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View Full Version : California Assembly 5 NEW LAW Independent Contractors will no longer be allowed!!!



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Girly_Girl
12-11-2019, 06:23 AM
If my state is shaded with the light yellow or says"other employment status test legislation introduced"...what does that even mean? Does that mean my state is next?

innocentindian
12-11-2019, 11:34 AM
If my state is shaded with the light yellow or says"other employment status test legislation introduced"...what does that even mean? Does that mean my state is next?

Each state will have their own version of the AB5 law, with different legal literature. It really depends on what words they use / what rules they implement whether or not it will effect your camming status in those states.

What really irks me is that no other site seems to be doing anything regarding this new California law, I've contacted all the sites I'm active on and they all said that I don't need to worry about being eligible to work on their site as an independent contractor from California. So why is only Streamate making us switch? :/ I get that they're trying to protect themselves from getting fined / sued, but I wonder if it's an overreaction on their part.

Either way, I was going to leave California in the summer anyway, looks like my timeline has moved up by 6 months.

anonamiss
12-11-2019, 11:57 AM
If my state is shaded with the light yellow or says"other employment status test legislation introduced"...what does that even mean? Does that mean my state is next?

My understanding is that lots of states are either considering or already have implemented some version of the ABC test. It's just not gaining as much media attention. Some of them have different wording than California's test which make it possibly easier to interpret cammodels as contractors. But I've seen adult industry lawyers on Twitter arguing that it will likely still affect anyone in the industry.

I would Google "your state + ABC test contractors" or something like it, then search for recent news or changes in the law. AB-5 is a California assembly bill so it will have different names in different states. The ABC test is the relevant thing to look out for because it determines whether or not you can remain classified as an IC.

anonamiss
12-11-2019, 12:34 PM
What really irks me is that no other site seems to be doing anything regarding this new California law, I've contacted all the sites I'm active on and they all said that I don't need to worry about being eligible to work on their site as an independent contractor from California. So why is only Streamate making us switch? :/ I get that they're trying to protect themselves from getting fined / sued, but I wonder if it's an overreaction on their part.

I have a theory as to why Streamate is the only one being proactive with this. Maybe it's because they have a lot of California models who take up a significant percentage of earnings. Think of all the porn stars who cam on SM. (I don't see many legit porn stars on MFC or Chaturbate or other camsites.) They are among the ones who do well in contests and make bank for the site, and I would assume a fair amount of them are in CA. So my thought is Streamate wants to cover their ass and take as much precaution as possible to ensure they are being compliant with the law so they can keep their high-earning CA girls on the platform and not get slapped with massive fines down the road. I just wonder how many of them will agree to the employment arrangement.

I also got a response back from SM that mentioned their legal team's interpretation of the law. Porn lawyers/industry attorneys on Twitter are also agreeing with the consensus that we don't pass the ABC test, and do not pass the B2B exemption tests. So it makes me wonder if other sites have even spent any time or effort to hire legal counsel to legitimately look into it or not. It seems really irresponsible that they all think they'll be fine.

I for one am glad SM is taking initiative. It's my only cam site (minus indie) and has been for years. I'm not going to uproot and move to another state, nor am I going to move to another camsite over this. I want to keep working on SM because I do well there and have an established fan base there, so I'm likely going to take whatever the employment offer is. I was also told that if any amendments or new interpretations to the law are made, we will be notified ASAP. Maybe this will all blow over in a month, maybe it won't. But I'm happy to have the opportunity to keep working in the way that they deem legally compliant until anything changes.

Plus I'd be anxious as hell to switch to another site at this point. They might say it's fine now, but down the road realize they were wrong and have been non-compliant this whole time, which is going to result in massive fees for them and many girls being without the ability to work until they become compliant. I could see it bankrupting a lot of sites or at least really screwing up their platforms. The fact that they all seem to be giving such lax responses to everyone is really troubling IMO.

Girly_Girl
12-11-2019, 01:13 PM
Has anyone heard back from Cal Gems yet on how they will be payed?

anonamiss
12-11-2019, 01:23 PM
Has anyone heard back from Cal Gems yet on how they will be payed?

No, they told me they are still finalizing the documents and would respond with the paperwork in a few days.

TrifilinCamHo
12-11-2019, 01:44 PM
I have a theory as to why Streamate is the only one being proactive with this. Maybe it's because they have a lot of California models who take up a significant percentage of earnings. Think of all the porn stars who cam on SM. (I don't see many legit porn stars on MFC or Chaturbate or other camsites.) They are among the ones who do well in contests and make bank for the site, and I would assume a fair amount of them are in CA. So my thought is Streamate wants to cover their ass and take as much precaution as possible to ensure they are being compliant with the law so they can keep their high-earning CA girls on the platform and not get slapped with massive fines down the road. I just wonder how many of them will agree to the employment arrangement.

I also got a response back from SM that mentioned their legal team's interpretation of the law. Porn lawyers/industry attorneys on Twitter are also agreeing with the consensus that we don't pass the ABC test, and do not pass the B2B exemption tests. So it makes me wonder if other sites have even spent any time or effort to hire legal counsel to legitimately look into it or not. It seems really irresponsible that they all think they'll be fine.

I for one am glad SM is taking initiative. It's my only cam site (minus indie) and has been for years. I'm not going to uproot and move to another state, nor am I going to move to another camsite over this. I want to keep working on SM because I do well there and have an established fan base there, so I'm likely going to take whatever the employment offer is. I was also told that if any amendments or new interpretations to the law are made, we will be notified ASAP. Maybe this will all blow over in a month, maybe it won't. But I'm happy to have the opportunity to keep working in the way that they deem legally compliant until anything changes.

Plus I'd be anxious as hell to switch to another site at this point. They might say it's fine now, but down the road realize they were wrong and have been non-compliant this whole time, which is going to result in massive fees for them and many girls being without the ability to work until they become compliant. I could see it bankrupting a lot of sites or at least really screwing up their platforms. The fact that they all seem to be giving such lax responses to everyone is really troubling IMO.

I agree with you 100% about not leaving Streamate, they're my #1, I like my custies and I'm not interested in starting over anywhere else. But if California actually sticks to this and doesn't amend AB5 so I can be an independent contractor or if this negatively affects my income or flexibility of schedule in a significant way and other states don't follow suit I am going to strongly consider moving. I'm not paying taxes or the high cost of living here to get screwed over by lawmakers who clearly didn't consider the nuances or gravity of this whole thing before passing it thru.

That being said I'm just gonna echo everyone else's sentiments - holy shit, this is soooooo stressful and I've been thinking about it constantly all week. Legit praying something happens before the New Year.

SamanthaSugar
12-11-2019, 06:46 PM
Been sitting on pins and needles all day! And the timing of this couldn't have been worse, I'm no longer in the Christmas spirit :(
This may be a really stupid question, but wouldn't this be a perfect time to open a studio?

anonamiss
12-11-2019, 07:05 PM
Been sitting on pins and needles all day! And the timing of this couldn't have been worse, I'm no longer in the Christmas spirit :(
This may be a really stupid question, but wouldn't this be a perfect time to open a studio?

Not unless you intend to go through mountains of paperwork to prove you are remaining compliant to the law in terms of providing necessary benefits, workers comp, social security, taxes, etc. If you're doing it as an "easy" loophole, it's probably a bad idea at this point, and would also be expensive in California, especially if you pay all the fees to become incorporated only to find out that you still can't work under Streamate unless you're in an approved studio.

This is why it seems like adult industry attorneys on Twitter are advising girls not to go incorporate/start LLCs. You can't necessarily easily hide behind the "I'm a studio employing myself" model.

In Streamate's case, it seems like they are going to be really strict about who you are allowed to work for. You could try it yourself but I imagine it would be more of a hassle than just complying and joining their CalGems studio or anyone else they approve.

SamanthaSugar
12-11-2019, 07:19 PM
Fuck that! I was just thinking that all us CA models need to go somewhere, and I have a friend who has been tossing around the idea about opening a studio for a while, but if SM is going to a butthole about which studios they'll work with, it seems pointless.

anonamiss
12-11-2019, 07:26 PM
There are starting to be posts on the APAG twitter about some people not being approved for employment via SM. No one has mentioned that here and there aren't many details. I don't like freaking out over limited information or rumors, so if anyone has more accurate details to contribute (i.e. you were one of the models directly accepted or rejected for employment already), I would really love to hear them.

As employers, they do technically have every right to choose who they'll continue to keep on the platform... If you are a model who doesn't work very often and/or doesn't make very much money, it makes sense that they wouldn't let some people stay, as unfortunate as that is.

I am anxiously awaiting my response from CalGems and to hear what the requirements are to continue employment. I would like to think I work enough hours and make enough money for them to justify paying me a minimum wage plus a commission. I see some girls post in camming sucks about it taking 8-10 hours to make $100 on a fairly regular basis... I presume those are the types of models who wouldn't be accepted into an employment program. I wonder if SM's studios will look back on your payment history and hours online from any given amount of time, average it out, and make their decision based on that data. If you don't already make considerably over minimum wage (which is presumably well over $12/hour after you take the company costs of benefits and such into consideration), it does make sense from a mathematical/logistical standpoint that they'd reject you as an employee, because you'd be too expensive/not worth it to officially hire if you don't already have a track record of hitting certain minimums.

PhatGirlDynomite!!!
12-11-2019, 07:31 PM
There are starting to be posts on the APAG twitter about some people not being approved for employment via SM. No one has mentioned that here and there aren't many details. I don't like freaking out over limited information or rumors, so if anyone has more accurate details to contribute (i.e. you were one of the models directly accepted or rejected for employment already), I would really love to hear them.

As employers, they do technically have every right to choose who they'll continue to keep on the platform... If you are a model who doesn't work very often and/or doesn't make very much money, it makes sense that they wouldn't let some people stay, as unfortunate as that is.

I am anxiously awaiting my response from CalGems and to hear what the requirements are to continue employment. I would like to think I work enough hours and make enough money for them to justify paying me a minimum wage plus a commission. I see some girls post in camming sucks about it taking 8-10 hours to make $100 on a fairly regular basis... I presume those are the types of models who wouldn't be accepted into an employment program. I wonder if SM's studios will look back on your payment history and hours online from any given amount of time, average it out, and make their decision based on that data. If you don't already make considerably over minimum wage (which is presumably well over $12/hour after you take the company costs of benefits and such into consideration), it does make sense from a mathematical/logistical standpoint that they'd reject you as an employee, because you'd be too expensive/not worth it to officially hire if you don't already have a track record of hitting certain minimums.

Have you tried reaching out to any of the models directly on Twitter? Sometimes people are willing to give more details that way.

anonamiss
12-11-2019, 07:31 PM
Fuck that! I was just thinking that all us CA models need to go somewhere, and I have a friend who has been tossing around the idea about opening a studio for a while, but if SM is going to a butthole about which studios they'll work with, it seems pointless.

I wish I could find it but I wouldn't know how to search it down. I'm pretty sure it was either Katy from Boleyn Studios or Jesse from LCMS who posted a super detailed post on the forums a while ago about what it takes to start your own legit studio, including costs of licensing, legal counseling, and other bureaucratic things. I could be wrong about who it was, but it basically talked about how complicated the process is.

I would say unless your friend has any experience in a similarly large business-related undertaking, it's not even worth considering.

anonamiss
12-11-2019, 07:42 PM
Have you tried reaching out to any of the models directly on Twitter? Sometimes people are willing to give more details that way.

I have not; I don't have a Twitter account and I doubt that if I made one now anyone would respond to a basically blank page. I generally choose to stay off of social media for my mental health -- it wasn't until all this AB-5 stuff blew up in the last few weeks that I started reading public Twitter pages, and it causes me a lot of stress, so I try to limit my intake even though I want to stay informed.

I also don't know who these models are. It's all very ambiguous and rumor-y, which I don't like taking direct part in. All I saw was a post on the Adult Film Actors Guild twitter today that said "To California Streamate models, we are seeing many today either posting they have been hired or rejected for employment. . . ." https://twitter.com/APAGunion/status/1204898349587013633

as well as

"California streamate models that are trans can you contact me with if you were accepted for employment or not. Two trans models have reported they didn’t meet the requirements. " https://twitter.com/MrsKellyPierce/status/1204869187878957059

What's interesting to me is that the official message from SM has only been released as of Monday. I responded yesterday with my interest in hearing more about the employment opportunity. They said they are still finalizing paperwork and would respond within a few days. So I'm pretty curious to know who these models are that are hearing direct yes or no responses when it sounds like they aren't even ready to officially employ anyone yet.

SamanthaSugar
12-11-2019, 08:14 PM
As soon as I find out, I'll let you all know. I don't work a lot of hours per week, but I do make a considerable amount per hour when I do. I wish I could log in more hours, but it just gets so repetitive, exhausting, and tedious, I could never work full-time without wanting to kill myself. Fingers crossed we all get accepted.

anonamiss
12-11-2019, 09:00 PM
Interesting... I was just sent a tweet screenshot of a CalGems email response rejecting a model. It said "Thank you for your interest in CalGems. Your account does not meet our initial qualifications for an employment opportunity. If we think you're a good candidate to rise up and meet the employment requirements, we'll reach out with more information soon." The model said there was no additional info as to what the requirements were.

The email I received said "Thank you for your interest; we're exciting to be working with Streamate to offer you this opportunity. We're finalizing the documents you'll need to review and fill out during the hiring process. Within the next few days we'll reach out with those details. We'll be here to guide you through the process so let us know how we can help. We'll contact you very soon." I also just realized the CalGems HR email to me was signed "Streamate Model Support" at the end.

So yeah. When you compare those two responses, it's pretty clear they are going to be selective. And from the looks of my response it looks like I'll be safe? I'll report back with details as well. I opted for the less than 30 hours a week/part time option.

Good luck, ladies. :/

TrifilinCamHo
12-11-2019, 09:41 PM
The email I received said "Thank you for your interest; we're exciting to be working with Streamate to offer you this opportunity. We're finalizing the documents you'll need to review and fill out during the hiring process. Within the next few days we'll reach out with those details. We'll be here to guide you through the process so let us know how we can help. We'll contact you very soon." I also just realized the CalGems HR email to me was signed "Streamate Model Support" at the end.

So yeah. When you compare those two responses, it's pretty clear they are going to be selective. And from the looks of my response it looks like I'll be safe? I'll report back with details as well. I opted for the less than 30 hours a week/part time option.


Got the same message from them yesterday and also haven't heard anything since. I kind of was hoping against hope that they were waiting to send us all the paperwork/officially pull the trigger until it was 10000% sure that AB5 was a go in Jan but it's sounding more and more certain now. Dreadful.

ETA my boyfriend just told me that the trucker's union filed a massive lawsuit to block the law so maybe there is a chance for an injunction?

SamanthaSugar
12-11-2019, 10:21 PM
Interesting... I was just sent a tweet screenshot of a CalGems email response rejecting a model. It said "Thank you for your interest in CalGems. Your account does not meet our initial qualifications for an employment opportunity. If we think you're a good candidate to rise up and meet the employment requirements, we'll reach out with more information soon." The model said there was no additional info as to what the requirements were.

The email I received said "Thank you for your interest; we're exciting to be working with Streamate to offer you this opportunity. We're finalizing the documents you'll need to review and fill out during the hiring process. Within the next few days we'll reach out with those details. We'll be here to guide you through the process so let us know how we can help. We'll contact you very soon." I also just realized the CalGems HR email to me was signed "Streamate Model Support" at the end.

So yeah. When you compare those two responses, it's pretty clear they are going to be selective. And from the looks of my response it looks like I'll be safe? I'll report back with details as well. I opted for the less than 30 hours a week/part time option.

Good luck, ladies. :/

Congratulations! I'm so curious to see what they're going to offer. This is all so weird! Hopefully I'll get a letter soon, I feel so unsettled.

laurielegs
12-12-2019, 02:20 AM
I'm so anxious to see how this plays out. I'm wondering if some hosts may actually come out ahead, with health insurance, paid vacation, having your taxes taken out and taken care of, having a legit "job" to put on a loan app for a house or car. Hmm... seems there might be some advantages there.

Makes me wonder if they would offer this outside cali too someday. If the hours were somewhat flexible it might be do-able.

Still really shocked that this is going forward though. I really thought cam models would not be involved in this at all.

Girly_Girl
12-12-2019, 06:57 AM
Interesting... I was just sent a tweet screenshot of a CalGems email response rejecting a model. It said "Thank you for your interest in CalGems. Your account does not meet our initial qualifications for an employment opportunity. If we think you're a good candidate to rise up and meet the employment requirements, we'll reach out with more information soon." The model said there was no additional info as to what the requirements were.

The email I received said "Thank you for your interest; we're exciting to be working with Streamate to offer you this opportunity. We're finalizing the documents you'll need to review and fill out during the hiring process. Within the next few days we'll reach out with those details. We'll be here to guide you through the process so let us know how we can help. We'll contact you very soon." I also just realized the CalGems HR email to me was signed "Streamate Model Support" at the end.

So yeah. When you compare those two responses, it's pretty clear they are going to be selective. And from the looks of my response it looks like I'll be safe? I'll report back with details as well. I opted for the less than 30 hours a week/part time option.

Good luck, ladies. :/

I think its crazy that theyre even going thru a hiring process without even telling girls the details first tho. Any idea of how much you have to make to get accepted? I'm not in Cali but my state is listed on the map....just not sure what will happen with my state yet

Erika_Xstacy
12-12-2019, 11:06 AM
I'm so anxious to see how this plays out. I'm wondering if some hosts may actually come out ahead, with health insurance, paid vacation, having your taxes taken out and taken care of, having a legit "job" to put on a loan app for a house or car. Hmm... seems there might be some advantages there.

Makes me wonder if they would offer this outside cali too someday. If the hours were somewhat flexible it might be do-able.

Still really shocked that this is going forward though. I really thought cam models would not be involved in this at all.

Please don’t be too anxious.
I did this exact scenario with manicuring. I was so happy at first.
I made half the income at the end of the day- charging double price with full books. Worked double the hours.
I assumed I was coming out on top and even at the end of the year- still screwed my self.
i let a girlfriend tell me how wonderful it was.
I ended up working double hours to make my independent contractor income bc working for a salon didn’t cut it
I got a second job
taxes got me worse. I had zero control
Vacation (I opted for the cash)
health insurance was high bc they paid half, I paid half but still higher than I normally paid the only difference was a group plan..they scared me into thinking my insurance would drop me.
All that shit takes away money
add to the mix reporting to someone... not my cup of tea.

anonamiss
12-12-2019, 11:06 AM
I'm so anxious to see how this plays out. I'm wondering if some hosts may actually come out ahead, with health insurance, paid vacation, having your taxes taken out and taken care of, having a legit "job" to put on a loan app for a house or car. Hmm... seems there might be some advantages there.

Makes me wonder if they would offer this outside cali too someday. If the hours were somewhat flexible it might be do-able.

Still really shocked that this is going forward though. I really thought cam models would not be involved in this at all.

My assumption is that the models who qualify for full time employment and benefits are going to be slim. I think health insurance will only be offered for full time. It would require you working 30 to 40 hours every week which I don't think many girls consistently do.

But I agree there's a decent possibility that some models will actually come out ahead.

anonamiss
12-12-2019, 11:17 AM
I think its crazy that theyre even going thru a hiring process without even telling girls the details first tho. Any idea of how much you have to make to get accepted? I'm not in Cali but my state is listed on the map....just not sure what will happen with my state yet

Yeah but a lot of jobs seem like they never disclose what the actual details of hiring are. You could be qualified to the brim and still get rejected and they don't have to tell you why.

I assume the reason they asked for our model name and preference for part or full time when we contact CalGems is so they can run your past earning/time online history to make their decision. Kind of like them looking at your resume to see your skills and experience.

I have no idea how much you'd have to make but my guess is at the very least $20/hour consistently to qualify. Any less and it may not be worth it for them to continue paying you as an employee.

Erika_Xstacy
12-12-2019, 11:17 AM
I think its crazy that theyre even going thru a hiring process without even telling girls the details first tho. Any idea of how much you have to make to get accepted? I'm not in Cali but my state is listed on the map....just not sure what will happen with my state yet

Learning from California, states adopting Ab5 are rewording it various ways to keep most Indy workers as Indy.
the wording is everything

I notice cams.com addresses us as customers... not sure why they do that but but they are not worried about January

anonamiss
12-12-2019, 11:24 AM
Learning from California, states adopting Ab5 are rewording it various ways to keep most Indy workers as Indy.
the wording is everything

I notice cams.com addresses us as customers... not sure why they do that but but they are not worried about January

Interesting... If the model is the customer in cams eyes, then what are the actual customers called? Hmm.

Also just because a site words things a certain way doesn't mean they'll come out ahead... The whole point of this law is to prevent misclassification of workers. So it'll be up to the state to decide whether or not the company is compliant no matter what wording they use to try to get around it. The wording isn't everything. Passing the ABC test is everything.

Edit: sorry, I read your post quickly and didn't realize you weren't just talking about companies in CA trying to reword things. You are correct that how other *states* word their ABC test will be the most important thing.

Erika_Xstacy
12-12-2019, 11:30 AM
Interesting... If the model is the customer in cams eyes, then what are the actual customers called? Hmm.

Also just because a site words things a certain way doesn't mean they'll come out ahead... The whole point of this law is to prevent misclassification of workers. So it'll be up to the state to decide whether or not the company is compliant no matter what wording they use to try to get around it. The wording isn't everything. Passing the ABC test is everything.

I’ve seen a few that are pretty clean cut
one is working outside of the business. Like at home.
Second is if we can call our own shots... of course not in those words
We call our hours. we set our income

anonamiss
12-12-2019, 11:37 AM
I’ve seen a few that are pretty clean cut
one is working outside of the business. Like at home.
Second is if we can call our own shots... of course not in those words
We call our hours. we set our income

Yeah. I am jealous of the states that are keeping that part in. But I think the reason why CA specifically didn't include the "or working outside of the business" clause is because one of the big reasons for AB5 was specifically to protect/reclassify Uber drivers and gig workers. If that clause got added back then the whole push to classify more gig workers as employees would fall apart, because all uber/gig drivers/etc work "outside the company."

Ugh.

Erika_Xstacy
12-12-2019, 12:09 PM
Yeah. I am jealous of the states that are keeping that part in. But I think the reason why CA specifically didn't include the "or working outside of the business" clause is because one of the big reasons for AB5 was specifically to protect/reclassify Uber drivers and gig workers. If that clause got added back then the whole push to classify more gig workers as employees would fall apart, because all uber/gig drivers/etc work "outside the company."

Ugh.
NC isn’t on the map as of yet. NC government did something a few years ago and Uber/Lyft stay compliant we should be ok
Our state is also smaller
Our state deals with more farmers and truckers than some states


My issue w Ab5 : my landlord is going to move back to NC putting me out of my home if this isn’t amended. Soon.
He’s a Indy film worker.

laurielegs
12-12-2019, 12:29 PM
Please don’t be too anxious.
I did this exact scenario with manicuring. I was so happy at first.
I made half the income at the end of the day- charging double price with full books. Worked double the hours.
I assumed I was coming out on top and even at the end of the year- still screwed my self.
i let a girlfriend tell me how wonderful it was.
I ended up working double hours to make my independent contractor income bc working for a salon didn’t cut it
I got a second job
taxes got me worse. I had zero control
Vacation (I opted for the cash)
health insurance was high bc they paid half, I paid half but still higher than I normally paid the only difference was a group plan..they scared me into thinking my insurance would drop me.
All that shit takes away money
add to the mix reporting to someone... not my cup of tea.

Interesting insight, really similar situation to what is happening with Streamate in California.

I was afraid it might end up being less money overall, sounds very likely that may be the way this goes too :( I really feel for the California cam hosts if this ends up costing them too much income plus losing the freedom of being an independent contractor.

Erika_Xstacy
12-12-2019, 03:05 PM
Interesting insight, really similar situation to what is happening with Streamate in California.

I was afraid it might end up being less money overall, sounds very likely that may be the way this goes too :( I really feel for the California cam hosts if this ends up costing them too much income plus losing the freedom of being an independent contractor.

a lot like studio models, i was stuck in a contract. i couldn't work within a 10mile radius for 5 years after working there. this is how he dominated his staff and was very successful
i did get to keep cash tips daily.
very much like webcam and worse, it was like a studio- i was stuck like chuck

i look for the good
tax returns are big as head of household, i loved january 1 lol

Glamourmilf
12-13-2019, 08:45 AM
No word yet from Streamate.
The waiting is killing me. Killing whatever holiday spirit I COULD have had.
Anxiety up the ass.
Cal gems IS Streamate, so what's the big hold up?
They already know all of us. Know our working patterns, if we're an asset or a liability, etc.
My prediction is that they'll let us know today, Friday the 13th, in true Streamate fashion.
*The other sites telling me that it's business as usual ( Chaturbate, Verified Call), makes​ me nervous too. They're based in CA, so, wouldn't this law affect them the most?:thinking:
Manyvids, and clips4sale still haven't gotten back to me.
Indy sites? Guess it won't be a problem, since we don't 'stream' on there.
I just resigned my rental agreement for another year.
I also put up "hooker' ads, as a backup​. My phone has been ringing off the hook ( pun intended).
But, the thought of me going to some strangers house/ hotel. And sucking and fucking his dirty dick, makes me want to vomit.:yuck::yuck:
The thought of walking into a bust/sting doesn't give me the warm tingles either.
2 weeks is too short of a time to get another job.
Even 6 months would be pushing it, but at least I could move to another state, or ???
Horrible, just horrible.

anonamiss
12-13-2019, 09:11 AM
No word yet from Streamate.
The waiting is killing me. Killing whatever holiday spirit I COULD have had.
Anxiety up the ass.
Cal gems IS Streamate, so what's the big hold up?
They already know all of us. Know our working patterns, if we're an asset or a liability, etc.

The hold up is likely them sorting out every last legal detail for our employee contracts. Did you get the "we'll get back to you with sign up documents soon" type of email response or the one that said "you don't meet the requirements"? If it's the former I wouldn't worry much.

Unless the commission/payout structure or schedule/hour requirements is absolutely ridiculous which I don't think it will be, I'm saying yes and signing up almost no matter what. I can't lose this income. So I'm not letting myself get anxious. It'll fuck with my hustle too much. No point in it ruining my next few weeks even if everything does go to shit. Worrying isn't going to change or help anything. That's my thought anyway.

In the meantime I'm working my ass off on SM for the rest of the month. Definitely putting in more than "full time" hours for that 30 percent bonus, and working the Christmas contest.

SamanthaSugar
12-13-2019, 09:25 AM
The hold up is likely them sorting out every last legal detail for our employee contracts. Did you get the "we'll get back to you with sign up documents soon" type of email response or the one that said "you don't meet the requirements"? If it's the former I wouldn't worry much.

Unless the commission/payout structure or schedule/hour requirements is absolutely ridiculous which I don't think it will be, I'm saying yes and signing up almost no matter what. I can't lose this income. So I'm not letting myself get anxious. It'll fuck with my hustle too much. No point in it ruining my next few weeks even if everything does go to shit. Worrying isn't going to change or help anything. That's my thought anyway.

In the meantime I'm working my ass off on SM for the rest of the month. Definitely putting in more than "full time" hours for that 30 percent bonus, and working the Christmas contest.

I haven't received anything yet, which has me concerned. I Cancelled all my fun Christmas parties so I could stay home and work! Bah, humbug!

Glamourmilf
12-13-2019, 09:37 AM
The hold up is likely them sorting out every last legal detail for our employee contracts. Did you get the "we'll get back to you with sign up documents soon" type of email response or the one that said "you don't meet the requirements"? If it's the former I wouldn't worry much.

Unless the commission/payout structure or schedule/hour requirements is absolutely ridiculous which I don't think it will be, I'm saying yes and signing up almost no matter what. I can't lose this income. So I'm not letting myself get anxious. It'll fuck with my hustle too much. No point in it ruining my next few weeks even if everything does go to shit. Worrying isn't going to change or help anything. That's my thought anyway.

In the meantime I'm working my ass off on SM for the rest of the month. Definitely putting in more than "full time" hours for that 30 percent bonus, and working the Christmas contest.
Yes, I got the "we'll get back to you" email.
But, I immediately asked them for a pay scale. Will it be minimum wage? Pecentage of tips, or?
Nothing. No response.
I hope they realize that minimum wage in California doesn't go far. Especially after taxes , etc.are taken out.
If we get to keep 100% of tips, then I would feel better.
Anyway, at least I have a backup plan.
We shall see.

anonamiss
12-13-2019, 09:39 AM
I haven't received anything yet, which has me concerned. I Cancelled all my fun Christmas parties so I could stay home and work! Bah, humbug!

That sucks, I'm sorry. You haven't gotten a response at all? I assume you mean you sent them an email with your part or full time interest? I sent my CalGems email on Tuesday afternoon and they responded within minutes. :/ Are you sure it didn't go to spam, or could you have perhaps made a typo in the CalGems email address?

anonamiss
12-13-2019, 09:45 AM
Yes, I got the "we'll get back to you" email.
But, I immediately asked them for a pay scale. Will it be minimum wage? Pecentage of tips, or?
Nothing. No response.
I hope they realize that minimum wage in California doesn't go far. Especially after taxes , etc.are taken out.
If we get to keep 100% of tips, then I would feel better.
Anyway, at least I have a backup plan.
We shall see.

Keeping 100% of tips is not happening. Models would just game the system and do $0 gold shows and ask for tips to keep everything. Plus it would mean girls who use tip vibes would have an unfair earning advantage over those who just do privates.

Glad to hear you have a backup plan. I haven't gotten that far other than praying I can get more custies over to indie before the end of the year.

I do hope they send the email out today. I heard back on Tuesday and they said they'd get back within "a few days." Fingers crossed.

SamanthaSugar
12-13-2019, 12:20 PM
That sucks, I'm sorry. You haven't gotten a response at all? I assume you mean you sent them an email with your part or full time interest? I sent my CalGems email on Tuesday afternoon and they responded within minutes. :/ Are you sure it didn't go to spam, or could you have perhaps made a typo in the CalGems email address?


Checked all my folders and the email address was correct, just sent them another email.

In all honesty, if they come back with some low-ball, insulting pay structure, I'm bouncing. I already charge 7.99/8.99 a min, what will I have to do, charge 13.99/14.99 a minute or higher?

As D day gets closer, I'm just going to start poaching all my regs.

BubblyBlonde
12-13-2019, 06:47 PM
I worked at a Studio here in CA a few years ago and they guaranteed $20 an hour OR your commission whichever was greater. They also set our rates and we had no control over it which sucked. Most models made more than the $20 an hour, but it was nice and a lot less stressful/annoying when sitting in free chat. I asked for part time status, but I also took a few days to reply because of personal matters. We'll see what happens.

GracieBlue
12-13-2019, 06:47 PM
Back from the dead just for this bullshit! My situation has gotten extremely messy. I've been reading this thread all week. I basically moved to California three years ago from the Midwest and finally switched over to a California ID. I did not get the email that other models in CA got. I was trying to be proactive so I emailed CalGems and said I'd like to join as part time. They basically emailed me back and said that I did not initially qualify. Ok fine. I emailed Liz and she said they still had my old ID on file and I was fine. I thought maybe that was why CalGems was not wanting to accept me because I didn't have a CA ID anyway. So I decided to be compliant and update my ID, I needed to do this anyway because it is expiring on the site. Big fucking mistake. They closed my account today. I have emailed Liz and Vanessa. If anyone knows anyone else I can email I would appreciate any kind of help. Of course I did not get any replies. I am really hoping they reopen my account because this is just a big giant mess. It wouldn't be a mess if they had competent support. I think they looked at my ID and just rejected me. I have been camming on streamate for over seven years now, I have a huge fan base in my hourly is really good. Anyway just venting and thought I would chime in. Don't up your date your ID!!

innocentindian
12-13-2019, 08:29 PM
I emailed them early this week and here's their response. I'm glad they at least responded, but honestly they shouldn't have bothered with the answers I got. Fingers crossed we get more details early next week. The deadline for California healthcare is approaching and I still don't know if I should renew it for CA or start an application for the state I'm planning to move to in January if I don't like the options CalGems is offering. :-\

Here are the answers to your questions:

1) For part time work and being limited to 30 hours per week, are we still allowed to choose our own hours and hop online when we want, as long as the weekly total is under 30 hours? Is it the same for full time work? Yes and yes.

2) Will we be paid 35% (the standard Streamate percentage) or a smaller percentage? Will we be paid an hourly base rate? There will be more information in the offer letter next week.

3) What payment options are there? (Daily, weekly, monthly, US check, direct deposit, wire transfer) There are several payment options and more information will be given during the onboarding.

4) If we move out of California in the year 2020 (example: June 2020) can we transfer out of Cal-Gems, or are we required to stay under contract? Can we re-join Streamate as an independent contractor if we move out of California at a later date? There will be more information will be given during the onboarding.

Again, thank you for your questions.

Thank you,
Cal Gems

MilfSM
12-13-2019, 08:29 PM
I have not; I don't have a Twitter account and I doubt that if I made one now anyone would respond to a basically blank page. I generally choose to stay off of social media for my mental health -- it wasn't until all this AB-5 stuff blew up in the last few weeks that I started reading public Twitter pages, and it causes me a lot of stress, so I try to limit my intake even though I want to stay informed.

I also don't know who these models are. It's all very ambiguous and rumor-y, which I don't like taking direct part in. All I saw was a post on the Adult Film Actors Guild twitter today that said "To California Streamate models, we are seeing many today either posting they have been hired or rejected for employment. . . ." https://twitter.com/APAGunion/status/1204898349587013633

as well as

"California streamate models that are trans can you contact me with if you were accepted for employment or not. Two trans models have reported they didn’t meet the requirements. " https://twitter.com/MrsKellyPierce/status/1204869187878957059

What's interesting to me is that the official message from SM has only been released as of Monday. I responded yesterday with my interest in hearing more about the employment opportunity. They said they are still finalizing paperwork and would respond within a few days. So I'm pretty curious to know who these models are that are hearing direct yes or no responses when it sounds like they aren't even ready to officially employ anyone yet.


This reply is an acceptance letter. They send this or a denial. I got this one too.

laurielegs
12-14-2019, 12:15 AM
1) For part time work and being limited to 30 hours per week, are we still allowed to choose our own hours and hop online when we want, as long as the weekly total is under 30 hours? Is it the same for full time work? Yes and yes.


Well at least that part of it is good news! Flexible hours are something I doubt most models would be willing to give up.

anonamiss
12-14-2019, 12:40 PM
Back from the dead just for this bullshit! My situation has gotten extremely messy. I've been reading this thread all week. I basically moved to California three years ago from the Midwest and finally switched over to a California ID. I did not get the email that other models in CA got. I was trying to be proactive so I emailed CalGems and said I'd like to join as part time. They basically emailed me back and said that I did not initially qualify. Ok fine. I emailed Liz and she said they still had my old ID on file and I was fine. I thought maybe that was why CalGems was not wanting to accept me because I didn't have a CA ID anyway. So I decided to be compliant and update my ID, I needed to do this anyway because it is expiring on the site. Big fucking mistake. They closed my account today. I have emailed Liz and Vanessa. If anyone knows anyone else I can email I would appreciate any kind of help. Of course I did not get any replies. I am really hoping they reopen my account because this is just a big giant mess. It wouldn't be a mess if they had competent support. I think they looked at my ID and just rejected me. I have been camming on streamate for over seven years now, I have a huge fan base in my hourly is really good. Anyway just venting and thought I would chime in. Don't up your date your ID!!

oh wow that does sound messy. If you are a California model that makes good money for them I'm sure they will reinstate your account and get you on track with CalGems. Liz seemed really sympathetic about the whole AB5 situation when I talked to her so I hope she helps you out.

Just wanted to say though, its not good advice to not update your ID. Cam sites need it on file for legal reasons to prove you are over 18, so it has to be current. If it was about to expire they would've disabled your account until it was updated anyway.

GracieBlue
12-14-2019, 01:06 PM
oh wow that does sound messy. If you are a California model that makes good money for them I'm sure they will reinstate your account and get you on track with CalGems. Liz seemed really sympathetic about the whole AB5 situation when I talked to her so I hope she helps you out.

Just wanted to say though, its not good advice to not update your ID. Cam sites need it on file for legal reasons to prove you are over 18, so it has to be current. If it was about to expire they would've disabled your account until it was updated anyway.

I'm saying that in jest. I literally thought I was doing the right thing, trying to be compliant and now I can't work. I think I probably should've waited for Liz to update my ID or something. Hopefully I will be back on cam next week but for now it really sucks not having the ability to work. I also wanted to share with girls what could happen if you do update your ID through support it might be a better route to update it with Liz who knows what's going on.

GracieBlue
12-14-2019, 01:12 PM
Also wanted to add that I think it's extremely unfair that they closed my account when I am an existing seven year model with them. It seems as though all of the other existing California models got the notice that they could at least work until January 1st and the opportunity to apply to CalGems. I wasn't even afforded that choice as of yet. So I think girls should be smart and get all the info they can. Sorry if I sound bitchy I am obviously currently under a lot of stress and of course I'm getting no answers from anyone because it's the weekend.

anonamiss
12-14-2019, 03:36 PM
Also wanted to add that I think it's extremely unfair that they closed my account when I am an existing seven year model with them. It seems as though all of the other existing California models got the notice that they could at least work until January 1st and the opportunity to apply to CalGems. I wasn't even afforded that choice as of yet. So I think girls should be smart and get all the info they can. Sorry if I sound bitchy I am obviously currently under a lot of stress and of course I'm getting no answers from anyone because it's the weekend.

just curious, was your address on the tax info/registered account owner page updated to be in California?

I assumed they were using that and the address verification document to filter out who to send the CalGems message to, not necessarily our IDs.

Really sorry to hear about your issues. I hope you get your account back and get things worked out with CalGems soon.

GracieBlue
12-14-2019, 03:57 PM
Thank you! I hope so too!
No, because I work for Boleyn models. Everything is updated in their system because they are the ones that pay me. I was actually taking a look the other day to figure out how to change my address with SM and I couldn't figure that out. I just got the pop up on my dashboard probably a couple of weeks ago that my ID was expiring.

I also am wondering or at least trying to make myself feel better LOL if SM has certain members of support that do/approve different things. I'm wondering if they have one person that verifies all IDs and they saw the California one pop up and just immediately closed it. So maybe ID verification just goes all to the same person whether you are new or old.

But this has me thinking…What if a current model from Colorado moves to California? are they not able to apply to CalGems? Are they just closed down as well?


just curious, was your address on the tax info/registered account owner page updated to be in California?

I assumed they were using that and the address verification document to filter out who to send the CalGems message to, not necessarily our IDs.

Really sorry to hear about your issues. I hope you get your account back and get things worked out with CalGems soon.

naomi_doll
12-14-2019, 04:07 PM
Thank you! I hope so too!
No, because I work for Boleyn models. Everything is updated in their system because they are the ones that pay me. I was actually taking a look the other day to figure out how to change my address with SM and I couldn't figure that out. I just got the pop up on my dashboard probably a couple of weeks ago that my ID was expiring.

I also am wondering or at least trying to make myself feel better LOL if SM has certain members of support that do/approve different things. I'm wondering if they have one person that verifies all IDs and they saw the California one pop up and just immediately closed it. So maybe ID verification just goes all to the same person whether you are new or old.

But this has me thinking…What if a current model from Colorado moves to California? are they not able to apply to CalGems? Are they just closed down as well?

I believe Rev (a transcription site) and a tutoring site decided they would no longer sign new California contracts. So SM may not be taking new Californians either.

GracieBlue
12-14-2019, 04:15 PM
I'm 99% sure that I have heard that SM is definitely not approving new accounts. The thing is, is that I'm not new. I've been there for seven years.




I believe Rev (a transcription site) and a tutoring site decided they would no longer sign new California contracts. So SM may not be taking new Californians either.

naomi_doll
12-14-2019, 04:24 PM
I'm 99% sure that I have heard that SM is definitely not approving new accounts. The thing is, is that I'm not new. I've been there for seven years.

Sorry, I knew that. I was just trying to think of a reason it triggered an issue. I've heard SM support is hit or miss (and sometimes a lot more miss than hit). I'm so sorry you are having issues, I had a hard time changing my id everywhere when I moved too.