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Cybersocket, Inc.

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Cybersocket
Founded1997; 28 years ago (1997)
Defunct2023; 2 years ago (2023)
HeadquartersWest Hollywood, California
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
  • Morgan Sommer (co-founder)
  • Tim Luz (co-founder)
Products
  • Books
  • website
  • magazine
  • event
ParentNSFW.Army (since 2021)

Cybersocket, Inc. was an American multimedia publishing company based in West Hollywood, California. It was founded in 1997 by Morgan Sommer and Tim Lutz. Their initial venture was the annual Cybersocket Directory, a printed guide specifically for gay pornographic websites. In 1998, the company expanded significantly by launching a website, which featured an even broader directory and quality reviews. Concurrently, they introduced a free monthly print magazine that covered gay adult films, websites, and industry events. This magazine quickly rose to prominence, becoming the largest freely distributed gay print magazine in the United States. Cybersocket was recognized by five XBIZ Awards and an AVN Award.

Beyond publishing, Cybersocket also facilitated business-to-business networking events crucial for the gay adult entertainment industry. The company established the Cybersocket Web Awards from 2000–2022 to recognize the LGBT Internet community. Following Lutz's death in August 2021, Cybersocket and all its associated properties were sold to NSFW.Army, the owner of Fleshbot. Two publications officially merged in 2023, forming Fleshbot x Cybersocket, which subsequently hosted month-long gay porn celebrations.

History

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1996–1997: Beginning with Cybersocket Directory

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In 1996, Morgan Sommer left his job as a geophysical technician and relocated from San Diego to Los Angeles, where he began his career as a performer in gay adult pornography.[1][2] Five months into his career, he met Tim Lutz, who would later become both his business partner and boyfriend.[1] Together, they conceived the business idea of publishing a book that repackaged public domain information.[1][3] "We decided to focus on a niche market in order to give our new publication an identity that stood out from the massive amounts of printed material in the marketplace", Sommer stated.[3] They came up with the annual Cybersocket Gay Net Directory, a paperback guide to gay and lesbian pornographic websites,[4][5] which was first released in 1997.[3][6] The creators organized the information, utilized QuarkXPress, and compiled the first edition.[3] Cybersocket was based in West Hollywood.[7]

The first directory proved successful; its sales were sufficient to support the creators, allow them to reinvest in the following year's edition, and upgrade their equipment.[3] After its release, Sommer ceased performing in pornography and dedicated his attention to building the company.[1] He retained many of his industry contacts; many of the companies he had worked for as a model became the first advertisers on Cybersocket.[1] After being suggested that their information would be more useful and searchable as a website, Blakey St. John, the company's webmaster, exported the organized data to the Internet and transformed it into a search engine.[3] St. John later partnered with Sommer and Lutz to establish Bionic Pixels, a web design and development company.[3][2]

1998–2019: Rise to prominence with online publication

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The official Cybersocket website was launched in 1998, featuring an expansion of the Cybersocket Gay Net Directory, and reviews of gay pornographic videos and websites.[6] A year later, the company published a free monthly periodical, titled Cybersocket Magazine, that covers gay adult films, websites, performers, novelties, and events.[6][8] The magazine was distributed in print and also accessible on the Cybersocket website,[9][10] boasting an audited national circulation of 70,000 copies per issue.[3] It grew to become the largest freely distributed gay print magazine in the US.[3][8] By 2005, it was estimated that over 1 million readers were monthly reached through Cybersocket's print and electronic properties.[11] Following suggestions from his advertisers, Sommer later created TheGayBoard, a webmaster forum, as a response to GayWideWebmasters in 2005.[2][11] Three years later, Cybersocket joined GunzBlazing to launch a DVD online store,[12] expanded its free national distribution to cities like Houston and New York,[9] and revamped its website to feature more editorially driven content.[6] The 10th and final Cybersocket Directory was released in 2010, with over 1,500 sites reviewed in 60 categories.[13][5]

By the end of the 2010s, Cybersocket's gay and lesbian directories were recognized as among the most useful and largest.[14][3][8][1] AVN opined that the site had propelled its creators to become two of the most influential men in the industry.[2] In 2010, Sommer won the AVN Award for Internet Founders Branch for his contribution to Cybersocket.[15] At the XBIZ Awards, Cybersocket won for Gay Web Company of the Year in 2016, and the GLBT Company of the Year in 2005–2007 and 2009.[16][17] In addition, Cybersocket regularly hosted B2B networking events for the gay adult entertainment industry in conjunction with major adult industry gatherings such as the XBIZ Conference,[18] The Phoenix Forum,[19] and the European Summit.[20]

2020–present: Acquired by NSFW.Army

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In November 2020, Tim Lutz was diagnosed with a malignant, methylated glioblastoma.[21] A GoFundMe campaign was initiated to help fund his cancer treatments.[21] Lutz died on August 20, 2021, at his home in Palm Springs.[22] Upon his diagnosis, Sommer had to implement organizational changes within their business to allow Tim to concentrate on his recovery.[21] Cybersocket and its associated properties were sold to NSFW.Army, the owner of Fleshbot, in June 2021.[22][23] Morgan stated that the decision to sell Cybersocket came when "it was clear it was time for us both to let it go."[22] The decision was made due to shifts in the industry, as well as personal, professional, and COVID-19 related complications.[22] A representative noted that Cybersocket and all related properties would receive "a thorough redesign and complete refresh."[23]

In January 2023, NSFW.Army merged Cybersocket and its staff with Fleshbot Gay to create a "mega-hub."[24] The publication, sometimes referred to as Fleshbot x Cybersocket, subsequently hosted month-long gay porn celebrations, starting with Fetish Month that same January.[25] They also picked an adult performer as a monthly "Cybersocket Stud".[26]

Cybersocket Web Awards

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Michael Brandon at the 2011 Cybersocket Web Awards. He has won the Best Porn Star award twice.

In 2000, Cybersocket, Inc. established an annual event called the Cybersocket Web Awards.[27][3] The awards recognize individuals, companies, and projects for their contributions to the LGBT Internet community during the preceding calendar year.[28][29][14] Since 2005, individual categories have been divided into Industry Choice and Surfer's Choice Awards.[28][30] Additionally, in 2010, a special award for Free Speech Coalition was given to Corbin Fisher,[31] followed by the Wall of Fame award the subsequent years.[32] The last award season was in 2022.[33]

Notable categories

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Best Porn Star

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Best Personality

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Wall Of Fame Award of Excellence

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f "Behind the Scenes: Morgan Sommer". Intimate.io. April 19, 2018. Archived from the original on 30 May 2025. Retrieved April 19, 2025 – via Medium.
  2. ^ a b c d "Morgan Sommer, Co-founder, Cybersocket". AVN. April 2006. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Lewis, Jason (April 26, 2006). "A Look at Cybersocket". XBIZ. Archived from the original on 30 May 2025. Retrieved 30 May 2025.
  4. ^ "Cybersocket: The Gay Net Directory Magazine Subscription". The New Magazine City. Archived from the original on 30 June 2013. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
  5. ^ a b "Subscribe to the Magazine: Welcome to the Web". Cybersocket. Archived from the original on 21 September 2010. Retrieved 4 June 2025.
  6. ^ a b c d Shaulis, Sherri L. (April 14, 2008). "Cybersocket Relaunches Website". AVN. Los Angeles. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved April 14, 2025.
  7. ^ "Contact Us". Cybersocket. Archived from the original on 4 July 2014. Retrieved April 14, 2025.
  8. ^ a b c "Morgan Sommer". AVN. Archived from the original on 4 June 2025. Retrieved 4 June 2025.
  9. ^ a b "Cybersocket Expands Distro". XBIZ. Los Angeles. March 18, 2008. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  10. ^ "Features". Cybersocket. No. 17.3. March 2015. Archived from the original on 16 March 2015. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
  11. ^ a b "Cybersocket Offers TheGayBoard.com". XBIZ. March 29, 2005. Archived from the original on 4 June 2025. Retrieved March 29, 2025.
  12. ^ Bourne, Justin (May 10, 2008). "Cybersocket, GunzBlazing Launch Gay DVD Store". AVN. Archived from the original on 3 June 2025.
  13. ^ "Books by Gaynet Directory". Bookscouter. Archived from the original on 4 June 2025. Retrieved 4 June 2025.
  14. ^ a b "103 Pics of Flesh and Fantasy at Cybersocket". The Advocate. Archived from the original on 26 January 2025. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
  15. ^ "2010 AVN Award Winners Announced". AVN. Las Vegas. January 13, 2010. Archived from the original on 13 January 2011. Retrieved December 31, 2014.
  16. ^ "XBIZ Awards 2016 Winners". XBIZ Awards. Archived from the original on 28 October 2017. Retrieved 28 October 2017.
  17. ^ "XBIZ Awards Winners". XBIZ Awards. Archived from the original on 26 January 2016. Retrieved 28 October 2017.
  18. ^ Javors, Steve (26 October 2006). "Cybersocket to Host XBIZ Hollywood Warm-up Party". XBIZ. Archived from the original on 16 February 2025. Retrieved 26 October 2006.
  19. ^ "The Phoenix Forum 2009 Cybersocket Kickoff Party". AVN. Archived from the original on 13 January 2011. Retrieved 2014-06-07.
  20. ^ "Photos from the Cybersocket party at The European Summit 2011". Pimps Promo. 2011-10-03. Archived from the original on 5 October 2011. Retrieved 2014-06-07.
  21. ^ a b c Alexander, Terrie (April 3, 2021). "GoFundMe Launched to Aid Cybersocket's Tim Lutz in Cancer Fight". AVN. Archived from the original on 3 June 2025. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  22. ^ a b c d "Cybersocket Co-Founder Tim Lutz Passes". Cybersocket. August 24, 2021. Archived from the original on 25 August 2021. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  23. ^ a b Adams, J.C. (June 15, 2021). "Cybersocket Acquired by NSFW.Army". XBIZ. Archived from the original on 15 June 2021. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  24. ^ Thomas, Rick; Adams, JC (January 4, 2023). "Cybersocket Merges With Fleshbot Gay". XBIZ. Archived from the original on 4 January 2023. Retrieved January 4, 2025.
  25. ^ Smithberg, Allen (January 18, 2023). "Fleshbot x Cybersocket Celebrates Fetish Month 2023". AVN. Archived from the original on 3 June 2025. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  26. ^ "Evan West Named 'Cybersocket Stud' for September". XBIZ. September 6, 2023. Archived from the original on 20 July 2024. Retrieved 4 June 2025.
  27. ^ Rodriguez, Ariana (2012-12-19). "2013 Cybersocket Web Awards to Be Held in Conjunction With XBIZ 360°". XBIZ. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved 2014-06-07.
  28. ^ a b "Judging Process". Cybersocket Web Awards. Archived from the original on 8 June 2007. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  29. ^ MJ McMahon (15 November 2004). "Cybersocket Web Awards Announced". AVN. Las Vegas. Archived from the original on 19 January 2006. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  30. ^ a b "5th Annual Cybersocket Web Awards Winners". Cybersocket Web Awards. Archived from the original on 2 July 2007. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  31. ^ "2010 Annual Cybersocket Web Awards Winners". Cybersocket Web Awards. Archived from the original on 28 May 2011. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  32. ^ a b c Street, Sharan (February 9, 2011). "Winners Announced at Cybersocket Web Awards Ceremony". AVN. Archived from the original on 3 June 2025. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  33. ^ a b c d Adams, J.C. (May 25, 2022). "2022 Cybersocket Awards Winners Announced". AVN. Archived from the original on 25 May 2022. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  34. ^ "1st Annual Cybersocket Web Awards Winners". Cybersocket Web Awards. Archived from the original on 2 July 2007. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  35. ^ "2nd Annual Cybersocket Web Awards Winners". Cybersocket Web Awards. Archived from the original on 19 July 2007. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  36. ^ "3rd Annual Cybersocket Web Awards Winners". Cybersocket Web Awards. Archived from the original on 4 August 2007. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  37. ^ "4th Annual Cybersocket Web Awards Winners". Cybersocket Web Awards. Archived from the original on 4 August 2007. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  38. ^ "6th Annual Cybersocket Web Awards Winners". Cybersocket Web Awards. Archived from the original on 2 July 2007. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  39. ^ "7th Annual Cybersocket Web Awards Winners". Cybersocket Web Awards. Archived from the original on 2 July 2007. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  40. ^ Gallen, Gretchen (October 13, 2006). "Cybersocket Releases List of Award Recipients". XBIZ. Phoenix. Archived from the original on 3 June 2025. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
  41. ^ a b "8th Annual Cybersocket Web Awards Winners". Cybersocket Web Awards. Archived from the original on 31 May 2009. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  42. ^ a b "9th Annual Cybersocket Web Awards Winners". Cybersocket Web Awards. Archived from the original on 23 March 2010. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  43. ^ a b Rice, G. Zisk (February 10, 2010). "2010 Cybersocket Web Awards Winners Announced". AVN. Archived from the original on 3 June 2025. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  44. ^ a b c Pardon, Rhett (January 10, 2012). "Cybersocket Awards Winners Announced". XBIZ. West California. Archived from the original on 3 December 2024. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  45. ^ a b c Street, Sharan (January 17, 2013). "2013 Cybersocket Web Awards Announced". AVN. Archived from the original on 3 June 2025. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  46. ^ a b c Street, Sharan (January 28, 2014). "2014 Cybersocket Web Awards Announced". AVN. Archived from the original on 16 April 2025. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  47. ^ a b c Pardon, Rhett (January 14, 2015). "2015 Cybersocket Web Awards Are Announced". XBIZ. Archived from the original on 3 June 2025. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  48. ^ a b c Pardon, Rhett (January 13, 2016). "2016 Cybersocket Web Awards Announced". XBIZ. Archived from the original on 3 December 2024. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  49. ^ a b c "Here Are The 2017 Cybersocket Award Winners". Fleshbot. January 10, 2017. Archived from the original on 3 June 2025. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  50. ^ a b c Street, Sharan (January 16, 2018). "Winners Announced at 2018 Cybersocket Web Awards". AVN. Archived from the original on 3 June 2025. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  51. ^ a b c Street, Sharan (January 15, 2019). "Winners of 2019 Cybersocket Web Awards Announced". AVN. Archived from the original on 3 June 2025. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  52. ^ a b c Blocks, Iris (January 14, 2020). "Winners Honored at 20th Cybersocket Web Awards". AVN. Archived from the original on 3 June 2025. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  53. ^ "2011 Cybersocket Web Awards Winners". Cybersocket Web Awards. Archived from the original on 13 January 2013. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
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