Okay to have a weekly "anon" recovery thread?

One of the things I really really like about another place where I spend my on-line time is a weekly "anon" thread where people talk about how to live life without their addictions. While it's not truly anonymous, it's great to have a time to gather and support each other.

Here is the standard disclaimer we use over there:

1. Due to possible legal liability issues for the operators of (message board name), we ask that you refrain from posting specific details regarding the use of illicit substances. (message board name) cannot be seen as supporting illegal activies in any way. You can use words like "stoned" or "high" or "wired" and everyone will understand what you mean.

2. Before you post, please keep in mind that although it's called "(message board name)-Anon," this is not a private thread; it is visible to all (message board name) members. Be aware that what you say may come back to haunt you. This is not an AA nor an NA meeting, and anonymity can NOT be guaranteed.

3. Nobody here is speaking in a professional capacity. If you feel you require genuine assistance, you can talk with us, but do not consider any advice given here to be a substitute for professional counseling. If the need arises, we will do our best to provide contact information for offline groups that may be able to help.

4. Posters are expected to show consideration of others and try to rise above the common flaming sometimes found in other threads. Everything said here is a matter of personal opinion. If you disagree, take the time to word your reply in a calm manner. If you can't stand what somebody has to say, you have the option of adding them to your ignore list.

5. This is not a thread for bragging, it is not a contest to prove who is the most hardcore. (message board name) Anon is meant to be a civil discussion of what it is like to be dealing with addiction, and the problems our addictions may cause, as well as what we have done or are currently doing to deal with it. If you have something relevant to add to the conversation, we encourage you to do so. If, however, you are here to cause problems, disrupt the thread, or prove you are an asshat, well, we all have that ignore feature.

Would it be alright to post such a thread on, say, Thursday nights?

Thanks ~

It sounds like a good idea to me, but of course CRSP has the final say. As long as you add the disclaimer in the first post of each thread, it should be fine.

I'm not sure I'm the "right" person to be replying to this, because a) I'm not a mod and b) I'm not likely to be participating much in such a thread, but I think its a great idea. I'm lucky enough to have never had any problems with addiction, but I'd think that talking about things in a mostly-anonymous forum such as this could be quite helpful, both for people dealing with addiction, and for people dealing with people dealing with addiction...

Bonus: I'm fairly certain that posters in that other place would appreciate having another thread to post in on Thursday nights (that thread takes place on Tuesdays). I can invite them to DoMeBo - perhaps they'll join the board. :)

This sounds like a great idea. Would relatives/friends of addicts be invited?

Sounds like a good idea. Go for it.

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Originally posted by percypercy

This sounds like a great idea. Would relatives/friends of addicts be invited?

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Certainly. Actually, anyone is welcome to post in the thread as long as they are not abusive to other posters.

Crispy: Thanks so much! I ran that disclaimer by one of our US lawyers, and he was pretty much OK with it, but pointed out that UK law is a bit different. Do we have a DoMeBo member who is a UK attorney whom we could check with? I don't want to get you in any trouble.

Ok, I plan to start the inaugural DoMeAnon thread tonight in Jibba Jabba. I will attempt to do so at 8 pm my time (U.S. Central).

I'm thinking that the thread should be closed a few hours after it's started. I'll PM a couple of mods about that.

Here's my revised disclaimer:


1. Due to possible legal liability issues for the operators of DoMeBo, we ask that you refrain from posting specific details regarding the use of illicit substances. DoMeBo cannot be seen as supporting illegal activies in any way. You can use words like "stoned" or "high" or "wired" and everyone will understand what you mean. Avoid mentioning specific times, places, people, substances even. "I slipped last night" = OK. "I scored an 8-ball in Bellhaven at midnight yesterday, and did it on the dock by the lake" = not so ok.

2. Before you post, please keep in mind that although it's called "DoMeAnon", this is not a private thread; it is visible to all DoMeBo members & guests. Be aware that what you say may come back to haunt you. This is not an AA nor an NA meeting, and anonymity can NOT be guaranteed. Don't post it if it will bite you in the ass later.

3. Nobody here is speaking in a professional capacity. If you feel you require genuine assistance, you can talk with us, but do not consider any advice given here to be a substitute for professional counseling. If the need arises, we will do our best to provide contact information for offline groups that may be able to help.

4. Posters are expected to show consideration of others and try to rise above the common flaming sometimes found in other threads. Everything said here is a matter of personal opinion. If you disagree, take the time to word your reply in a calm manner. If you can't stand what somebody has to say, you have the option of adding them to your "Foes" list.

5. This is not a thread for bragging, it is not a contest to prove who is the most hardcore. DoMeAnon is meant to be a civil discussion of what it is like to be dealing with addiction, and the problems our addictions may cause, as well as what we have done or are currently doing to deal with it. If you have something relevant to add to the conversation, we encourage you to do so. If, however, you are here to cause problems, disrupt the thread, or prove you are an asshat, well, we all have that ignore feature.

6. Anyone is welcome to participate, just keep it civil please.

Why close the thread within hours?

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Originally posted by Ensign Edison

Why close the thread within hours?

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Well, the original only lasts for the night it was posted. It's kind of a weekly get-together-and-discuss-how-you're-doing. I thought to start this one the same way. If we think it would do better for it to last all week (similar to the MMP), then we certainly can do it that way. :)

Ah, I see. I like the idea either way, but it seems like more people on different schedules could participate if it were made weekly.

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Originally posted by Ensign Edison

Ah, I see. I like the idea either way, but it seems like more people on different schedules could participate if it were made weekly.

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True enough. I'll bring it up tonight in the thread, see what folks think.

How will people post anonymously?

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Originally posted by Liberal

How will people post anonymously?

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They won't. Please see disclaimer paragraph 2. :)

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Originally posted by NinetyWt

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Originally posted by Liberal

How will people post anonymously?

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They won't. Please see disclaimer paragraph 2. :)

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ETA: Possibly the admin & mods wouldn't mind a sock for that purpose. I'd check with them.