FAQ

Will you come to my group / workplace / conference to speak about Shine Theory?

Maybe! Please send a request to our assistant, Arianne Young (assistant@bigfriendship.com). Note that we expect to be compensated for our time and labor.

Can I interview you about Shine Theory for my article / book / podcast?

Maybe! Please send a request to Arianne Young, assistant@bigfriendship.com.

Can I name my business / organization / club after Shine Theory?

No. We unfortunately have to turn down requests like this on a regular basis and while we are honored that you’d want to name your biz/club/whatever Shine Theory, we’d rather you not. Shortly after we began talking about Shine Theory publicly, an evil lady entrepreneur tried to start a not-body-posi fitness empire called “Shine Theory.” We fought very hard and paid lots of dollars to get the trademark to this phrase to prevent that from happening in the future, because it is important to us that the meaning of Shine Theory not be diluted.

We don’t grant our blessing to the many entrepreneurs and founders who request to use the name every year because we care so much about this concept. We don’t have the time to be constantly following up to make sure it’s being used true to its feminist spirit and definition. It's important to us that it is used accurately and not in service of any one brand or business.

Can I name my event after Shine Theory?

No. We discourage people, especially those at for-profit companies, from devoting entire conferences, events, or sessions to Shine Theory, especially if they are not inviting us to participate and compensating us as the originators of this concept. However, we are OK with Shine Theory being cited in the context of a broader talk, discussion, or session. As always, we would appreciate it being defined and credited accurately.

Can I create an ad campaign or #sponcon using Shine Theory?

Absolutely not. The reason Shine Theory is an accessible shorthand is because of the work we have put in to define it and make it a mainstream concept. Shine Theory is not about taking credit for or making money off of others’ ideas.

Can I cite Shine Theory in my book or article?

Yes, with proper credit! Please refer to our definition of Shine Theory, and name both Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman as the creators of this concept. If this website will not suffice, you can cite Big Friendship as the source.

Can I discuss Shine Theory in the classroom or as a small part of a larger event?

Yes, again, with proper credit! Please refer to our definition of Shine Theory, and cite both Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman as the creators of this concept.

Where can I read more about Shine Theory?

There’s a whole chapter of our book, Big Friendship, devoted to the subject. Please request it from your local library, purchase it from an independent bookseller, or borrow it from a friend.