There are few things in life that truly come without a price…especially not the ‘free’ breast implants offered on a website called MyFreeImplants.com.
A local news station from South Carolina covered this story and I recommend taking a look at their video and transcript.
If you want to see the My Free Implants website for yourself, please be aware that even though its owners claim that the site isn’t “about” pornographic content, the site is rife with inappropriate material.
Enough to make your skin crawl
My Free Implants basically tries to market itself as a social networking site that enables men to fund breast implants for women who can’t afford the surgery on their own.
Women who want breast implants, but can’t afford them, join the site and create a profile. Men (whom the site calls “benefactors”) also join the site and pay money to the women whom they’d like to see get breast augmentation.
There are a number of ways to pay money to the women on the site. Men can choose to simply donate the money to a woman or, if they’d like to try to get to know her first, they can pay for “message credits” (which start at $1.80 for a single credit). The credits are used to send messages to the female members, who then receive a portion of the credit price added to their “boob bank” (note: that’s they’re term, not mine).
It gets worse…
Men can also decide whom to give money to by holding contests.
These contests run the gamut from fairly boring to downright dirty. One man, for example, held a contest in which he asked, “What would YOU do for a $20 donation?”. To win, women had to send the “benefactor” their ideas…and agree that, if they’re chosen as the winner, they have to send him a photo or video of themselves doing whatever it is they said they’d do.
Another contest offers $1500 to the woman who submits the best photo of herself flashing her bits and pieces in public (”the more risky.. the better your chance of winning!”). And, of course, there are also contests whose terms are too nasty for me to justify reiterating on this site.
The girls are as bad as the boys…sometimes worse
Similarly, female members can also run contests, many of which have explicit photos and sex videos as the prize to the highest bidder. The site further encourages women to raise money for their surgery by selling personal items.
The site even advises that, “a lot of guys will pay major bucks for anything of yours… especially items you’ve worn.”
As you can imagine, the site is a sleaze fest filled with women exposing themselves and promising to show more (upon payment, of course), sleazy guys waving money at them, and a couple of site operators who are happily raking in their 10% pimp fee from the money that men pay to women on the site.
My two cents
I’m not questioning a woman’s decision to get breast implants — that’s a whole other issue in and of itself. What I am criticizing is this particular method of going about getting implants…and the site’s audacity to market itself as performing some kind of philanthropic service.
I’m sickened and disturbed by this site and I can’t help but think that any confidence that a woman might gain from getting implants would be more than canceled out and eroded by the fact that she nickled and dimed some pathetic perverts into paying for her new breasts (and gave up a portion of her money to a company that’s basically a thinly veiled pimp).
The implants that you get from “My Free Implants” certainly aren’t free. They come at the cost of dignity and self-respect — and that’s just too high of a price to pay for anything.
So what do you think, makeup moxies? Please feel free to weigh in.
21 responses so far ↓
1 Flight_chick // Feb 22, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Ugh! This is totally disturbing! In a way, I feel sorry for women who would actually “sell” themselves like this just to get a boob job. But at the same time, they’re grown-up’s who can make their own decisions (and live with them).
But what if they have a daughter someday who actually finds her Mom’s photo on a website like this? How do you explain something like that?
2 Trish // Feb 22, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Wow. How very sad that a woman would go to such pathetic lengths for breast implants. While I am a huge advocate for free speech and entrepreneurship, I think it’s a pretty rotten thing for this website (and the sleazy men who support this website) to be taking advantage of these women who would go to such lengths for bigger breasts. But I think it all comes down to one’s own dignity and being able to live with the choices one makes. These women choose to be taken advantage of and degraded, and if it gets them what they want, then I guess it’s all just a means to the same end as the women who choose to work hard, save up, and pay for their own boob jobs. And even though these “FreeImplants.com” women got their boobs for free, you’re right–the dignity and self-respect they gave up is worth far more than a 20K boob job.
3 Anonymous // Feb 22, 2008 at 2:58 pm
This was on Tyra’s show, but she certainly didn’t portray it like this.
4 Jazmin // Feb 22, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Flight_Chick & Trish: You both brought up the important point that these are supposed to be free-thinking adults who are making the choice to participate in a service like this.
While I agree with that, I do struggle with the tension between their freedom to participate in a service like this and the fact that the site is degrading and a lot of people - both women and men — are being taken advantage of in this situation.
Anonymous: Thanks for the comment. I didn’t see this on Tyra’s show. Would you mind sharing how it was portrayed there?
5 Jazmin // Feb 22, 2008 at 4:22 pm
And another thing (can you tell that this whole thing is bothering me? lol)…if a woman has the time and smarts to get enough money out of men to pay for breast implants, just imagine what she could accomplish if she actually set her mind to getting a better education, starting her own business, or getting a raise…all things that would give her the ability to pay for her own boob job…plus a whole lot more.
Who knows? It might even change her mind about getting implants.
6 Trish // Feb 22, 2008 at 10:02 pm
I do agree that the website is degrading for a lot of people, BUT these people are knowingly and freely putting themselves in this position, unlike kiddy porn sites or other sites where innocent people are being expoilted without their informed consent. These people want to be on this site, and if this site didn’t exist, I’m sure they would find other ways of soliciting funds for their boob jobs.
I do agree with Flight_Chick that this could be very damaging for young girls if they were to ever be exposed to this website–or even this concept of degrading yourself in order to get what you want. How horrible to perpetuate the slutty chick population of the world.
7 Margarita // Feb 23, 2008 at 8:39 am
Hi, Jazmin! One of the women who got free implants was interviewed in one of the Fox shows, either O’Reilly or the noon show. She says that in her case, there was no “hanky panky ” involved. A very nice rich gentleman took her out to dinner, interviewd her and in a true spirit of philanthropy, payed for her implants, with no strings attached, just that he wanted to see her “be happy with herself and succeed in life…” Wow! I find that hard to believe and I agree whole heartedly with you, Trish and flight -chick, that the site is sleazy and it is downgrading to women. P.S. I love your site, Beauty and Intelligence are reflected in your articles, the artwork that you feature and most of all your wonderful readers and bloggers. Youe Mom must be so proud !Keep up the great work!!!
8 Sasha // Feb 23, 2008 at 6:42 pm
While I would certainly not advocate a site like this, I have to say that I do understand the appeal. Breast augmentation is a luxury that even an educated, hardworking woman with a full-time job may not be able to afford without making a few sacrifices. And while the younger girls have most of their lives ahead of them to go to school and get a well-paying job, the 30- and 40-something ladies may not (and a decent education doesn’t come cheap either).
9 Jazmin // Feb 25, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Trish: That’s a strong point and I agree that, yeah, the people who are participating on this site are, ultimately, free to do what they want…as long as they’re not doing anything illegal.
And I also agree with you and Flight_Chick that girls shouldn’t be exposed to this website or be lead to believe that this is the way to go about getting something you want.
This is the main reason why I think it was irresponsible of Tyra Banks to portray this site in such a positive light (which, from what I can gather, is what she did — if I’m wrong on this, please jump in and correct me).
Margarita: Thanks so much for your kind words! It’s wonderful to see you here again : )
So did Fox News actually present this as a heart-warming, feel-good story?
It’s hard for me to believe that a responsible news source (or talk show, in Tyra’s case) could check up on this site properly and fail to see how sleazy it is.
Sasha: Thanks so much for adding to the discussion. I totally agree that, in most circumstances, breast augmentation is a luxury.
And, to expand on what I said earlier, I wouldn’t make an age distinction. Any woman, regardless of her age, who could use a website like this to actually raise enough money to pay for breast implants has to possess some impressive skills.
She has to be adept at communicating, creative, and persuasive — and all while being charming. I feel like those skills could be used to accomplish something that one could actually be really proud of…and could improve one’s financial situation in the long-term.
10 Jamie // Feb 25, 2008 at 2:15 pm
I actually just saw this on the Tyra Banks show last week! She had the founder on her show — who claimed that this site was in no way pornographic, but it seems to at least have an undercurrent of that. But … if this is the way these ladies feel they need to get their implants, then all the power to them.
11 Jazmin // Feb 25, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Hey Jamie! Thanks for stopping by!
I just saw this segment of her show. It’s available here on YouTube.
And you actually hit on one of the main things that bugs me about the site…which actually isn’t the pornographic aspects of it, but the fact that the founder tries to play it off like the site is providing some kind of public service…when they’re really more like pimps, lol
Seriously, I’d really like to know if Tyra and her producers actually logged onto this site and took a good look around. The site is nowhere near as wholesome as it was portrayed on her show.
12 Jessica // Mar 26, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Some of these women are smart, educated, women who aren’t doing it for the wrong reasons. I feel it’s a little degrading, but on that same token, these are grown women who are probably not happy with they way they look. If getting implants is what they feel will help their self-esteem, then I feel they should go for it, I would!!!
13 Jazmin // Mar 26, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Hi Jessica, thanks for weighing in!
Like I said above, I’m not questioning the merits of getting breast implants. My main problem is with the disingenuous way in which the site markets itself.
14 Katie // Mar 26, 2008 at 11:19 pm
I am a member of MFI. I do not do any type of porn. You do not have to in order to succed of that site. I have been on for about 6 weeks and have already earned over $600 without doing any porn at all. There are guys who do truely want to help us women and who are not in it for porn. You should research something all the way before you critizise it. The website DOES NOT encourage you to sell personal items to people. You are not allowed to give contact info to each other, so there is no way you could actually mail someone any items. It’s not allowed by the website. You can, however, take pictures and do videos if you want. You decide what type of pivs you do, and nobody else. Stop worrying about what everyone else is doing!!! If you don’t like it, stay away from it!!!
15 Jazmin // Mar 27, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Hello Katie,
I never said that women have to do anything pornographic in order to be a member of this site — nor did I make any unsubstantiated statements about the site.
Every quote that I included above was pulled directly from the site.
Do you provide pictures of yourself on the site? And do you think that the prospect of racy photos or videos would make most benefactors more likely to contribute money?
It appears that the majority of female members provide photos (innocuous or otherwise) and I’m just wondering why the “benefactors” and creators of this site, if they’re so sincere about wanting to help women, can’t just donate the money directly…without any sort of incentive.
16 Greg // Apr 2, 2008 at 6:13 pm
You knw I read this artical and all I could think the whole time is get off your high horse, Listen it may not be for you and that is fine, you may not be willing to do some of the things that you discribed but some girls are. I personnaly could not see paying to talk to girls but if guys out there are willing to then more power to them, the point is just because it offends your moral sense dose not mean that it is evil, all that means is that it is not something that you are willing to do, why put down those who are? this article makes it out to sound like all the girls on that site are a bunch of whores and the guys are a bunch of lechorus pervs. it seems to me that who ever wrote this needs to stop being so high and mighty and realize that different people are willing to go to some extremes to reach a goal
17 Krista // Apr 2, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Okay guys..I am a current member of My FreeImplants.com and I don’t see anything wrong with it. It’s simple chatting and getting to know people on the site. It’s fun and if it degrades anyone it’s the men on the site- they are the ones paying for something most people get for free. If there are men willing to pay for the boobs I badly need(I’m embarrassingly flat) then so be it! I think it’s fine. But.. it is true the owners of the site are making easy money for nothing! Don’t you wish you had such a good idea. It’s working for people, it’s voluntary…bug off! And have a beautiful day everyone!!!
18 Jazmin // Apr 3, 2008 at 6:59 am
Greg: I realize that people are willing to go to extremes in order to get what they want. If I didn’t, I obviously wouldn’t have recognized the newsworthiness of this story.
Krista: I welcome and encourage readers of this site to share their opinions in a respectful way, so don’t come on here and tell me to “bug off.” I won’t tolerate that kind of rudeness — whether it’s directed at any Makeup Moxie readers, commenters, or at me.
And that should serve as a warning to others who have tried to comment on this post (on both sides of the issue) — feel free to speak your mind, but please keep things respectful. It’s entirely possible to have a rational discussion about a hot button issue without being rude, crude, or resorting to personal attacks.
19 Victoria // Apr 4, 2008 at 4:25 pm
I’m a 45-year-old woman with breasts that no longer look as good as they used to. I’d never join this ridiculous website, and I’d never send out photos (with or without clothes) of myself to people I don’t know.
If I wanted to get implants I’d save and get them myself. No matter how much the apologists want to say that this is harmless fun that will result in a positive end (bigger, firmer boobs and improved self esteem) I fail to see how this is any different from standing on a corner with a sign that reads “Give me $5 for implants and I’ll flash you my boobs.”
20 Lola // Apr 5, 2008 at 1:46 pm
One thing I wonder is why do people always say that it is the woman being degraded? These women are getting money for doing things THEY WANT TO DO. No one forces them to get naked or send perverted videos to men.
If these women are comfortable enough in their own skin, and in their own sexuality to be able to do this, then good for them.
Hmmm let me think here, would I rather send pictures over the net in the comfort of my own home or would I rather take a second job and work 50-60 hours a week and save for a couple of years to get my implants or better yet take out a loan and pay it back with interest.
These women are actually smart. They are getting free implants.
Dignity and morals are a personal thing, what you may find undiginified someone else may not. A lot of the women who are bagging on this site are prudes who are uncomfortable in their own skin because if they did look like a super models themselves you know theyd be out there parading their bodies in string bikinis.
Which by the way brings me to my next comment, why is it okay to wear a barely there bikini on the beach where millions of people see you but not okay to accept money to send a picture of yourself in a bra and panties over the net.
Is it the money that makes it soooooo bad, or is being in the skimpy clothing the bad part. Do the people who say women are degrading themselves by going to this MFI site also think that women who are comfortable in their bodies and wear bikinis and skimpy clothing in summer are also degrading themselves?
If a single girl practises safe sex and chooses to have casual sex because she enjoys sex (like humans are meant to) is it okay? But if she ever accepted money for one of her encounters then she is immoral?
So now I want to know what if a woman gets turned on by sending sexy photos of herself to people (like millions of people do everyday FOR FREE since the internet was invented) then why is it so wrong for a woman to do that but for money?
I think that people can do whatever they want as long as it doesnt hurt anyone else. Everyone has different morals but to say this site is degrading to woman I think is a little bit out of line because everyone on it is a consenting adult. And just because some women are willing to cross lines that you arent willing to doesnt make them immoral. It means they dont live up to YOUR moral standards.
I am not even against people who out and out pay for sex. I dont agree with prostitutes standing on street corners because like I said anyone can have their own morals but it shouldnt hurt anyone else, and I dont think children and those who are NOT comfortable with it should be exposed to it. But if you are an “escort” and people are doing their “thing” privately then I wouldnt even judge a woman or man for that.
No one is degrading anyone, people have desires, needs, fantasies, and there are always going to be people around to fulfill those desire needs and fantasies. Even if it is just sending a picture for a donation both parties are walking away with something they wanted to who are we to judge.
And sorry this was so long.
21 Kristina // Apr 21, 2008 at 9:12 am
I am a member of MFI. I think that you ladies should not be judging the girls that participate on MFI. I have reached my goal , which I could never afford on my own. I made some great friends through MFI. I did do nude pics and you know what? I do not regret it. I am comfortable in my skin. We were born naked…why are you all ashamed of the naked human body? Seriously?
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