Business Greetings GFYers! SSNs, EINs, LLCs, and Sole Proprietors, Oh My!

[siouxblue]

Hello everyone!

I am a long-time web developer and internet marketer, but totally new to the adult side of things (except as a consumer). I am new here and looking forward to contributing where I can.

I have an idea for a website that, if successful, will generate its income from affiliate links to adult subscription porn sites. If not successful, it will just be a hobby web site.

If it does generate income, I want to keep that separate from my other businesses. I don't know if it's worth going through the trouble of setting up an LLC, getting an EIN for it, registering it with my state, county, and city, etc., blah, blah, blah. I'm in the United States.

On the other hand, I'm a little uneasy about operating it as a sole proprietorship and giving my social security number and personal information, instead of an LLC's information to various affiliate programs until I see if it will be profitable.

I'm curious about what others have done and what insight you might be willing to share.

Thanks,
Sioux