Middlesbrough Muckers challenges the myths of A.A sponsorship

Our focus is the Big Book; we use no other text. The emphasis is on the first 89 pages of the Book, which have not been altered since originally published in 1939. The process of one addict/alcoholic guiding another through the Book takes between 24 and 30 hours, usually done in 2 - 3 hour sessions, typically over a period of 2 - 3 weeks. In the process, we write comments and notes, circle words and highlight passages in the Book. (We are called Muckers, because we muck up the Book!) During this period of "being booked", the individual actually performs the first 11 steps of the program.
The purpose of this brief, intense process is to jump-start the program for the individual. The goal is to facilitate the "vital spiritual experience" as described throughout the Book, and to give the individual the tools to maintain and grow that experience. Once the individual has had this experience, we find that the addiction is removed. Subsequently, much of the maintenance and growth of the spiritual experience is achieved by working Step 12. This means working directly with other alcoholics/addicts. Once recovered, the individual is encourage to pass the process on to someone else - to give it away. While other forms of service are not discouraged, (including helping out a meetings - making coffee, etc.), this is not considered to be Step 12.
Addressing Concerns
These are some of the comments we have heard about the Muckers:
Muckers are a cult-group of fundamentalists.
Muckers are arrogant. They say that their way is the best way and the only true way to recover.
Muckers are trying to steal members from other fellowships.
Muckers do not use sponsors.
Muckers don't give out chips for sobriety.
Muckers have the nerve to say they have recovered.
Most of the Muckers have little clean/sober time. What do they know, anyhow?
Muckers are critical of what worked for thousands of us.
Muckers are anti-fellowship.