Writing Bull, one of Germany’s most successful Twitch streamers, stands out with his friendly and mature community. The YouTuber and Twitch streamer specializes in building and strategy games such as Sid Meier’s Civilization series, Anno, Railway Empire, and countless others. His streams and videos are hardly ever boring. But before diving deeper into his streaming content, let’s first take a look at the man behind the camera. Who is Writing Bull, and where does he come from?
The German Twitch streamer and YouTuber Writing Bull
As a freelance radio journalist, working among others for WDR in Cologne, he brings with him all the knowledge and experience one might need as a streamer. From this beautiful city on the Rhine, he has built an impressive community over time. Early on, he discovered his passion for turn-based strategy games, and over time, his hobby became his profession.
He was involved in the development of several modifications for Sid Meier’s Colonization, leaving his mark on projects such as Werewolves and The Authentic Colonization. His passion for this genre of PC games was not destined to remain a hobby – he went all in. In 2013, more precisely on June 28th, Writing Bull founded his eponymous Twitch channel, which now boasts over 64,000 followers and approximately 3 million views, making it one of the largest in Germany. On average, 900 viewers—and during peak times, up to 1,800—tune in almost daily to his streams, which stand out significantly from others.
Writing Bull is also extremely active on his YouTube channel. In addition to his game streams, you can find countless interviews with game developers, preview videos of new releases, and much more. For fans of building and turn-based strategy games, he is a legend, and his streams are a must-watch.
Quality, both in terms of content and technology, is extremely important to him. When the trained journalist takes on a project, it is done thoroughly and with precision. Alongside top-tier hardware, his streams emphasize a friendly and welcoming atmosphere as well as a mature style of entertainment.
In numerous interviews, he has discussed his journey from journalist to Twitch streamer and willingly shares his experiences with the streaming community. It is no secret that his previous profession has been a tremendous help in establishing himself as a Twitch streamer. In essence, he continues to work as a journalist today – only now with video and his favorite games.
Sid Meier’s Civilization on Twitch – that’s Writing Bull
It’s safe to say that the Civilization series is the absolute highlight and most-streamed game on his channels. There isn’t a civilization, map, or add-on that he hasn’t successfully played and streamed. These days, he practically plays every game at the deity level, as he is the German king of this game series and a true master of his craft. His multiplayer games are equally legendary – true Civ fans can’t look away, even though such streams can last countless hours or even days.
The countdown is on. A few last rounds of Civ VI will surely be played, but Writing Bull’s focus has already shifted to Civilization VII, which will finally launch in February 2025 after six years of waiting. He has already shown us an Early Access playthrough on his channels, and together with countless followers, he eagerly anticipates the big day.
The countdown is on: Civilization 7 is coming!
The latest installment of the legendary 4X strategy game series is just weeks away from release and will be available from the start on platforms such as PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, and more. The global Civ community eagerly awaits the day of its launch. Civilization 7 is not just about a few graphical improvements; many gameplay concepts have been fundamentally redesigned.
There are three main eras: the Ancient Era, the Age of Exploration, and the Modern Era. Unlike before, players don’t stick with a single civilization from start to finish. Instead, at the beginning of each main era, they can choose a new civilization based on the progress they’ve made so far.
City growth has also changed. The new “Urban Sprawl” feature allows cities to grow organically, adapting to surrounding terrain like hills and rivers. This makes city-building feel much more realistic and gives the game a completely fresh visual appeal.
The “Independent Powers,” or independent factions, add even more depth to the seventh installment of the series. Depending on how you interact with them, they can evolve into city-states, becoming either friends or foes, significantly contributing to the development of your own civilization.
You can already pre-order Civilization VII on platforms like Steam, where the “Deluxe Version” is available, granting access to the game as early as February 6, 2025. We’re already looking forward to the first Civ 7 streams from Writing Bull on Twitch, as this is likely the best way to dive into the newest installment of the series.
Traffic Networks in the Adult Industry – Higher, Faster, Further
It is well known that the adult industry is a rapidly growing and highly competitive market. This makes it all the more important for website operators to continuously increase their traffic. Generating traffic through SEO is certainly the best approach. However, this alone is often not enough to truly optimize product monetization effectively. This is where traffic networks come into play—an essential tool for successful media buying.
Networks like JuicyAds.com offer powerful tools to specifically target the right audience and purchase suitable traffic for a given website. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at how these traffic networks work and examine their pros and cons.
What Are Traffic Networks?
Do you have a product and want to monetize it? Then traffic networks might be a great tool for you. These platforms bring advertisers and publishers together to mutually benefit. One party has traffic, and the other needs it—a true win-win situation, provided everything is handled fairly and basic principles are observed. On platforms like JuicyAds, you can purchase ad spaces on websites and use comprehensive targeting options to precisely direct the right visitors to your product page.
How Does JuicyAds.com Work in Detail?
Let’s take a closer look at the traffic platform JuicyAds:
Registration: Both advertisers and publishers can register on the platform. Publishers offer advertising space on their sites, while advertisers can rent these spaces to generate traffic.
Campaign Creation: Campaigns can be created through a user-friendly and easy-to-learn self-service platform. This allows advertisers to define essential criteria for their desired traffic. Whether it’s location, language, device type, or the visitor’s interests, the possibilities are virtually endless. It’s crucial to take time to carefully consider which type of visitor you truly want on your product page and where the greatest potential for monetization lies.
Ad Formats: While the most common ad formats are likely familiar, let’s briefly touch on the key ones:
Banner Ads: Great for high visibility and effective branding.
Pop-Under Ads: These appear behind the main window and are highly effective for grabbing attention, though not always positively received as they are often blocked and can be annoying to users.
Direct Link Ads: These lead users directly to the target page, making them ideal for conversion-focused campaigns.
Statistics and Optimization: The importance of continuously tracking and analyzing the performance of your campaigns cannot be overstated. Money can be quickly wasted if you purchase traffic that doesn’t convert and fails to generate revenue. In a later section, we’ll delve deeper into how to monitor and evaluate campaigns effectively.
Advantages of JuicyAds and Similar Networks
Wide Reach: JuicyAds boasts an extensive network of publishers that reaches a large and diverse audience.
Targeted Traffic: With comprehensive targeting options, it’s easy to ensure that ads reach the right audience.
Cost Efficiency: Since you only pay for the traffic you actually receive, costs are transparent, making it simple to analyze whether a campaign is worthwhile or not.
User-Friendly: The platform offers intuitive tools suitable for both beginners and experienced advertisers.
Support: A dedicated support team is available to assist with questions or issues. JuicyAds truly stands out in this regard—the support is excellent, and I speak from personal experience.
Best Practices for the Optimal Use of Traffic Networks
1. Set Clear Goals What exactly do you want to achieve by joining a traffic network? Are you aiming to increase product sales, boost brand awareness, or simply drive more traffic to your website to potentially improve Google rankings in the long term? Clear goal-setting is essential for effectively planning and optimizing campaigns.
2. Budget Planning Careful budget planning is crucial—don’t waste money. It’s always advisable to start a new campaign with a small budget and monitor its performance closely. If the analysis yields positive results, you can gradually scale the budget and expand with minimal risk.
3. Create Engaging Ads A compelling call to action is key—but not always easy to execute. It’s important to design visually appealing ads (banners, landing pages, etc.). Use clear, high-quality images, relevant slogans, and language tailored to your target audience.
4. Conduct A/B Testing Testing is essential to explore the possibilities. Experiment with different ad formats, designs, and targeting options. Run a series of A/B tests to identify the best-performing model for your needs. Dedicate plenty of time to repeated analysis and comparisons. The effort and time invested in thorough testing will save significant costs later.
5. Monitor Performance The analytics tools provided within JuicyAds accounts are highly comprehensive. You can track the performance of your campaigns in real-time, gaining detailed insights into their progress. Metrics like click-through rates, conversion rates, and ROI are invaluable for refining and tailoring campaigns to your objectives.
Risks and Potential Issues
Of course, not everything that glitters is gold, and there are some challenges that a traffic network can present:
Traffic Quality: Not all traffic is high-quality and leads to good results. A significant amount of low-quality, overused traffic is often sold cheaply, making it almost impossible to monetize. The key is to monitor your campaigns closely and compare various traffic sources through A/B testing. You should only increase your budget once you have a clear understanding of the quality of the traffic you can expect.
Complexity: Managing campaigns can be time-consuming, especially if you are new to this field. Start with small budgets and take the time to learn what to focus on when setting up campaigns. There are numerous videos and tutorials available online that can provide valuable knowledge on this topic.
Costs: Without a clear strategy, expenses can quickly spiral out of control.
Conclusion
Especially for operators of adult websites looking to monetize a product, traffic networks like JuicyAds.com are almost indispensable. By following the tips mentioned above and taking the time to implement them, the purchased traffic will almost inevitably help you get significantly closer to your goals.
On the other hand, traffic networks are also immensely important for adult website operators without their own product, as they provide a way to monetize organic SEO traffic.
Big news, friends! MojoHost just crushed it with their second SOC 2 Type II audit. That’s right—our favorite hosting provider is doubling down on security and reliability. 🙌
Here’s the scoop: This isn’t just any audit. It’s the SOC 2 Type II audit. Think top-notch standards for protecting sensitive info. And guess what? MojoHost passed with flying colors. 👏
The audit, handled by A-LIGN (cybersecurity pros who are trusted by thousands), covered everything up until November 30, 2024. It’s all about ensuring that MojoHost’s processes keep our data safe and sound.
Brad Mitchell, MojoHost’s president, is pumped. He shared: “This is huge for us. We’re all about delivering secure, reliable hosting. This audit proves we’re living up to those high expectations. Our clients deserve the best, and we’re here to deliver!” 💪
Quick rundown: SOC 2 audits are a big deal. They’re set up by the AICPA (the experts in trust and security). Passing one means MojoHost’s infrastructure, software, and team are all on point. Basically, they’re saying, “We’ve got your back!”
Even Steve Simmons, COO at A-LIGN, gave a shoutout: “Huge congrats to MojoHost! Their commitment to security and operational excellence is inspiring. We loved working with such a dedicated team.”
And here’s the best part—MojoHost is making this a yearly thing. Yep, they’re keeping the bar high! If you want a peek at their SOC 2 report, just hit them up at sales@mojohost.com.
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Thank you to everyone who supports MojoHost and their mission to stay the best in the game! 💖
What originally motivated you to enter the adult entertainment industry? Was there a specific moment or inspiration that gave you the push?
Since I’ve always been very sexually active, I wanted to combine the pleasant with the practical. I met my current fiancé, who then suggested I try working as a camgirl. That was my first step into the adult entertainment business. We privately visited the adult expo “Venus” in Berlin, and I found everything there very exciting and inspiring. A year later, I had a small info booth in the then “Camarea.” That was essentially my starting point in the adult entertainment industry.
How has moving from life in Switzerland to the Black Forest influenced your work? Do you feel that the new environment has changed your creativity or daily life as a content creator?
I really only started actively working in my job after moving to Germany to be with my boyfriend. Switzerland is generally more conservative about such things.
Personal and Professional Challenges
Starting work as an adult model and camgirl is a big decision for many. How did your friends and family react?
Since my partner and I built a new social circle in Germany, which is naturally very liberal and open-minded, there were no issues. On the contrary, some of my friends even find my work very interesting and are curious about entering the adult entertainment world themselves. My family in Switzerland is fully aware of everything, and the topic is no longer an issue.
What challenges have you experienced as a transgender person in the adult entertainment industry, and how do you deal with potential prejudices or stereotypes?
I’ve actually been pleasantly surprised, as have many producers and others in the adult industry. There aren’t many transgender people in the German-speaking adult industry, so curiosity often prevails. Very few are unwilling to work with transgender individuals. Most are open-minded, invite me to collaborate, and the ice is quickly broken—probably because I present myself as very feminine and am both sexually active and passive.
As a pansexual person, I have no hesitations with any gender. I always find it interesting when those who describe themselves as “100% straight” find me very intriguing and want to work or film with me. For those who don’t want to, well, it’s their loss.
About Your Work as a Content Creator
Platforms and Community
You’re active on platforms similar to OnlyFans. What motivated you to focus on these platforms?
Since I do this job, which I absolutely love, to make a living, I’m active on several lucrative platforms to increase my visibility and showcase myself. These platforms are a great way to earn money passively, such as through selling videos.
How would you describe your relationship with your fans? Are there any special requests or interactions that stand out in your memory?
I’m thrilled to now receive fan mail and have many fans reach out to me. At adult expos, they visit my booth to buy calendars, DVDs, or autographed cards. I try to remain grounded and always be there for my fans. It’s very important to me to interact well with them.
Even when I’m on vacation, I share pictures and stories so my fans can get to know me on a personal level. From lingerie I’ve worn to a calendar I produced with Micaela Schäfer, I offer almost everything my fans wish for.
Content Creation and Daily Life
What does a typical workday look like for you? How do you balance creative planning, content production, and personal time?
Since my fiancé also acts as my manager, he takes care of all the administrative tasks for me. That includes handling appointments, contracts, fees, my website, hotel bookings, and so on. He’s essentially the man behind the scenes, organizing everything in consultation with me, of course.
I usually wake up in the morning, we have breakfast together, and then we go through the schedule for the day. If I have free time, I’m active as a camgirl. Otherwise, I’m busy with adult expos, autograph sessions, porn castings, interviews, and other commitments.
Your work requires a constant online presence. How do you manage to stay authentic and approachable without putting too much pressure on yourself?
I approach everything positively but realistically. Since my fiancé is an excellent planner, I’m able to keep everything well-organized.
About Future Projects and Visions
New Video Productions and Creative Ideas
You’re planning to start video productions soon. Can you share more about your vision and the type of content your fans can expect?
Yes, aside from producing lots of content for social media, I’ve already released two professional DVDs. With GB-Media, I was one of the main performers in gang-bang productions alongside cisgender women. These DVDs are available for purchase at adult expos, in adult shops, and similar venues.
Are you considering getting involved in other fields such as acting, photography, or fashion? Are there any potential collaborations with other well-known content creators?
Yes, I’m now working with the well-known star photographer and filmmaker “Atelier S. Dellemann” from Berlin. Together, we are producing many photos, interviews, planning a documentary, and even a book about me. Additionally, my photos will be exhibited during the Easter weekend in 2025 at a vernissage in Berlin’s iconic club, “KitKat,” as part of a four-day gallery event.
I really enjoy working with photographers. The topic of fashion also interests me, so we’ll see what else the future holds.
Long-Term Goals as a Content Creator
What are your long-term goals on platforms like OnlyFans? Do you plan to expand this work or shift your focus to new media and projects in the future?
Yes, I plan to expand my presence on platforms like OnlyFans. Discussions about collaborations with agencies and similar opportunities are already underway.
In an industry that is constantly changing, how do you stay innovative and relevant?
I always strive to stay up-to-date and continue evolving. As the saying goes: If you don’t keep up with the times, you’ll be left behind.
About Your Presence in the Adult Industry
Collaboration with Other Artists
You work with well-known personalities like Micaela Schäfer. How important is networking within the industry to you?
Yes, I collaborate with my personal role model, Micaela Schäfer, and I am also part of the PussyKat team at some adult expos, which is a significant name in the adult industry. Recently, I’ve also started working with excellent photographers. Appearing professional is important to me, and I’ve learned a lot from them, as they’ve been in the business for years. I’m thrilled about these collaborations, which have significantly boosted my visibility.
Can you give us insight into how such collaborations come about and the role they play in your career?
I personally reached out to Micaela Schäfer and her team at the time, as her company was looking for new talents. I applied, secured an exclusive contract with Lifestrip, and that’s how it all began. The highlight was being personally invited to her 40th birthday in Berlin, where I met numerous influential personalities. Shortly afterward, I was invited as a guest to a charity event hosted by Harald Glööckler, supporting children from difficult family backgrounds.
The collaboration with Micaela, in particular, was highly meaningful to me and gave my career another significant boost.
Adult Expos and Public Appearances
You regularly appear at adult expos. How important is personal contact with your fans outside the digital world?
Engaging with fans is very important to me. I’ve attended adult expos in Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, and Germany. At these events, I usually have an info booth where fans can take personal pictures with me, receive autographed cards, and get more information about me. I also perform amazing shows with my partners, at least on the main stages, which I really enjoy. What I love about this business is the variety it offers.
What highlights can we expect at the expos you’ll be attending in 2025? Are there any special shows or events you’re looking forward to?
In February 2025, for instance, I’ll be a guest at the adult expo in Vienna, Austria’s capital. Shortly afterward, I’ll be in Brussels, Salzburg, and Chemnitz. The crown jewel, of course, is and will always be the Venus Expo in Berlin, which will take place next year in September. Additionally, I’m planning several productions abroad in 2025. Destinations like Croatia, Cyprus, Hungary, and Mallorca are on my list, and I’m really looking forward to them.
Personal Insights
Balancing Personality and Public Image
Your work requires a very open portrayal of your personality. How do you manage to separate your public role from your private identity?
I market myself, I’m self-employed, and I lead a generally self-determined life. In public, I’m not very different from how I am in private. However, I do enjoy my days off with my partner, and the occasional private vacation is essential for recharging and finding new energy.
Do you have any rituals or strategies that help you stay mentally balanced?
Not really, no. Aside from spending a lot of private time with my fiancé.
Messages and Wishes for Fans
What would you like to share with your fans and supporters? Is there a particular message close to your heart?
I’d like to let my fans know that they can always approach me, ask me questions, and so on. My fans mean everything to me.
For newcomers in the industry, I’d say: Don’t give up. Live a self-determined life, and don’t let others bring you down. It’s your life, not anyone else’s. Do what you feel like doing.
What values or ideas do you aim to convey through your work?
I believe I’m an honest and reliable person who is always there for my fans. Production companies and others in the business can rely on me as well. I’m also supportive of newcomers, helping them have a great and successful start—like Larissa-TS, a new TS star rising in the adult industry.
For more information about Giannina TS, visit her homepage: Gianina TS
Thank you, Gianina TS, for taking the time for this interview with us. We wish you continued success and good health!
What happened to Metta Spencer, a 93-year-old scientist from Canada, is truly difficult to comprehend. On her globally recognized and widely followed YouTube channel ‘ToSaveTheWorld,’ leading experts from various fields have been coming together regularly for years. Whether it’s about peace research, pandemics, climate change, cyber threats, or food security in the third world, specialists from all over the world gather on her channel and often participate in live discussion panels.
Social Media Account Suspended – What Now?
When she once again invited people to a panel discussion on October 27, 2024, and went live on air to discuss climate change, it happened. A stranger had hacked her channel, gained access to the discussion, and played pornographic material. Although the hacker was removed after just a few moments, the short video was enough for YouTube to suspend her account. The terse justification: pornography is prohibited on YouTube and therefore a violation of the Community Standards.
All of Metta Spencer’s complaints were to no avail, as there isn’t even a support team with real people to discuss such problems. And this is precisely where the issue lies with many social media platforms. Rules are certainly important, and monitoring content is at times understandable and necessary. However, algorithms also make mistakes and are not always able to properly assess a situation. As a result, an entire professional existence can quickly be pushed to the brink of bankruptcy. These globally operating platforms undoubtedly have a responsibility toward content creators, who rely on their content to secure their financial survival.
In Metta Spencer’s case, the situation ended well because the TV station CBC Toronto directly contacted YouTube and inquired why the account of a 93-year-old scientist had been blocked. However, most content creators likely do not have such luck or public interest, and this is where the problem lies. Arbitrary decisions should not be a principle of social media platforms, and in cases of doubt, real people should be reachable to thoroughly review a suspension if necessary.
The Danger of Arbitrary Actions on Social Media Platforms
Complaints about unjustified account suspensions and deletions are also increasing on platforms like TikTok. There, too, there is no longer any human monitoring or security team; the task is handled 100% by algorithms, which makes it prone to incorrect decisions. In a world where social media platforms are gaining more and more power, and at the same time, an increasing number of people earn their livelihoods through their accounts, this is a development that should concern us
Guenter GGG – A Colorful Character and a True Bon Vivant
Guenter was more than just a business colleague, over the past 12 years, he became one of my best friends, both professionally and personally. This is an obituary to honor his memory.
When we first met, I was attending my very first adult show in the Netherlands, specifically in Utrecht. I didn’t know anyone there and was probably standing around a bit lost at the bar. That was the moment I first encountered Guenter. He was there as a Sales Manager for Partnercash and spontaneously invited me to join their team for a fun evening of bowling. It turned out to be a great night and the beginning of a wonderful friendship. From the very start, his relaxed and easy-going manner was simply unforgettable and impressed me from the first minute.
From then on, we met at virtually every European adult show and discovered many common interests. Over the years, we both evolved into adult webmasters with a shared passion for WordPress blogs and tube sites. Within just a few years, we became an unbeatable team in the German-speaking extreme fetish niche. From Golden Shower to gay, granny, and BBW extreme content, we managed to place countless sites in the top 10 of German Google rankings.
A Colleague and a True Friend
Our bond extended beyond business, and our friendship became something I deeply valued. Whether it was politics, love for animals, or the human connection, we had far more in common than we had differences. What always fascinated me was his straightforward nature – he always said exactly what he thought. It’s rare to find such honest people nowadays who navigate life with a positive and helpful attitude.
His gay chat platform, Erochat Community, was his professional masterpiece. Day in and day out, thousands upon thousands of people flocked to the platform, making it a genuine institution in the German-speaking gay community.
From pub owner to adult webmaster, from online promo tool specialist to data analyst—there’s a lot you could say about Guenter, but “lazy” was never one of them. The upcoming adult shows and conferences will feel different, a little less vibrant, because the cheerful presence of this colorful character will be missed by so many.
Guenter GGG, you left us far too soon. It’s often said that the best die young. We will miss you, and I will especially. Rest in peace, my friend.
Could you share the path that led you to specialize in data security and chargeback mitigation?
I’ve never had what some would call a hard set plan, I’d call it more a series of well timed opportunities. My time working in future technology analysis, gave me a baseline of understanding of data security theory. It also required me to constantly be online looking at ways people were adapting current technology. From all that time online I developed a side interest in online marketing. Well at the same time I was introduced to the practical side of data security. In the decade that followed the two would flip flop roles as my primary interest. Learning and understanding processing was a natural and needed skill progression.
What motivated you to join ChargebackHelp, and how has your role evolved since then?
Prior to COVID-19, ChargebackHelp was a client that I was provided consultancy services to. As the company expanded, so did its need to service clients in the EU and develop the necessary infrastructure to support current operations and manage growth in the region. I had already been considering a move to the EU, so when the chance to join the team full-time and relocate came up, it just felt like the right move.
Industry Insights
What are the most significant challenges merchants face today regarding chargebacks and fraud prevention?
Merchants today encounter several major challenges in the realm of chargebacks and fraud prevention. One of the primary issues is chargeback abuse, often referred to as “friendly fraud.” This occurs when customers dispute legitimate charges without first contacting the merchant, which can stem from buyer’s remorse, a misunderstanding of the chargeback process, or intentional fraud. Another challenge is return and refund fraud, where customers exploit lenient return policies by returning used or damaged items or falsely claiming non-delivery to receive refunds. The financial impact of chargebacks is also significant, as they not only result in lost revenue but also incur additional fees and increased processing costs. The process of disputing invalid chargebacks, known as representment, is both time-consuming and highly regulated.
Frequent chargebacks and fraud can damage a merchant’s reputation, leading to a loss of customer trust and potential business. Detecting fraud has become increasingly complex due to the growing sophistication of fraud techniques, necessitating advanced tools and strategies. Policy abuse, such as the misuse of promotional codes and fraudulent claims of non-delivery, further complicates the issue.
Additionally, merchants must deal with bad faith affiliates who may not act in the merchant’s best interest. Keeping up with changes to the rules set by card schemes can be challenging, and the timely and effective application of new tools and services designed to manage these issues can be an issue in itself.
How do you foresee the landscape of chargeback mitigation evolving in the next five years?
I think we will see some big changes in chargeback mitigation, thanks to tech advancements and changing consumer habits. For starters, AI and machine learning will get even better at spotting and stopping fraud in real-time by picking up on patterns and anomalies.
We’ll also see more use of advanced data analytics to understand customer behavior and transaction trends, which will help prevent chargebacks before they happen. Stronger authentication methods, like biometrics and multi-factor authentication, will make it tougher for fraudsters to succeed. As regulations evolve, new rules will aim to protect both consumers and merchants, so staying compliant will be key. Collaboration and info-sharing among merchants, banks, and payment processors will be crucial for developing effective strategies against chargebacks and fraud.
We already have new tools like Verifi’s RDR, shifting the focus more towards fraud metrics. Verifi’s Order Insight product will play a big role too, by providing greater transparency to consumers about their transactions, which can help reduce friendly fraud. MasterCard’s Consumer Clarity product will also be important, as it gives cardholders detailed purchase info through their bank apps, reducing confusion and disputes.
VISA is set to release new mandates in April 2025, with a greater focus on fraud metrics. We can expect other card schemes to follow with their own mandates and rule changes. With all these changes, new services and tools will pop up to help merchants and their acquirers stay compliant. Overall, the future of chargeback mitigation will be shaped by tech advancements, regulatory changes, and a team effort among industry players.
Strategies and Solutions
Can you discuss some effective strategies for mitigating chargebacks and recovering lost revenues?
There are several effective strategies for mitigating chargebacks and recovering lost revenues. First, make sure your product descriptions, pricing, and return policies are clear and easy to find. This helps set the right expectations and reduces misunderstandings that can lead to chargebacks.
Providing excellent customer service is also crucial. Make it easy for customers to contact you with any issues and resolve disputes directly to prevent chargebacks. Sending order confirmations and tracking information keeps customers informed about their purchase and delivery status, reducing the likelihood of disputes. Using clear and recognizable billing descriptors on credit card statements helps customers identify their purchases and avoid confusion.
Services like Ethoca Alerts, Verifi’s RDR, and Order Insight provide real-time alerts about potential chargebacks and offer detailed transaction information to customers, which can help resolve disputes before they escalate. Developing a robust dispute resolution process to handle chargebacks efficiently, including gathering and submitting all necessary documentation to contest invalid chargebacks, is important. Verifi’s CE 3.0 solution can be a game-changer here. It uses qualified transaction data, like account ID, IP address, and device ID, to establish a clear link between the merchant and the cardholder, helping to block illegitimate disputes before they become chargebacks.
How does ChargebackHelp’s approach differ from other solutions in the market?
We provided end-to-end support, from preventing chargebacks to managing disputes and recovering lost revenue. This approach ensures that merchants have the tools and support they need at every stage of the chargeback process. We combine various dispute management technologies into a single, card-agnostic portal, which means merchants can handle disputes across all payment networks from one platform. This simplifies the process and reduces the administrative burden. We emphasize a proactive approach to chargeback prevention. This includes using clear billing descriptors, sending out chargeback alerts, and taking other preemptive measures to prevent disputes before they escalate into chargebacks.
Technological Integration
What role does technology play in enhancing chargeback mitigation processes?
Technology is crucial for improving chargeback mitigation. It makes managing chargebacks more efficient by streamlining and automating a lot of the process. For example, having centralized notifications from payment processors and banks helps merchants respond to disputes quickly. When you integrate these systems with CRMs and order management tools, businesses get a full picture of customer data. Using technology in this way not only cuts down on chargebacks but also boosts efficiency, and protects revenue.
Are there any emerging technologies that you believe will revolutionize fraud prevention and dispute management?
Absolutely… There are several emerging technologies that are set to revolutionize fraud prevention and dispute management. One of the most promising is Artificial Intelligence (AI). These systems continuously learn and adapt to new fraud techniques, making them incredibly effective.
Biometric authentication is also gaining traction. By using unique biological traits like fingerprints, facial recognition, or even voice patterns, businesses will be able to add an extra layer of security to their transactions. Incorporating these technologies will significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of fraud prevention and dispute management.
Client Success
Could you share a success story where your expertise significantly impacted a client’s chargeback rates?
We just published a case study that we did with an Acquiring partner, we used a combination of Ethoca Alerts and Visa RDR. The Acquirer we able to show a prevention of more than 98,000 chargebacks. That translates to 75% of total chargebacks, and 83% of all fraud-related chargebacks to their merchants and the payments ecosystem in general. In addition, since implementing these programs that promote positive refunding behavior and lower overall chargeback levels, they noticed 3% improvement in transaction acceptance.
What metrics do you consider when evaluating the effectiveness of a chargeback mitigation strategy?
I think some key areas to look at are monitoring the effective chargeback rate per merchant account and per card type. This helps in identifying specific areas where improvements can be made. Another key area to look at is the overall increased transaction approval rates and approval rates per issuing BIN. Additionally, keeping an eye on total processing costs is crucial. Even for merchant with low chargeback rates, a further reducing it can lead to fewer declined transactions, more successful rebills, and lower overall processing fees.
Personal Questions
Background and Interests
What sparked your interest in data security and e-commerce?
I got interested in data security and e-commerce because of how quickly the digital world was growing and changing. With more businesses and people going online, I saw huge potential for cool innovations and convenience, but also a lot of new risks like cyber threats and fraud. The challenge of keeping information safe and making sure transactions are secure really fascinated me. Plus, this field is always evolving, which keeps things exciting and motivates me to stay ahead of the latest threats.
Are there any personal experiences that influenced your career path in this industry?
One experience that really influenced my career path was when a close friend’s online business was hit by a major cyber attack. Seeing the impact it had on their business and the stress it caused them made me realize how crucial data security is. It forced me to see just how vulnerable not just to attack, but to the paralyzing effects even a simple attack can have on a business when people don’t really know what the next step to take are. This experience fueled my passion for data security and e-commerce, and it motivated me to dive deeper into the field and make a difference. It’s also why I will generally not accept payment when someone asks for help well under well their proverbial house is on fire. A number of those people later became friends, clients, and or had some form of a hand in my long term career path.
Which is your favorite conference from a professional perspective?
TES Prague is my favorite conference, the size of the conference, the diversity in the people attending, and the event location all seem to work together and make it the positive event that it is.
If the internet had never been invented, what would you be doing for a living today?
If there was no internet almost everything I’ve done in the last 30 or so years would not have been possible. I would have likely followed in the family business and would be doing electrical contracting or some form of construction.
Work-Life Balance
How do you manage the demands of your role while maintaining personal well-being?
If I’m honest, I’m driven by work. Anyone that I have worked with or that knows me will tell you that if I’m not working on something I will find something to work on. I’d say that my work life balance is defiantly more work than any assemblance of balance.
What activities or hobbies do you engage in outside of work to unwind?
If I’m not working or traveling, I’m likely playing an endless game of fetch with my dog, trying to automate some part of the house that doesn’t need automation, or wandering around Romania taking in the views.
Continuous Learning
How do you stay updated with the latest trends and developments in data security and fraud prevention?
For the processing side of things, there is a healthy amount of online events and workshops provided by MRC, VISA, and MasterCard. On the data security side there are a few news sites I try to keep up with, Wildwest Hackin Fest and DEFCONConference do a good job with putting their events and speakers up on youtube. Reddit has a groups that are a fire hose of information. Depending how busy I am, I’ll take a class on Udemy. Right now I’m trying to dedicate some time to going deeper into AI.
Are there any books, courses, or resources you would recommend to professionals aspiring to enter this field?
I’m a big proponent of exploring data security courses on Udemy, there are a number of beginner courses. Data Security has many paths and layers. I’d also suggest learning Python and taking a few courses to learn Kali. From there someone should have a level fundamental understandings of what aspects of data security interest them the most, and aim for getting some certifications that are meaningful that will get them into the job market. Some of the more advanced certs and classes can get up there in price. Most data security books become outdated quickly.
With regard to processing, if I was just starting out I’d spend a little time getting to know the history of each of the card schemes, VISA and Mastercard have news rooms that will help someone get an understanding of the current space, services they offer and rules.
Mentorship and Advice
Have you had any mentors who significantly influenced your career? If so, how did they impact you?
My first real job was for a forward looking research company focused on data security and wireless. After about a year I went on my first real work vacation taking a trip out west to visit a college roommate over the summer. During my stay his roommate spent day and night working in the dining room on his PC. For the first couple days I just assumed he was playing videos games.. In reality, he was running pen tests for a number of companies. Seeing the gamified thrill of the practical side of data security, made me realize I wanted to make a shift in what I was doing. At the time I was already doing some affiliate marketing, and getting offers to work for online companies. Within a year I was working for an SEO company during the day, studying at night for MCSE, and my weekends were spent digging deeper into email campaigns and online marketing.
What advice would you give to someone starting a career in chargeback mitigation and data security?
Starting a career in chargeback mitigation and or data security is an exciting journey! My advice would be to stay curious and keep learning, things are constantly evolving. It’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices. Developing strong analytical skills is crucial, as being able to analyze data and identify patterns is key in both chargeback mitigation and data security.
Understanding the business side is also important. Knowing how businesses operate and what their pain points are can help you develop more effective strategies. Networking in the industry can provide valuable insights, support, and opportunities. Being proactive and detail-oriented can make a big difference, in both cases identifying potential threats early and paying attention to details is essential.
Gaining hands-on experience is invaluable. Look for and create opportunities, or entry-level positions that allow you to apply what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios. Every expert was once a beginner.
If you could give your younger self a piece of advice, what would it be?
Buy Bitcoin when its under $1 and hold to $100,000… I’d also say to not take so long to seek community, I spent a number of years early on thinking that I was too small to contribute or attend events. Looking back I think that forced me to learn to adapt and learn new skills, but also caused me to miss on valuable networking opportunities.
Future Aspirations
What are your personal and professional goals for the next few years?
My goal is to create tools that are both highly useful and easy to understand. One major issue with many tools and services on the market is their complexity. When tools are too complex, they face adoption challenges, and even when they are used, they often aren’t utilized to their full potential.
How do you envision your role in the industry evolving as new challenges and technologies emerge?
As new challenges and technologies emerge collaboration will be key. Working closely with other, sharing knowledge, and developing best practices will be essential to staying ahead of the curve. I also see myself playing a role in educating and mentoring my team, helping them navigate the complexities of this field.
Ultimately, my goal will be to continue making a positive impact by creating efficient, and user-friendly solutions that help businesses thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Bubbly-Games first caught our attention at GameVasion 2024. At their own small booth, Marie, the artist behind the brand, showcased a wide range of creations, from hand-painted illustrations to 3D-printed elf ears, all meticulously hand-painted. It seemed like the typical booth of a cosplayer showcasing her hobby—at least, that was our first impression. But first impressions can be deceiving, as we all know.
Behind Bubbly.Games is the duo of Janis (game developer) and Marie (artist). Together, they founded the Bubbly Games Studio, a small German start-up that stands out thanks to its creativity and seemingly boundless imagination. That alone was reason enough for us to take a closer look at Bubbly.Games.
On their website, it quickly becomes apparent how diverse their services are—a fact that is both their greatest strength and their biggest challenge:
Website Development
Illustrations
Posters, Banners, Flyers
Video Editing
3D Models & Animations
Interactive Experiences & Micro Games
That’s quite an impressive range. Naturally, one might wonder whether a two-person company might be taking on too much or if these young creatives are still in search of the right path. On a positive note, this incredible variety of services also reflects the boundless creativity and motivation of the minds behind this start-up.
MicroGames with Addictive Potential
At this point, we want to take a closer look at the development of the micro-games, as they captivated us from the very first moment. Here, too, the focus is on the idea and the vision rather than perfect programming.
Without Pixel Storm (https://kicodes.itch.io/pixelstorm), this article probably wouldn’t have come into being. In our eyes, this little game is a true masterpiece. It’s so simple and straightforward, yet it has an addictive quality reminiscent of the way Tetris once hooked us. Even in its beta version, it’s incredibly fun, and you can easily imagine how, with a bit of investment, this game could become something truly big. Here at the Eurorgazm office, it has already brightened many a dull break and kept us distracted with small tournaments more than once. 😉 Detective Again, The Last Line, Dungeon Divers, Came to Stay, and Hotel Meow are just a few of the other micro-games currently in development at Bubbly.Games. While Bubbly.Games is “still” not a game studio with a large portfolio of completed titles, it is a development hub rethinking gaming and working closely with test players to refine its ideas.
We truly hope that one day their ideas will catch the attention of a major studio because, for us, their potential is unmistakable. Of course, this start-up is still in its early stages, and establishing a foothold in the gaming market is no easy feat. However, with this article, we hope to shine a bit of light on their efforts and innovations.
New Community Bridges Technology and Affiliate Marketing Through Global Meetup Series
Miami, December 9, 2024 – A new professional community focused on the intersection of technology and affiliate marketing has launched with its next meetup scheduled for December 12th in Miami. Founded by data analytics expert Cristian Ionescu and former Microsoft Data & AI Consultant Anastasia Ionescu, the Affiliate Marketing Tech community aims to connect industry professionals with technology innovators in casual, educational settings.
The community’s next event will be held at ASTRA in Miami, continuing the beginning of a series of global meetups designed to foster meaningful conversations about advancing affiliate marketing through technology.
“The affiliate marketing industry is experiencing rapid technological evolution, particularly in areas like AI and data analytics,” explains Cristian Ionescu, founder of Witanalytica and the soon-to-be launched catstats.ai. “Our goal is to create a space where professionals can learn, share experiences, and stay ahead of technological trends without the pressure of sales pitches.”
The community will host regular meetups in various locations globally, coinciding with industry events and the founders’ travel schedule. Topics will range from basic automation to advanced AI implementations, with a focus on practical applications in affiliate marketing.
About the Organizers The community is led by Cristian Ionescu, a recognized figure in affiliate marketing analytics and founder of multiple industry-focused technology solutions. The meetups emphasize knowledge sharing and relationship building.
This week on Adult Site Broker Talk, we’ve got none other than Alex Luchinskiy, the founder and CEO of Delevit, joining the conversation! 🎙️✨
💻 Delevit is the ultimate game-changer for website owners — a cutting-edge platform that simplifies DMCA and legal compliance, so you can focus on running your site while staying totally in the clear.
Alex’s story is 🔥. Originally from Ukraine, he moved to the U.S. as a young go-getter and built an impressive career in electronics and cybersecurity. He took all that knowledge and turned it into a tool that helps webmasters save time and avoid major legal headaches.
Basically, it’s a lifesaver for anyone navigating the crazy world of online content regulations.
👀 Don’t miss Alex sharing his journey and how Delevit is helping creators and webmasters worldwide. Plus, he and Bruce are diving deep into content piracy — a must-hear convo for anyone in the digital space!
And shoutout to Bruce, aka the Adult Site Broker himself, for bringing another amazing guest to the mic. Bruce is the go-to guy for buying and selling sites in the adult industry, aka “the ethical broker.” He’s a two-time XBIZ Community Figure of the Year nominee — so yeah, he knows his stuff.
Hit up adultsitebroker.com if you’re looking to make moves in the space!
