Critics say President George Bush’s economic stimulus refunds won’t move America’s massive economy, but one market niche has responded well – online porn.

Independent market-research firm, The Adult Internet Market Research Company (AIMRCo), reported many members’ Web sites focused on adult or erotic material have seen sales rise in the weeks since the economic stimulus checks began showing up in mailboxes across the country.

“Many of the sites we surveyed have reported 20 [percent to] 30 [percent] growth in membership rates since mid-May when the checks were first sent out,” said Kirk Mishkin, head research consultant for AIMRCo, “and typically the summer is a slow period for this market.”

Along Baltimore’s infamous Block, the benefits have been slow to dribble down.

This story continues below
Advertisement

“I haven’t seen any effects from it,” said Tony, a strip club bouncer who declined to give his last name “When did this happen? It’s always been kind of slow in the summer months. Everyone’s on vacation, so we never see that much money come in during the summer.”

Others expressed hope.

“The money we’re getting now is still the same as it was last summer,” said an employee from a local strip club on The Block, who asked to not be identified, “Hopefully we’ll see more money because of [the stimulus plan].”

In the online world of adult entertainment, the benefits are more concrete.

Jillian Fox, spokeswoman for LSGmodels.com, one of the sites reporting figures to AIMRCo, added, “In a June 15, 2008, survey to our members, 32 percent of respondents referenced the recent stimulus package as part of their decision to either become a new member or renew an existing membership.”

The economic stimulus plan, which includes a check for up to $600 for individuals and $1,200 for married couples (among other benefits) is the product of an agreement between House leaders and the Bush administration focused on reviving a flagging economy.

“Getting more people to buy porn was probably the last thing Bush had on his mind when he came up with his ‘stimulus package’,” Fox said, “but we’ll take it.”

Staff Writer Karl B. Hille contributed to this report.

alejandro.ortiz@baltimoreexaminer.com