(PORN VALLEY, CA) — Top Pro Talent was fortunate enough to be granted an interview with the former editor of AVN, Extreme Associates and scattered other publications, over the last 17 years. Ross is candid, blunt and answers the many questions surrounding his leave of absence from the industry, a few months ago.
Gene’s new site is up and running at TheRealGeneRoss.com. Here are excerpts from an exclusive interview with Gene this morning.
WL: Good to see you back in action, Gene.
GR: I’m in Spring Training again. In the beginning, I’m going to be hitting weak grounders to the pitcher. Soon I’ll be knocking out some line drives and before you know it I’ll be smashing balls over the centerfield wall.
WL: We’ve read a million different reasons why you left Extreme. Can you tell us the actual true story on why you departed months ago?
GR: It’s not an exciting story, actually a bit depressing. I was dealing with my mom passing away. For over a year she was a victim of modern medicine and it left me drained. Extreme were good guys, they covered my expenses during my leave of absence. I’ve been here for 17 years, made a lot of people rich.
WL: How come Extreme didn’t step up and defend you or speak out on your behalf when all the nasty rumors circulated?
GR: I told them not to get involved. People are going to say what they want to say. If I defend it, people will then think I’m lying.
WL: Mike South has a thing on his site: ‘Gene recently crawled back to AVN asking for his old job back. And AVN said fuck off and die.’
GR: Did I crawl or actually walk to the door and knock. Or did I pick up a phone and call?
WL: Obviously he’s exaggerating but did you go back to AVN and ask for a job?
GR: Absolutely not. I don’t need AVN. I made AVN. AVN is where it is today because of me. They were close to out of business back in ’87 when I took over as editor. They got strong and viable and were able to move out here and I’m happy to say it was on the sweat of my brow that they were able to do it. I’ve always been a self-started and know what I have to do and what I have to do to do it. I don’t need anyone over my shoulder directing me.
WL: During your time off, have you kept in the loop of adult news?
GR: I stayed away from everything. I read a lot, did self reflection.
WL: Any old targets you plan on going after right away?
GR: [laughs] Old targets? No…I’ll mind my own business and it’ll land in my lap anyway.
WL: Any surprises to you, now that you’re back and viewing the current state of things in the biz?
GR: Not really. I noticed changes at Luke Ford, Wang is out, Fayner is in. I knew before it was announced. Being an editor, I can tell changes in writing staff.
WL: Was bringing Fayner in a good move?
GR: Yeah, it was a good move. He’s competant.
WL: Anyone still left in the biz that you wish would just go away?
GR: Nah, I like everyone. I love ’em all, they are all potential links and banner ads.
WL: And in regards to the new site, TheRealGeneRoss.com, what is the focus, what kind of features can we expect?
GR: Everything I’ve done in the past. One of the most enjoyable things I did were the daily interviews. I’ll be doing that again. I’m also not associated with one company anymore, so I can do more without worrying about politics. That’s good…now I can talk about Skeeter [Kerkove].
The staff at Top Pro Talent wishes Gene Ross the best of luck and a sincere welcome back!
http://www.therealgeneross.com/