Depends on what is actually being presented. If it’s people being recorded unaware in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, then it is highly unethical. If it’s people being recorded unaware, but have no reasonable expectation of privacy, then it’s no more unethical than the news recording people on the street.
Gernally speaking, “Had no idea what was going on” = lack of informed consent = unethical.
1. How do you feel about the ethics of it if it’s genuinely voyeur?
2. Would this change if you knew the identity of the person involved… and they had no idea what was going on?
3. Do you self-identify as male?
4. Does anyone else on this board know who you are / could they work it out?
5. Would any of the above stop you?
6. How much would you pay for a 24/7 webcam feed?
1. How do you feel about the ethics of it if it’s genuinely voyeur?
I think something can be “genuinely” voyeur and still involve consent from all parties. The idea is that they don’t know that I’m watching, not necessarily that they don’t know that anyone is watching. That’s what works for me, anyway.
2. Would this change if you knew the identity of the person involved… and they had no idea what was going on?
I don’t want to watch any porn that involves someone I know. And, as Otto said, “If it’s people being recorded unaware in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, then it is highly unethical.”
3. Do you self-identify as male?
Nope.
4. Does anyone else on this board know who you are / could they work it out?
Yes, a few folks know my “real life” identity.
5. Would any of the above stop you?
I have to echo Rigamarole and Otto: stop me from what?
6. How much would you pay for a 24/7 webcam feed?
Not a thing. As Rigamarole pointed out, there’s plenty of free stuff out there – why pay for anything? Plus, my enjoyment of voyeurism only extends to sex: I don’t get off on watching people go about their day. So unless the webcam feed shows folks having sex 24/7, it’s not content that I’d watch even for free.
How do you feel about the ethics of it if it’s genuinely voyeur?
Pretty badly.
Would this change if you knew the identity of the person involved… and they had no idea what was going on?
I’d feel even worse.
Do you self-identify as male?
Yes. Others identify me as such, too.
Does anyone else on this board know who you are / could they work it out?
I’ve organized and attended Boston’s most successful Dopefest to date. And anyone with a keen enough interest in me could probably do some searches and find me at work. Exact office and everything.
Would any of the above stop you?
From… ?
How much would you pay for a 24/7 webcam feed?
Nothing. Most people’s lives are really quite boring. Even a complete nympho is going to spend most of her time doing crushingly inane stuff. I look at porn where I can fast forward to the “good parts.”