This time of year is when everything comes due on the web sites annual expenses, so if you have the ability please consider making a 5-10 dollar donation to help offset the cost of this site.  It is important that the site remains self supporting through its member contributions, and the burden of expense is shared, not carried by only a few.

To make a financial contribution please point your browser to 

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=HC3CBD9WSW6TL

this will open the MIP Al-Anon Group Paypal page where a donation can be made using either a debit or credit card.  

Thank you for your help in this matter.

***************************

Hi everyone,

A few changes are being made regarding our board moderators, and we are working to bring to task a method of moderation that is inclusive and in line with the 12 Traditions.  Please bare with us as we work out some of the details.  Betty and I are working closely together, as will any new moderator(s) to ensure that the board remains as controversy free as possible, and is not ever allowed to become a point of division between its members.  As I stated, we are wanting this to be inclusive, so we will put together a way that allows everyone who so desires to have a voice in board related decisions as they come to the table.

Board moderators just make sure the board stays Al-Anon focused, that there is no spam, phishing, advertisements, and that any post that tend to create or entice controversy or division among us is quelled immediately.  That means, if necessary the post is modified, removed, a thread might end up closed, etc. and if that is not taking care of the problem or issue, it might be a person needs to be put off the board, until they can come in line with the traditions as a member here.  This is a position that does require you visit the board once or twice a day, more if at all possible, reply to the post by others, welcome visitors and new people as they intro themselves, and just help keep the board active for and with the rest of the group.  I try to refrain from acting as a front line moderator.  I think it serves the group best to have its moderators moderate and me, as the site administrator to act as such.  Therefore, I will continue to only step up when something is happening that needs to be put in check, that is seemingly causing the moderators and other board members serious problems, and I will do this only at the request of board members or moderators.  Usually when this happens, it does not turn out good for someone so, I feel it is best that the moderators be able to function without any interference by me, and be able to avoid ill vibes or hardships between themselves and group members.  That being the case, if asked for assistance, I will allow myself to be used as the "bad guy" and make or support the hard decisions.  

And yes, if I make a faulty decision, the group will have a established method of voicing its opposition.  However, I want to make it clear that someone's popularity, fan club, being well liked, etc, will not be allowed to be used as a means to get under the rope of suffering consequences for their unacceptable conduct or behavior on the board (or else where on the site for that matter).  Once I have made a decision to ban someone, which will always be for a specific period of time, (never permanent without all other moderators approval), members will be able to challenge my decision.  However, it needs to be on more than just how active this person is on the board, now much they are liked, what a great cheer leading, fan club they have built for themselves, etc.  Try to keep in mind that more information is exchanged in the background, and there are times when decisions are made that we will not put all the information out front.  As we create a method to bring this whole process to the group conscious level, in a manner that does not tag our board with drama or controversy, or confuse and scare a newcomer, I will be posting it so everyone has an opportunity to address the issues and have a voice in them as they arise. 

If you would be interested in being considered for this service work position as a board moderator, please send me a PM so we can communicate further in private and include other moderators in this exchange of information.  We are looking for a few who are very sound in their judgement, who understand the difference between responsibility and control, and who are active in f2f Al-Anon so they can share that ongoing personal experience with newcomers. 

**************************

If you would like to write related to either of these points, please send me a Private Message on the board and I will respond as soon as possible.

John