Main Entry: prov·e·nance
Function: noun
Etymology: French, from provenir to come forth, originate, from Latin provenire, from pro- forth + venire to come
Date: 1785
1 : origin, source
2 : the history of ownership of a valued object or work of art or literature

A friend of mine was recently clearing out a garage and found the original suitcases that his parents used when they emigrated from Italy to Australia in the 1950s. He asked a local museum whether they would like them and their response was really interesting. They said that they had quite a few examples of suitcases but what would make them interesting was the provenance of the items. If my friend could prepare information on who used them, which town they traveled from in Italy, where they settled in Australia, about their families and friends, how many children they had, why they left, etc. then it would be of significant interest.

The provenance, history and context of historical items is so important. It makes them more interesting.

This has prompted me to consider the provenance of porn. There is an interesting trend on Tumblr and other sites for people to make up back stories for various hot photos.

Sometime I know they’re fake (I know every film Johnny Rapid has ever made so don’t try and say the photo is from something else).

I like my collection of Soxster photos and videos because I know the provenance of each and everyone one. I know where they were taken, who the boys are, what they are into, what happened before the cameras were turned on, what happened after they were turned off, etc.

I think that what makes Soxster interesting.

I guess it comes down to how much porn actors are willing to reveal about themselves. Brent Corrigan is a great example of this. Many of us have watched Brent grow up on screen. His fans know that he made his first films when he was 17. They know about the murder trial where he had to testify against two guys who killed a porn producer in order to sleep with Brent. They know about his love of horse riding, the fact his boyfriend is older than he is and that he is developing an acting career. The fact we know his real name and have seen him in other films means that we feel a better connection. Perhaps it isn’t about really knowing someone – it’s more about convincing yourself that you do.

When I watch some of my Soxster videos I know who the boy is, who his last boyfriend was, where he went to uni, what turns him on and what makes him smile. I know where he likes to go drinking and I know where he likes to play.

Provenance is sexy.