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NEWS

The Norwich Guidon
Nov. 13, 2003

Student uses Internet strip site to pay for law school expenses

By Carrie Mitchell
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

Knowing that she will eventually be naked keeps them logged on and watching her every move and keystroke.

She poses nude every day in front of thousands of men and women whom she does not know and will most likely never meet.

Heather, who asked that her last name be withheld, is a self-described busty blonde who owns a home business.

But what makes Heather different is her reason for doing Internet stripping: to pay for college.

And while it may not be a business most would expect this 27-year-old college graduate to operate, it is paying for her bills as she completes law school.

"I like to think of it as going to the bar or a club and meeting people, only I can do it naked," Heather said.

With the help of a friend, Heather runs her site mainly as a members only site, though she does have an area for guests, because, as she pointed out, those guests could be potential members.

The business began as an experiment, Heather said. "I saw a special on TV and thought I'd like to try it."

Though she started with just one web camera, she has since expanded to eight, one in every area of her house.

"There is only one area of the house you can't see and that's the toilet. I have a cam in the shower, though," Heather explained.

Heather said she's not an exhibitionist, and she has never done anything like this before, but she simply likes "to be noticeable.

"I think of this as kind of a game I play with myself, like how many eyes can I catch? I don't care if they love me or hate me as long as I'm memorable and noticeable," she said.

The website now has over 2,500 members, all of whom have paid both an entry fee of $15 and a yearly membership fee of $50. She also sells monthly memberships at a fee of $20.

Though she would not disclose what she makes annually, Heather said, "I make enough to live comfortably and I can afford my $2,000 a month Internet bill."

Heather said she never does anything too outrageous on her website, but admits that "it can get pretty erotic."

"Sex sells, and I like to give my viewing audience a good show," Heather said. "I like the viewer to feel included in the cam, like I know they are watching and I appreciate it."

Heather chats with her members and guests as they watch her around her home, and she answers hundreds of e-mails each day. She said she talks with her members about "everything from sex, to school, to cars.

"I really want my personality to show through," Heather said. "The majority of my audience is male, and I know what they want to see."

Heather explained that a big part of the appeal of her website is the money she makes, but also it's her show and she can do whatever she wants.

"If I want to spend hours in front of the computer naked, I can, but if I want to be there in sweats, I can do that, too." Heather added.

She explained that she doesn't get away from home as much as she would like; she has to be there for her members, and she does get her fair share of "weirdos" that visit the website. But those are not her biggest problem or fear.

"I'm kind of nervous that one day my little brother is going to find his way to my site," Heather said, "or even worse, my father."

"I have to say, overall, there is more good than bad in this business, but it's not for everyone," Heather said.

The Norwich Guidon is a twice-monthly student newspaper distributed at Norwich University. It provides laboratory experience for students in the Communications program. Claims asserted by letter writers, editorials and other articles do not represent the positions of Norwich University. The Norwich Guidon welcomes signed letters to the editor. They should be no longer than 300 words. Unsigned letters will not be printed, but names may be withheld upon worthy request. All letters are subject to editing for length and good taste. Mailing address: The Norwich Guidon, Communications Center, Norwich University, Northfield, VT 056632. www.norwich.edu/guidon. If you have any questions or comments about the paper, please contact Professor Ken Bush at kbush@norwich.edu.