I think nudism is declining in the U.S. for a number of reasons, landed clubs who owners are getting older have no one to take over. The cost of land adds to the the desire to sell out and retire, with no one having the money to buy it. The younger generation is more conservative and not accepting of body freedom. I could go on...
I don't think that is true. Over the years I've been seeing more and more young people come to Solaire in CT. I don't think younger people are more conservative and less body positive. I believe that many older Naturist believe that, but that is not the case. I believe the problem is many of the older generation don't know how to appeal to the newer younger generations. They refuse to use social media, their websites are outdated, they lack activities and amenities younger people like, and some have gender cap rules. All of this stuff alienates younger people, and why places are shutting down. Though Naturist placesike Solair and Bare Oaks, don't have these issues.
Also, are new naturist places opening up by "young" people in their 30s and 40s. There's one that recently opened up in the Oregon area. There is a bed and breakfast in Utah.
I didn't. But according to people I talk to who are very much evolved in AANR. TNSF is pretty much a a non existent operation now, with very few people operating it. I would not be surprised, moreso now with this announcement, that TNSF will eventually merge with AANR.
But, you know, they do have my email address and could have told me about this rather than having me learn it from you prior to it arriving via snail mail. What year is this?
Well, it's been nearly three weeks since this article was published and this comment thread, and I still have not received a word from TNSF about any of this. Not Nicky's retirement, not a new editor or executive director, not a delay in publication of the fall edition.
I question the continuation of a magazine as a sustainably relevant point of media nowadays. Personally, I think that a multimedia approach is more relevant to content consumption, allows for diversity of opinions, opens up new forms of naturist expression and is more suited to the world today. There could be a really strong role for an annual magazine that consolidates the best of different media, documenting and adding a layer of insight into the changing environment and special topics as they evolve.
This. Honestly, I think Planet Nude, and blogs like Naked Wonderings, and the various podcasts give a better voice to the movement. When I talk to fellow 20s, 30s, and 40s, Naturist at the resorts I go to it the AANR zooms, they all say podcast (the Naturist Living Show, more commonly) of how they first found out about naturism, before digging into the blogs. And the ones who are TNSF or AANR (which they have to join to become a member of the resort), don't even read The N mag or AANR The Bulletin. I had one person tell me that they only use The Bulletin as a way to remember to sing their kids up for the AANR Youth Camp.
I've been a TNS/TNSF member continuously since 1990. Unfortunately, the decline of the organization over that period has been ongoing. At this time, we shouldn't be parsing blame. The challenge is to "build back better". Just take a look at British Naturism (BN), of which I'm a member and recommend it even though I live in the U.S. Their magazine is as good at TNSF's and the range of activities they organize is spectacular. BN also has a very good online presence, with an extensive website and active discussion forums. During the height of Covid (2020-21) BN membership increased as the website provided features for naturists who couldn't get together in person. And the yearly dues are less than those of either AANR or TNSF. U.S. naturists need to ask themselves why we can't have an organization as good as BN.
I LOVE BN's media presence, I love their website, their social media, the festivals and activities, the diversity they represent. Life goals. Thanks for bringing them up, Charles
I am sorry to read this, but at the same time, I am happy for Nicky hoping she can enjoy some quality "me time" as a retiree. She is to be commended for trying to continue Lee's ideals.
A useful update - thanks. All best wishes to TNSF moving forward!
I think nudism is declining in the U.S. for a number of reasons, landed clubs who owners are getting older have no one to take over. The cost of land adds to the the desire to sell out and retire, with no one having the money to buy it. The younger generation is more conservative and not accepting of body freedom. I could go on...
I don't think that is true. Over the years I've been seeing more and more young people come to Solaire in CT. I don't think younger people are more conservative and less body positive. I believe that many older Naturist believe that, but that is not the case. I believe the problem is many of the older generation don't know how to appeal to the newer younger generations. They refuse to use social media, their websites are outdated, they lack activities and amenities younger people like, and some have gender cap rules. All of this stuff alienates younger people, and why places are shutting down. Though Naturist placesike Solair and Bare Oaks, don't have these issues.
Also, are new naturist places opening up by "young" people in their 30s and 40s. There's one that recently opened up in the Oregon area. There is a bed and breakfast in Utah.
This is news to me. I've been a TNSF dues-paying member since 2001. Did anyone else besides me not receive this announcement letter?
I didn't. But according to people I talk to who are very much evolved in AANR. TNSF is pretty much a a non existent operation now, with very few people operating it. I would not be surprised, moreso now with this announcement, that TNSF will eventually merge with AANR.
The letters are still going out, probably most have not received them at this point.
I didn't receive one either.
I have also not received mine. They’re on the way, according the the TNSF board members I’ve spoken with.
Thanks Evan. Please feel free to delete my comment and its thread to avoid repetition.
But, you know, they do have my email address and could have told me about this rather than having me learn it from you prior to it arriving via snail mail. What year is this?
Well, it's been nearly three weeks since this article was published and this comment thread, and I still have not received a word from TNSF about any of this. Not Nicky's retirement, not a new editor or executive director, not a delay in publication of the fall edition.
I question the continuation of a magazine as a sustainably relevant point of media nowadays. Personally, I think that a multimedia approach is more relevant to content consumption, allows for diversity of opinions, opens up new forms of naturist expression and is more suited to the world today. There could be a really strong role for an annual magazine that consolidates the best of different media, documenting and adding a layer of insight into the changing environment and special topics as they evolve.
I very much prefer a print magazine. It is much better for eye health.
This. Honestly, I think Planet Nude, and blogs like Naked Wonderings, and the various podcasts give a better voice to the movement. When I talk to fellow 20s, 30s, and 40s, Naturist at the resorts I go to it the AANR zooms, they all say podcast (the Naturist Living Show, more commonly) of how they first found out about naturism, before digging into the blogs. And the ones who are TNSF or AANR (which they have to join to become a member of the resort), don't even read The N mag or AANR The Bulletin. I had one person tell me that they only use The Bulletin as a way to remember to sing their kids up for the AANR Youth Camp.
Lee Baxandall sold TNS in the early 2000s but lived until 2008.
Thank you for catching this! The article has been updated.
I've been a TNS/TNSF member continuously since 1990. Unfortunately, the decline of the organization over that period has been ongoing. At this time, we shouldn't be parsing blame. The challenge is to "build back better". Just take a look at British Naturism (BN), of which I'm a member and recommend it even though I live in the U.S. Their magazine is as good at TNSF's and the range of activities they organize is spectacular. BN also has a very good online presence, with an extensive website and active discussion forums. During the height of Covid (2020-21) BN membership increased as the website provided features for naturists who couldn't get together in person. And the yearly dues are less than those of either AANR or TNSF. U.S. naturists need to ask themselves why we can't have an organization as good as BN.
Great points. Much to learn from BN and their success in recent years. I too am an American member
I LOVE BN's media presence, I love their website, their social media, the festivals and activities, the diversity they represent. Life goals. Thanks for bringing them up, Charles
I am sorry to read this, but at the same time, I am happy for Nicky hoping she can enjoy some quality "me time" as a retiree. She is to be commended for trying to continue Lee's ideals.