Starting a WebCam Site!

[DigitalJay]

I went out and got a really cheap digital camera finally. So me and my bf are thinking about setting up an amatuer site of ourselves with live webcams and galleries/videos.

Anyone have any advice on how to get started? Tips, links, etc? I'm doing this to try to raise money for my big dreams, so I am really going to put my all into making it successfull, any help is MUCH appreciated!

[DigitalJay]

don't everyone reply at once, the server might bust! :p

[dirtygeek]

I know how....:specs:

First you need a server that allows streaming video, then you need a program to push the video. (It's called normally done with a program called a JAVA PUSH.) If you don't have the program, it's not really streaming its more like just taking a picture every 2 seconds and throwing it on a server.

Really good stable programs that don't have a lot of ads all everywhere are going to run you anywhere from $200.00 bought outright - $4000.00 leased yearly. (you may find one that you can lease, but sure it would have ads to them or porn sites.

Right now, for someone just getting started in this, I would say go the IFriends way. Unless you have some backers.

[DigitalJay]

Yeah, not having a streaming cam with audio will definately be a downfall of the site. But thats ok. Gotta start somewhere (and it won't be at ifriends). But i'm on dialup anyway remember :p

So, this is just a pet project for fun and to try to raise a little money for my big project, so it's supposed to be FUN not super money making oriented, so it's cool if my site isn't the best of the best. I can't imagine that guys who start a webcam site JUST to make money do too well, unless they are drop dead hot which i'm not.

It's more or less going to be a large database of amateur pics/vid clips of me, my bf, friends, and others. Thats the sell point, not the webcam, thats a bonus. I think amateur pic sites where you can actually chat with the owner and see what he's up to are cool, and thats what i'll have, fancy streaming cam or not.

[edk]

Hey DJ -

As you already know, because the market is so saturated with webcams you want yours to stand-out a little if you can. So any kind of new niche maybe or a different way of doing things. Spend some time looking at some exsisting ones and see what you wouldn't want to repeat and maybe something out there that you like that you can build off of.

Just Thoughts!! Good Luck

[DigitalJay]

Thanks edk, I totally agree that any new site also needs a new angle. Pretty much the only one I have is that the site is really simple. Dosn't use a portal script and isn't an ugly homemade one page scroller either. Just a plain easy to navigate site full of hot amateur pics of guys, with the webcam kind of as an added bonus.

[CamZ_Dan]

Hi Jay,

If I can make a recommendation.

I own CamZ.com and we do GayCamZ.com. The person who runs that for us is Colette cx@camz.com

We offer a package for performers that is very good.

1. We pay for your hosting. one show a week and get $100 in free hosting and two shows a week gets free hosting for your domain. this is with AmateurHosting.com

2. We supply you with extra content.

3. Your members would get the other shows from all of the people on the network as well as yours.

4. Traffic. You would receive traffic as well as get exposure to many more people. This is only available to performers on CamZ.

5. The ability to do one on one pay per min shows on the PrivateCamZ side of things

6.Many little extras that come along with being a performer on CamZ.

7.We use both windows media and or Flash com servers to do the broadcasting. giving the best in quality

8.The content and the schedule is completely customizable so you can pick the colors to match your site.

9. Set up is made very easy with step be step instructions and personal assistance should you have any trouble.

Please feel free to drop a note to myself dan@camz.com or Colette CX@CamZ.com anytime if you have any questions.

to sign up check out www.camz.com

[Lee]

DJ,

I would seriously consider taking Dan up on his offer Camz has been running amateur webcam sites for more years than i care to remember, youll be in good hands with them :thumbsup:

Regards,

Lee

[CamZ_Dan]

thank you Lee. Yes we have either run an Amateur site of our own or have been in the cam network and hosting side for the last 6+years.

I did re-read the posts made and noticed that DJ is on a dial up. That is a problem as we do need broadband. However if it is available and it is a question of cost we would be happy to help with that for a few months while you get things going.

Drop a note anytime if you have any questions.

[RainGurl]

dan is a good guy! had the opportunity to hang out with him a bit in phoenix. i'd look into it, jay. good luck!

[CX*]

Thanks Dan : )

Jay we would love to you have.. if you want to talk or have any questions please feel free to contact me any time.

icq 42583605
aim cxcamz

[caliente4sex]

I did a copuple of amateur videos and sold them on naughtybids.com
I paid $200 per video ($100 per guy) for each guy and collect about $1500 per video and I am still selling them...

I forgot to tell U that I have saved money editing my videos... I have invested about $1500 on video editing and stuff

I think that work quicker if you just want to make money for another proyect. Check the law about adult videos in your area before doing anything.

Alex PG

[desslock]

DigitalJay

I think you are looking to just get started right now. I have had a bedroom cam running for a few years now, and I found a nice little program that runs it easily.

It's called WebCam32 - and you can buy it and download off their website. I think it was like $40. The address is
http://www.surveyorcorp.com/webcam32

It works nicely, and it was relatively simple to setup.

Steve

[DigitalJay]

I'll have to at least start my site with dialup because there is no broadband internet available here. I like community webcam sites and I know that gaycamz is a good one, maybe after I move I could move my site there.

Should a small amateur site like this have a members area? I probably can't do anything like ccbill, so I guess I would use a premium/platinum AVS. Which one(s) would you use for a webcam/amateur site? I want one that has a good reputation and that has a monthly recurring premium upgrade. The only one i'm familiar with at all is UGAS platinum.

[CamZ_Dan]

I would still drop a note to Cx@camz.com. She has built and maintains several sites for others and does a rev share with them. She has a billing solution in place.

As for the broadband if and or when you ever do get one the please do look us up.

I believe that webcam 32 will work on a refresh page with dial up. We did it for a short time back about 5 or 6 years ago.

God luck and please feel free to drop a note anytime.