Saturday, July 12, 2008

The Truth Behind Model Mayhem | How To Stay Safe

ModelMayhem is generally known as the MySpace spot for models, photographers, makeup artists and generally, perverts. The point of this blog is to educate the potential new members of ModelMayhem and also parents and concerned citizens in general.

ModelMayhem is much like MySpace in a sense that is targeted diretly at models, photographers and makeup artists. The idea behind it is interesting since it brings models and photographers together on the same ground where they can collaborate on projects together. The downfall behind it is the fact that perverts dwell among the photographers who in turn go after models and threaten their security. Since ModelMayhem allows nudity, many models display nude shots, much like DeviantArt.com.

As a former user of Model Mayhem, here are some of tips for how to stay safe on Model Mayhem;

  • Always state (post this in your bio on your profile) that you are bringing an escort to the photoshoot. If you go alone and something horrible happens, it is no ones fault but your own for not having an escort at the photoshoot.

    Many photographers with strong portfolios on ModelMayhem say "NO ESCORTS ALLOWED" because they feel like the model will not be able to function if an escort (boyfriend, girlfriend, wife/husband, etc) is present। This is a trick and do not fall for !
    One of the most important tasks for a model, much like for an actor or actress is to be able to perform in front of large crowds, so make sure you don't get played by a pervert photographer who tells you that you are not allowed to bring an escort।


    - In May of 2008, a fetish model from Model Mayhem based in Florida was raped when she went to meet up with a photographer from Model Mayhem. The photographers references checked out, and at the time a makeup artist was also present who after completing the makeup part, left the premises. The photographer tied the model up for 'photo' but proceeded to rape her for hours instead. Had she had an escort, this would have never happened. The photographer may be in jail, but the emotional scar this model received will never fade away.

  • Watch out for male photographers acting flamboyantly and pretending to be gay. Many male photographers on Model Mayhem pretend to be gay in order to have female models lower their guard and drop the clothes easier. This is one of the sneakiest way to have your privacy and security invaded.

  • If a photographer out of the blue messages you and offers an extremely high paying photoshoot that sounds to good to be true, then it probably is. Consult right away with users on the Model Mayhem forum.


  • Assemble a contract that you will bring to all photoshoots and make the photographer sign it, if he/she is legit and professionaly set, he/she will also have a model release contract for you to sign as well. In this contract you need to clearly state to what happens to your images. Many models who do not do this risk of having their photos be sold for stock image cds that are sold for hundreds of dollars and also sell your photos to some who may use it in ways you would not agree with. You need to protect your images and make sure you do all of that in your contract. Many photographers tell the models that they're only using their photos for the portfolio but in reality and in some cases, the photos are sold and the models are never paid.

The person behind Model Mayhem is named Tyler Adam. This is not a professional web developer nor a model, rather a guy who bought the script to create ModelMayhem, this explains why the website is full of spyware, code leaks, and constant problems. The creator behind ModelMayhem has been exposed quite a few times by former users on ModelMayhem who said that Tyler messaged them offering roles in porn films. When the users declined, Tyler removed their accounts.

Ripoffreport.com shows two instances of pervert-like issues with ModelMayhem and its creator.

http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/225/RipOff0225222.htm

I have found the admin and moderators of model mayhem to be rude unprofessional adolescents. Acting more like kids who should be grounded by parents, than professionals who fix and solve problems of the website and it's members.

In most cases when contacting, their responses are putting the blame on the member. Rather than taking the time to check out the numerous flaws and functions that don't work on the website, they'd rather start an argument that their failures are something that your not doing right.

They seldom seem to read any of the information you include when contacting them. I've seen them reply asking for information that was included in a previous message to them.

I'm concerned there is no organization that monitors websites like these and tracks customer complaints, website issues & general problems with the functions of the site.

I hope others will avoid this listing (which is meant for photographers/models/make-up artists), but is a hopeless failure when compared with other similiar listings.

&

http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/301/RipOff0301178.htm

Model Mayhem Is A Total Scam, Tyler Is Pushing Porn! Tyler from Model mayhem tried to talk me into doing porn and when I didnt he deleted me off the site. When i first started modeling i joined this site modelmayhem. It was going ok at first, then Tyler from the site, started to creep me out with random comments, messages and innapropriateness. I shruged it off, wouldnt give him my number and when i wouldnt write him back about getting into adult works;shoots;video i found my page and my managers page deleted! Im one of numerous girls with the same story, i just wanted to get this out there!

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Complaintsboard.com also offers another issue;

http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/44411/page/3

Model Mayhem
Pure scam!

Company information:
Model Mayhem
Tampa, Florida
United States

www.modelmayhem.com

When i first started modeling i joined this site modelmayhem. It was going ok at first, then Tyler from the site, started to creep me out with random comments, messages and inappropriateness. I shrugged it off, wouldn't give him my number and when i wouldn't write him back about getting into adult works; shoots; video i found my page and my managers page deleted! I am one of numerous girls with the same story, i just wanted to get this out there!


9 comments:

Lorena said...

For all of you young women out there... Do Not Go to any invitation from Model Mayhem. They are using CafePress.com in their letters! I called the Corp. office of CafePress.com and spoke to a Corp Officer who informed me that they are in NO WAY affiliated with Model Mayhem and have posted it on their Website! I have a young daughter who wanted to go to Los Angeles for the photoshoot and I wanted to check them out first! Thank God I did... they are a scam!! Young girls beware!!

Jeneva said...

I've been on Model mayhem since they pretty mch started. I've neverhad problems, never got a message to do porn, and never got scammed. Out of all the modeling sites i've been on, this one I feel is the safest route. I'm a full time model now because of MM and i've made a lot of friends through it. You put yourself in danger everyday when you walk out of your house.

Unknown said...

I think you are being really harsh on MM. I have been a moderate user for a while (as a photography student) and still havent been raping anyone. Most people on the website are honest about work, actually it might be one of the better photo communities out there (even though I do agree on the poorness of their website). As @Jeneva said, you do put yourself in danger everyday.

Heather Songs said...

I met with 3 photographers and a body painter from MM and had all great experiences. I'm sure there are some weirdos on there... but there is everywhere.

Unknown said...

I have been on MM for 8 years,and never had a problem or heard of anyone having a problem. Yes there are predators out there, same with craigslist and all social media. In context, MM has 400,000 users, one arrest for rape, and only 2 negative comments, one of those from a Mom "protecting" her young daughter who did not actually have any contact with MM.

Darlene said...

One rape is one too many. How wud you feel if it was your mom, daughter or sister or even you that was raped. I'm sure you wouldn't be saying only one arrest for rape and saying it's a safe modeling site!!!

nir202 said...

I am a Investigative Photojournalist with National Investigative
Report. We are conducting a investigation on
modelmayhem.com. You are being contacted because have
expressed that you have had issues with MM..

There has been issues raised about the web site and how
the "mods" handle issues. I am here to find out what the
real story is.

I would like to hear your side of the story and how this
has effected you business. Please contact me if you
have any questions. I hope to hear from your company
soon.


Rev. Russell
Investigative Photojournalist
mm.story@nationalinvestigativereport.info
National Investigative Report
www.nationalinvestigativereport.info

Unknown said...

my female models are friends of mine and better looking than most of these girls on MM with long stringy hair and tattoos on their legs and on top of their feet. yuck! and want to hear something funny, for you girls bringing a guy escort, don't forget don't forget to tell other models to have an escort when HE decides to do photography

Unknown said...

I am semi pro photographer usually shooting freelance assignments so that means i need to find different models, makeup artists, stylists for major part of my shoots myself.
There is really no excuse why in 2017 to find members for my projetcs i am still left to use a UI and UX nightmare such as ModelMayhem. Although MM might have some features that are ubiquitous in other similar websited i don‘t really get why a website with such member count looks so crappy.
For what reason in the world am i forced to see incomplete profiles when i search for models. Models with no single image in their profile? For gods sake, you have been operating how long? 10 years? And you still doing this? And the list could go on and on. I‘d rather use www.bescouted.com they are small yet, but have professional approach and some really unique and convenient features.