Why the That’s Not My Age community is important
Photo: Sarah Brick. Hair&makeup: Louise Heywood
Firstly, a great big thank you to all those who took the time to fill in the recent Mailchimp survey. We haven’t done one before and I was absolutely delighted that so many of you responded. You really are a brilliant bunch of women! We are currently collating all the feedback and considering future features, so it is an incredibly useful guide.
As I’ve mentioned the Patreon subscription at the end of a couple of features recently, I thought I’d quickly explain my reasoning. This summer, That’s Not My Age will be 15 years old, later this year I’ll be 60 and so it feels like a good time to take stock. I want to really focus on That’s Not My Age over the coming months. The community here is incredibly important to me, I love all your thoughtful comments and suggestions and the fact that some of you have been with me for the entire journey. And I want this site (and all the other social media add-ons) to be helpful and inspirational to everyone.
For a while I have been considering whether to move over to a different platform, one with a paywall so that all the content is in one place (rather than the current TNMA-Patreon hybrid). But Tom our ace Tech Guy has looked into this and if we went with the best option available it would mean losing some of the functionality; chiefly around commenting which is a fundamental part of TNMA. And, I definitely don’t want to lose the fantastic discussions we have! So, for the time being I’m going to keep the Patreon subscription as is, but will be reviewing the situation and keeping an eye out for any new, super-duper platforms that come along.
Another huge thank you to all those who pay a subscription, it helps to keep That’s Not My Age going. Everything costs more today, as we all know. Utility bills, online security, web hosting, transport costs, studio hire (because of the weather and the size of my flat, we shoot TNMA photos in the studio throughout the winter months, see above), and so on and on…
Of course, I want to be able to pay my contributors fairly; from my brilliant assistant Helen and the other experienced journalists who write regular features, to photographers and hair & makeup artists; and fees have increased across the board. Without your support on the subscription platform, I would have to spend more time working on paid freelance commissions and less time on That’s Not My Age – or more adverts! Not doing this means I can continue writing and editing That’s Not My Age to a high, professional standard, give you better content and pay myself a small salary, too.
With Patreon, there are numerous payment levels, we keep prices reasonable, offer regular giveaways and discounts, exclusive content and hopefully this year a couple of events. Watch this space! New subscribers are always welcome; all the details are HERE. Your support is crucial.
Thank you so much for your continued commitment. It means the world to me,
Alyson x
STYLE NOTES: I’m wearing the stripy silk scarf from my Lasletts collaboration (still available HERE). An old T-shirt (similar HERE, HERE and HERE) and the East View knitted vest from Seasalt.
Discussion (22 Comments)
Thank you so much, Mrs Tonia. You always write brilliant comments! I’m sorry to hear you’ve had issues with Patreon; I have had a conversation with Tom about this and he looked into it and said there wasn’t an issue with the actual Patreon login process. I’ll ask Helen to drop you an email and see if we can do a bit of in-house troubleshooting.
And I do like TNMA to include a range of subjects that feed into a stylish life. So, thanks again!
Olivia says:
Like you, I signed up to Patreon (twice) but could never get it to work … I’d be happy to do so again, if those issues have been ironed out. Thanks so much, Olivia
Linda Pitkethly says:
Hi I also had a problem with my subscription … but assumed I’d done something wrong ! -said no middle aged woman re a tech problem ever 🙂
Haha, yes – sometimes I think it’s a miracle I am even on social media, at all!
monique says:
I’ll be 62 in 3 weeks! I’ve been reading your blog since I was a child! – Ok, late 40’s, but when you’re 62 40’s feels like youth. At any rate, of course I’m a Patreon subscriber. I understand what it takes to keep serving up the high quality that you give us. I look forward to the next 20 years!
Susanna says:
One of the things I appreciate most about your work, Alyson, is your transparency. This is clear and honest, and you’re always so open and willing to learn in your responses to readers’ comments. What it means is that I trust you. Looking forward to many more years of inspiration – do keep up the podcasts and cultural articles as well as the great fashion writing!
Miss C says:
Hi Alyson and your readers, I am also a Patreon subscriber and I find it too cumbersome to try and log into Patreon every time I want to read one of the subscriber posts. I find it easier just to read them in the email version that gets sent to me.
Thank you Alyson for the wonderful work that you and your contributors to to make TNMA a wonderful place to visit.
Thanks Miss C – I think that’s the best way to view features if you find Patreon a palaver. We will continue to look at other options – and will be sending all those who’ve said they’re having issues our troubleshooting tips via email.
Corinne Devery says:
Greetings from Paris, Alyson!
So glad that you are continuing with this fantastic blog and look forward to upcoming posts.
I, too, have had problems with my Patreon subscription and have never been able to access it so hope that can be ironed out at some point.
You look great, as ever, and definitely an inspiration.Corinne
Gill says:
I am 80 and love your posts. There’s no reason to give up on fashion just because you are now no longer slim or .sprightly. I love looking for the right blazer, tank top, dress etc. I’m now wearing brighter colours ( mainly accessories) . Love Me and Em and Strathberry bags and hate anything badly made. I’ve upgraded my Patreon subscription and hope to continue to pick up ideas for many years yet
GillJane says:
Hello Alyson – and everyone.
I love love your blog and also signed up to Patreon when you started it. No probs signing in, though on my little iPhone I think I prefer the email format.
Anyway, I really look forward to receiving each edition and enjoy the breadth of topics, as well as the comments. I’ve recommended TNMA to many of my friends. Please keep going! Your work inspires me in a way that printed women’s / fashion magazines never did! And yay to denim skirts .. I’m ahead of the pack .. my uniform is a long dark denim skirt (or high-waisted denim wide-legs) with boxy or tucked in uppers. Toast always have great versions. They last forever too. I adored the fishtail one in Linda Rodin’s collection but I shall have to save up for that ☹️Susannah says:
Oh dear. I was just about to have my second go at subscribing via Patreon but I’m a little put off by the comments that people haven’t been able to access the features. Doesn’t that negate the purpose?
One person was able to view via emails sent and if that’s the case then I’m happy to subscribe. Alyson can you confirm that is the case? If so I’m in!Hi Susannah, Thanks for your comment. You can view the Patreon content via email and I think that’s probably the best thing to do!
Gillian says:
I also had a Patreon problem but persevered and am now in. Appart from saying I think this is the best site, and I have looked at many, the comments part is something I enjoy as much as the content as it’s interesting to hear others views, which are fun and interesting and always respectful and kind. Thank you Alison
Corinne Clemson says:
Hi Alyson, just adding my voice to those who have had problems with Patreon.. I hope your tech support can sort it out! Many thanks for all the content we can see for free though, it’s a high point for me. And welcome soon to the 60(+) group
Regards CorinneNicki says:
I really enjoy all the posts and the comments which often reflect my thoughts. I am very happy to pay for content via Patreon and like others just click through via the email. Am so glad that by making a small charge you can maintain the quality and support your small team and other contributors.
Sue says:
I am inept with technology but I have found access to the Patreon website works fine on my laptop. Can’t say the same for via my phone, however. I think I must have been reading your blog since forever aswell. Definitely a favourite, Alyson, thank you for your efforts.
Lindsay Jewison says:
Hi Alyson, just wanted to thank you for all your inspiration. You have helped me to find my true style and inspired me to use more colour. I look forward to many more years of following you. The Patreon subscription is worth every penny.
It’s also worth saying that you don’t have ads, which can interrupt a reader’s enjoyment. I believe people should be compensated for their work and I think we’re very fortunate that we now have such a choice as to whether to pay for what we read, see or enjoy – ads, affiliate sales and sponsorship are part of that, but TNMA wouldn’t be quite as easy to read with ads, so that’s another reason to continue with Patreon.
Lisa 
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Thanks Alyson for this straightforward explanation of the Patreon subscription system and what it helps support in the way of colleagues salaries and your own for the research and writing and photo shoots. All valuable in my opinion.
I did sign up when you introduced it but because of technical issues have not been able to read subscriber only content. Maybe this can be resolved with your techie guy.
I shall continue to support you nevertheless. It would be a real shame to lose the feedback comments from all over the globe. I enjoy reading a range of opinions and suggestions on whatever topic is under discussion.
Do carry on with discussions on art, books, cinema as well as how to dress with style. What you have on here looks cool and fresh. And is a good example of mixing it up for spring.
You tend to be ahead on the suggestions for what to wear. It was dark denim in the last post. Today I see in The Times a promotion of Denim Skirts as : the one item that will update your look for spring. This will appear tomorrow written by Anna Murphy.
Good luck with TNMA going forwards.