why do you remain in this group?

[badgolferman]

What keeps you here? I'm especially interested in hearing from those
who rarely participate. Thanks.

[Ken P]

Post by badgolferman
What keeps you here? I'm especially interested in hearing from those
who rarely participate. Thanks.

"There’s an old joke that goes like this:

Worried that their son was too optimistic, the parents of a little boy
took him to a psychiatrist. In an attempt to dampen the boy’s spirits,
the psychiatrist showed him into a room piled high with nothing but
horse manure. Instead of displaying distaste, the little boy clambered
to the top of the pile and began digging.

“What are you doing?” the psychiatrist asked.

“With all this manure,” the little boy replied, beaming, “there must be
a pony in here somewhere.”

(Stolen shamelessly from some random web site with the assumption that
retelling a joke is as fair use as it gets.)"

I'm past the point of thinking there might be a pony, but sometimes one
might find a biscuit in all the shit. :-)

[badgolferman]

Post by Ken P

Post by badgolferman
What keeps you here? I'm especially interested in hearing from
those who rarely participate. Thanks.

Worried that their son was too optimistic, the parents of a little
boy took him to a psychiatrist. In an attempt to dampen the boy’s
spirits, the psychiatrist showed him into a room piled high with
nothing but horse manure. Instead of displaying distaste, the little
boy clambered to the top of the pile and began digging.
“What are you doing?” the psychiatrist asked.
“With all this manure,” the little boy replied, beaming, “there must
be a pony in here somewhere.”
(Stolen shamelessly from some random web site with the assumption
that retelling a joke is as fair use as it gets.)"
I'm past the point of thinking there might be a pony, but sometimes
one might find a biscuit in all the shit. :-)

Maybe that pony or biscuit can be a gift FROM you...

[Charlie M. 1958]

Post by Ken P

What keeps you here?  I'm especially interested in hearing from those
who rarely participate.  Thanks.

Worried that their son was too optimistic, the parents of a little boy
took him to a psychiatrist. In an attempt to dampen the boy’s spirits,
the psychiatrist showed him into a room piled high with nothing but
horse manure. Instead of displaying distaste, the little boy clambered
to the top of the pile and began digging.
“What are you doing?” the psychiatrist asked.
“With all this manure,” the little boy replied, beaming, “there must be
a pony in here somewhere.”
(Stolen shamelessly from some random web site with the assumption that
retelling a joke is as fair use as it gets.)"
I'm past the point of thinking there might be a pony, but sometimes one
might find a biscuit in all the shit. :-)

Coincidentally... I just heard that joke a couple of days ago. :-)

I keep coming here because, for the most part, you guys are sort of a
connecting link between AA and real life.

What I mean by that is that people in meetings don't always say what
they're really thinking because they are afraid it might be too far
outside the AA party line. Most people in the rooms hold AA in high
regard, and don't want to say anything that might sound critical of the
program, create controversy, or that a newcomer could misinterpret. But
here in ARAA we have no such reservations about speaking our minds. It's
the unedited thoughts of sober people. You can't get that just anywhere. :-)

[badgolferman]

Post by Charlie M. 1958

Post by Ken P

What keeps you here?  I'm especially interested in hearing from those
who rarely participate.  Thanks.

Worried that their son was too optimistic, the parents of a little boy
took him to a psychiatrist. In an attempt to dampen the boy’s spirits,
the psychiatrist showed him into a room piled high with nothing but
horse manure. Instead of displaying distaste, the little boy clambered
to the top of the pile and began digging.
“What are you doing?” the psychiatrist asked.
“With all this manure,” the little boy replied, beaming, “there must be
a pony in here somewhere.”
(Stolen shamelessly from some random web site with the assumption that
retelling a joke is as fair use as it gets.)"
I'm past the point of thinking there might be a pony, but sometimes one
might find a biscuit in all the shit. :-)

Coincidentally... I just heard that joke a couple of days ago. :-)
I keep coming here because, for the most part, you guys are sort of a
connecting link between AA and real life.
What I mean by that is that people in meetings don't always say what
they're really thinking because they are afraid it might be too far
outside the AA party line. Most people in the rooms hold AA in high
regard, and don't want to say anything that might sound critical of the
program, create controversy, or that a newcomer could misinterpret. But
here in ARAA we have no such reservations about speaking our minds. It's
the unedited thoughts of sober people. You can't get that just anywhere. :-)

Good answer! Now if we could actually get some of you to tell us those
thoughts it would benefit all of us.

[Dexter]

Post by badgolferman

Post by Charlie M. 1958
I keep coming here because, for the most part, you guys are sort of a
connecting link between AA and real life.
What I mean by that is that people in meetings don't always say what
they're really thinking because they are afraid it might be too far
outside the AA party line. Most people in the rooms hold AA in high
regard, and don't want to say anything that might sound critical of the
program, create controversy, or that a newcomer could misinterpret. But
here in ARAA we have no such reservations about speaking our minds. It's
the unedited thoughts of sober people. You can't get that just anywhere. :-)

Good answer! Now if we could actually get some of you to tell us those
thoughts it would benefit all of us.

-------------------------------------

It's gratifying to know that when I share my unedited thoughts you feel
they benefit all of the others here. I'm not entirely certain that all here
would agree with you. But that's another conversation entirely.

I'm here because I have a different viewpoint on various topics that
crop up here and it's important for me to express those differences,
for the benefit of all of you - however you care to interpret that.

It's often said that AA is not a debating society, an ideal that I think
is "more honored in the breach..." as someone famous has written.
But that's not a proscription in this forum. Among those who have
access, no one is, or can be prevented from speaking freely. I'm
agreeing with Charlie M here.

It's sad that both Rob and, dare I say it, Teddy have found themselves
excluded by the fall of gurgle groups.

[Sharx335]

Post by Dexter

Post by badgolferman

Post by Charlie M. 1958
I keep coming here because, for the most part, you guys are sort of a
connecting link between AA and real life.
What I mean by that is that people in meetings don't always say what
they're really thinking because they are afraid it might be too far
outside the AA party line. Most people in the rooms hold AA in high
regard, and don't want to say anything that might sound critical of the
program, create controversy, or that a newcomer could misinterpret. But
here in ARAA we have no such reservations about speaking our minds. It's
the unedited thoughts of sober people. You can't get that just anywhere. :-)

Good answer! Now if we could actually get some of you to tell us those
thoughts it would benefit all of us.

-------------------------------------
It's gratifying to know that when I share my unedited thoughts you feel
they benefit all of the others here. I'm not entirely certain that all here
would agree with you. But that's another conversation entirely.
I'm here because I have a different viewpoint on various topics that
crop up here and it's important for me to express those differences,
for the benefit of all of you - however you care to interpret that.
It's often said that AA is not a debating society, an ideal that I think
is "more honored in the breach..." as someone famous has written.
But that's not a proscription in this forum. Among those who have
access, no one is, or can be prevented from speaking freely. I'm
agreeing with Charlie M here.
It's sad that both Rob and, dare I say it, Teddy have found themselves
excluded by the fall of gurgle groups.

They have found themselves excluded by their own intransigence in
adamantly refusing to adapt to change. Very AA-like...for newcomers.

[Ted H]

On Thu, 18 Apr 2024 10:33:47 -0500,

Post by Charlie M. 1958

Post by Ken P

Post by badgolferman
What keeps you here? I'm especially interested in hearing
from those who rarely participate. Thanks.

“With all this manure,” the little boy replied, beaming,
“there must be a pony in here somewhere.”
I'm past the point of thinking there might be a pony, but
sometimes one might find a biscuit in all the shit. :-)

Coincidentally... I just heard that joke a couple of days ago. :-)
I keep coming here because, for the most part, you guys are
sort of a connecting link between AA and real life.
What I mean by that is that people in meetings don't always say
what they're really thinking because they are afraid it might
be too far outside the AA party line. Most people in the rooms
hold AA in high regard, and don't want to say anything that
might sound critical of the program, create controversy, or
that a newcomer could misinterpret. But here in ARAA we have no
such reservations about speaking our minds. It's the unedited
thoughts of sober people. You can't get that just anywhere. :-)

I agree with both of you. I'd add that there are friendships I've
developed with folks here, and it's always nice to see them post.

Seems Mark may be the only one remaining I've met in real life.

[Charlie M. 1958]

Post by Ted H
I agree with both of you. I'd add that there are friendships I've
developed with folks here, and it's always nice to see them post.
Seems Mark may be the only one remaining I've met in real life.

I'm sort of glad I've never met Mark in real life. I just don't know if
he could lice up to my expectiations. (As Forrest Gump would say, that's
all I'm going to say about that.)

[Sharx335]

Post by Charlie M. 1958

I agree with both of you.  I'd add that there are friendships I've
developed with folks here, and it's always nice to see them post.
Seems Mark may be the only one remaining I've met in real life.

I'm sort of glad I've never met Mark in real life. I just don't know if
he could lice up to my expectiations. (As Forrest Gump would say, that's
all I'm going to say about that.)

WTF? He got rescued by a good ole Canuck Saskatchewanite.

[Mark Warner]

Post by Charlie M. 1958

I agree with both of you.  I'd add that there are friendships I've
developed with folks here, and it's always nice to see them post.
Seems Mark may be the only one remaining I've met in real life.

I'm sort of glad I've never met Mark in real life. I just don't know if
he could lice up to my expectiations. (As Forrest Gump would say, that's
all I'm going to say about that.)

I'm a disappointment to just about everyone.

[Sharx335]

Post by Mark Warner

Post by Charlie M. 1958

I agree with both of you.  I'd add that there are friendships I've
developed with folks here, and it's always nice to see them post.
Seems Mark may be the only one remaining I've met in real life.

I'm sort of glad I've never met Mark in real life. I just don't know
if he could lice up to my expectiations. (As Forrest Gump would say,
that's all I'm going to say about that.)

I'm a disappointment to just about everyone.

WTF?

[Sharx335]

Post by Ted H
On Thu, 18 Apr 2024 10:33:47 -0500,

Post by Charlie M. 1958

Post by Ken P

Post by badgolferman
What keeps you here? I'm especially interested in hearing
from those who rarely participate. Thanks.

“With all this manure,” the little boy replied, beaming,
“there must be a pony in here somewhere.”
I'm past the point of thinking there might be a pony, but
sometimes one might find a biscuit in all the shit. :-)

Coincidentally... I just heard that joke a couple of days ago. :-)
I keep coming here because, for the most part, you guys are
sort of a connecting link between AA and real life.
What I mean by that is that people in meetings don't always say
what they're really thinking because they are afraid it might
be too far outside the AA party line. Most people in the rooms
hold AA in high regard, and don't want to say anything that
might sound critical of the program, create controversy, or
that a newcomer could misinterpret. But here in ARAA we have no
such reservations about speaking our minds. It's the unedited
thoughts of sober people. You can't get that just anywhere. :-)

I agree with both of you. I'd add that there are friendships I've
developed with folks here, and it's always nice to see them post.
Seems Mark may be the only one remaining I've met in real life.

Condolences? Either way!!

[Sharx335]

Post by Charlie M. 1958

Post by Ken P

What keeps you here?  I'm especially interested in hearing from those
who rarely participate.  Thanks.

Worried that their son was too optimistic, the parents of a little boy
took him to a psychiatrist. In an attempt to dampen the boy’s spirits,
the psychiatrist showed him into a room piled high with nothing but
horse manure. Instead of displaying distaste, the little boy clambered
to the top of the pile and began digging.
“What are you doing?” the psychiatrist asked.
“With all this manure,” the little boy replied, beaming, “there must
be a pony in here somewhere.”
(Stolen shamelessly from some random web site with the assumption that
retelling a joke is as fair use as it gets.)"
I'm past the point of thinking there might be a pony, but sometimes
one might find a biscuit in all the shit. :-)

Coincidentally... I just heard that joke a couple of days ago. :-)
I keep coming here because, for the most part, you guys are sort of a
connecting link between AA and real life.
What I mean by that is that people in meetings don't always say what
they're really thinking because they are afraid it might be too far
outside the AA party line. Most people in the rooms hold AA in high
regard, and don't want to say anything that might sound critical of the
program, create controversy, or that a newcomer could misinterpret. But
here in ARAA we have no such reservations about speaking our minds. It's
the unedited thoughts of sober people. You can't get that just anywhere. :-)

AMEN!! You got it, bro'.

[Mark Warner]

Post by Charlie M. 1958
What I mean by that is that people in meetings don't always say what
they're really thinking because they are afraid it might be too far
outside the AA party line. Most people in the rooms hold AA in high
regard, and don't want to say anything that might sound critical of the
program, create controversy, or that a newcomer could misinterpret. But
here in ARAA we have no such reservations about speaking our minds. It's
the unedited thoughts of sober people. You can't get that just anywhere. :-)

I don't tend to sugarcoat what I think in meetings, but I'll grant you I
try to be a bit more tactful than I am here. That said, I thinks it's
right and proper to point out AA's faults and failings, its
contradictions and criticisms. None of that prevents me from supporting
what we do, and my long term sobriety is proof that it's something that
works.

[Sharx335]

Post by Ken P

What keeps you here?  I'm especially interested in hearing from those
who rarely participate.  Thanks.

Worried that their son was too optimistic, the parents of a little boy
took him to a psychiatrist. In an attempt to dampen the boy’s spirits,
the psychiatrist showed him into a room piled high with nothing but
horse manure. Instead of displaying distaste, the little boy clambered
to the top of the pile and began digging.
“What are you doing?” the psychiatrist asked.
“With all this manure,” the little boy replied, beaming, “there must be
a pony in here somewhere.”
(Stolen shamelessly from some random web site with the assumption that
retelling a joke is as fair use as it gets.)"
I'm past the point of thinking there might be a pony, but sometimes one
might find a biscuit in all the shit. :-)

Yathink?

[CW]

Post by badgolferman
What keeps you here?

What business is it of yours?

[badgolferman]

Post by CW

Post by badgolferman
What keeps you here?

What business is it of yours?

Who are you?

[Pluted Pup]

Post by badgolferman
What keeps you here?

Because it's there.