A bunch of posts here and elsewhere about things that we don't see as viewers of cam models. In particular Evvie's thread related to off-cam efforts and juggling various aspects while on cam http://www.ambercutie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=12234 and UrSavannah's recent Tumblr post about the private nature of a model's life away from the camera http://ursavannah.tumblr.com/post/42670338027/web-camming
During my years as a member on MFC, I tried to remember that there is a woman separate from the online entertainer, and that person deserves RESPECT and SUPPORT. This surfaced in many ways, undoubtedly similar to the experiences of other ACF members but I wanted to share my own memories. (And apologies in advance for the long post)
Becoming real life friends with my favorite models from MFC was never an option. Yet I always wished that they were doing well when we weren't playing the roles of model and member. Perhaps even that was too personal - not enough emphasis on the fun and adult entertainment aspects of the site. Nevertheless, cam models are people too, when they're working and when they're not. Most folks here on ACF already know that lesson. Many others that we deal with should learn it.
During my years as a member on MFC, I tried to remember that there is a woman separate from the online entertainer, and that person deserves RESPECT and SUPPORT. This surfaced in many ways, undoubtedly similar to the experiences of other ACF members but I wanted to share my own memories. (And apologies in advance for the long post)
- * I've attempted to keep a lighthearted tone in my chat, giving every model a chance to laugh and smile. Being upbeat for her audience always helps, yet there were times when she was tired or had a crappy day before getting online and needed a personal lift.
- * I've delivered well-deserved compliments not only to a stunningly beautiful performer who was on my screen, but also to her alter-ego who could be unfairly critical of herself when she looked in the mirror each day.
- * I recognized that the tokens that I tipped were really going to the off-cam person who paid the bills, or needed a daily latte from Starbucks, or wanted to buy a special gift for her kids or significant other. And my rare big tips for a special occasion were made well in advance, to be included in the previous pay period so that she could enjoy the cash when the date arrived.
- * When I bought from a wishlist, I often avoided toys or outfits that can be used during shows, preferring to purchase items that are seen more commonly outside of the cam world. (Granted, some toys and outfits are quite nice to have off-cam, too. )
- * I've reminded models to block their state, even when they lived in my own state. Yes, it was inconvenient to lack access to their profile, but it was best for their overall privacy.
- * My heart sank every time I had to disclose that someone's name, location, or personal email was visible to me. So many ways for this to happen - Amazon wishlists, Chip-in details, sometimes personal info accessible through Gmail Contacts. I knew I had to tell them so that they could fix it so others couldn't see it.
- * Worst of all was listening to a model talk in public chat about a close friend of hers whose identity wasn't supposed to be known, then realizing that she was telling stories that I'd also heard directly from the other person. Considering that it could be construed as an invasion of privacy, I didn't know how to bring it up and the way I handled it led to an episode that was incredibly unpleasant. I screwed up not because I didn't care about these two people, but because I truly did.
Becoming real life friends with my favorite models from MFC was never an option. Yet I always wished that they were doing well when we weren't playing the roles of model and member. Perhaps even that was too personal - not enough emphasis on the fun and adult entertainment aspects of the site. Nevertheless, cam models are people too, when they're working and when they're not. Most folks here on ACF already know that lesson. Many others that we deal with should learn it.