It seems to me that this message board has reached a point where one forum is clearly not enough.
It pains me to think that a newcomer looking for help may come here and seeing the arguments decide not to post.
I've seen some message boards that are overly cluttered with forums which is not good, but perhaps we could come up with a simple but effective way of separating out topics so as not to turn off those seeking help.
Starting off simply I think that having one forum called "Traditions, policy, and other fellowships" in addition to the general message board might separate out controversial subject matter from the help and fellowship oriented NA message board currently in use.
A message board moderator who visits daily with authority to move posts to their correct location seems also to be a good idea. Note, I'm not suggesting that this person have the power to ban anyone....that should be reserved for the site admin, but rather to keep help and fellowship posts separate from matters of policy and procedure.
I was going to email John with this idea and volunteer to be the moderator, but I thought I would bounce the idea off the members first.
Love it! Those that want to debate issues can go to those areas and debate till their hearts are content. Many other forums have those options and it may offer a better opportunity for addicts with varying degrees of program,tradition,concept etc knowledege to choose what kind of help they need and what areas can offer that!! Thanks Don
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Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery.
It pains me to think that a newcomer looking for help may come here and seeing the arguments decide not to post. Nope, doesn't happen, if anything the reverse is true. The newcomer sees the enthusiasm, experience, and activity of the board's participants and feel "this" would be the place to get some effective help.
I tend to agree with Andy here because my very second or third (I don't remember) NA meeting was preceded by an intense ASC meeting at the same venue, I sat through it, people were yelling, fighting, some took it personal, it was chaotic in a way, but it did not disturb me as such, after the meeting, an oldtimer did tell me at the tea-joint that I shall understand what's all this about as I keep coming back, and for now, to just let it all be, that helped...
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"If we do an honest examination of exactly what we are giving, we are better able to evaluate the results we are getting."Chapter 10 - Emotional Pain - NA Way of Life.
However, as suggested above, having different sections to a forum helps... there could be sections like sharing and caring, steps, traditions, service, fun and humor etc. I've seen this work well at a few of the other online NA groups that I'm a part of...
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"If we do an honest examination of exactly what we are giving, we are better able to evaluate the results we are getting."Chapter 10 - Emotional Pain - NA Way of Life.
Point I see is this,,,, as long as the debates and arguements and discussions are done without being abusive or being a personal attack, all will be well. So, in this context, I think that Dons idea must be carried a little further with the result that the moderator has the authority to delete personal attacks and abusive posts.
My growth in NA has never been impeded by controversy and dilemma's; in fact I have grown as a result of both controversy and acceptance being part of an experience. It kept me humble in knowing that I dontnknow everything and it kept me energised in what I did well.
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Raman an addict clean and serene just for today in NA Worldwide ; live to love and love to live the NA Way !!!
