As we mentioned before we'll be taking a closer look and giving you our takes on the recently announced nominations and categories for the 9th Annual Cybersocket Web Awards. The online voting is going on right now and you have until December 31st to make your selections--not an easy a task as you might think. We've often mentioned that the online video industry is a very competitive business and this was illustrated very clearly with these nominations. Established sites have the obvious challenge of keeping their sites fresh and interesting while newer sites have to work at standing out and creating a new audience.

With all this in mind we're starting off here with our look at Best New Adult Site (adult sites launched within the last 18 months). As you'll see we're a little baffled by a few of the nominations for a variety of reasons as we'll explain:

 Southern Strokes. We're so glad to see this site get a nod. In many ways it's a standout because it's a return to the basics of "amateur" video sites. It's got mostly solos and a few "side-by-side" videos and features a ton of sexy new faces. That's because the site has tapped into a reservoir of untapped talent from the South. And what a selection! Our personal fave is Zack, the cute guy with glasses who has the DEEPEST voice you've ever heard.

 On The Hunt. The clever minds behind this one already had a huge database of models to appear here--they're all real members of Manhunt who have allowed the site to film their real hookups. The added twist is that the directors of each video are established porn stars and producers. The result is a site with new faces and a professional yet spontaneous feel.

              

 Bound Gods . You don't have to be into kink and bondage to appreciate the production quality of this site produced by Van Darkholme. But if you are, this site is a dream come true. Van made the transition into this world of online video seem ridiculously easy and has done it by maintaining his artistic flair. Classy kink is not an oxymoron here.

 Fierce Dog. This video company ambitiously and wisely had the foresight to see that the online video market was the way to go and went to work transforming itself. It also did lots of testing and tinkering to get the very well done site that exists now. From a marketing standpoint this site hit it out of the park.

             

 Jeremy Roddick. Like many sites this one features hot youngish models in sexy scenes but it is a standout in the creative department. The journey to get to the current rich look of the site was a long one and the site owner(s) persevered and made sure to get it right. Effort is important but when it produces results like this you understand how it got nominated.

   Visconti Triplets. The company behind the prestigious Next Door Studios introduced this one that features real-life identical triplets and sexy Euro-studs. One of these brothers alone would be sufficient but getting all three together is a kinky coup. Of course other hunks are featured in the videos to keep it fresh. The other interesting thing here is that it proves that sex is an international language---to avid the problems of subtitles and dubbing, there's little or no dialog!

     

 BoyNapped. This one was recently added to the Raging Stallion stable of sites and is a an reality-based twink site. It features young guys going around in a van recruiting guys off the street to join them for sexy scenes. Of course it's all a put-on but it's all done in fun and what could be better than a site that's enjoyable to watch?

 Homopunk. We have to admit we hadn't heard of this site until recently but once you see it you'll never forget it. It's kooky and fun and there's nothing else like it. Guys in bunny ears and gorilla masks and other assorted wacky outfits? Trashy and cute/hot pics and videos? It's all here in a minimally designed site that is joyfully unsophisticated. It's geeky cool chic.

         

 Bentley Race. We recently discovered this one too. It's got all the hottest elements found on other amateur sites but with its own identity. That's because it's filmed in Australia and features the guys from down under. Ben himself started it as a showcase for himself and hi auto-fellating talents but now features a ton of Aussie hotties. Sexy & fun.

 RocketTube. This newcomer among the "Tube" sites is a place where you can see amateur videos and plenty of clips from movies and previews of online video sites. In fact studios and sites have a well structured section. We're not sure that this site fits in here or how it got nominated but there you have it.

 Evan Rivers. The adventures of a slightly cocky young Miami horndog who has a lot of sexy co-stars, amateurs & pros, and seemingly manages to have his way with just about anyone he wants. It sounds like a winning formula for success and is. But is there something afoot here? The site hasn't been updated since August and yet it's nominated. We hope Mr Rivers lets his fans and members know what's going on.

             

 Falcon Str8 Men . Falcon got into the web exclusive video market too and got a hold of some of the hottest guys around to appear here. The site is professionally done and has evolved very nicely. It's given us lots to talk about here in our blogs as we've spotted familiar faces and drooled over new ones.

 Classified Escorts. Another odd choice for this category, but it sure does make or some delicious eye candy. Besides this site gives our gossipy little hearts some " I didn't know he was an escort" moments.

 Straight Internal. This is the one nomination we found the oddest to be on here. First we'd not heard of it. Second, it's a bit dirty/nasty --not exactly a model of populism. We realize it's not our cup o' tea, but we are still perplexed it's here.

 Urban Brits. We've heard that the Brits shell out lotsa bucks for porn and it looks like all that watching has translated into an ability to produce well done sites. Experience is the best teacher. This one skews a bit young and skinny and white but what the hell--skinny white guys need lovin' and admiring too.

  You'll see a few of these sites pop up in other categories we'll be talking about soon. Stay tuned.