Category Archives: News

What’s in our Banner?

We respect the Copyright laws of Sexaholics Anonymous.  Thus, we had to come up with our own logo for the SA Teleconference Website.

The #1 purpose of this web site is “To serve the fellowship of Sexaholics Anonymous (SA)”.

men-women_rest_room_iconIf you like the website, join our committee.  If you do NOT like our website, join our committee.  In other words, “we can do together what I cannot do alone”.  If you have a suggestion, constructive criticism, question, etc. then we welcome your input !

Nevertheless, where do you commonly see the man/woman logo?  At every restroom door, right?  Notice the S-Anon logo includes “Family Groups”.  Our official Sexaholics Anonymous logo has a very s-anon_logo_blackunique standard gender symbol denoting male ♂ and female ♀ .  This is derived from astrological symbols, denoting the classical planets Mars and Venus, respectively.

These symbols have been in use since the Renaissance also denoting elements in alchemy, specifically the metals iron and copper.

They were first used to denote the effective sex of plants (i.e. sex of individual in a given crossbreed, since most plants are hermaphroditic) by Carolus Linnaeus in 1751.

SA_logoThey are still used in scientific publications to indicate the sex of an individual, for example of a patient. Pedigree charts published in scientific papers now more commonly use a square for male and a circle for female.

The shape of the Mars symbol has been likened to an iron-tipped spear (i.e. a weapon mainly used by men) and shape of the Venus symbol to a bronze mirror or a distaff male-female_logo.jpg
(stereotypically associated with women in former centuries). Read more

Here is our logo for SAPhoneMeeting website…

 


We also have a “Splash page” that changes frequently.  Currently we are featuring the band Cold Play who played during the Super Bowl L halftime show.

All music is what awakes from you when you are reminded by the instruments.
—Walt Whitman

A small group of friends sat in a room around a record player. It was a heavy old thing, with parts that had to be operated by hand and only one speaker – nothing like a modern stereo at all, but more like an antique phonograph. The record – a recording of their favorite music – was old, too, and scratched, its grooves worn smooth as a stone in some places. The tone arm skipped and scratched, and the sound was tinny, hard on the ears.

Most of the friends squirmed in their seats as they listened, and several grumbled that it was impossible to hear the music with such inferior equipment.

But one of the group sat listening, her eyes closed, swaying to the music and humming softly to herself.

“How can you enjoy this?” the others asked.

“Ah,” she said with a mysterious smile. “I am listening beyond the recording to the music I know is there!”

Can I find the music that’s playing for me today?

(From Today’s Gift: Daily Meditations for Families ©1985, 1991 by Hazelden Foundation.)

 

Censorship

Have you ever joined a Sexaholics Anonymous teleconference meeting and the secretary or moderator interrupted you and said, “stick to the question”.  Your answer is off the subject?

This happens at face-to-face meetings as well, but generally there is MUCH more tolerance if people can look into the eyes of the one sharing and see if they individual sharing is sincere.  Obviously, if the person sharing is literally crying, they are obviously distraught (distracted; deeply agitated; mentally deranged; crazed) and probably being honest.

Censorship is the suppression of speech, public communication or other information which may be considered objectionable, harmful, sensitive, politically incorrect or inconvenient as determined by governments, media outlets, authorities or other groups or institutions.

Governments, private organizations and individuals may engage in censorship. When an individual such as an author or other creator engages in censorship of their own works or speech, it is called self-censorship. Censorship may be direct or it may be indirect, in which case it is called soft censorship. It occurs in a variety of different media, including speech, books, music, films, and other arts, the press, radio, television, and the Internet for a variety of claimed reasons including national security, to control obscenity, child pornography, and hate speech, to protect children or other vulnerable groups, to promote or restrict political or religious views, and to prevent slander and libel.

Direct censorship may or may not be legal, depending on the type, place, and content. Many countries provide strong protections against censorship by law, but none of these protections are absolute and frequently a claim of necessity to balance conflicting rights is made, in order to determine what can and cannot be censored. There are no laws against self-censorship.

Read more

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Are decisions about the website made “unilaterally”?
    • No.  Before the website was ever published, we have sought advice and counsel from ALL members of SA.  We will continue to solicit feedback.  This site depends on the Unity of the fellowship and encourages people to email their opinions to info@saphonemeeting.org and attend periodic “ad-hoc” committee meetings.  Read more
    • We have continued to listen intently to others on the call and through email thereby being as transparent as possible.  Merely providing a service is our primary mission.  If you would like to join our “ad hoc committee” (formed for a specific task or objective, and dissolved after the completion of the task or achievement of the objective = harmony with VIG), please send us a note. Read more
  2. What is the value of the site?
    • Meeting Scripts—the SAPhoneMeeting website allows for one central, user-friendly stop for newcomers and members of Sexaholics Anonymous to get a copy of the meeting format.  Since there are multiple Daily Sobriety Renewals with variations in the questions, it is helpful to get a list of the questions pertaining to that specific teleconference call.  Most of the meetings follow the suggested “White Book” format found in the appendix and is included on the main menu.
    • Rich Content—user friendly, interactive site that allows users to easily find a meeting conducive to their schedule and/or time zone.  Also, there are multiple sections, guidelines and links that offer a wealth of information all easily accessible on the web.
    • Real-time News—the site contains multiple sections related to important announcements.  For example, we offer scrolling headlines updated on a regular basis.  Historically the primary access number used to have connectivity failures and callers needed to use the Backup number.  Frequently, there are changes to the phone meetings and are updated immediately.
    • Infrastructure—We will continue to try and stay ahead of the curve and offer the most advanced technical features and benefits like http://saphonemeeting.org/twitter.html.  In particular, we have designed a repository individual groups can publish their “business meeting minutes” online so folks could access with a secure password (of course) and follow along the chronological events leading up to the present (e.g. discussions and decisions that affect the meeting).
    • Global Presence—the World Wide Web offers a handy reference to people all over the world.  Historically, the schedule of SA Phone Meetings were posted on Yahoo Groups.  However, this required moderation and you needed to subscribe (requiring Yahoo account) to access the contents.
  3. What are some of the challenges with getting the SAPhoneMeeting accepted by all the teleconference groups?
    • Technical sophistication—Facebook is another modern form of social networking, but we need to be very careful of potential triggers.  Many “old school” members who are used to attending face-to-face meetings have tremendous FEAR about the Internet and in some cases even email.  Consider, the unknown ATMs back in the mid-80s.  Many people didn’t trust the integrity of cash flow and the commercial interaction with a machine.
    • Conflict of Interest—Perhaps, more than half of the callers acknowledge that Internet pornography is there primary form of acting out.  Thus, using a website as a central point of contact creates apprehension.  However, living in the 21st century is challenging with all the sexual advertising and culture temptations.  The Information Highway has exploded and has become a normal way of communicating today. Read more
    • Anonymity—Our founding fathers discovered the real spirit of this principle when they were tempted to use their full name for fame and fortune.  Today, this is perhaps one of the most important aspects of the 12 Step recovery program.  It creates a safe environment for addicts who are desperate and terrified that others may discover their secrets.  However, whenever someone opens a normal email from their work computer, it is automatically logged on multiple servers and can easily be traced.  There are many tools for ensuring secure communication (i.e. encryption, https, certificates, etc.).  Even the phone calls themselves pose a risk because currently the lines are not secure and the access PINs are widely distributed across the World Wide Web.
  4. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
    • One of the biggest “red flags” in any organization is when someone makes this comment.  Sure, there is a lot of wisdom in KISS, however, most human beings are resistant to change and generally speaking, if you do not change, you will die.
    • What has been the success of the website?  Read more
    • “I wish the SA Phone Meeting website were available to our Daily Sobriety Renewal (DSR) call”
    • Who else has an opinion? Read more

survey_results_q09e

Are you disturbed?

olive_branchOlive branch is usually a symbol of peace… (Read more)

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

SAPhoneMeetings website (FAQs) was established 7 years ago (4/13/2009 ~ Read more)


If for some reason, you find this website disturbing, then consider…

It is a spiritual axiom that every time we are disturbed, no matter what the cause, there is something wrong with us. (12&12 p.90)

When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing or situation — some fact of my life — unacceptable to me, and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment. (BB p.417) Read more

Tradition One: Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon AA unity.

  • Am I in my group a healing, mending, integrating person, or am I divisive? What about gossip and taking other members’ inventories?
  • Am I a peacemaker? Or do I, with pious preludes such as “just for the sake of discussion,” plunge into argument?  Read more

How do you say Merry Christmas in Italian?

Today I was on my lunch break and was walking by Little Italy.  Across from my favorite local Italian restaurant was a Bocce court.  Meanwhile, there was a Lamborghini parked on the side of the street and couldn’t help but notice.  A elderly Italian lady came over and said, “I have a friend in New York City who has two of them and 8 Porsches“.

“Wow”, I replied and then said, “Merry Christmas”.

She responded, “Buon Natale”

SAICO Conference Approved

What does “Conference Approved” really mean?

Is the Bible illegal?  Are you aware that this is the #1 most popular book in the world based on sales.  In fact, they have sold more copies than the 2nd, 3rd and 4th most popular books combined.

What about the dictionary?  Do you know the meaning of every word in our Literature?

This is really where the concept began – when the founder(s) wrote books and information about the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions.  Then the central office was formed to manage all the inquiries.

However, the founder of Sexaholics Anonymous decided NOT to share the revenue collected from the SA White Book (our Basic Text).  So unfortunately, even though literature sales was traditionally the #1 source of revenue, now SAICO has a difficult challenge writing material they own the Copyright.

When you visit the Online SA Store you’ll notice there are two (2) distinct publishing sites.  Roy K. and his estate (e.g. Iris, widow) receive 100% of the royalties.  SAICO receives $0.00.  SA Publications (White Book, Recovery Continues, etc.)

In addition, there is a selected list of approved AA literature. Consult the AA Service Manual for full list p.S82-3, The A.A. Service Manual, 2013-2014 Edition.  AA encourages everyone to order A.A. literature from the nearest Central Office or Intergroup
Office. The General Service Office cooperates closely with these offices, which are the best resource for A.A. literature and information. For more information visit www.aa.org (services for member menu). Or contact AA Headquarters. Read more


Long before the Internet was popular, there was always temptation to publish literature in the Saturday Evening Post, Readers Digest, etc.    So, AA figured this out over 60 years ago and published the AA Twelve in Twelve in 1952.   The sole purpose was to introduce the Traditions.

For example, Tradition Eleven states, “Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, films, and TV.”  Today, in the 21st century you can add “Internet”.

Fortunately, A.A. has established “Guidelines” compiled from the shared experience of members in various service areas. They also reflect guidance given through the Twelve Traditions and the General Service Conference.  In keeping with our Tradition of autonomy, except in matters affecting other groups or A.A. as a whole, most decisions are made by the group conscience of the members involved. The purpose of these Guidelines is to assist in reaching an informed group conscience.  Read more

inverterd_pyramid

 


So, the real question is, has anyone ever “Approved” the www.saphonemeeting.org besides the founder?

The answer is YES.  Read more

In fact, the website never was intended to be managed by ONE person.  Technically, it began with four (4) VERY important people, hence the wording “Established 2009” on our home page.  It was Brian in Rhode Island, Chad in Colorado, Kelvin in Maryland and Kay in Tennessee.

The 0630 AM EST daily sobriety renewal that Brian founded was the first group to approve the website.

to be continued…

Sneaky web redirects & analytics

If Sexaholics Anonymous, IT Committee and Teleconference Virtual Intergroup (reports to Mid-Atlantic Region (MAR) do not like the website WE setup, then why did they redirect traffic from http://saphonemeetings.org (NOTICE the “s” or plural form) to the SA flyer?

You get the following “Internal Server Error: The server encountered an internal error or misconfiguration and was unable to complete your request.  Please contact the server administrator, webmaster@sexaholics.org and inform them of the time the error occurred, and anything you might have done that may have caused the error.”


WHOIS LOOKUP

Domain Name:SAPHONEMEETINGS.ORG
Domain ID: D167049501-LROR
Creation Date: 2012-11-06T18:24:20Z
Updated Date: 2015-09-07T08:29:55Z
Registry Expiry Date: 2018-11-06T18:24:20Z
Sponsoring Registrar:Network Solutions, LLC (R63-LROR)
Sponsoring Registrar IANA ID: 2
WHOIS Server:
Referral URL:
Domain Status: clientTransferProhibited — http://www.icann.org/epp#clientTransferProhibited
Registrant ID:53096391-NSI
Registrant Name:SAICO
Registrant Organization:
Registrant Street: PO Box 3565
Registrant City:Brentwood
Registrant State/Province:TN
Registrant Postal Code:37024-3565
Registrant Country:US
Registrant Phone:+1.6153706062
Registrant Phone Ext:
Registrant Fax:
Registrant Fax Ext:
Registrant Email:saico@sa.org
Admin ID:53096391-NSI
Admin Name:SAICO
Admin Organization:
Admin Street: PO Box 3565
Admin City:Brentwood
Admin State/Province:TN
Admin Postal Code:37024-3565
Admin Country:US
Admin Phone:+1.6153706062
Admin Phone Ext:
Admin Fax:
Admin Fax Ext:
Admin Email:saico@sa.org
Tech ID:53096391-NSI
Tech Name:SAICO
Tech Organization:
Tech Street: PO Box 3565
Tech City:Brentwood
Tech State/Province:TN
Tech Postal Code:37024-3565
Tech Country:US
Tech Phone:+1.6153706062
Tech Phone Ext:
Tech Fax:
Tech Fax Ext:
Tech Email:saico@sa.org
Name Server:DNS74-2.NEXCESS.NET
Name Server:DNS74-1.NEXCESS.NET
DNSSEC:Unsigned

Access to Public Interest Registry WHOIS information is provided to assist persons in determining the contents of a domain name registration record in the Public Interest Registry registry database. The data in this record is provided by Public Interest Registry for informational purposes only, and Public Interest Registry does not guarantee its accuracy. This service is intended only for query-based access. You agree that you will use this data only for lawful purposes and that, under no circumstances will you use this data to(a) allow, enable, or otherwise support the transmission by e-mail, telephone, or facsimile of mass unsolicited, commercial advertising or solicitations to entities other than the data recipient’s own existing customers; or (b) enable high volume, automated, electronic processes that send queries or data to the systems of Registry Operator, a Registrar, or Afilias except as reasonably necessary to register domain names or modify existing registrations. All rights reserved. Public Interest Registry reserves the right to modify these terms at any time. By submitting this query, you agree to abide by this policy. For more information on Whois status codes, please visit https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/epp-status-codes-2014-06-16-en.

Traffic

How many hits do we receive on this website?

We had over 27 thousand hits in 2015, averaging around 2,000 per month.

2015 Statistics

stats_2016-01-18bstats_2016-01-18

2014 Statistics

1st Quarter: 8,894 page views
Highest Month: 3,172 in January
Average: 79 per day

Click on images below to ZOOM in.

quarterly_stats_2014-05-01monthly_stats_2014-05-01daily_stats_2014-05-01

Midnight Group Conscience

This is a PILOT / BETA testing announcement

 

Unfortunately, there have been too many disruptions on the midnight meeting that we had to move to a more robust line.  We will announce this on the old number until further notice.

NEW Phone #: 712-432-3011   |   Code: 174-189   |   Self Mute: 4*

Announcement Click to hear Audio Greeting

The secretary will ask callers to introduce themselves by first name, where you are calling from, state your length of sexual sobriety.

Please identify yourself with your Area Code (and/or 1st three digits of your phone number) so we can add you to the contact list.  We do this to regulate the call and protect anonymity.  Otherwise, you will not be able to participate. Ultimately, the call moderator only needs to associate this phone number once and from then on you’ll be in the system.

Please keep in mind, this is a “pilot” that we believe is designed to eliminate background noise, hecklers and disruptions with the primary purpose to improve the overall quality of the 12 Step Teleconference meeting for ALL SA MEMBERS.  If you would rather just listen and choose not to participate, you don’t need to mention your phone number or say anything for that matter.

Please announce these changes every night!

Group Conscience

Next meeting: Wednesday, May 14, 2014
(starting approximately 12:40 AM ET)

Opening: Serenity Prayer
Member role call
Reminder: Motion, 2nd, Discuss, Vote, Amend
Chairperson Report:
Read minutes from last business meeting: Attendees & Duration
Review secretaries and vacancies for 7 days/week.
Old Business:
New Business:
Motion to adjourn?
Closing Prayer

Suggested topics/motions:
  1. Group conscience to decide on the new phone line, administrative discussion, etc. Held on Wed, April 30, 2014 on the Midnight call (9pm PDT).  Schedule another business meeting shortly thereafter to revisit.
  2. Announce new phone number so callers can participate.  Meanwhile, we will try to merge the two lines for a period during this transition
  3. Request SA Member volunteers to secretary the meetings
  4. Phone etiquette – when, why and how to mute callers?
  5. Publish agenda, minutes and accountability list online using a SECURE password.  The current temporary password is “midnight” (click here).

Secretaries
Sunday – Catherine
Monday – Dan
Tuesday – Ann (temporary)
Wednesday – Aggie
Thursday – need a volunteer
Friday – ?
Saturday – Marcel

If you would like to volunteer, have any questions and/or suggestions, please send an email to midnight@saphonemeeting.org .  Eric from California and Paul (host moderator) can explain more.

What features do participants have during a conference call? Participants have options from the phone keypad for Self-Mute with 4 then * to mute or unmute themselves, and Raise Hand with 5 then * to raise or lower their hands visible to the host from the online call management. NOTE: A participant cannot unmute their line if host has MUTE ALL enabled.  To Raise your Hand select 5* and the host can individually unmute and mute callers. Note: Raised hands can be lowered by the host online or by participants selecting 5* a second time.

Midnight meeting has two formats depending on the day of the week.  On Monday and Friday it is a “Nightly Reflections” and the script is identical to the 10:15 PM ET meeting. The rest of the week it is a “Book Study” of Sexaholics Anonymous where the format is to choose a “conference approved” reading and then share on that topic.