Anonymity

[jimhere]

There has been a minor uproar amongst a few of us over an anti-AA site taking comments from threads here on SR and posting them on their site.

This is a public forum. Most of us that post on this forum are AA members and identify ourselves as such. If I am going to identify myself in public as an AA member, I should bear in mind the true meaning of the word anonymous. To quote the forward to The First Edition:

"When writing or speaking publicly about alcoholism, we urge each of our Fellowship to omit his (or her) full name, designating himself (or herself) as a member of Alcoholics Anonymous."

This raises the bar as to how I conduct myself in the public eye. When I speak publicly, such as in an open meeting, a treatment facility, or to members of the professional community, I introduce myself by my first name and as a member of Alcoholics Anonymous. I make it clear that I don't speak for Alcoholics Anonymous, but that I speak from personal experience only. I don't defend AA nor attack other methods of recovery. I don't say or do anything that would bring AA into public controversy.

To the much of the public I am known as a member of Alcoholics Anonymous. In my workplace I am known as a member of Alcoholics Anonymous. To them I am AA in many ways. So it behooves me to conduct myself in such a manner that would paint a good picture of AA. I don't blame my bad behavior on alcoholism or expect special treatment. I don't blow my own horn, but instead I let the way I live do the talking. After all the way I live shouts much louder than what I say. It was Saint Francis who said "Preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words." Practicing these principles is carrying our message. Living a principles life is doing the work as much as working with another alcoholic.

Anonymity doesn't mean that I'm supposed to be a secret. But it does mean that all I am is a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, nothing special and that I should be a good example.
Jim

Big Book references from Alcoholics Anonymous, First Edition

[McGowdog]

I'm sick to my stomach over the whole deal.

I don't want to speak for AA or anything anymore.

I'm a lone wolf and I don't need anybody or anything.

I'm a bad example of recovery and a bad boy.

But I will do my utmost to transmit my experience as a bad person and a sober person.

Don't do what I do. That would be stupid and irresponsible of you.

I'll give you no more opinions to debate, be it AA or anything else.

Have a nice day.

[Mark75]

I'm a lone wolf and I don't need anybody or anything.

No, that's not what AA is about... we all need each other

I'm a bad example of recovery

Actually, I wish I had half the enthusiasm and life energy you do. And, you have become one of my role models... (well, one of them )

I'll give you no more opinions to debate, be it AA or anything else.

No, things get pretty interesting around here with you posting, and BTW, I've noticed a mellowing of your tone lately... but you've kept your spirit.

Now don't go runnin' off with that big bushy McGowdog tail between your legs....

I was drawn into it also... so we live and learn!

Mark

[FightingIrish]

Yes, who would provide me with resentments if you're gone? (Welll...)

Seriously, I think these little wrestling matches have helped me greatly to understand and become (a little) more tolerant.

Michael

[McGowdog]

My experience.

That's all I got. If that helps somebody, great.

It's my opinions that I'll save for my little secret underground cave called PM.

[jimhere]

"I'm a bad example of recovery and a bad boy."

How do you think I learned the truth about what I said? It wasn't because somebody told me that I should be a good example. I learned by making mistakes and having to clean up the mess.

It isn't my virtues that make me useful in AA, it's my mistakes. The Traditions were not born of virtue, they were born out of necessity and out making mistakes, because it is by mistakes that we find out what works and what doesn't work.

Stay here, your experience and enthusiasm are much needed. Besides, like I said, it was a minor uproar.
Jim

[McGowdog]

Thanks Jim. It's just that I'm a whinning baby when it comes to spiritual growth and fessing up to the mistake and gulp... facing the music.

It just seems like the $#!# storm hits all at once. ...Before we begin, we ask God to direct our thinking, especially asking that it be divorced from self-pity, dishonest, or self-seeking motives..."

[navysteve]

Anonymity= No big shots. Its a good thing.

[Tommyh]

glad I missed out on that one Jim

[stone]

I missed it all too, what was the site?

Only joking.

If people were taking posts from here and using them elsewhere, that seems like bad form to me.

[jimhere]

Originally Posted by McGowdog

Thanks Jim. It's just that I'm a whinning baby when it comes to spiritual growth and fessing up to the mistake and gulp... facing the music.

It just seems like the $#!# storm hits all at once. ...Before we begin, we ask God to direct our thinking, especially asking that it be divorced from self-pity, dishonest, or self-seeking motives..."

For years I listened to the find my inner child crowd. I didn't know that what I really need is to find my inner adult.

[Music]

When I was drinking I didn't give a damn who knew I drank or saw me drunk. I certainly don't care who knows I'm in AA or that I'm sober. According to tradition, I shouldn't declare myself in the presence of radio, TV or film. I really don't think that applies here.

[jimhere]

Originally Posted by Music

When I was drinking I didn't give a damn who knew I drank or saw me drunk. I certainly don't care who knows I'm in AA or that I'm sober. According to tradition, I shouldn't declare myself in the presence of radio, TV or film. I really don't think that applies here.

That's what I said.

[Sugah]

I really don't know what the hell this thread is about, although it's good to see a discussion (or two) on the boards regarding anonymity.

It was Dr. Bob's stance that if folks didn't know how to find us in their communities, our ability to be of service was diminished. So, I use my last name inside the rooms and I have a service sponsor to guide me in public information settings. So long as I'm not waving around my membership status for personal gain or prestige, so long as I'm not breaking my anonymity in front of the cameras or to reporters, I could care less who knows I'm a member of AA. Most folks with whom I have more than a casual relationship know about my 12th step avocation, and more than a few of them have brought up their own problem or that of a family member. I can't carry the message in secrecy.

Peace & Love,
Sugah

[RufusACanal]

I can't believe I am typing this, but perfect example of rule 62....

[NoelleR]

I've been meaning to post here for a bit, but my sometimers has been getting in the way....

For those who might be interested, there's a little book (As Bill See It -- The A.A. Way of Life) with lots of writings (excerpts) of Bill W on many topics, anonymity being on of them.

If you do a search youmay be able to find it available to read online (I found it, and now have proceeded to lose that site....grrrr), BUT it can also be downloaded (along with lots of other good stuff).........:

Jim's Collection of Spiritual Sayings & Alcohol-free Recipes

In case the index doesn't come up with this download, the pages about anonymity are.....:

43, 120, 160, 198, 241, 255, 278, 299, 318


Happy Reading Y'all
NoelleR

[BP44]

I was made aware in studying tradition that anonymity is there to protect AA from me, not the other way around. If someone wants to spend their time and energy copying and pasting something I or you says from a " recovery" forum, so be it. It is sad and at best, petty. This is a public forum, and as with all things on the internet nothing is private. If you have something that you would only share with one other human being, don't share it here. This is not a forum to 5th step stuff, anymore than a group.

[Music]

Originally Posted by BP44

If you have something that you would only share with one other human being, don't share it here. This is not a forum to 5th step stuff, anymore than a group.

This is a good point BP. It applies to AA meetings also. Sponsors are for sharing particular tidbits. We shouldn't take up time, holding people hostage at meetings telling our life stories. Stick to the point and make it brief and to the point.

[McGowdog]

We have meetings where we bring a piece of inventory with us, go up on the blackboard and write out our 1st and 2nd columns and the group writes our 3rd column.

We don't have "sponsors" in our group. If you're new, the group is your sponsor. Oh yeah, and God is God.

But I think you're right. This is the big bad internet and I have no clue who you are. If you're not here for AA, I can't be much use to you and vice versa. So I think you're right. I should hide much of my story from y'all and you ought to do likewise because of those who are here for some "other" motive, especially those who lurk, those who hate AA, intend us and AA as a whole harm.