WHAT I LEARNED: 1. This is the tenth & last item in the general Al-Anon Newcomer Packet (item # K-10) & it has a very special distinction that I just found out. As far as my research can tell, this item # S-15R is the only piece of active literature that is not listed on any order form, in the CAL Catalog, or on the World Service Office’s website! It seems to only exist in 4 of the 6 different types of Newcomer Packets. (The Professional Packet (K-30) & Alateen Newcomer Packet (K-18) don’t have it.)
2. This pamphlet/order form promotes 6 essential Al-Anon books & 3 for Alateen & I’ve noticed that recently this pamphlet has been updated for the May 1st, 2013 price increase. Also the softcover version of “How Al-Anon Works” (item # B-32) has been replaced by the hardcover version (item # B-22) in this pamphlet. So there’s a possibility that some Packets (that haven’t been given out yet) might still reflect the old pricing. Just an FYI!
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**UPDATE (10/26/22): This item, “Getting Started” (item S-15R), has been redesigned & can now be downloaded directly from the World Service Office website by clicking this link: Getting Started pamphlet. This online version from 2022 looks the same as my hard copy 2016 version, so while it doesn’t show any prices, it is need of an update. It lists “How Al-Anon Works” (item # B-22) available in hardcover & the daily reader “One Day at a Time” (item # B-6) available as an audiobook – which I can’t find anywhere.
I believe this item is still shipping within the hard copy versions of the general Al-Anon Newcomer Packet (item # K-10) & there is a “Getting Started” section in the digital “Welcome Newcomer!“ (item # eK-10) that mentions the audiobook as being available. So this is just something to keep in mind when reading this pamphlet! As soon as I find out the audiobook version of “One Day at a Time” is truly available again, I will post an update!
"CAL Chat" Blog ~My journey in Al-Anon~ 
Hello Pat,
I have finally caught up with your CAL reading blog, and had no comment till I went and read the July 1st one. I’ve always had a bee in my bonnet about the S-15R “Getting Started” being included in the Beginners Packet. Since groups buy them to distribute to newcomers, I have always felt that this should not be included in the packet given them. I usually remove it and tell the folks that most meetings they go to in D.10 will have literature available for the cost of the replacement. This way the LDC in the district receives the free shipping and handling and discounts. The newcomer can see this for themselves. I guess since WSO is hurting financially I might reconsider and leave it alone and let the newcomer decide where to get his/her lit.
Bernie
I see your point, however I’m guessing the S-15R pamphlet is included in Newcomer Packets for the person that maybe isn’t able to come back (or doesn’t feel comfortable to), so at least they can see some of the book titles & still have a way to buy them. Plus, you’d be surprised how many meetings I’ve been to and only 1 or 2 books are displayed, so this pamphlet would show that there is definitely more help available! Whether they buy at the meetings or through World Service directly, it’s more important to me that they just actually get the literature!
The LDC in D. 10 is “selling” the lit purchased at old prices at the old price. Then when items come in and are paid at the new pricing, we will be charged with the new price. Kapiche? FYI. Also thanks for the note on the soft and hard cover books on this flyer. Wonder how long we shall have the soft cover available.
According to the new 2013 World Service Conference Summary (P-46), the softcover How Al‑Anon Works (B-32) trial period has been extended another 3 years – however they are concerned about members being confused about the
originalintent of the book – so we’ll see what happens. …Also they say the e-book version of this is supposed to be out this summer, but I haven’t heard anything more on this just yet. Click here to see the WSC Summary yourself: AFG Members’ Website