On a basic level, yes. They're the same - Women (& men) are getting paid for sexual acts.
The difference is that [most] porn is legal.
That means it can be regulated and generate taxes.
The criminal element is being forced out.
I don't pretend to know why people get into either business but the porn business is so big now that regulation
and proper business practice is common-place.
Many of the 'stars' of yesterday are the producers of today.
I don't know how many ex-prostitutes go on to be madams or make enough money to set their own companies up.
But when it's illegal in most countries it won't be too many.
*If* my daughter was going to get involved in the sex industry I know which I'd rather she chose.
Yes there are lots of horror stories floating around, but there are reputable businesses as well.
Just a small note.
Warmfluffy: You are not 'speaking up for women' you are speaking for yourself and it is that 'I know' attitude that makes a lot of political-correctness motivated mistakes
For some balance see the stars side
http://www.counterpunch.org/nathan12112004.html
http://www.vibereview.com/browse/page/Inte...+Stormy+Daniels
and here's the horror stories
http://www.oneangrygirl.net/myth9.htm
and
Googlefight says
"porn is good"-22,900 results
"porn is bad"-17,700 results
another test
"porn is prostitution"-677 results
"porn is art"-4,690 results
What I think it comes down to is whether certain people are going to be affected by watching porn and go on to do bad things.
But you could also say the same thing about horror movies, thrillers, rock music, rap music, comic books...
I'd love to live in a pink & fluffy world with no sharp edges or dark corners.