What is the most annoying thing a model can do?

[LilLitaRose]

I have cat ears that move with my brain waves. Sure I wear them for Petplay stuff, but I mostly wear them on cam to kind of make the guys go, "WTF THEY'RE MOVING". It's more to make me giggle at how excited everyone gets.

But I get what you're saying Harmless, and that's fine. The beauty in kink, is kink doesn't have to just be, all the S&M stuff. Kink can be found in many different ways, like Veronica suggested, Feet!

You may not know what your fetish is, and that's okay! That's what is kind of fun about exploring. Is trying to find what gets -you- excited.
Hell, Boss doesn't like doing a lot of the S&M stuff. He prefers to do mind games.

And you should always feel welcome in a room Harmless. But I get what you're saying.

 

[Starling]

I think I was pretty clear that I was aware that some models did it because they enjoyed it, and I completely respect their right to do what they want to do. I take this topic to be "things that the poster personally finds annoying" and not necessarily "things that everyone is annoyed by." In other words, "Tons of models suddenly doing kink" bothers me personally, and I suspect *some* of them are doing it just because they think they'll be more successful that way (and for all I know, they may be). I'm well aware that plenty of people don't feel the way I do; I just thought it would be good to put it out there that there are also those of us who us who aren't comfy with that because I rarely hear anyone mention that. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one out there.

Sorry for the misunderstanding.

I think what you might see happening is a bit of a fad because there are model epidemics - One model does a cool thing that makes her money, it trickles down and you'll see models of all ranks doing it eventually. Sometimes that turns into something models really truly enjoy. The others would probably stop doing them after a few tries. Why continue something you don't like ? Many, many people in this world are into some more of kink or BDSM, and this fad might open them up to a true enjoyment of it.

I just hope what you're saying is not, "Models, don't try this thing you might possibly enjoy because some of us won't enjoy it" but rather, "If you don't enjoy kink, don't feel forced to do it on cam because some of us also don't enjoy it"

Yes, the second meaning is what I meant. The fact that it's something that bothers me is why it's in this particular thread (I probably would have been more worried people would take it personally if it wasn't a gripe thread to begin with), but my point was that if that's not something you'd choose to do other than for business reasons, just know that there are some customers around for the "vanilla" style too. If someone wants to experiment, that's totally their business.

And to Lily: Yeah, cat ears alone aren't terribly kinky, I suppose. I first saw them in connection with a discussion of pet play, so they're kind of linked to that in my mind. There's that and the fact that I've just seen so many of them recently that what did seem kind of cute the first few times is just kind of an "oh, not again" thing to me now. "Kink" is just the best general word I could think of to describe things I had in mind. That word probably means different things to different people. There may be things I like that some people would call kinky. Dunno.

Finally, in case I somehow wasn't clear about this: I am judging no one. I am demanding nothing. People can and should do what works for them. All I was doing was mentioning a trend that I'm personally uncomfortable with and that it seemed to me that in *some* cases it was probably an "oh this is what people want now" thing rather than an "I'm going to start doing this because it's enjoyable for me" thing. I'm also well aware that nobody is required to base what they do on how I see things.

I can totally understand why this would be annoying! Personally, I enjoy being spanked, but didn't really know it until I tried it on cam. My room is for the most part pretty vanilla, but I do offer spanks and pussy spanks with a black leather paddle. Some of my members aren't into it, and will leave the room if a ton of spanks are happening, and that's totally cool. I think for me, and probably a lot of other models, it has less to do with jumping on a kink bandwagon, and more to do with offering as many tip options as possible to get through countdowns in fun and interesting way. When I first started, my tip options were basically just flashes and sips of wine- it helps speed/liven things up considerably if people can tip for a variety of things like sips, spanks, content, and games.

Like I said, I can totally see how it would be annoying and uncomfortable to suddenly see elements of kink normalized in otherwise vanilla rooms- that's totally legit! Just wanted to offer a possible explanation. :thumbleft:

 

[LadyLuna]

You may not know what your fetish is, and that's okay! That's what is kind of fun about exploring. Is trying to find what gets -you- excited.

Or he may not have a fetish. And that's perfectly fine too. It is totally okay to explore everything and find out that you really don't like any kink at all.

 

[yossarian]

Most kink stuff doesn't bother me, but I'm not into it at all. Tips for spanks might as well be "tips to put my finger in my ear" as far as I'm concerned. I do see a lot of models copying things other models have done (cosplay, kink, library shows), but it's hard to know if they're trying something new because they just want to see what it's like or if they're bandwagoning. I try to give models the benefit of the doubt, but when everybody is suddenly doing it, it's hard to believe it's not for purely mercenary reasons in a certain percentage of cases.

 

[Diana Blake]

I'm personally really into kink, I'm a 24/7 collared pet but in cam it just doesn't work for me so my viewers rarely see it. When I joined SM I thought I'd have more opportunities for kinky shows but as it turns out, people like to think I'm sweet and innocent for some crazy reason. Sometimes kink on cam is about finding what works for you and sometimes it's something the model truly likes. Then, yes, there are the models that don't really know what type of model they are so they try the things they see other models trying. It might work, it might not. Unfortunately, you'll find a LOT of models that don't have a strong sense of self so in the face of trying to please all comers they turn into a sort of cam fad chameleon.

 

[HiGirlsRHot]

Most kink stuff doesn't bother me, but I'm not into it at all. Tips for spanks might as well be "tips to put my finger in my ear" as far as I'm concerned. I do see a lot of models copying things other models have done (cosplay, kink, library shows), but it's hard to know if they're trying something new because they just want to see what it's like or if they're bandwagoning. I try to give models the benefit of the doubt, but when everybody is suddenly doing it, it's hard to believe it's not for purely mercenary reasons in a certain percentage of cases.

But even if it is just for money so what? I thought Lilah's explanation was a good one more options for people to tip for a countdown. Camming is a well paying job, does it really need to be where you experience personal growth all the time.

 

[Starling]

I try to give models the benefit of the doubt, but when everybody is suddenly doing it, it's hard to believe it's not for purely mercenary reasons in a certain percentage of cases.

Well, this is a business revolving around sexual acts, so the term "mercenary" is a little irrelevant. If they do something on cam for monetary reasons because they see it's successful in other rooms, they aren't betraying some sort of personal integrity or ethical code, they're keeping up with industrial trends. As someone who does spanks, library shows, and other things that I suppose could be considered "bandwagon"-y, I try new things to keep my cam life interesting. If it's fun and makes tokens, I do it again. Spanks, sips/shots, library/public shows, all these things have become popular because they're lucrative and interesting. This conversation has been had a hundred times- at one point, there was a girl who realized an hitachi tip control show or wax show or countdown structure worked really well, and now all those things are camsite standards and nobody bats an eye or calls copycat. Let's get over the "copying" thing already, shall we?

I can understand not being personally super into kink/spanks/library shows/body painting/whatever, but it's a little odd to be questioning models' motives for the things they choose to do on cam. Like, what is the difference between "legit" and "bandwagoning"? And why is that even in question? Originality in art is rare and overrated, and all the hipstery "are you just doing it for the money and/or following a trend?" skepticism is really out of place. Sure, some girls do things they dislike just to make money, and that's probably more unfortunate for them than anyone else. But damn, I really hope that whether I'm spanking my pussy or singing karaoke into a giant dildo or imitating a raptor while walking down the aisle of a library, that people aren't sitting back rolling their eyes and questioning some sort of imaginary camgirl integrity.

 

[yossarian]

You used both "art" and "industrial trends" in the same post, so I guess it comes down to do you consider yourself an artist who does what they want and makes money from their art or a businessperson who follows trends to make money? It's a difficult line to walk. Bob Dylan could have done a disco album in the 70s, or a rap album in the 90s, or he could start slapping models' asses and twerking with Miley tomorrow--and he might have made a shitload of money doing it--but he had the integrity not to. He does what he wants and trusts that his audience would follow. I've seen some really original models like Aella and Veronica Chaos, but they are few and far between. Most girls are trying to make a living, so I understand what you're saying about trying new ways to make money. I guess when I said bandwagoning I meant "doing things because everybody else is doing them." That's sort of the opposite of what I want a camgirl to do--I want her to be herself. If I want to watch Kickaz in the library, I'll watch Kickaz in the library.

But I really bristle at this whole "I'm an artist but being original and/or interesting is overrated and expecting that in art is a hipster thing to do" argument. You say that originality is overrated in art, but it's really not. It's what we actually seek out in art. I don't go to see Adam Sandler comedies because they're all the fucking same--unoriginal and boring. But they make money. So are you an artist or a "mercenary?" It's really difficult to be both. I'm a writer, and I'd rather not make money than make money writing garbage that doesn't interest me just because I think it will sell.

 

[mynameisbob84]

Bob Dylan could have done a disco album in the 70s, or a rap album in the 90s, or he could start slapping models' asses and twerking with Miley tomorrow--and he might have made a shitload of money doing it--but he had the integrity not to. He does what he wants and trusts that his audience would follow.

Not to derail your argument, and this is really beside the point, but the music nerd in me is compelled to point out that Dylan isn't the best example to use for this. When Dylan "went electric" in the 60s, the folk community shit bricks because they saw him adopting a "rockier" sound (by early 60s standards) as him selling out and latching onto a trend purely for monetary gain, branding him "Judas" in the process. Pete Seeger even had to be physically restrained when Dylan rocked up at Newport Folk Festival with an electric guitar and The Band in tow, threatening to take an axe to the sound system while the folk traditionalists in the crowd booed and threw things.

I'm done now. Please carry on

 

[yossarian]

Bob Dylan could have done a disco album in the 70s, or a rap album in the 90s, or he could start slapping models' asses and twerking with Miley tomorrow--and he might have made a shitload of money doing it--but he had the integrity not to. He does what he wants and trusts that his audience would follow.

Not to derail your argument, and this is really beside the point, but the music nerd in me is compelled to point out that Dylan isn't the best example to use for this. When Dylan "went electric" in the 60s, the folk community shit bricks because they saw him adopting a "rockier" sound (by early 60s standards) as him selling out and latching onto a trend purely for monetary gain, branding him "Judas" in the process. Pete Seeger even had to be physically restrained when Dylan rocked up at Newport Folk Festival with an electric guitar and The Band in tow, threatening to take an axe to the sound system while the folk traditionalists in the crowd booed and threw things.

I'm done now. Please carry on

But did he do it to be trendy/make money or because he liked the sound? Tis the question. He made a lot of uncommercial religious albums in the early 80s because he wanted to, not because he thought they'd make scads of money.

Maybe Neil Young is a better example?

 

[Bocefish]

Most kink stuff doesn't bother me, but I'm not into it at all. Tips for spanks might as well be "tips to put my finger in my ear" as far as I'm concerned.

Did you somehow forget to alert MFC and all the models working there that they are solely on cam to please only you?

Spankings are not my thing either, others enjoy it. Is it really that challenging for you to find a model you like that isn't into the spanking thing, or perhaps just suffer through a model you like spanking herself... maybe you should mention this grueling endeavor to your therapist.
:twocents-02cents:

 

[DuoShi]

Most kink stuff doesn't bother me, but I'm not into it at all. Tips for spanks might as well be "tips to put my finger in my ear" as far as I'm concerned.

Did you somehow forget to alert MFC and all the models working there that they are solely on cam to please only you?

Spankings are not my thing either, others enjoy it. Is it really that challenging for you to find a model you like that isn't into the spanking thing, or perhaps just suffer through a model you like spanking herself... maybe you should mention this grueling endeavor to your therapist.
:twocents-02cents:

This is what I was talking about a couple of pages ago. Dude didn't say anything about any model changing her cam behavior for him. He simply was talkin' about kink stuff not doing anything for him. Don't be too quick to jump on a cat.

 

[JimsX]

I get (I think) what he is talking about. A model I like says she hates anal, but she does it in privates. I don't understand that. If it's something you really dislike, why do it?

 

[Bocefish]

Most kink stuff doesn't bother me, but I'm not into it at all. Tips for spanks might as well be "tips to put my finger in my ear" as far as I'm concerned.

Did you somehow forget to alert MFC and all the models working there that they are solely on cam to please only you?

Spankings are not my thing either, others enjoy it. Is it really that challenging for you to find a model you like that isn't into the spanking thing, or perhaps just suffer through a model you like spanking herself... maybe you should mention this grueling endeavor to your therapist.
:twocents-02cents:

This is what I was talking about a couple of pages ago. Dude didn't say anything about any model changing her cam behavior for him. He simply was talkin' about kink stuff not doing anything for him. Don't be too quick to jump on a cat.

Late to the party I guess, my bad.

Carry on. :handgestures-salute:

 

[SexySteph]

I get (I think) what he is talking about. A model I like says she hates anal, but she does it in privates. I don't understand that. If it's something you really dislike, why do it?

Maybe she says that to avoid people begging for public anal shows and does like it. I can't imagine those privates being much fun for either party if she truly hates it.

ETA: The artist argument is striking me as sort of ridiculous. Yes, we might be performance artists but that doesn't mean every single thing we do needs to be original because this IS our job. If we all stopped doing things that might be similar so that we remain original true artists most of us would only be hobby camgirls rather than do it as a career. Ever heard the phrase starving artist?

 

[JimsX]

I get (I think) what he is talking about. A model I like says she hates anal, but she does it in privates. I don't understand that. If it's something you really dislike, why do it?

Maybe she says that to avoid people begging for public anal shows and does like it. I can't imagine those privates being much fun for either party if she truly hates it.

I hope you're right. Nobody wants to see a model wince and tear up in private. Or if they do, I don't wanna know :shock:

 

[yossarian]

I get (I think) what he is talking about. A model I like says she hates anal, but she does it in privates. I don't understand that. If it's something you really dislike, why do it?

Maybe she says that to avoid people begging for public anal shows and does like it. I can't imagine those privates being much fun for either party if she truly hates it.

ETA: The artist argument is striking me as sort of ridiculous. Yes, we might be performance artists but that doesn't mean every single thing we do needs to be original because this IS our job. If we all stopped doing things that might be similar so that we remain original true artists most of us would only be hobby camgirls rather than do it as a career. Ever heard the phrase starving artist?

Well, to be fair, I didn't bring up the "artist" thing. I was responding to something someone said. I think if you're true to yourself, it won't seem like you're copying other people--you can bring in new things that fit your own style. To get back to what the original poster seemed to be saying, I think when you get to know a model as one thing and she abruptly changes to something else it can be jarring. If he got to like a model because he liked vanilla stuff and then she started sticking potatoes up her butt (for example) because everyone else was doing it and it was a sure fire moneymaker, then I can understand why he would feel bothered by that.

 

[yossarian]

And in rereading what I wrote, I don't want you to think I'm attacking you, Lilah. You just hit my "art/commerce" button and when that happens, spontaneous rants come out.

 

[JimsX]

Got another one. There are two models I have seen recently who go on and on about how they love their prems. "I really love you guys, I really, really do. I hope you all know how much I love you. You are my world. I love you all sooooooo much." OK, we get it, you want more tips :roll:

About a year ago a model was fingering herself in public and telling her prems that she loved them all so, so much, and she would do anything for them. "You are all members of the ******** Army!" :roll:

 

[JoleneBrody]

This current topic is incredibly interesting! It's honestly one of THE most important topics I think that can be had in the cam world, and it's nice to see it with a members perspective.

It's obvious when a model isn't at least having fun with what she's doing, and it's incredibly awkward to watch.
Even if a model is doing cut and dry cum show countdowns her show is going to be SO much more enjoyable to watch if she's just being genuine and having a good time, than a model riding a giraffe in a snow storm with no enthusiasm.

Something doesn't have to be a personal kink to be fun to do on cam for tokens, but I think you should at least be having fun with it.
Example, I do spanks sometimes. I do Hot wax sometimes. (though not as much as a couple years ago) Neither of these acts makes me actually groan in sexual pleasure, but it does make me laugh my face off and smile until I can't anymore.
For this reason I think a lot of people who aren't kinky still have a good time, because we are just having fun and I make really hilarious tree monkey noises when I pour hot wax on my butthole.

I can NOT imagine watching spanks or hot wax with a camgirl who is obviously not really having a good time... being even remotely fun, it would probably be awkward as shit!

On originality... don't let it keep you up all night worrying if an idea you had has been done before but don't go out watching cam girls specifically looking for different shows you can yoink. There is a different between coincidental artist overlap and intentional lack of original thought.
While it doesn't upset me, seeing other models do a show that you were at one time the only one known for is WEIRD! It is seriously just a super weird ass that kind of jars you. And once that ball starts rolling the snowball just get's bigger and it's kind of sad. I retired projector shows due to a move primarily, and decided to leave them retired partially due to a sudden projector plague... it lost it's luster and that kind of blows. It's wierd to think if I brought them back now people would probably accuse me of stealing the idea from someone else. :lol: Oh wells!

This got long... :? sorry.

 

[CharlotteLace]

Got another one. There are two models I have seen recently who go on and on about how they love their prems. "I really love you guys, I really, really do. I hope you all know how much I love you. You are my world. I love you all sooooooo much." OK, we get it, you want more tips :roll:

But... I do really love my regulars. :icon-cry: They cheer me up on days when real life is being shitty. We talk about Stephen King and guacamole recipes. A lot of us do care about our internet friends, and not just the wallet part.

But I get what you mean if a model's being over-the-top about it.

 

[JimsX]

Got another one. There are two models I have seen recently who go on and on about how they love their prems. "I really love you guys, I really, really do. I hope you all know how much I love you. You are my world. I love you all sooooooo much." OK, we get it, you want more tips :roll:

But... I do really love my regulars. :icon-cry: They cheer me up on days when real life is being shitty. We talk about Stephen King and guacamole recipes. A lot of us do care about our internet friends, and not just the wallet part.

But I get what you mean if a model's being over-the-top about it.

Lol, I have been on this site for just a few days, and I expected you to say something like this

I completely agree with you. I said in another post that I like my favourite model for more than the hanky panky, though we have never shared guacamole recipes. I better get on that

The two I am thinking of are just SO over the top, it cracks me up and I wonder if any of their prems actually buy it. They need acting lessons

 

[yossarian]

Got another one. There are two models I have seen recently who go on and on about how they love their prems. "I really love you guys, I really, really do. I hope you all know how much I love you. You are my world. I love you all sooooooo much." OK, we get it, you want more tips :roll:

But... I do really love my regulars. :icon-cry: They cheer me up on days when real life is being shitty. We talk about Stephen King and guacamole recipes. A lot of us do care about our internet friends, and not just the wallet part.

But I get what you mean if a model's being over-the-top about it.

Digression: Stephen King almost hit me with his car once. Not even joking.

 

[JimsX]

Got another one. There are two models I have seen recently who go on and on about how they love their prems. "I really love you guys, I really, really do. I hope you all know how much I love you. You are my world. I love you all sooooooo much." OK, we get it, you want more tips :roll:

But... I do really love my regulars. :icon-cry: They cheer me up on days when real life is being shitty. We talk about Stephen King and guacamole recipes. A lot of us do care about our internet friends, and not just the wallet part.

But I get what you mean if a model's being over-the-top about it.

Digression: Stephen King almost hit me with his car once. Not even joking.

Well that's a story that NEEDS to be told. :?

 

[CharlotteLace]

Digression: Stephen King almost hit me with his car once. Not even joking.

His newest book is about a serial killer who mowed down a bunch of people in a Mercedes. Maybe you were his muse, Yoss.

 

[goldenaye666]

Digression: Stephen King almost hit me with his car once. Not even joking.

Well if he was trying to kill you, I'm sure he would come up with a better way than that!

 

[goldenaye666]

Back to the subject of models doing things they don't like. Probably pre-2005 or so, it used to be cam sites were all about private shows. With the paying user being the director, saying what they'd like, and the model trying to accommodate them. I think the majority of models did a lot of things they'd rather not. Because it is a job. After an NBA player just said he considered this season work, not fun, ESPN quoted a recent study that said 87% of people consider their job work. Versus only 13% who considered their job fun.

Only since MFC really made tipping popular I think, and other cam sites started adding similar options, has the dynamic changed. Now the majority of models choose what they want to do, then try to get customers to tip towards that. But there still are obviously even models here doing things they don't like, with all the complaints about hating Skype shows but doing them anyway. Choosing what you do at your job is a luxury. Probably only the models who already meet their own standard for success, can afford that luxury.

 

[Falke]

This current topic is incredibly interesting! It's honestly one of THE most important topics I think that can be had in the cam world, and it's nice to see it with a members perspective.

It's obvious when a model isn't at least having fun with what she's doing, and it's incredibly awkward to watch.
Even if a model is doing cut and dry cum show countdowns her show is going to be SO much more enjoyable to watch if she's just being genuine and having a good time, than a model riding a giraffe in a snow storm with no enthusiasm.

Something doesn't have to be a personal kink to be fun to do on cam for tokens, but I think you should at least be having fun with it.
Example, I do spanks sometimes. I do Hot wax sometimes. (though not as much as a couple years ago) Neither of these acts makes me actually groan in sexual pleasure, but it does make me laugh my face off and smile until I can't anymore.
For this reason I think a lot of people who aren't kinky still have a good time, because we are just having fun and I make really hilarious tree monkey noises when I pour hot wax on my butthole.

I can NOT imagine watching spanks or hot wax with a camgirl who is obviously not really having a good time... being even remotely fun, it would probably be awkward as shit!

Enthusiasm is so important, because nothing kills the mood like a model not enjoying whatever she's doing. If there's something that a model and members like, then she should definitely do it. I also get that having spanks or other things like that are great because they add another tipping option. :thumbleft:

That being said, I think I can really empathize with where HarmlessSquirrel was coming from when he first mentioned the issue. I dislike BDSM to the point that anything beyond spanks with just a hand really weirds me out and turns me off (no paddles, not to mention clamps, gags, costumes, and so on). I think it's great that some models and members really enjoy that stuff and that it helps models be more successful. Still, more than once I've experienced a sort of sinking feeling when models' shows get kinkier and kinkier to the point that while I liked the models, I no longer really enjoyed their shows. I wouldn't want a model to cater to my preferences, and there is always someone else on MFC as Boce pointed out, but it can be frustrating when it happens. Not the most annoying or worst thing in the world, and they are my own hang-ups, but it can be frustrating/disappointing all the same. Just goes to show that you can't please all of the people all the time.

 

[TicTacToe]

You used both "art" and "industrial trends" in the same post, so I guess it comes down to do you consider yourself an artist who does what they want and makes money from their art or a businessperson who follows trends to make money?

Every time I see a model call herself an artist and what they do on MFC as art I wonder if they are fooling themselves too or just their audience. Half the time I am certain they are trying really hard to convince themselves that what they are doing is not, in fact, stripping on the internet, but something more elevated than that, something dignified and glorious. (I already think camming is dignified and glorious, but they don't)

A show can be artistic, sure, like a flower bouquet or a cocktail can be "artistic" but there is a difference between a great vodka martini and the Sixtine Chapel.

Camming is a business. There is not a single career model on MFC who is not there because of the money. Take the money away and they won't be "entertaining" their audience with their art very long. At the end of the day models are there for the money, and members are there for sexual satisfaction. It is a commercial transaction. Utilitarian activities cannot be art, because by definition art is an end and a purpose in itself.

So in that light, a model as a businessperson can try to be innovative and offer an original show and it is sometimes appreciated. But "copying" stuff from other models is a given. It is the nature of competitive enterprise. It happens in every market, from toothpaste to cell phone companies, whenever one company innovates to their advantage, every other brand catches up. Everyone is watching the competition closely and implementing what they see works well in others because everyone wants a piece of the pie and nobody wants to be the one to lag behind. Being current is important in a business that is new and constantly changing.

This doesn't mean that a model should have no criteria when it comes to copying stuff. Not every single strategy works out for every single model, nor is it wise to be like someone said on this thread a "fad chameleon". Model has to find what to copy, and how, to her advantage. This is called style.

 

[Fay_Galore]

Every time I see a model call herself an artist and what they do on MFC as art I wonder if they are fooling themselves too or just their audience. Half the time I am certain they are trying really hard to convince themselves that what they are doing is not, in fact, stripping on the internet, but something more elevated than that, something dignified and glorious. (I already think camming is dignified and glorious, but they don't)

A show can be artistic, sure, like a flower bouquet or a cocktail can be "artistic" but there is a difference between a great vodka martini and the Sixtine Chapel.

Camming is a business. There is not a single career model on MFC who is not there because of the money. Take the money away and they won't be "entertaining" their audience with their art very long. At the end of the day models are there for the money, and members are there for sexual satisfaction. It is a commercial transaction. Utilitarian activities cannot be art, because by definition art is an end and a purpose in itself.

So in that light, a model as a businessperson can try to be innovative and offer an original show and it is sometimes appreciated. But "copying" stuff from other models is a given. It is the nature of competitive enterprise. It happens in every market, from toothpaste to cell phone companies, whenever one company innovates to their advantage, every other brand catches up. Everyone is watching the competition closely and implementing what they see works well in others because everyone wants a piece of the pie and nobody wants to be the one to lag behind. Being current is important in a business that is new and constantly changing.

This doesn't mean that a model should have no criteria when it comes to copying stuff. Not every single strategy works out for every single model, nor is it wise to be like someone said on this thread a "fad chameleon". Model has to find what to copy, and how, to her advantage. This is called style.

You obviously do not have a creative profession, otherwise you would never have claimed this stupidy to be true. Let's take, for instanse, a graphic designer. Not traditionally known as artists, but a very creative profession that could very well land you a spot in a museum. This is an occupation (like most creative jobs including camming) where you're required to do some juggling between commerce and creativity. you'll need to do something that sells well, pleases your client but also is very innovative, aesthetic pleasing and fits into your own handwriting. Or let's say... a comedian? writing jokes about current events instead of yapping about his grandfather all night which he might rather do? but there's no audience for that, so he adjusts to the commerical demand. or a tattoo artist only wanting to do small bunnies and nothing else? or a ballet dances only wanting to do tjakovski? You think Damien Hirst never thought of the commercial side of things? fucking hell, even banksy 'sold out' making that documentary.

I think you're mixing up the starving artists who don't compromise on ANYTHING with the creative industry and who do compromise in order to be able to survive. Would you consider someone who doesn't sell any art, stays true to his vision and has a full time retail career for the money to be more of an artist than the ones who actually make money creating art?!

Utilitarian activities cannot be art, because by definition art is an end and a purpose in itself.

A show can be artistic, sure, like a flower bouquet or a cocktail can be "artistic" but there is a difference between a great vodka martini and the Sixtine Chapel.

well, since you took the Sistine Chapel as an example yourself (silly you!) you do understand this was a commission right? The 'artistic' freedom was very limited by the demands of Rome. The painters who did this work were like the copywriters of their time, there to explain the story of jesus (and other biblical stories) to the public. They had an assignment, and painted it as lifelike and as 'on trend' for those days as possible. They compromised their 'artistic vision' FOR MONEY. and while we're on the subject. you can be certain all famous artists from pre-1900s worked exclusively on commission. with strict assignments.

I'm officially a 'stage artist', I do performances outside of MFC but to be very honest with you, there is not a big difference. If you light a skiprope on fire for a live crowd of a few hundred people at a festival or do it on MFC. not very different.

to sum it up, an artist always compromises, it's up to them how much.