Abigail Fox, not her real name, worked as a Skype sex worker in 2009, and has written an expose on the world of being paid by the minute for stripping in front of a web cam.
‘In 2009, I did something I thought I'd never do: I entered the sex industry. Specifically, I became a cam-girl.
‘I lived in Los Angeles and jobs were scarce'
‘I lived in Los Angeles and jobs were scarce. A trip to Craigslist advertised a local studio with some video work; "No hands-on," it promised, "and make up to $500 a day,’ Fox explained.
‘My first client was a guy named John who just wanted to talk. For three hours. When we finished, I was $270 (£168) richer, and he felt like he knew me.
'Those clients seemed like such a cliché: The lonely guys who were looking for a pretend girlfriend for a couple of hours.'
Posing as a 22-year-old grad student, Fox quickly became used to putting on an act for her audience.
‘In cam-world, I was always very enthusiastic.
‘My first client was a guy named John who just wanted to talk'
'I just loved taking off my clothes and sucking on my fingers. I loved talking to them about their fantasies, and I loved seeing them masturbate through grainy cameras trained on laps sitting in swivel computer chairs.’
And she quickly became so successful in the industry, she decided to set up her own site from home. This meant she could change outfits on request, and even sneak a trip to the loo or kitchen when it suited her.
'It was the most customer service-oriented job I'd ever had: I had to be engaged, teasing, and friendly, while still managing to take down the guys who were just there to waste my time or get a freebie.'
'With one eye on the timer, I stretched and bent my way through private sessions, trying to prolong everything.
'I suggested treats: "Oh, I have another toy you'd love. Let me get it!" If I could get them to pay for staring at an empty screen in anticipation, I would.'
'Today, I barely think about it'
But Fox eventually grew weary of putting on a constant act, and cynical about clients who would often try to get a freebie.
And increasingly, she found herself putting on an act with her boyfriend, much to his bemusement. Eventually the seedy world of internet sex became too much for Fox, and one day she quit without warning.
'Today, I barely think about it,' she says. 'Except when, occasionally, I find myself accidentally looking back over my shoulder at a current lover as I undress, bending seductively forward - just like I used to.’