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Posting Local Podcasts

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The German Language Service Board would like to upload audio recordings of meeting speakers to our homepage. I know such podcasts already exist on oa.org, so we wanted to learn the procedure. I’m especially interested in whether the contributions are reviewed beforehand and whether any violations of Tradition are removed. I would also like to know if the people who recorded the audio files have given their written consent to the recording and publishing as well as how long the audio files will remain on the homepage.

I am excited to hear about your new podcasts! Thank you for your service!

We have some guidelines for podcasts at OA websites in Guidelines for Anonymity in the Digital World, available at oa.org/guidelines (use the drop-down menu). It states, “When podcasts of speakers are posted on OA websites, it is important to practice the Eleventh and Twelfth Traditions. To protect the anonymity of the speaker and keep the level of celebrity in check, it is suggested that fictitious names be used, reminding us to place principles before personalities. When posting recordings, list by topic rather than by speaker. If speaker names are listed, do not use full names; use only first names or first names with last initials. Before posting a taped speaker, review the recording for Tradition breaks, especially anonymity. If an issue arises, consulting with the speaker may allow for the recording to be edited and the share posted.”

In addition, we should always ask permission of the speaker to record, reproduce, or change their share. Contributions are reviewed by a committee before posting, and we keep audio files on the website for as long as we consider them to be useful. At the start of the recording it is useful to remind speakers to stay in harmony with Traditions Six and Ten by only mentioning OA-approved literature.

Our Guidelines for Public Information Events states, “Speakers should be chosen carefully; they’ll be representing the OA program and should demonstrate recovery on all three levels: emotional, spiritual, and physical. You may wish to have abstinence requirements. It is highly recommended that speakers have at least one year of current abstinence and are maintaining a healthy body weight. Look for members who have suffered from different symptoms of the disease.

“Speaking to young people and teens: Two speakers are preferred, since two stories provide more diversity. Two people  can also answer questions more effectively. Each should share for fifteen minutes. Speakers should be the same age or just slightly older than those in the audience; one might be a bulimic. They should focus on their teenage or younger years and share personal problems and health risks of compulsive overeating.”

Generally at events, we agree to record only the main speakers, not all members or participants. However, it is also useful to say something like, “After each speaker there will be time for sharing. This workshop is being recorded and will be posted on our website as well as other podcast feeds. If you speak, it is considered implied consent to have your voice and your share recorded and posted. Please use only your first name or a fictitious name to preserve your anonymity.”

Some public information committees find it efficient to upload OA stories that have been published by local radio, television, and other media sources. Usually, interviewers for these stories ask questions that those outside of OA would ask and package the story in an attractive and objective fashion.

— Members of the Board of Trustees provide answers to Ask-It Basket questions

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