A couple of newbie questions and looking for honest advice!

[WannabeNewbie]

Hi everyone :hello2:

Over the past few months I've been considering camming as a fun way to make additional income. I found these forums last week and have read and learned a ton. Reading this thread left me more hesitant about being a cam model.

Now for my questions:

• I've seen models mention that you could be found out by a current/future employer. Would this typically be a result of being seen on cam by a coworker? I know some girls are concerned about explaining resume gaps, but I don't plan on leaving my career for years. Could my "real" employer somehow see my extra income? What are the other ways I could be found out? Would this appear on background checks?
• If I start camming I plan on taking every precaution possible to protect my identity. Do any cam girls successfully disguise themselves? I was thinking about consistently wearing a high quality wig, covering up identifying moles, wearing a fake tattoo, and maybe trying to change how I speak. Could I possibly disguise myself to the point that real life acquaintances wouldn't be convinced they know me? I also have a really unique first and last name, does that increase the danger of being found out? Are there any sites where you don't have to give a name (I doubt this...)?

I'm also interested in hearing any advice models or members may have for me. Despite my security hangups I think it would be really fun to do! When I was 14 and the internet was still young I actually did this for fun with other horny teens until I got busted by my family (they made me go to a psychoanalyst and were pretty bummed for a while). While I would be embarrassed if my family/friends found out I cammed, I know they wouldn't disown me. The only reason I'd feel embarrassed is because I know how they would feel about it, I'm liberal and open and they're just not. My fiance on the other hand is fully on board!

I plan on being as smart as I can about camming. I would only connect from a dedicated computer, I would never log in to other accounts on that computer, I'd use a VPN/proxy/prepaid phone/PO Box in another state, and I'd set up a place for camming away from windows. I'd refuse to reveal my location and would assume a fake identity (different number of siblings, family dynamics). I would never mix personal and cam pictures and I'd either be silent about things I do in my real life or deliberately drop false hints.

The bigger elephant here is my career. I am a successful programmer by day, I am lucky to have a dream job, it's just not my dream. My life goal is to become financially independent as early as I can so that I can quit the 9 to 5 and pursue whatever interests me. I could dedicate up to 3-4 hours a night camming and would take it seriously to accelerate my savings. I've dabbled in other side income generating ventures (programming my own apps/websites, client websites, etc.) but find that I'm too burnt out at the end of the day to do more coding.

What do you think I should do? Am I being paranoid about being found out? If I follow all of the precautions should I be ok? Is it too risky to do this while I still want to keep/grow in my day job?

Thank you all for reading this and for any advice you may have! I've learned a ton here in your awesome community!

 

[Gen]

Re: A couple of newbie questions and looking for honest advi

What do you think I should do? Am I being paranoid about being found out? If I follow all of the precautions should I be ok? Is it too risky to do this while I still want to keep/grow in my day job?

As much as it would be awesome to have someone be like "yep, you'll be fine!", really none of us can say that. Some girls will be top models who never get found out, other girls will be discovered by their friends nearly immediately after they start. It's really a crapshoot and there's no way to say it will or won't be okay, or that it's too risky. That's really up to you to decide your comfort level. If you get found out, you could be let go from your job, this has happened to other camgirls. At the same time, perhaps if you cammed you'd find it paid more than enough and could quit your job and focus on camming fulltime.

Ultimately I think every camgirl has to acknowledge the fact that you will be recorded and your videos will possibly be posted on tube sites (which lots of people frequent), and that the possibility of being found out is always there. BUT, I think you're going into it smarter than a lot of girls do in that you've already realized this, and obviously a lot of us have determined that the benefits outweigh the risks so you might find that as well.

Good luck with whatever you choose! :hello2:

 

[PunkInDrublic]

Re: A couple of newbie questions and looking for honest advi

Could I possibly disguise myself to the point that real life acquaintances wouldn't be convinced they know me?

Doubt it and if you could it would be a lot of extra work every time you cammed.

What do you think I should do? Am I being paranoid about being found out? If I follow all of the precautions should I be ok? Is it too risky to do this while I still want to keep/grow in my day job?

Not that risky but be aware that it could come out at some point.

 

[NataliaGrey]

Re: A couple of newbie questions and looking for honest advi

If you are as extremely concerned about this as you seem to be, I would not cam. I think it's best to go in under the assumption you will be found out. It probably won't happen, but if it would be a big enough problem if it did happen, then you just shouldn't do it. But...

Your income shouldn't come up on background checks, unless you give your employer permission to check your tax records (most jobs will not require this, and since you've already been hired, probably not an issue). So maybe you're found out because a coworker is watching a camsite or tubesite and blabs to your boss. You can block your state, but if you work in programming, your coworkers will easily know how to get around that. Even if they're not actively searching for you, many computer savvy people use a VPN regularly. Alternatively, a malicious member may find out your identity through a number of sketchy methods, and if he's cruel enough, he might blackmail you with it.

You might be able to disguise yourself, but it would most likely be pretty obvious to your viewers that you're wearing a disguise. Maybe some people would get off to the idea of you being "sneaky" but I think most would be put off by you seeming fake. It would cut into your earnings, I imagine. It sounds like a LOT of work, too.

I think if you're burnt out by your day job, camming will likely burn you out, too. Maybe camming would be a change of pace from what you do all day, so it would be okay, but the adult industry is known as one of the highest burnout industries around. Most girls only last a couple months.

If you decide to go ahead with it anyway, Streamate would probably be best, since your schedule may not be consistent as you have another fulltime job, and it doesn't require as much off cam work. Good luck with whatever path you take.

 

[CharlotteLace]

Re: A couple of newbie questions and looking for honest advi

I've seen models mention that you could be found out by a current/future employer. Would this typically be a result of being seen on cam by a coworker? I know some girls are concerned about explaining resume gaps, but I don't plan on leaving my career for years. Could my "real" employer somehow see my extra income? What are the other ways I could be found out? Would this appear on background checks?

Typically, yes, most girls who are found out are found out by friends/coworkers just stumbling across their live feed. Or one of your shows is recorded and posted on more popular tube sites. Hell, somebody might even make a gif from one of your shows, and post it on Reddit or Gifbin. The Internet is one huge stage with a limitless audience, and just because you only want to show the front row your boobies, doesn't mean those on the balcony won't see it.

Realistically, no, your employer won't see your extra income. It's unlikely to show up on a basic background check, but a comprehensive background check may be a possibility. Keep in mind that the money you make is taxable, and you'd be considered an independent contractor, so you'd fill out a W-9. It's up to you what you put as your job description on your tax form, so *maybe* don't put something like "Internet Sex Goddess". I think I put "freelance model" on mine. Regardless, that information would be found easily if you're audited at some point.

If I start camming I plan on taking every precaution possible to protect my identity. Do any cam girls successfully disguise themselves? I was thinking about consistently wearing a high quality wig, covering up identifying moles, wearing a fake tattoo, and maybe trying to change how I speak. Could I possibly disguise myself to the point that real life acquaintances wouldn't be convinced they know me? I also have a really unique first and last name, does that increase the danger of being found out? Are there any sites where you don't have to give a name (I doubt this...)?

I read in Models Only of a girl here who used wigs, different makeup style, etc. and was still recognized a few times. There's NO GUARANTEE YOU WON'T BE FOUND OUT.

Seriously. I know you read that thread but it's worth repeating. For quite a long time, I figured I'd never be recognized because my shows are rarely capped and I look very different in real life. Nope. Just a few months ago a member in my room recognized me from a restaurant I had gone to. I was lucky that time, but my whole little bubble of "psh, it won't happen to you!" has been burst (for the better).

A unique legal name will make it much easier to be found out, IMO. Say you have an old enemy who comes into your room, and says, "Rainbow Bryte Smith?! It IS YOU!" Well, anybody reading that chat can easily google your unique name and pull up any info they find in a short amount of time. Now if your legal name is Jane Smith, then you have a lot of other Janes to search through, and hopefully slightly more anonymity.

Also, no, there's no reputable sites that don't require legal documents and a real name to sign up and be paid. Just because it's porn doesn't mean anything goes. They have laws they have to comply with in order to broadcast you, so they need to verify your age and identification. I will say that the larger sites (MFC, CB, SM) are fairly reputable about keeping your privacy safe, however.

I think it's great that you're being so sensible about camming, but if you decide to cam, you need to go into this assuming you will be found out eventually. Nobody can guarantee you'll be okay, that you'll never be recognized or stalked or outed. It's really up to you to weigh the options on this. But if you're really concerned about the risks, then definitely think on it a bit longer.

Edits: I'm still slightly drunk, so if I missed any more typos, my bad.

 

[Reina Lynn]

Re: A couple of newbie questions and looking for honest advi

Hi.

You've already been given a lot of good advice, so I'm not going to repeat what these awesome women have already said.

Here are my :twocents-02cents: :

1. The idea of a disguise is good in theory, but it is likely it will get old fast. I have hair extensions because my long hair had to get cut off, and I miss it. They are clip-ins and take about 5 minutes to put in, and another 15 minutes to flat-iron to make them blend with my real hair. After taking that extra time before getting on cam several times, I realized I was getting on cam less because of the extra work involved. I couldn't just freshen my make-up and hop on cam. Anything that adds prep time to your day after already working a full-time job is going to be a disincentive to get on cam.

2. Camming is hard work. It's isn't for kicks. While it is fun, social, sensual, and sexy, it is also tiring, challenging, difficult, and always different. Think of the days when you come home from working all day, spend another hour getting ready, and then get online and make $8.00 in two hours. There are also hours when you make $80.00, but the unpredictability can make it a difficult second job when your first is already time-consuming and draining.

3. You said you were engaged. If you have a full-time job and also want to cam as a second job, how much time are you going to have for your partner? How will you handle disagreements, his curiosity, his thoughts and feelings about you camming? His being supportive now could change if you actually do it and he sees the reality of being a camgirl's partner. Some men are fine with it; some men aren't. Could it change your relationship for the better? For the worse?

I really enjoy camming, and I commend you for thinking through all this and finding possible solutions to try and make it work for you. It isn't my intent to discourage you from giving it a go. None of us knew the reality before we started, no matter how much research we did. The only way to know for sure is to try it. The advice you've been given -- assume you will be recognized -- is the most important and valid advice offered. Assume it will happen, and base your decision from there.

Good luck! It's an interesting profession in a lot of ways.

Another idea -- you could open a Clips4Sale store and do videos without showing your face. That would give you an entre into the industry with less risk.

 

[Poker_Babe]

Re: A couple of newbie questions and looking for honest advi

If you decide to go ahead with it anyway, Streamate would probably be best, since your schedule may not be consistent as you have another fulltime job, and it doesn't require as much off cam work. Good luck with whatever path you take.

Streamate uploads past gold shows to tube sites. So she probably shouldn't cam there if she's worried about being found out.

 

[Koolguy321]

Re: A couple of newbie questions and looking for honest advi

If you decide to go ahead with it anyway, Streamate would probably be best, since your schedule may not be consistent as you have another fulltime job, and it doesn't require as much off cam work. Good luck with whatever path you take.

Streamate uploads past gold shows to tube sites. So she probably shouldn't cam there if she's worried about being found out.

this is just one of a few alarming things i've read about this website.

 

[KayleePond]

Re: A couple of newbie questions and looking for honest advi

If you decide to go ahead with it anyway, Streamate would probably be best, since your schedule may not be consistent as you have another fulltime job, and it doesn't require as much off cam work. Good luck with whatever path you take.

Streamate uploads past gold shows to tube sites. So she probably shouldn't cam there if she's worried about being found out.

this is just one of a few alarming things i've read about this website.

Many models who are on this forum are on Streamate as their main camsite and LOVE it! I would say that along with MFC, Streamate is one of the top, most recommended sites from this forum.

Though I am not sure if SM would be right for the OP of this thread, I definitely think saying that no one should work there is a really dramatic message to send. Each cam site has it's flaws and faults, but I think as long as models are aware of them and ok with that it's not such a big deal. If models thoroughly research the sites they plan to work on in advance, they shouldn't be surprised later and can decide in advance if those faults are a big enough issue for them.

I would recommend models checking out the SM thread where there's a lot of information from models who actually work or have worked on Streamate.

https://www.ambercutie.com/forums/viewt ... =Streamate

EDIT: The earlier message did say that he suggested no models work for SM at all, but I must have missed the edit. Leaving this here anyway.

 

[WannabeNewbie]

Re: A couple of newbie questions and looking for honest advi

Thank you all so much for your replies! They've really helped me believe I'd have to go into this assuming I'll be found out. On the surface it seems like the internet is so huge that the chances someone *I* know finding me are slim, but your responses really solidified that this isn't the case. My fiance and I have watched video from some of the main porn tube type sites and I can see how getting recorded and posted there increases the odds of being discovered.

I don't have any enemies to speak of, but I think keeping my career secure trumps camming at the moment.

Another idea -- you could open a Clips4Sale store and do videos without showing your face. That would give you an entre into the industry with less risk.

I find this idea really intriguing! I'd feel worlds safer if I could obscure my face for the time being, especially while I get into this more. I could totally get into making videos catering to some of the fetish categories on that site! Some of the categories are so crazy, dishwashing?! dusting?! wedgies?? I do these things every day! :-D What's the general consensus on Clips4Sale (and other sites like it) in terms of the company protecting your name/information?

Thanks again for all of your wonderful responses and for helping steer me in the right direction!

 

[Gen]

Re: A couple of newbie questions and looking for honest advi

What's the general consensus on Clips4Sale (and other sites like it) in terms of the company protecting your name/information?

A lot of girls on here on C4S (including myself!), and I've yet to hear any complaints about security risks in terms of name or information. I have had no problems and feel pretty secure with them!

 

[Koolguy321]

Re: A couple of newbie questions and looking for honest advi

Many models who are on this forum are on Streamate as their main camsite and LOVE it! I would say that along with MFC, Streamate is one of the top, most recommended sites from this forum.

Though I am not sure if SM would be right for the OP of this thread, I definitely think saying that no one should work there is a really dramatic message to send. Each cam site has it's flaws and faults, but I think as long as models are aware of them and ok with that it's not such a big deal. If models thoroughly research the sites they plan to work on in advance, they shouldn't be surprised later and can decide in advance if those faults are a big enough issue for them.

EDIT: The earlier message did say that he suggested no models work for SM at all, but I must have missed the edit. Leaving this here anyway.

Oh yeah you're right, i quickly edited it after posting it.

There are new models, who sadly don't research or are aware of some things that cam sites do, and there is some important/alarming things that SM does not make the model aware of.

SM is just a cam site i wouldn't recommend if i was asked, just my opinion.