Can you give us an idea of the extent of this?
- How many email addresses were on the list you sent out last night?
- Approx how many separate ex-jws sent you email addresses?
I'm not going to answer either question directly, now that the emailing has commenced. Regarding those who contributed emails, all of their emails were immediately deleted and no records were kept.
Concealing the scope of this project serves its purpose better. A group in the same Michigan congregation panics because a cluster of them all got the email. What happens when they find out that someone is Australia got the same thing! The scope is staggering.
Specific information about JW response to this program would comprimise the anonymity of the contributors. But I will say this:
Anyone who thinks this will convert JWs away en masse is mistaken. But this will have JWs talking amoung themselves about "apostate" information. Can you imagine a service group chatting about Ray Franz? Well they are now!
I am sure that there is severe suspicion about how an apostate could possibly get their email addresses. There were many prominent JWs on our list. The simple fact is that JWs are constantly forwarding "Bible aids" via embedded email or using the Cc: line (a little tip if you are considering contributing email addresses).
Will this ripple the JW community? Who knows. I expect some Local Needs talks on the dangers of email, some head-wagging at elders meetings and so on up the chain.
Somewhere a JW will read the press release and relate to the confusion he/she just heard at the Service Meeting this week. That JW will think twice about completing a blood card. That JW will Google. Mission accomplished.