But One Purpose FAQ
Updated August 1st, 2007
Q: Help! I'm having trouble loading the chat page!
A: This is a known issue with Mac users, but we're not sure why it happens. A workaround is to go to StarChat's main page ( http://www.starchat.net ) and go to the box that says "Java Chat Interface". The room name is "#but1purpose". This is also an alternate way into the chat room for PC users.
Q: Where can I download Java?
A: You can find the latest Java here.
Q: Who is welcome in the group?
A: Anyone whose life has been affected by the drinking of a friend or relative is welcome.
Q: When are meetings?
A: Right now our weekly meetings are held on Saturday, at 9PM Pacific / Midnight Eastern, and Sunday at 7PM Pacific / 10PM Eastern. Business meetings are held on the first of every month at 7PM Pacific.
Q: I need to find a face-to-face meeting!
A: This is a good place to start: http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/meetings/meeting.html . You will probably need to follow a link to the Al-Anon website for your particular state (if you live in the US). Someone in the chat room may be able to assist you as well, and people will generally drop whatever they are doing to help someone in need.
Q: Where can I get Al-Anon literature?
A: You can order it here: http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/publications.html . Many online bookstores carry the books also.
Q: What does "But One Purpose" mean?
A: Our group takes its name from the fifth Tradition of Al-Anon, which is:
Each Al-Anon Family Group has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics. We do this by practicing the Twelve Steps of AA ourselves, by encouraging and understanding our alcoholic relatives, and by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics.
Q: Is the group recognized by WSO?
A: Yes, our weekly meeting is registered and our WSO number is #00503788. We are also registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a support group.
Q: Who decides how the group is run?
A: Our group is run according to Al-Anon principles. No one person is in charge -- just like a F2F group. Decisions are made during business meetings, and members are encouraged to attend them.
Q: Who pays for the site?
A: All work on the site is done by volunteers. The Java chat program is freeware, and there is no charge to use IRC networks. We do not expect our operating cost to ever top $30 / month. It is currently somewhere around one-sixth of that, because our web hosting is being donated.
Q: Can I be an officer of the group?
A: You sure can. We have an elected Secretary, Treasurer, and WSO Group Contact. These positions rotate every six months with the exception of group contact (3 years). Votes are held during our business meetings during August and February.
Q: When are business meetings?
A: They are held on the first of the month at 7PM Pacific / 10PM Eastern.
Q: How can I find out more about how the group is run, make suggestions, or ask questions I have about it?
A: The best place may be in the "Group Business" section of our message board, though you are welcome to raise questions at business meetings as well.
Q: Can I belong to more than one group?
A: Absolutely. We encourage people to belong to multiple groups. You don't have to choose between face-to-face groups, and you shouldn't have to choose between online groups either.
Q: Who determines what behavior is acceptable in the chatroom?
A: Open chat is different from meetings. It's more like a trip to a restaurant for coffee after a meeting. There are no strict rules on what people can say during open chat or on the message board, but we do ask that people try to respect other people's feelings and beliefs.
Q: What rules are there on what can be posted on the message board?
A: Generally please try to keep profanity to a minimum, and also please respect the copyright of authors. A general overview of copyright as it applies here can be read at http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl102.html .
Q: Why are users required to use a username and password to read the posts on the message board?
A: This is to help protect the privacy and anonymity of our members.
Q: Who can I complain to about a user in the group that I don't like?
A: Please take it up with the person you have a problem with, or ponder why it is that they bother you so much. Odds are you will eventually meet someone here you don't like -- just like real life.
Q: If a user is being abusive in the chatroom, who can kick them?
A: Any channel operator can kick users off for being abusive, and ban them if they return.
Q: Can I kick someone off because I don't like them?
A: No.
Q: How can I become a channel operator?
A: A regular user will be made a channel operator unless they strenuously object. This is to discourage cronyism and power-tripping -- and to make sure that someone can deal with a problem if it occurs.
Q: How do I get auto-opped on joining?
A: First, you must be set up using mIRC. Then you must register with Nickserv on StarChat.
Q: What the heck is mIRC?
A: It's an IRC chat program. If you are happy to use the usual chat interface and aren't a computer geek, you probably shouldn't bother with it.
Q: But I want to. Where can I download mIRC?
A: The mIRC homepage is here: http://www.mirc.com/
Q: Who can help me get this set up right?
A: Another mIRC user may be able to help you. But mIRC problems can be difficult to troubleshoot. For your IRC server use "irc.starchat.net". The channel to join is "#but1purpose".
Q: Who runs StarChat?
A: StarChat is a private chat network that is also volunteer-run. It is not affiliated with our group at all, we're just users on it.
Q: Who or what is "mtgbot"?
A: "mtgbot" is a computer program (a "bot") that sits in the chatroom and performs certain functions, often for people's entertainment. Try typing "!cocoa" in the room, for instance.
Q: Do you accept donations?
A: Yes, donations will be used to offset operating costs of the group, and will never be used for anything non Al-Anon related. Please send an email to donations-at-but1purpose.org for more information.
Q: Do I need a Paypal account to make a donation?
A: No, anyone with a credit card or checking account should be able to donate using the link on the home page. More information on donations can be found here.
Q: Is there any oversight of how the money is spent?
A: Yes. the treasurer gives a report of what donations were received during the previous month during business meetings. If you wish to be completely anonymous, please say so at the time of your donation. Otherwise people will be identified by their initials. All expenses are made public as well. Donated funds remain the property of the group. Excess funds may be donated to WSO by group vote.
Q: Where did those pictures on the website come from?
A: They were taken by one of our members during various hikes on or near Mount Pilchuck, near Seattle.