Why the That is Not My Age group is necessary — That’s Not My Age

Picture: Sarah Brick. Hair&make-up: Louise Heywood

Firstly, an ideal massive thanks to all those that took the time to fill within the current Mailchimp survey. We haven’t carried out one earlier than and I used to be completely delighted that so lots of you responded. You actually are an excellent bunch of ladies! We’re at present collating all of the suggestions and contemplating future options, so it’s an extremely helpful information.

As I’ve talked about the Patreon subscription on the finish of a few options just lately, I assumed I’d rapidly clarify my reasoning. This summer time, That’s Not My Age will probably be 15 years previous, later this 12 months I’ll be 60 and so it looks like a superb time to take inventory. I need to actually deal with That’s Not My Age over the approaching months. The group right here is extremely necessary to me, I really like all of your considerate feedback and solutions and the truth that a few of you have got been with me for your entire journey. And I would like this web site (and all the opposite social media add-ons) to be useful and inspirational to everybody.

For some time I’ve been contemplating whether or not to maneuver over to a distinct platform, one with a paywall so that each one the content material is in a single place (quite than the present TNMA-Patreon hybrid). However Tom our ace Tech Man has seemed into this and if we went with the most suitable choice accessible it might imply dropping a few of the performance; mainly round commenting which is a basic a part of TNMA. And, I positively don’t need to lose the implausible discussions we’ve got! So, in the meanwhile I’m going to maintain the Patreon subscription as is, however will probably be reviewing the scenario and conserving an eye fixed out for any new, super-duper platforms that come alongside.

One other enormous thanks to all those that pay a subscription, it helps to maintain That’s Not My Age going. Every little thing prices extra as we speak, as everyone knows. Utility payments, on-line safety, webhosting, transport prices, studio rent (due to the climate and the dimensions of my flat, we shoot TNMA photographs within the studio all through the winter months, see above), and so forth and on…

After all, I would like to have the ability to pay my contributors pretty; from my sensible assistant Helen and the opposite skilled journalists who write common options, to photographers and hair & make-up artists; and charges have elevated throughout the board. With out your help on the subscription platform, I must spend extra time engaged on paid freelance commissions and fewer time on That’s Not My Age – or extra adverts! Not doing this implies I can proceed writing and modifying That’s Not My Age to a excessive, skilled normal, provide you with higher content material and pay myself a small wage, too.

With Patreon, there are quite a few fee ranges, we maintain costs cheap, supply common giveaways and reductions, unique content material and hopefully this 12 months a few occasions. Watch this area! New subscribers are at all times welcome; all the main points are HERE. Your help is essential.

Thanks a lot in your continued dedication. It means the world to me,

Alyson x

STYLE NOTES: I’m carrying the stripy silk scarf from my Lasletts collaboration (nonetheless accessible HERE). An previous T-shirt (comparable HERE, HERE and HERE) and the East View knitted vest from Seasalt.