Tradition Eleven — Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio and films.
In the book Dr. Bob And The Good Oldtimers (page 264) he (Dr. Bob) said "Since our tradition on anonymity designates the exact level where the line should be held, it must be obvious to everyone who can read and understand the English language that to maintain anonymity at any other level is definitely a violation of this tradition."
Isn't that interesting? We should be anonymous only at the level of press, radio and films. It doesn't say anything at all about hiding your indentity from other AA members. So why do so many people in AA think they commit the unpardonable sin if they give their last name? Perhaps it is simply fear. They are afraid you might actually call them and ask for help. I don't use my last name when I share during a meeting, because it isn't necessary, but I don't hesitate to give my last name to those I give my phone number to.
If we want the hand of AA to always be there for the suffering alcoholic we must be willing to let others know who we are. Let's not violate this tradition in either direction. Let's not tell the world we are in AA, but let's not keep it a secret either.
