What Adult Stars Think Of 'Playboy's' Decision

You’ve likely heard about Playboy ’s decision to eliminate nude images from its magazine pages by now. This decision was made due to the fact that nobody does nudity better than the Internet. “That battle has been fought and won,” Scott Flanders, the company’s chief executive told the New York Times. “You’re now one click away from every sex act imaginable for free. And so it’s just passé at this juncture.”

And it’s true. Playboy is smart in their decision to not compete with the internet, because it’s a losing battle. But contrary to much commentary, this decision doesn't mean Playboy won’t feature images of nearly nude women; there will still be a Playmate of the Month, she just won’t be completely nude or as digitally enhanced. The photographs will be PG-13.

Playboy rid its website of any and all nudity in August of last year and, according to their executives, the average readership age dropped from 47 to just over 30 (the sweet spot many publications target) and it’s web traffic multiplied by four, earning 16 million unique users per month. So to say this decision makes little business sense would be false, but considering Playboy’s MO was nudity, that’s not to say that this decision has the chance of failing miserably.

Since everybody has an opinion on Playboy’s decision, I figured it wise to speak with adult film stars to consult on the subject, considering these people earn a living being nude. Some of the actors I spoke with have even worked with Playboy in the past, granting a more personal perspective.

1. Tasha Reign

My very first nude photoshoot was for Playboy Magazine as UCLA's girl of the Pac-10 (now the Pac-12). I was featured in numerous Playboy Special Editions, and tested for Playmate, where I received the Cyber Girl accolade instead. I had a very personal relationship with the Playboy mansion for a couple of years, where I went every weekend to watch movies with my friends, have dinners, and take photos with Hef. I loved Playboy. Playboy is what led me to hardcore porn, but most importantly, it has inspired my sexuality and affinity for nudity.

Playboy's choice to remove nudity from their magazine comes as no surprise to me, considering they have always thought they were "mainstream", which they are, except that the vast majority of their company and all their earnings are actually made from hardcore porn with Mindgeek.

They also believe they’re not actually pornographic, which is really up to perception. I don't think this choice will make their magazine more popular but who knows, I have not done the research – maybe it will. I have always been a fan, even after negative experiences with them. I like to think that I am a model first, adult actress second, and that Playboy is timeless and influential in every entertainment arena.

I am actually a bit upset to hear this news because I think that they stand for nudity being somewhat acceptable (a challenge I face daily in society) and now they are closing that door.

2. Prinzzess Felicity Jade

Why would anyone still buy Playboy? Everyone knows it's a nude magazine, and I can't imagine anyone being interested in buying it if it's no longer nude. When I was just starting out modeling, I had Playboy centerfolds hanging on the inside of my bedroom door. I wanted to do stuff like that. I highly doubt that if they'd been only partially naked I would have wanted to do nude modeling at all.

3. Jessica Drake

No nudity in Playboy? Blasphemy! The iconic magazine was one of my very first erotic experiences. First, when I found it under my then-boyfriend's father's bed, and again when my first husband had an extensive collection. I secretly plastered a wall in my closet with pictures of Pamela Anderson, and though I didn't identify it at the time, lusted after her incessantly.

I remember doing one of their model searches long ago, but when it came out that I was a stripper, I didn't get a call back. I was crushed, but kept subscribing faithfully. Shortly after getting into porn, I ended up in their Playboy Lingerie Magazine, and even though it was akin to a consolation prize, I was still thrilled.

I admire their approach to change, and I hope it works for them. Although there is an inundation of explicit images online, easily accessible, I think that people do tend to be brand loyal when they find the kind of quality content they're looking for, and Playboy is known for it's quality, tastefulness, and beauty.

And of course, the articles. Now I'll have to read the articles!

4. Casey Calvert

I think this is the right decision for the brand. From what I've read, their print magazine, especially in the U.S., is the least successful aspect of the brand. There's no place for it here; competition is too great. But if losing nude images from their magazines helps them provide a more wholesome image in markets where they are more successful (i.e. China), and that keeps them financially afloat, then I think it is the right choice. In any case, people haven't bought Playboy for the nudes for a long time. I don't think this will be a substantial change; it's just an emotional loss for all of those who have such fond memories of the magazine. I'm not one of those people, but I am still sad. Playboy is an institution in its purest form, and it's leaving that behind.

5. Annika Albrite

I'm sad to hear the news that Playboy will not have nude photos in their magazines anymore. Playboy was what opened my eyes to beautiful nude women and seeing them as art. When I was a young girl, I found my parents' Playboy magazine under their bed, and when I saw the nude models, I knew I wanted to be one someday. I think it will bring their brand down. It is very sad. I only hope that they find more unique and erotic ways to hint at the beauty of a nude woman.

6. Mindi Mink

I 100 percent admire and endorse what Playboy has chosen to do with their magazine. Personally, when I very first saw the magazine at 11 years old, I was completely enamored with the beautiful women wearing sexy outfits and lingerie. I didn't need to see "everything" to be aroused. The pictures and poses left something to my imagination, which felt the best and left me craving to see more. Then the fantasy in my brain began, which always lead to a wonderful climax. Yes, Playboy magazines where the first means for me to explore my sexuality, and it was a wonderful journey. Thank you, Playboy!

The internet has given away too much for free and the excitement is gone. It's no big deal or hassle to find naked women on the internet, which I find sad. It used to be such a high feeling when you did see a partially naked woman or nude. The mystery is gone.

I do enjoy the articles I read in the magazine still today, and if a younger generation will now be able to see it, I'm very happy. There needs to be more emphasis on the beauty that women have both inside and out. And also the way young men should treat a woman and romance her in the bedroom. A lot on the internet has portrayed sex between men and women to be very aggressive and far from what I believe most women want out of sex.

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Images: Courtesy of Playboy; Instagram