opinion

Myths vs. Truths About the Camming Industry

Myths vs. Truths About the Camming Industry

Camming can be a lot of fun and it most definitely is a learning experience filled with obstacles, which are all a part of the process. Debunking some myths and figuring out what is true about the industry is the first step to finding out if it’s something you truly want to venture out and do!

You can use the experience to make money, learn about your own sexuality and get closer to others. However, there are a lot of myths surrounding sex work, because it is still considered taboo and people either are too shy to ask questions or don’t know who to ask without feeling judged.

Camming can be a lot of fun and it most definitely is a learning experience filled with obstacles, which are all a part of the process.

Let’s start with the myths!

Myth #1: Camming is Quick, Easy Money

When you go online and Google how to get into camming, hundreds of ads come up claiming you can make thousands of dollars weekly and over a hundred dollars an hour, even. Although it’s not completely impossible, it’s really the highest-tier models that are making this much. You can work your way up to it by branding yourself and camming consistently, but you need to put the hours in. It is not going to happen quickly or easily, and just like any other high-paying job, it takes effort and strategy in order to succeed.

If you want to make six figures with camming, it is possible, and there are models earning that much, but bear in mind they are treating it like a full-time job by putting in 40-plus-hour weeks.

Putting in the hours on cam is just as important as putting in the effort off cam. Models that make high earnings on cam put effort into their cam room setups, have special themes for their shows — for example, cosplay — offer a range of toys and, above all else, have good-quality internet and cam gear.

Myth #2: Adults Choose Sex Work Because They Don't Want “Real” Work

The development of technology and internet access has completely changed the way people do business, and that is inclusive of the adult industry and sex work as well. Cam performers and sex workers are highly entrepreneurial and master mainstream social networking sites such as Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat to build and maintain relationships with their customers.

Camming specifically gives women the opportunity to profit directly off their work rather than having to go through third parties. It allows you to fully control your brand, but that means you need to put the work into cultivating that brand and image for long-term success.

Myth #3: You Need to Look Like a Glamour Model in Order to Be Successful

This may be the biggest myth when it comes to camming. Potential broadcasters always ask if they are pretty enough, young enough or fit enough to be successful on cam. The beauty of camming is that the high-end stars come in all shapes, sizes and age ranges — it really is about personality! Camming can, in fact, help boost your confidence levels as you’ll come to realize that people find beauty in all sorts of individuals!

Myth #4: Cam Girls Have to Get Naked on Camera in Order to Make Money

While being naked often goes hand in hand with camming, many models do not get fully nude and still manage to bring in earnings. Lingerie and skimpy outfits can be just as good as being nude, and keep clients curious about what they might see during your next show.

You will also find that many people are simply looking for intimate conversation and someone that they can open up to emotionally. These sorts of relationships tend to be the most beneficial long-term, but make sure that the viewer knows you not only care, but have financial goals in mind on cam.

And now, let’s examine the truths!

Truth #1: You Are Taking a Risk by Working Independently

This is the truth, but not only when it comes to camming. At the end of the day, venturing out to start your own business is risky in any industry. Cam work is typically self-directed, dependent on tips and not very regulated.

You are not being paid by an employer and you depend on viewers who want to pay you. As long as you treat it like a real job, you will be able to find your niche and loyal fans that will help supplement your income long-term.

When working independently, staying responsible with your finances is extremely important. There will be times when you are making a lot of money and other times may be a bit dry, so you always want to have money saved for those rainy days!

Truth #2: People That Pay for Cybersex Are Not Creeps

Paying for sex is still considered taboo to a certain extent in mainstream society. We do not take the time to think about the hundreds of reasons people you come across daily have to pay for sex.

We live in an extremely fast-paced society and one that’s made up of millions of lonely and isolated people, not to mention those that simply have too much on their plates to invest their time into long-term relationships. Human beings strive to feel wanted and loved. Sex workers provide an outlet for those that need this kind of companionship.

Truth #3: You Are in Control When You Broadcast

When you are broadcasting from the comfort of your own home or studio space, your viewers cannot physically do anything to you and vice versa. Even if you enjoy taking on a more submissive role, you are still in control of your own actions and can simply silence or ban someone if they are bothering you. You choose when you go on cam and what you do on cam — no one else gets to control that!

Vicki Gray is a CAM4 account manager who can be followed @VickiGrayxxx on Twitter and contacted by email at Vicki@CAM4.com.

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