Last week, there was some talk about a Sticky Post, that should remain on the top of the front page, regarding the purpose of this Board, and what it is, to bring out the fact that this Message Board should not be considered a replacement for a meeting of Alcoholic's Anonymous.
Phil and Wren have not been available, and hopefully, they will be some time this week.
So any thoughts on this Permanent Sticky Post, that would remain on the first page of this board, would greatly be appreciated, so that we could pass this on to John, the Founder, who I believe would be the final say on what a Permanent Post on the front Page should read.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts regarding this.
For reference, here John's comments from 07/31 that Wren mentioned:
This AA message board is just that, a message board for members of AA to utilize. A place where we can share and exchange our "other" recovery related resources with one another, tell a joke, hear a heart, create a smile, inspire a hope, diminish a fear, write a peom, share an article, inspire a desire, etc. If it benefits two people, a car might be sold and bought here, a room might be rented, a job might be obtained through this resource... While as AA members our Primary Purpose is to remain sober and help other alcoholics achive sobriety, it does not become our sole purpose or function, surely not on a message board in cyber space.
Sharing an outside resource and promoting it under the disquise of AA is two different things. One will be allowed without any problem, the other will be removed.
And this is from 04/26:
Opinions and advise, if based solidly in our personal experience is not an AA sin or violation of traditions, or the collective wisdom of AA's long term members. However, if I am to state my opinion or offer any advise to another, I need to qualify it as coming from my experience with similar situations, people and events, so that it is not just the product of my ol' mighty, all knowing mind. Even my heart needs to remain silent if what it has to say is not based in my own personal experience. Opposed to telling someone else what they should or shouldn't do, I feel the most effective way to communicate is to share what I did in a similar situation, the results of that, and if they were positive, lightly suggest they "might want to try it" on their situation. If the results were negative, I would lightly suggest they "might not want to do what I did". I refrain from using the phrases, "you should, or shouldn't"... do such and such.
This allows each of us to gather information from one another that is based squarely on what we have personally experienced in the course of our lives, and our recoveries, but allows all of us to have the respect and interity to make our own decisions, and thus reep our own benefits or consciquences of our own making.
Yes, there are many AA's that cannot be quietly whispered to, in order to reach them. Some need to be hit upside the head with a 2x4 just to get their attention. Even this doesn't guarantee, they are hearing us, but instead rattles them with frustration, anger, fear, and self pity. However, if they have a fondness for lumber, this is not our fault. If I have to verbally hit someone upside the head more than twice, it is usually a clue that they are driven by trauma and drama, crisis and choas, and not motivated by desperation, graditude or recovery. Anyone who truly knows me knows I'm all about recovery, and live by a principle that if I can't meet someone where they are at, I am inclined to leave them were they are at, simply because a alcoholic that is truly suffering and potentially dying is being neglected by me, because I'm investing myself in someone that won't make an investment in themselves. Their recovery has become far more important to me than it is to them, and when this happens, something is truly wrong with the picture. Here on this board, I have seen the phrase, "shit or get off the pot", well, when I have someone who is not moving forward and is rationalizing, justifying their diease, I will provide them with my contact information and simply say, "Call me when you're done shittin'". I must back away for my benefit as well as another who might be more willing and ready to respond to my effords.
This board has proven to be a life saver to many. But the board does not save lives. With no one here, it would be useless. It's actually the group of people here, the quality of their recovery and the new comers willingness, and readiness that saves the lives.
Tolerance and Love is a code we need to apply to all who come here. Sharing our personal experiences, strengths and hopes (for ourselves and others) is all we need to do and if done in a manner that reflects recovery, it will usually result in enhancing the quality of recovery we see taking place in each other.
Finger pointing, bashing, blaming, nah-saying, rumors and gossip create division, not harmony. It will take our unity away from us. Before you feel moved to do this to anyone publicly on this message board, please consider giving me a call first. The reason we see the sign "Think, Think, Think, in almost every meeting room is because alcoholics tend to feel, feel, feel and the by-product is reactions, instead of responses. When we Think, we are more inclined to respond, not react to the person, place or thing that is disturbing us, and we'll do so in a much healthier, effective manner. That benefits all parties involved.
-- Edited by Sick of being sick at 21:52, 2006-08-28
With John's post's in mind, here is a short but succinct post from another member:
what this message board IS and IS NOT. This board is a place for anyone to come to and find imformation about Alcoholic Anonymous. This board is a place for AA member to share their ES&H with each other. This board isn't the AA program or a substitute for AA meetings. The AA program can be found in the book Alcoholics Anonymous, which can be purchased at cost at your local AA meetings. Held Worldwide. The heart of the Alcoholics Anonymous program is one Alcoholic helping another Alcoholic, getting out of our own heads and helping someone else is what helps to keep us sober.
I am in favor of putting a statement for the benefit of newcomers and as a reminder for the rest of us, as a sticky at the top of the page. We should consider something that is a well worded, condensed, yet thorough explanation of the MIP board's purpose.
Thanks Dan, and you're right. It would be nice to have that statement there, both to keep us reminded and for the newcomer who is uncertain what this board is about. As Founder, perhaps John would be willing to do that. Love Wren
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"Never argue with an idiot... They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience..."
Just a note to say, I think that there are some great ideas here. Personally I like the Combination of John's words on the subject, 7-31, and the members words from the Original Post.
I am thinking that this Post needs to stay on Hold until Phil's return, he is the one that seems to have a good chance at getting in direct contact with John. When Phil comes back, hopefully this week, we can get his comments and let him talk to John.
Any other comments on this subject by other members would be so appreciated. We only have notes from 4 or 5 people, and would love to see some more input.
And if one of my cars is running good? Its only natural...that I should take the engine apart...to find out why...(smile)
The board? The only things I dont like seeing...are religion...the F word...and details on your sex life...hmmm...I might change my mind about the third one..:)
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"LOVE" devoid of self-gratification, is in essence, the will, to the greatest good...of another.
Personally, I'm lost. I don't know what happened to prompt all of this.
For those who are coming here instead of a meeting, at least it's something. Maybe the seed will be planted. I'm having a hard time believing that anyone quit for good the first time they decided.
