FAQs
Questions & Answers about the SENY website and AA on-line
How much does it cost to run the SENY website?
What can I find on the SENY website?
Can I visit the SENY website from my office? Will I break my anonymity if I do?
How do I protect my anonymity when visiting the SENY and other AA websites?
Is the SENY website available in both English and Spanish?
How does information get onto the SENY website? Who's responsible for it?
Can I get copies of AA literature from the SENY website?
If people can get to AA on the Internet, why will they bother going to meetings?
Public information has been an aspect of AA
service ever since the "Big Book" was published in 1939. A website
continues that tradition by employing the most modern methods of
communication. The experience of other AA Areas has shown that a
website can be helpful in improving communication, increasing service
participation, strengthening unity and facilitating our
tradition of cooperation with the professional community.
How much does it cost to run the SENY website?
The main costs involved are for reserving the domain name aaseny.org (about $70 for two years) and hosting the site (about $10 to $30 a month, depending on the capabilities of the website). Members of the SENY Website Committee volunteer to do much of the website development, management and maintenance work. However, there may from time to time be additional expenses for software acquisition and professional development services. Where expenses may exceed the annual Website Committee budget, funds are requested in advance consistent with SENY budget guidelines. These costs may change over time.
What can I find on the SENY website?
Website content is ultimately up to the SENY Committee and Assembly, with input from the Website Committee. It is shaped by the Website Guidelines. While the website will always be in development, you can currently find a considerable amount information about AA and SENY including a bit of AA history, instructions on finding AA help, information on AA literature, SENY officer and standing committee reports and activities, a full SENY calendar of events with event travel information, copies of SENY's newsletter and access to SENY's Bulletin Board.
Can I visit the SENY website from my office? Will I break my anonymity if I do?
You can visit the SENY website from any
computer that is connected to the Internet. Most computers will retain some record or trace of sites visited, depending on the settings.
Some even record individual keystrokes. If you access the SENY website on a computer at work, there is a chance your anonymity may be compromised should anyone check what websites were visited.
How do I protect my anonymity when visiting the SENY and other AA websites?
Individual privacy and personal security on the Internet are big issues, and it makes sense to use caution on the Internet. While SENY has taken reasonable steps to protect individual privacy and security for those visiting the website, the main responsibility remains with individual users. Those who are concerned may seek out specific remedies to guard their privacy and security such as installing special computer programs or using computers at libraries or Internet cafes. Several good privacy and security forums and hardware or software products are available. An online search under those terms should turn them up.
Is the SENY website available in both English and Spanish?
Most elements on the SENY website are first developed in English, then translated to Spanish. All elements of the website should be fully accessible in Spanish. This work is coordinated between the Area's Website and Translation Committees. SENY welcomes help in this effort through either committee. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information. Some links beyond the SENY website may not offer Spanish-language content.
How does information get onto the SENY website? Who's responsible for it?
The SENY Website Committee is responsible to the SENY Committee for the development, operation and management of website consistent with the SENY Website Guidelines.
Can I get copies of AA literature from the SENY website?
No. The copyright for AA literature is held by either AA World Services Inc. or The AA Grapevine, Inc. Given the copyright issues and the fact that significant pieces of our literature, including the "Big Book," are already available online, SENY has chosen not to duplicate AA's literature on its website. Where we discuss, quote or refer to AA literature on our site, we acknowledge the source and its copyright and/or provide a link to the corresponding AAWS or Grapevine source.
Will I be able to go directly from the SENY website to other websites? Will I end up at non-AA sites?
The 
SENY Website Guidelines ask us to limit our links to the websites of AAWS/GSO, the AA Grapevine,
AA General Service Areas, AA Intergroup/Central Offices, other
local AA service groups and any other sites that may be judged appropriate by the Website Committee. Even with these limitations, given the nature of
the Internet there is no controlling where the website may lead you. The
guidelines on the SENY Bulletin Board are somewhat looser in order to allow free and wide-ranging sharing of views and
information within postings. Take notice and caution when you lave the main
SENY website for our Bulletin Board or beyond.
What kind of computer do I need to access the SENY website, and will people with special needs be able to use it?
Any computer with a reasonably up-to-date
browser will be able to access the website. SENY's Website Committee works to assure its broad accessibility to
all users consistent with current accessibility standards and
techniques (WAI). Please let the Website Committee know through Report a Problem if you find an accessibility problem.
If people can get to AA on the Internet, why will they bother going to meetings?
Just as the telephone and the printed page
haven't replaced meetings, neither will the Internet. Although
technology can improve communications methods, nothing can match
face-to-face contact. The Internet remains a useful tool, especially
for those who otherwise cannot get to a physical meeting for any
reason.
If you have any questions about SENY's website and would like them to be addressed in future FAQs, please e-mail the Website Committee at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
These FAQs are supplied by SENY's Website Committee. The answers are simplified and intended for general information only. Because technology changes constantly, if you have specific concerns about any of the issues discussed here it is suggested that you investigate them thoroughly using additional sources of information. These FAQs have been modified from their original form in order to comply with the SENY Website Guidelines and to reformat for publication on the World Wide Web.