Last week a great discussion ensued about the lack of magazines for women who don’t have children. A number of people bemoaned the fact that women’s magazines are either focused on fashion and dating or kids, and that many of us have stopped reading them because we can’t relate to the stories.
So, let’s play make-believe. Let’s pretend we have unlimited resources to start a magazine aimed at women who don’t have (or don’t want to talk solely about) children. What would it contain? What kinds of stories would interest you? What issues do you want to read about? What are subjects would you like to see covered?
And finally, what would you call the magazine?
Have fun with this. You never know, Oprah could be watching.
Oh, so many interesting possibilities but it’s Monday and I have to run to the office. Will give the content more thought as for what we call our magazine — just scanned a site of Greek goddesses and origins. How about Philia?
Philia (φιλία philía) means friendship in modern Greek. It is a virtuous love, a concept developed by Aristotle. It includes loyalty to friends, family, and community, and requires virtue, equality and familiarity. A goddess, Philia apparently had a temple to her in Athens.
I LOVE this idea! Like the name too, Pamela. I would like to see travel features for the discerning explorer, articles on current affairs and politics, features on women renovating their own houses, running their own business, going back to university, features on how to negotiate the maze of the modern family and relationships. Some excellent photography, design and architecture thrown in for good measure. I’d buy it.
Pamela, great name!
Lindy, I can see this magazine. Throw in some useful health artciles, some profiles of women doing great things, maybe a personal story or two, oh, and don’t foget the food! Got to have some cooking. Maybe recipes for cooking for one or two. Love it. I’m volunteering for the travel features. 🙂
Fantastic ideas and title! I’d add books and excerpts…a semi-literary mag, rather than one more glossy handful of ads for overpriced purses!
I’m trying to get my head around the demographic in a positive way, as opposed to what it’s NOT aimed at. The definition of Philia that Pamela gives is is wonderful. Something about nurturing the self to better contribute to the world? Focus on self-awareness rather than selfishness?
I love every one of these ideas! I think anything focusing on your home, your self, your work, your relationships and your travel would cover what we are interested in. This could include home renovations/redecorating/reorganizing, gardening, cooking, work relationships and businesses, personal relationships (friends, spouse, parents), pets, health, politics, finances (saving for retirement, getting out of debt), and definitely books and movies.
What’s funny is there are many magazines that claim to have all of this, and they do, but it’s focused on one type of woman. The relationships are always family-based, and the cooking is kid-oriented, and the finances are all about college savings plans. This magazine of ours that we are designing would really appeal to many different types of women, not just the non-moms, but aiming it at non-moms would keep that broad appeal.
Hmmm….how about a section on home decorating, or how to do some home improvements yourself?
And…this is probably cheesy, but maybe a page of funny animal pictures? You know, like the kitten sleeping on the great dane sort of thing? I love those! They give me the warm fuzzies!
Fun and fruity drink recipes!!! And maybe a section on funny websites?
And I don’t think it right to leave out some of the wonderful articles, points of views of living childless after IF…..
It would also include advice on setting up residents groups and developing all kinds of community groups and campaigns.