BRAVO! One thing I have always admired about you is your ability to say what you feel and not give a fuck who it offends.
You handled that situation with class and knowledge and I am so impressed with it!
I was recently contacted by a man claiming he was looking for lingerie/nude models willing to model in high heels. I wrote him back and told him I would do no nudes, but would be willing to model lingerie as long as it was tasteful and that I would also be bringing a male escort with me to ensure my safety. Never heard back from him.

Another point I would like to add is many young women have fallen prey to sexual predators who use the modeling offer as a way of luring them to be alone. There's a few high profile cases where these men ended up killing the unsuspecting girls who were just trying to persue a dream. KUDOS to you for posting this.

"Chivy Melons"
 

Hahaha...Thats pretty funny. Sadly too many girls fall for crap like this everyday. Hopefully some people can learn from your blog and save themselves the trouble of becoming prey to some horny bastard with a digital camera.

 

I 100% agree
Here is a little more info to help people along

If You've Got The Look, Look Out! Avoiding Modeling Scams

What could be more flattering? Someone approaches you at the mall and says, "You could be a model. You've got the 'look' we're after. Here's my card. Give me a call to set up an appointment." People have always said you're good looking. Now, visions of glamour, travel and money flash before your eyes.


It's true that some successful models have been discovered in everyday places like malls, boutiques, clubs, and airports. But the vast majority of would-be models knock on door after agency door before work comes their way.

It's All an Act

If and when you make that follow-up appointment, you'll probably find yourself in an office filled with lots of other model and actor hopefuls. Then the spiel starts. What you thought was a job interview with a talent agency turns into a high-pressure sales pitch for modeling or acting classes, or for "screen tests" or "photo shoots" that can range in price from several hundred to several thousand dollars.


Man, woman, or child — it makes no difference to bogus model and talent scouts. Often, these scouts are after one thing — your money — and will say just about anything to get it. But what they say isn't always what they mean.


What They Say vs.
What They Mean

Unscrupulous model and talent scouts have their acts down pat. Listen carefully to read between their lines.


* "We're scouting for people with your 'look' to model and act.
"
I need to sign up as many people as possible. My commission depends on it.

* "Your deposit is totally refundable.
"
Your deposit is refundable only if you meet very strict refund conditions.

* "You must be specially selected for our program. Our talent experts will carefully evaluate your chances at success in the field and will only accept a few people into our program.
"
We take almost everyone.

* "There's a guaranteed refund if you're not accepted into the program.
"
Everyone's accepted into the program. Forget the refund.

* "You can't afford our fees? No problem. You can work them off with the high-paying jobs we'll get you.
"
We demand payment, whether or not you get work.

* "Commissions from our clients are our major source of income.
"
Our income comes from the fees we charge you.


Avoiding a Model Rip-Off

* Ask yourself, "why me?" Don't let your emotions — and the company's flattery — take control. Think carefully and critically about how you were approached: if it was in a crowded mall, think how many others also may have been approached.

* Avoid high-pressure sales tactics. Never sign a document without reading and understanding it first. In fact, ask for a blank copy of the contract to take home and review with someone you trust. If the company refuses, walk away.

* Be leery of companies that only accept payment in cash or by money order. Read it as a strong signal that the company is more interested in your money than your career.

* Be wary of claims about high salaries. Successful models in small markets can earn $75 to $150 an hour, but the work is irregular.

* Ask for the names, addresses and phone numbers of models and actors who have secured successful work — recently — based on the company's training.

* Check out client claims. If an agency says it has placed models and actors in specific jobs, contact the companies to verify that they've hired models and actors from the agency.

* Be skeptical of local companies claiming to be the "biggest" agency or a "major player" in the industry, especially if you live in a smaller city or town.

* Realize that different parts of the country have different needs. For example, New York is recognized for fashion modeling; the Washington/Baltimore area is known for industrial or training films.

* Ask if the company/school is licensed or bonded, if that's required by your state. Verify this information with the appropriate authorities, such as your local consumer protection agency or state Attorney General. Make sure the license is current.

* Ask your local Better Business Bureau, consumer protection agency and state Attorney General if there are any unresolved consumer complaints on file about the company.

* Get everything in writing, including any promises that have been made orally.

* Keep copies of all important papers, such as your contract and company literature, in a safe place.

 

So funny (and sad)... I was just having to school some guy on how to handle his own damn business. Yeaaah.. lots of unscrupulous folks out there.

 

he got right into the forced oral... i always wait for the second date befor i bring that up haha
 

Pretty shady, indeed. Makes me scared for people who get suckered in by people like that.

 

I think you just pwnd him *Nods*
 

"Myspace-based model agency seeking models for forced oral!"

Yeah, they sound legit.


Sounds like he's looking for "dates".

 

Wow...I didn't even think people were bass-ackwards enough to even TRY to play that shite anymore. Way to tell 'im off, girl! There was a case out here in LA about 10 or 12 years ago where a professional swimsuit model was killed by a creepy photographer (pro). You just can't be too careful, I guess.


Hope ya had a great Solstice. Anybody here in LA starts bitchin' about how cold it is (at 50 degrees) I'm gonna smack 'em. HARD!!! Keep on keepin' on Lillith. You are definitely the real thing.
How's Zillah?
 

Forced oral sounds fun
 

My gf wants to be a model more than anything, and I want to always support her in all her personal goals in life. Of course, having the understanding that a career such as this has a lot of risk, I want her to be safe and not end up meeting some perverted fuckhead who cares nothing of her goals, but just wants another pic to spank his tiny little pecker off to. I've met modeling agents and photographers, and have been asked to work with them. I later found out what their real agenda was, how they would go through great lengths for a piece of ass, basically a lot of lying and a lot of manipulating. But not all of them are like this, and these precautions you write about are excellent ideas for finding a legitimate agent. Thank you Lilly for this post.