User:Superunsubscriber/Camming/Denmum Peer Review

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I am writing an article on camming for Wikipedia. As far as I know, there is no article with this exact title, though there are couple articles with similar material, namely Webcam model. I am unsure on whether or not I should create a new article or simply add to this existing one, but I am leaning toward creating a new one since the article focuses on the models themselves rather than the profession. However, I do think a case can be made for simply adding to that article since the topics will necessarily overlap a lot. Either way, I think I can contribute to this article with discussion on ethics and the logistics regarding camming. The article mentioned above focuses a lot on history, the industry, and laws surrounding camming. From my small amount of research, I can provide more information on perspective and reaction of various groups and individuals toward the ethics and morality of camming. I can also explain more on how cam models go about their business and how they generate revenue.

''' Interesting topic! '''

Camming Article Outline

Lead


 * Define camming and/or cam modeling
 * Short summary of its history and relation to streaming and other sex work
 * A sentence on its perception and status today

Background


 * A discussion about the internet and online sex work
 * History of livestreaming
 * Integration of livestreaming with online pornography
 * Specific examples like Chaturbate, xHamster, Pornhub Live

Industry


 * How much models get paid, how much they get to keep from their profits
 * The negatives of being attached to a website (and the positives)
 * Moral arguments about what models should and shouldn't do
 * Feminist perspectives: is it exploitative or empowering?

Legal Issues


 * Comparison between gig work and sex work
 * Legal status of online sex work, compared to in-person sex work
 * Discussion of labor laws and how they often don't apply to sex work
 * Regulation and whether or not it's beneficial or detrimental for sex workers

Camming Article First Draft

Camming Article First Draft

Camming
Camming, or cam modeling, is the act of live video streaming through a webcam with the purpose of performing erotic acts in exchange for money. The cam model typically generates revenue through donations or gifts with in exchange for performing specific acts or just acknowledgement.

Webcam models usually operate from home and thus have more freedom in managing their own job compared to in-person sex workers. In particular, they usually lack a procurer and are instead self-employed. However, some camming websites that the models operate on will take a cut of the profit.  (Sourcing needed) 

The majority of camming features some degree of nudity or sexual acts, but some models prefer to remain clothed and receive payment for various non-sexual acts.  (Sourcing needed) The sex industry is dominated primarily by women, but can include models of other genders and sexualities.

Camming is a relatively new phenomenon, but has rose to prominence in recent years as technology has continued to advance. The rise of the internet has made camming a massively popular form of pornography.

''' Good introduction, needs sourcing for some parts. '''

Background
Pornographic films have existed since the creation of film in the late 1800s, but livestreaming pornography has been a recent development. The invention of the internet has allowed for easy forms of mass communication, notable among them being livestreaming. In addition, the wide availability of webcams have made it easier for amateurs to gain access to the technology required for livestreaming. Although camming has existed long before popular livestreaming outlets such at Twitch or Youtube, the aformentioned websites have had a large impact on livestreaming due to their popularity and proves that livestreaming can achieve mainstream success.

Camming services are often attached to larger adult entertainment websites such as Pornhub and xHamster, but there are also websites specifically designed for camming such as Chaturbate. Some livestreams are private and require payment to enter and others are public and generate their revenue through donations.

''' Might want some more sourcing here too. Lots of facts here and no sources to back it up. '''

Industry
With the advent of the internet and camming achieving a degree of maintstream popularity, cam models are able to generate a much higher amount revenue in modern day.  (Sourcing needed)  However, camming websites can and will often take a cut of the profit as a fee for using their services to broadcast to a wide audience. The amount of the profit they take will depend on the website, but some cam models report up to 40%. Even though cam models are considered independent contractors and thus reserve ownership of their brand, the lack of recognition of sex work as legimitate labor prevents cam models from demanding better treament or deals from camming websites.

In order to make the most amount of money, some models will cater to specific fetishes since people aroused by fetishes that are considered "abnormal" tend to be willing to pay a larger sum. This is described as a "race to the bottom," where cam models will compete to outdo each other in perversity. As a result, cam models on websites such as Chaturbate have developed a culture where going below a threshold in fetishes is considered demeaning. The idea is that even sex workers should have some level of self-respect despite being in the pornography industry.

Feminist activists are split on the idea of sex work and thus camming.  (Based on what?)  Some say that cam work is inherently misogynist ic  because women who engage in it are objectifying themselves. Others say that it is empowering since women are taking ownership of their own body by ignoring social conventions. ''' (Sourcing needed). '''

''' This section is alright, need sourcing for a lot of it. '''

Legal Issues
Due to the controversial nature of pornography, camming, like most sex work, is not considered a legitimate form of labor in most developed countries. As a result, cam models don't receive the same benefits and rights as other employee since they are technically independent contractors. (Based on what?)  This offers cam models some freedom not offered to other laborers, but prevents them from demanding better treatment from the websites that host them.

In-person sex work is treated worse since it is illegal in many Western countries including the US. Camming is at least slightly different since it is considered pornography as a virtue of it being filmed.

Regulation would be beneficial to camming since it would prevent cam models from being exploited for their labor. However, regulation could also potentially take away the independence that cam models enjoy such as being able to do what they want with their own body.

''' Good section, needs sourcing. '''

Camming (Draft)
Camming, or cam modeling, is the act of engaging in live video performances of erotic or sensual acts in front of an audience. A cam model typically generates revenue through donations or gifts usually in exchange for performing specific acts or just  through  acknowledgement of the audience member.

Online camming is often referred to  colloquially  as sex work, but its legal status is controversial. (How is it controversial? Sourcing)  Webcam models usually operate from home and thus have more freedom in managing their own job compared to in-person sex workers, such as prostitutes. Most lack a procurer instead being self-employed, though some camming websites take a cut of the models' profit. (Sourcing) 

The majority of camming features some degree of nudity or sexual acts, but some models prefer to remain clothed and receive payment for various non-sexual acts. The sex industry is dominated primarily by women, but can include models of other genders and sexualities. (Sourcing) 

Camming is a relatively new phenomenon, but has  risen  to prominence in recent years as technology has continued to advance. The rise of the internet has made camming a massively popular form of pornography.

''' Great intro, maintains objective tone, needs sourcing to back up some of the claims. '''

Background
Pornographic films have existed since the creation of film in the late 1800s, but  live-streaming  pornography has been a recent development.  (Source)  The invention of the internet has allowed for easy forms of mass communication, notable among them being  live-streaming . (Source)  In addition, the wide availability of webcams have made it easier for amateurs to gain access to the technology required for  live-streaming . Although camming has existed long before popular livestreaming outlets such at Twitch or Youtube, the  aforementioned  websites have had a large impact on  live-streaming  due to their popularity and proves that livestreaming can achieve mainstream success. (Source) 

Camming services are often attached to larger adult entertainment websites such as Pornhub and xHamster, but there are also websites specifically designed for camming such as Chaturbate. Some livestreams are private and require payment to enter and others are public and generate their revenue through donations.

''' Good Background section, needs a lot of sourcing, some opinionated-sounding sentences in first paragraph, would recommend working on those. '''

Industry
With the advent of the internet and camming achieving a degree of  mainstream  popularity, cam models are able to generate a much higher amount revenue in modern day. (Source)  However, camming websites can and will often take a cut of the profit as a fee for using their services to broadcast to a wide audience. (Source)  The amount of the profit they take will depend on the website, but some cam models report up to 40%. (Source)  Even though cam models are considered independent contractors and thus reserve ownership of their brand, the lack of recognition of sex work as  legitimate  labor prevents cam models from demanding better treatment or deals from camming websites. (Source) 

In order to make the most amount of money, some models will cater to specific fetishes since people aroused by fetishes that are considered "abnormal" tend to be willing to pay a larger sum. This is described as a "race to the bottom," where cam models will compete to outdo each other in perversity. As a result, cam models on websites such as Chaturbate have developed a culture where going below a threshold in fetishes is considered demeaning. The idea is that even sex workers should have some level of self-respect despite being in the pornography industry.''' (Sourcing needed throughout paragraph). '''

Feminist activists are split on the idea of sex work and thus camming. Some say that cam work is inherently  misogynistic  because women who engage in it are objectifying themselves. Others say that it is empowering since women are taking ownership of their own body by ignoring social conventions.

''' Needs sourcing, a lot of sentences sounding opinionated or rest on a form of "some" or "most". Requires citation to back up. '''

Legal Issues
Due to the controversial nature of pornography, camming, like most sex work, is not considered a legitimate form of labor in most developed countries. As a result, cam models don't receive the same benefits and rights as other  employees  since they are technically independent contractors. (Sourcing)  This offers cam models some freedom not offered to other laborers, but prevents them from demanding better treatment from the websites that host them. (Sourcing) 

In-person sex work is treated worse since it is illegal in many Western countries including the US. Camming is at least slightly different since it is considered pornography as a virtue of it being filmed.

Regulation would be beneficial to camming since it would prevent cam models from being exploited for their labor. However, regulation could also potentially take away the independence that cam models enjoy such as being able to do what they want with their own body. (Sourcing) 

''' Same problem, needs sourcing for a lot of these sentences, given how they rest on words like "some" and "most". '''