All those factors - the lessening of the taboo associated with performing in the industry, the proliferation of different means of accessing the product, allowing niche types to proliferate - have certainly contributed to the de-glamorization and increased abusiveness of the current industry.

I also think a lot of it is cyclical. The days of the great Taija Rae gave way to the dominance of Vivid Video and a number of attractive actresses who phoned in their sterile scenes (Savannah?). So there was a market for gonzo, or for sex that appeared real with real performers not just counting the number of positions left before the carefully-aimed pop shot.

But it has to be reaching a tipping point the other way. Max Hardcore is one thing, but that GagFactor.com slide show/ad playing on the right side of the screen is just nauseating. Is there really that big a market clamoring to see women vomit?

I think the novelty will soon wear off for most people. The occasional "yeah, suck that, bitch" is one thing, but making them lick it up off the floor crosses the line from erotic to revolting.