What’s the Deal with Fab Over 40?

An email said I was selected as a contestant in the Fab Over 40 competition. Hmmm…. interesting.

Cautiously optimistic, my momentary excitement was replaced by a twisting sensation in my gut…

I’ve been scammed before.

Was this really a contest about being fabulous or is it something else entirely?

While ANY kind of competition COULD be used as offer an opportunity to promote yourself; this kind of competition can be a catalyst for any woman struggling with mental health &/or the external need for validation.

The Fab Over 40 is a somewhat legitimate competition which gave a reported 2.2M$$ to NBCS in 2021.

But let’s be honest, in this situation, the word ‘competition’ is loosely defined.

There are much better ways to feel empowered, amazing & fabulous!

Instead of funneling your resources into this kind of competition and padding the pockets of major corporations, pamper yourself! Honor yourself with a luxury photoshoot celebrating your age!

I am one of many photographers across the country taking part in a 40 over 40 portrait project. Our sole intention is celebrating women over 40.

Secondary to the real (sort-of) Contest are the Instagram Scammers

If you do the research, you to can discover the names behind this clever marketing scheme. The reality is anyone can qualify and everyone over 40 is a target. The bigger concern are the individuals who reach out to you on Instagram promising votes or followers on your social media account.

Individuals with no moral compass seek out opportunities like Fab Over 40. Following the hashtag to find opportunities to prey on older women & make a payday!

Instagram is full of scammers, using #Fabover40 to find you and offer votes, guaranteeing your ‘win’, more subscribers, more likes, etc.

Throughout history women have been victims and today still remain a target on social media.

The rundown on how voting competitions work.

To win a Colossal competition, one must ‘leverage the power of social media and word-of-mouth advertising to garner the support of the public to collect votes.’

Where there’s nothing nefarious about it, Colossal Management is using the power of social media to exploit our inner need for validation. It’s a popularity contest where you can buy your way to the top.

Obsessing over votes through ’rounds of competition’ is akin to the desire to collect ‘friends’ or get ‘likes’ on Facebook. This takes a toll on our mental health and our sense of self worth.

Sure, someone will win that grand prize but who is winning the most here?

WHO runs Fab Over 40?

After the cost of the competition, REMAINING proceeds do support the National Breast Cancer Foundation. But the first to cut goes to Colossal Management for managing the competition. Then the non-profit (DTCare) receives 1% as they are the official company behind Fab Over 40.

Just to clarify, New Beauty Magazine does NOT run the Fab Over 40 Competition.

Colossal Management LLC operates the competition, raising money via public online voting. They were hired by ‘charitable grantmaker, DTCare. Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that purchased space in NewBeauty Magazine that will be used to feature the winner.

I attempted to reach someone who represents Fab Over 40 to discuss; yet I’ve been unable to locate or receive the name of anyone for questions? I’ve received a brief email response ‘there is no phone number’. I also reached out to one of the social media promoters, Sheree Frede, who simply replied ‘Yes it’s legit.’

According to the Fab Over 40 Website: the qualifying message isn’t clear?

Fab Over 40 is an annual competition inviting women over forty from around the world to compete for a 2-page ad feature in New Beauty Magazine and a $40,000 cash prize. The winner experiences a professional, glamorous photoshoot and an exclusive interview for the magazine feature.

Fab Over 40

But that doesn’t mean I’m not already fabulous.

Social media can make us feel ‘less than’ and I feel this type of competition capitalizes on that.

For now, I’m choosing to see this ‘competition’ as an opportunity to speak a little truth!

Photo by the very talented Paul Verslius.

My final advice: be aware ladies. Several people are profiting from this ‘competition’ but it’s not likely to be you.

Adrienne Maples ; self portrait.
xoxo adrienne signing off
kansas city photographer

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About

Adrienne Maples

 

Kansas City photographer, Adrienne Maples, weaves together powerful narratives with her photographs to create mood and evoke emotion.

 

She's an AI enthusiast, passionate about teaching others how to use technology responsibly for the greater good. Known for her 'spunk & pizazz', she directs from behind her camera, finding impromptu designing to transform mediocrity into the extraordinary.

 

She a board member of AIGA and KCAC. As a committee member of KCDW, she organized the 2024 talks: The A.I. Asset, Creator as Curator.

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