Just my
Years and years ago all there was to sell to was magazines...worked fine if you're under contract because all expenses were paid plus a nice $$. We also did the 'spec' mag sales, but the 4-6 month wait to get 'paid on publication' was a pain in the butt. Hard to keep checking every mag you submitted too.
Internet came along and any pic set of any girl sold like crazy...to everyone
Internet got competitive and now video and pic sets were needed for scenes...still sold like crazy to everyone.
Reality sites came along and everyone wanted outrageous scenarios, dvd quality, 45-60 min. long scenes, exclusive.
I'm seeing now that a mix of it all, like Charly says is the current trend. Do the exclusive for a few good customers, do some custom for others where you retain the rights. Add in a few niches that you know will sell over and over again. Keep the dvd rights if you can...nice $$$ in that once you have the hookups. Do a few partner deals with big players: you produce, they market.
The content biz has changed frequently and repeatedly...adapt, find numerous markets and keep on recruiting, shooting and selling.