If you’re an amateur Web personality, your personal safety out of cyberspace should always be on your mind. Keep your true identity separate from your online persona by following a few simple guidelines. Amateur Web girl Nina Marachino offers advice on how you can keep safe while still managing to have fun and “be yourself” online.If you’re an amateur Web personality, your personal safety out of cyberspace should always be on your mind. Keep your true identity separate from your online persona by following a few simple guidelines. Amateur Web girl Nina Marachino offers advice on how you can keep safe while still managing to have fun and “be yourself” online.

Amateur webmasters often own, operate and star on their own sites, so it is important for them to be mindful of safety. Precautions should be taken to prevent too much of their real life from being exposed. Here are some tips to help keep you safe.

It’s important to put distance between your true identity and that of your Web presence. Every little piece of real information you provide to your members is a clue back to you. There’s no need to make up a fake personality — still be yourself — just change enough to hide information that could prove dangerous. Have fun creating a persona to keep surfers from discovering too much.

USE A STAGE NAME
You have an opportunity to pick any name you’d like. Everyone has a name they wish their mom had chosen, so here’s your chance. If you do not wish to change your name completely, use a variation of your real name, such as Kristen to Kristy or Kris. Never give out your last name.

DO NOT USE YOUR HOME ADDRESS

“If someone is pressuring you for information, it’s always helpful to start asking them questions; people often enjoy talking about themselves.”

Many people will want to know where you are based. If you live in a small town, use the nearest city. You don’t need to get more specific than that. If someone is pressuring you for information, it’s always helpful to start asking them questions; people often enjoy talking about themselves.

If someone recognizes you in public, pretend you don’t know what they are talking about and move into a populated area. Never go straight home, you wouldn’t want to lead someone back to your house. When out in public, try to look a little different than you do on the web. Don’t wear the same clothing, wear your hair differently and change your makeup.

LEAVE MEETING MEMBERS TO BAR-MEETS
I have a strict rule never to meet a member outside of a bar-meet no matter how harmless he seems. I’ve been in situations where members buy me a gift and then suggest that we meet in order to give it to me. I thank them, explain my rule and ask them to either hold onto it until my next bar-meet or mail it to me.

BAR-MEET SAFETY
Bar-meets are great marketing opportunities. They can also be a lot of fun. If you are planning your own bar-meet, hold it at a location you don’t normally frequent, but of course check it out ahead of time. Know the location’s layout well. Try to coordinate your bar-meet with other Web girls. There is safety in numbers. Send an email to your members preparing them, that a barmeet is an opportunity to meet you but that they are not necessarily going to have sex., and be sure to have male friends with you. Have them spread throughout the party keeping a discreet but watchful eye. Do not drink too much. You do not want your judgement to be impaired. Do not take your normal route home, once again you wouldn’t want to lead someone back to your home.

WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS
Someone is always “writing a book” on online porn or “making a documentary.” Opportunities of a lifetime are almost always too good to be true. If someone emails you with one, get as much information through email that you can, including references. Ask tons of questions and get all the details. If this seems to check out, call them on the phone to discuss it further, use caller id blocking and never give out your phone number. If you still feel comfortable with this person and you absolutely have to meet them, chose a busy place and bring a friend. Hold onto your drink at all times, you wouldn’t want anyone slipping something into it… this holds true for barmeets as well. Once again, don’t drink too much and don’t lead them back to your home.

Most people you will meet through your adventures as an amateur Web girl will be harmless. My experiences have almost always been positive. But it is important to be aware and in control of every situation. Have fun, but be safe!

Nina Marachino is a member of The ADULTWEBMASTER Magazine’s writing staff, and she is also an amateur Webmaster and Web girl. You can visit her anytime at www.thesmartestpornstar.com.