One of the leaders of online BDSM is planning to soften its approach to hardcore material.

 

Last week, Kink.com announced that it planned on rebranding the company by relying on less extreme content.

 

"I am not convinced (what could be perceived as) more extreme material necessarily has a larger market," Kink.com founder Peter Acworth explained when asked about the decision. "Moreover, if you present (again, what looks like) extreme acts, there is a danger of being misinterpreted by the newcomer. Intense BDSM scenes are done with a great deal of negotiation, and it is not possible to portray this in the context of a quick movie. Such misinterpretation can work against the brand of a company, and in our case, against our mission statement of ‘demystifying alternative sexuality.’

 

"BDSM is about to go mainstream, as evidenced by Fifty Shades of Grey. There is an enormous market out there for curious newcomers to BDSM. I would like Kink.com to provide physical entertainment in the form of our event space, our bar, our tours and classes."

 

Certain sites will be renamed, with BoundGangbangs.com becoming FantasyGangbangs.com (emphasizing the make-believe element). Other sites may even be dropped, including BoundInPublic.com (and its straight counterpart PublicDisgrace.com).

 

Cam shows will remain the same. "We generally feel that whatever happens behind the closed curtains of a live show should remain between the performer and his/her clients," said Acworth.

 

How this will change the various gay sites from Kink.com - including Bound Gods, Bound In Public and Men on Edge - only time will tell. Fewer clothespins and more furry handcuffs?