There are misconception everywhere, about everything — this is not new news. But the fact/fiction balance when it comes to myths about being a cam model seem to be more skewed than your average mix ups or factual errors.
Here are ten common myths about being a cam model, and the truths that should replace them!
Myth #1: Cam models are fake.
FACT: Cam models are fantasy providers, and some of our fantasy providing may include embellished details. That doesn’t make us as individuals fake, it simply means we are playing a role for the purpose of facilitating a customers fantasy.
We also have a right to privacy, and some of our personal lives and details are not shared for the need to remain private.
Myth #2: Cam models are exposed to friends and family and have no privacy.
FACT: The first rule of internet safety on any online platform is to never give out your personal information. This is a big reason why many models create alternate personas that are very different from their true personal lives — it’s good to separate the two.
Although there is no guarantee that someone you know or a family members won’t find your online content or profile, the likelihood of being outed *just* by being online is highly improbable. The best advice is to practice safe online protocol and protect your personal details as securely as possible.
Pro tip: Do not add customers and coworkers on your personal social media!
Myth #3: Cam models can’t keep a conventional day job and simultaneously webcam.
FACT: Sure you can! You can cam at your convenience. The great thing about camming is there is no schedule, and it’s always available whenever you feel you want to log on. You can work from anywhere at anytime you choose.
Camming doesn’t have to be your full-time gig, especially when you need benefits such as health care, a 401k and other perks to having a 9-to-5 income along with your webcam earnings. Some people cam for fun and really don’t think about the money they are earning, and that’s perfectly okay too!
Myth #4: Cam models are single because they are unable to be in healthy, lasting relationships.
FACT: Cam models span the spectrum of gender identification and relationship status. There are many cam models who have been married for a long time or are recently married or are in long term relationships or are in every other kind of relationship there is.
Being a cam model doesn’t keep you from being in a healthy functional partnership.
Myth #5: Cam models wouldn’t be cam models if they could earn money elsewhere.
FACT: Performing on cams provides flexible scheduling, the ability to be one’s own boss, opportunity to travel, creative outlets, meaningful interaction and the ability to be one’s self. It’s not all about money. Cam work is a first-choice chosen profession for many models.
Myth #6: Cam models are broke.
FACT: Many cam models earn as little or as much money as they choose. Webcams are a 24-hour job that can be accessed at any time from anywhere with an internet connection. This is not to say that all cam models are necessarily rich, but the potential to earn is there. Like any successful business, it depends on the effort and the hours you invest.
Myth #7: Cam models aren’t educated
FACT: Cam models who’ve earned degrees are common. Many hold MBAs, MAs, CPAs, PhDs, JDs and more. More than a few earned their degrees at top tier academic institutions. That’s pretty educated!
Furthermore, it takes a great deal of courage, ambition and determination to manage, maintain and operate a business. Whether we have a college education or have learned to run our business on our own, it takes a great deal of discipline to become successful in any profession.
Myth #8: Sex work is not work.
FACT: The definition of work is to perform labor or fulfill duties regularly for wages or salary. This includes work on cams and in the adult industry. We earn wages and pay taxes just like anyone else making our work as legitimate as any civilian position outside of cam work.
Myth #9: Cam models lead extravagant lifestyles and are big ballers.
FACT: This myth is the counter to the “everyone is broke” notion. Now, apparently, everyone is rich!
Although there are some very successful cam models who do very well for themselves and are thus afforded a luxurious lifestyle, many models and performers have overhead and maintain frugal living to be prepared for slow periods, personal time off and even retirement.
Myth #10: Cam work is easy money.
FACT: There is no such thing as easy money, and cam work is not easy at all. It has moments where you seemingly make easy money, but a majority of your job depends on you and how you feel. It can be difficult to entertain a room full of sexually charged people when you aren’t feeling the same or even feeling well. Aside from the actual cam work itself, you also have other responsibilities to maintain as well which can be exhausting when managing your cam career.
It’s interesting to consider these myths and fictions that circulate throughout the industry. Chances are you’ve probably heard most, if not all, of them before.
And though we all certainly know fact from fiction in our own industry and community, it’s useful to consider the misconceptions many people outside (and even within) the business have. It’s good to have a reminder of what’s true to help put those negative myths into perspective!
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— ?QueenofBBW.com?????️ (@PlatinumPuzzy1) August 10, 2019
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Kari “Platinum Puzzy” Anthony is an events trailblazer in the adult industry community. She created and organized BBWFANFEST, the first BBW niche trade and awards show recognizing plus size performers, and BBWCAMHOUSE — the first live 24-hour voyeur house filled with curvy adult stars, cam performers, dancers and more. Email her at platinumpuzzy@ynotcam.com.
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