This application is a peer-to-peer networking application that allows members of any 12 Step program to ask each other for support or offer help. The application supports three primary types of communication:

• It enables anonymous peer-to-peer instant messaging between members looking for support and members offering help.

• It allows peers to move the communication to a live voice call via anonymous conference bridges.

• It facilitates face-to-face meetings between trusted peers by disclosing proximity and location.

Additional features:

• The application allows users to register (1) their affiliation(s) with one or more 12 Step programs, and (2) their anonymous tag name for identification in the application.

• The application allows those offering support to login to the application and help those in the queue, or set themselves as “on call” during prescribed periods. Should their help be required when “on call,” they will receive a push-notification on their device that a request for support has been made and they are asked to login.

• The application enables members who have met face-to-face and have a trusted relationship wirelessly to exchange contact information that will help to identify them when using the service in the future. In other words, when a list of helpers is displayed, the contacts will be at the top of the list.

• The application shows the support person’s city or, with the use of GPS, how far away they are. This feature will make face-to-face meetings of trusted peers easier. When the list of helpers comes up, it will first display helpers who are contacts and then display others nearby.

• The application is password-protected so that casual viewing of the application, owner contents or contact information is impossible.

• The application includes a scrollable list of URLs for many of the 12 Step programs that have a website. This allows a user to locate many face-to-face meetings, conference calls, or moderated chat groups.

ann-e is available on the iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPod touch, and the iPod touchG. The iPhone may be used on WiFi, 3G and Edge networks. The iPod may be used on WiFi networks.

Please note that the iPhone and iPod do not support Bluetooth networking (short distance wireless data exchange), therefore these devices will not support the exchange of contact information.

You can text in "Portrait" ( up and down ) or "Landscape" ( horizontally ), which allows more room for your fingers.

You will only be able to use the GPS to see the approximate location of another person if you have met them at a face to face meeting, added them to your contact list, and they have accepted your request.

Please e-mail us at info@ann-e.com if you have any questions about these features or about anything else. We try to respond to all mail within one business day.