haha! That's really funny you should say that Nicky. I swear, as God is my witness, when I clicked on the link to check out this board just now, I was thinking to myself "this board has been way over my head lately".

I am not joking! lol! You read my mind... :)

BBH, didn't say they weren't or there was anything wrong with them. Just commenting that there are different levels of discussion and inviting newcomers to participate.

You're absolutely right. I think at least with me I tend to go deep when I am bored and trying to amuse myself. Simplicity is one of the cornerstones of our program so......Don't drink and you won't get drunk!

Well said, nicky.


Truth of the matter is, not taking that first drink, trusting my sponsor and taking a leap of faith in the program was what kept me sober in the early years. Nothing more complicated than that.

I am sure glad this topic came up, just asked a simple question in Explainging the AA program discussion and wasn't sure if it might be a good discussion in and of itself. I have felt a bit intimidated by the discussions, however, I don't give up, you see me pop in with a comment now and then, hoping it relates, trying at least to understand. lol
I came in and felt a bit threatened, but now I look at it as a challenge and a big risk for me, whether I ever see any of you or not, it feels like a risk.

I'm with you, Nicky - I was welcoming a newcomer to this group and thought "Oh dear, they are going to find these discussions are really not what they are looking for." So thanks for the reminder. Some more introductory discussions for newcomers please. Thanks.

In the hour it has taken this discussion to evolve I have eaten a whole bar of Green and Blacks Organic Chocolate and had a Magnum Ice cream! Now, that just isn't good for my waistline ;)

Yes Nicky, for me, keeping it simple works, it is only people that complicate this program. If I am honest, I don't even read most of the posts on here now....they are just too long winded!

Whoops, HP just reminded me, I forgot to add, only my opinion of course ;)

We all have the freedom to choose what discussions we want to participate in. I see topics that appeal to everyone, in all stages of recovery on this site. They all are equally important and necessary.

I hate all this pseudo-intellectual stuff that gets discussed here. Is it to help the newcomer?? No, I think not.

Personally, and of course this is just my opinion I find them self-indulgent and similar to a group of guys in a bar all trying to outdo each other with their intellectual prowess.

If anyone's sphincter is too tight around their neck maybe it's time to get head out of ass!

Bigbear-I didn't see this as Nicky stating that the "deep" discussions need to cease, but just that some topics (many recently) may be over our heads. (meaning people like me) :)

It is a little intimidating over here cause most of you guys have years of sobriety & I have such a respect for most of y'all that I'm afraid of saying the wrong thing or sounding stupid. (I know you're thinking that never stopped me on the main board!) LMAO!

But if it's too over my head, I just move on and read something more on my level. :) Which where sobriety & AA is concerned...is the bottom rung...hee hee...

I guess that would make you the bouncer at the bar, Serenity94. lol

Sincerely, some of us like using our brain pans in this way. It's stimulating and exciting. It's not about making anyone feel less than. Sincerely, I wonder if some reverse discrimination is going on here. I don't know. I just feel that being censured for enjoying a stimulating conversation could be seen as hostile. The truth is, if you aren't interested in a topic, don't follow it.

Not everything about AA is designed to cater to the newcomer. I'm sure many would be bored out of their skulls at Intergroup or District meetings...and yet the topics discussed there are important to those participating.

And I was trying to be funny about the bouncer comment. Not trying to start a pissing contest here. lol I know you're very smart, too, Serenity94. In fact, there is much wisdom on this site, from newcomers, too.

I guess I must really be in the wrong here. I have tried to follow several discussions and it seems that about 10-15 people talk amongst themselves no matter what the topic is. That is of course your choice, this sight has been here and will be here long after I leave. But I don't see ANY newcomers getting responses of ANY kind.
Most replies begin quite clearly responding to this single group of people.
I had once said I take a risk every time I speak, I feel actual fear(unfounded, as it usually is with me) knowing I will never actually "see" any of you.
I am homebound, not by choice, and need people in recovery.
I was already uncomfortable here,(I suppose I would have been anywhere) which is exactly why I stayed.
I know I have the choice of going elsewhere. The WWW is limitless.
But I just wanted to clarify my feelings on the matter, which I have to validate in some way today, (hopefully in a healthy way)
Is this all my imagination? Can anyone enlighten me? Politely, I hope. :)

I take back that blanket statement, Gail did welcome me to DS.