In a recent blog, I shared my thoughts on the trend of sex workers doing “money counts” online—videos or posts showcasing earnings as a form of marketing. My intention was to spark an educational conversation for both clients and sex workers about the potential consequences of this practice. It was never an invitation to attack or shame those who choose this marketing strategy. Quite the opposite, the blog aimed to foster understanding and professionalism while highlighting the nuanced risks involved.
Unfortunately, I’ve noticed some in the community have used my blog as justification for trolling or harassing those who use money counts. This chapter is meant to clarify my stance, address the dangers of trolling, and re-emphasise the need for professionalism and mutual respect within our industry.
Why Discuss Money Counts?
The discussion about money counts is rooted in a genuine concern for the safety and mental well-being of sex workers. While this form of marketing can be effective in attracting clients, it also carries inherent risks.
Mental Health Concerns
For some, seeing large sums of money flaunted online can create feelings of inadequacy or financial pressure, especially for those who are new to the industry or going through a slow period.
Comparisons can foster a toxic environment where individuals feel compelled to compete rather than support one another.
Physical Safety Risks
Publicly displaying earnings can make sex workers targets for theft, stalking, or other forms of harm.
The visibility of these videos may attract unwanted attention from those outside the community, including law enforcement in areas where sex work is criminalised.
My intention in writing about this topic was to educate—not to vilify. By discussing these potential risks, I hoped to encourage thoughtful reflection about how we market ourselves and the impact it may have on our community.
Trolling Is Not the Answer
While my blog critiqued money counts as a marketing tool, it was never meant as a personal attack on those who use this strategy. Unfortunately, some individuals have misinterpreted the message and taken to trolling others on social media platforms like TikTok, calling them out publicly or shaming them for their choices. This behaviour is harmful for several reasons.
It Undermines Professionalism
Trolling others in the community sends a message to clients and outsiders that sex workers cannot maintain professionalism or mutual respect.
Public conflicts detract from the credibility of the industry as a whole.
It Creates Division
Rather than fostering collaboration or solidarity, trolling creates rifts within the community.
This division weakens our collective voice in advocating for rights, safety, and respect.
It Perpetuates Harm
Harassment, even within the community, can have real emotional and psychological consequences.
Trolling is no different from the kind of judgment and stigma sex workers face from outsiders—why turn that negativity inward?
Calling out individuals for their marketing choices in a public or harmful way is, ironically, the very behaviour my blog sought to discourage.
The Case for Professionalism
Sex work is a professional industry, and as such, it requires a level of respect and decorum both online and offline. Professionalism means addressing disagreements or concerns in a constructive manner, not resorting to trolling or public shaming.
Respecting Individual Choices
Not everyone will agree on the best way to market their services, but that doesn’t mean one approach is inherently better than another.
Criticism should be constructive, not personal. If you have concerns, express them privately or in a way that educates rather than condemns.
Setting an Example for Clients
If we expect clients to respect us as professionals, we must also model that respect within our community.
Public infighting undermines the hard work many have done to legitimise and normalise sex work.
Encouraging Dialogue, Not Conflict
Discussions about marketing strategies, safety, or industry norms should be open (in the correct spaces) and nonjudgmental.
Healthy debate and shared experiences help us grow as a community, but this only works when conducted respectfully.
A Call to Action: Education, Not Harassment
The goal of my original blog was to educate, not to incite. Here’s how we can refocus the conversation around money counts and move forward as a stronger, more united community.
For Clients:
Understand that sex work marketing comes in many forms. What works for one person may not work for another.
Respect sex workers’ boundaries and choices, and avoid making judgments based on how someone markets themselves.
For Sex Workers:
Reflect on your marketing strategies and consider the potential risks—not just for yourself, but for others in the community.
Support one another, even if you disagree with someone’s approach. If you have concerns, address them privately and constructively.
For Everyone:
Reject trolling and harassment as acceptable behaviour. Criticism can be valid, but it should never cross the line into personal attacks or shaming, especially shaming with words that insight whorearchy such as “low class.”
Advocate for professionalism and mutual respect within the industry, showing the world that sex workers are united, not divided.
Conclusion
The conversation about money counts is an important one, but it must be approached with care and respect. My intent was never to create division or encourage trolling but to educate and spark meaningful dialogue about the risks involved. Let’s use this opportunity to build a more supportive, professional community—one that uplifts all its members and works together to ensure safety, respect, and success for everyone.
Trolling others, whether about money counts or any other marketing choice, is not the solution. Instead, let’s focus on education, compassion, and collaboration as the foundation for a thriving, empowered sex work community.
