Voyeurism is classed as the sexual gratification or turn on by watching someone in secret. And in the age of smartphones, webcams and home video kits this is easier to do that ever before. And then come the internet- the perfect place for people to not only watch but to be watched. Lifecasting- or lifecasters started with JenniCam who is hailed as one of the most missed things on the internet (CNN 2008). In 1996 while studying at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, she installed a black and white webcam in her dorm room. (for more infomation on JenniCam visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennifer_Ringley )
Other such early adopters of lifecasting where a group of Hissing Cockroaches in a USA University in 1993- they are still broadcasting today! (though the inhabitants of the tank may have changed since 1993) It must also be noted that animals where lifecast much earlier than people, mainly from laboratories, universities or companies- this is in large to do with the scale and cost of such an operation back in the internet stone age.
Other such early adopters of lifecasting where a group of Hissing Cockroaches in a USA University in 1993- they are still broadcasting today! (though the inhabitants of the tank may have changed since 1993) It must also be noted that animals where lifecast much earlier than people, mainly from laboratories, universities or companies- this is in large to do with the scale and cost of such an operation back in the internet stone age.
So here is a list of a few different/ unusual webcams you can watch to tickle that 21st century urge to watch people/ Places and things! Watched over a 48 hour period. (I will say it right now that none of these cams SHOULD have nudity in- but I cant promise)
InsanityCam
http://www.insanitycam.com/Kitchen.htm
What does this site have? 11 Cameras all set up and running for almost 10 years from birth of the site to now. This gentleman in question notes that his wife doesnt like them and his daughter hates it. None the less it is a very watchable webcam site- even if all you are doing is watching him watch a TV show about the Diamond Jubilee and watch his cat mess around.
Arau laundromat
http://www.opentopia.com/webcam/8707Do you remember as a child sitting and watching the washer and dryer go round and round and round? well now you can re live this great past time right from your home- while watching a laundry room in Japan. The machines are unmanned but you can see people coming and doing their washing- I just watched a 30 something man fold his pink towels.
http://www.insanitycam.com/Kitchen.htm
What does this site have? 11 Cameras all set up and running for almost 10 years from birth of the site to now. This gentleman in question notes that his wife doesnt like them and his daughter hates it. None the less it is a very watchable webcam site- even if all you are doing is watching him watch a TV show about the Diamond Jubilee and watch his cat mess around.
Arau laundromat
http://www.opentopia.com/webcam/8707Do you remember as a child sitting and watching the washer and dryer go round and round and round? well now you can re live this great past time right from your home- while watching a laundry room in Japan. The machines are unmanned but you can see people coming and doing their washing- I just watched a 30 something man fold his pink towels.
Fish Eye View Cam
http://www.fisheyeview.com/FVCam.html
A rather beautiful tank filled with coral and fish- its rather hypnotic to watch and therapeutic- but the image does time out after so long. Started in 1995 in Florida USA it has a distinct Finding Nemo feel to it (but that might just be me) They also give lots of information on the kit they use as well as the camera equipment, which although is basic gives great images!
http://www.fisheyeview.com/FVCam.html
A rather beautiful tank filled with coral and fish- its rather hypnotic to watch and therapeutic- but the image does time out after so long. Started in 1995 in Florida USA it has a distinct Finding Nemo feel to it (but that might just be me) They also give lots of information on the kit they use as well as the camera equipment, which although is basic gives great images!
Club PlayGround Internet Cafe
http://www.opentopia.com/webcam/10243
Playground (seen as logo PG) is as far as I can tell (my russian isnt that great) a Gaming/ Internet cafe in Moscow Russia. The image itself is clear and has a nice viewing angle of 10 ish computer screens- so you can sit and watch people on the internet. It looks pretty busy when its open so its quite energetic to watch.
http://www.opentopia.com/webcam/10243
Playground (seen as logo PG) is as far as I can tell (my russian isnt that great) a Gaming/ Internet cafe in Moscow Russia. The image itself is clear and has a nice viewing angle of 10 ish computer screens- so you can sit and watch people on the internet. It looks pretty busy when its open so its quite energetic to watch.
Hammonton, New Jersey USA
http://www.opentopia.com/webcam/11019?viewmode=livevideoI am not entirely sure what we are looking at here- some form of pire or sidewalk. Its always busy day or night, with everyone from skateboarders to shoppers there is always someone walking down infront of the webcam. On the left of the screen there is what looks like steps down to a sandy area (beach?) and again what looks like a seating area- I hope this is to watch the Hammonton topless Beach Volleyball team.
The Crossing
Ok I felt it was time to look at one a little closer to home. Abbey Road London UK is famous for having The Beatles walk over the crossing here in what is classed as one of the most iconic album covers in Music History (NME/ Rolling Stones) This one again is busy day and night- with not only traffic but people. And this one really is voyeurism in its highest as the people have no idea you are watching them do the ‘iconic’ walk over the crossing. I had many hours of fun laughing at people on the crossing.
(added bonus- the camera has sound)
(added bonus- the camera has sound)
Bubble Cam
http://www.andieandmike.org/bubblecam/This Cam is legendary across the internet. Not because its view is very thrilling (a back garden) that at different points in the year is dressed according to the seasons/ holidays or because it is in both English and Spanish. But because its rigged up to a Bubble machine- the website states ‘Press the “Bubbles” button to turn on a 30 second blast of bubbles. It may take a few seconds but you should see bubbles soon.’ now this may not sound amazing- but it amused me for ages! The website is so popular you can only watch the camera for 4 minutes at a time to free up bandwidth for someone else to play with the bubbles!
Anzuno Satoichi- Shop in Japan
http://www.opentopia.com/webcam/8489?viewmode=livevideoOK its not exactly Supermarket sweep, but its busy and you can see all the interesting things the internet tells us about Japan (I havent seen any tentical porn as of yet) from the outfit to the interesting carriers for their shopping. I am still trying to work out what they sell- it looks like some kind of fresh fruit/ veg and pre packaged… meat? Any way its fast moving and a bit of fun.
TopTip- Play a drinking game to the people, everyone get assigned a colour and you take a shot when a person is wearing the colour!
What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas (and on the internet)
http://www.earthcam.com/usa/nevada/lasvegas/index.php?cam=weddingSo you have always wanted to know what a Vegas Wedding is like? well here you go- you can sit at home in your PJs and watch total strangers get married! The website boasts that you can watch the venue transform from normal to any variation of themed weddings- complete with lighting, actors and costumes! This is the Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel and whilst watching I have seen- 4 wedding dresses, 4 ‘walk ins off the street’ and an elvis wedding (to name a few). you can watch everything from the bride walking down the aisle to the couples 1st dance, with lots of room for guests (though I am yet to see any)
