to the online porn industry, according to market research.
Research by the Adult Internet Market Research Company (AIMRCo) has found that since the checks were sent out there has been an uncharacteristic increase in spending for online pornography sites.
According to Kirk Mishkin, head research consultant for AIMRCo, "Many of the sites we surveyed have reported 20-30 per cent growth in membership rates since mid-May when the checks were first sent out, and typically the summer is a slow period for this market."
The checks were suppose to be used to provide a stimulus to the flagging US consumer sector but the research found many people were using them for a different kind of stimulation.
Jillian Fox, spokeswoman for one of the sites reporting figures to AIMRCo, said, "In a June 15, 2008 survey to our members, thirty two percent of respondents referenced the recent stimulus package as part of their decision to either become a new member, or renew an existing membership."
"Getting more people to buy porn was probably the last thing Bush had on his mind when he came up with his 'stimulus package,' but we'll take it."
