Why Tracts? And Why Now?

by metatron 32 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  eyeslice

  Notice that the latest tract is in fact an invitation to the District Conventions.
  That'll go down like a lead ballon with the public.
• 

  sinis

  Which is very odd, since its a one time gig, no chance of rehashing the tract if it is geared to the DC. What a waste of resources... actually they could just dump there excess (and are probably gladly telling pubs to get all they can) on the pubs, and let them foot the bill.

  Has anyone thought that perhaps the old bastards at Bethel actually believe the end is near, while the other departments are looking at them like they are freakin' crazy, but still going along with "gods channel"? Sort of like Hitler and his generals during WWII?
• 

  garybuss

  The Society is experimenting. The old model isn't working. The new model is being tested in beta format. They're a book printing business that kinda set book printing aside to focus on the religion business that evolved around the book printing business when Charles Russell was alive, and now the religion business is faltering.
  
  That only leaves the event sponsoring business that still does well and the real estate development and speculation business that has always done well.
  
  A active Witness recently told me that 99.9% of Jehovah's Witnesses are slackers. That's from an insider's point of view. The Society could print up a leather cover hard bound book for door to door distribution but the Jehovah's Witness people aren't donating for literature at any level even approaching the days when direct sales were made and hard cash was collected at the Kingdom Halls before the manufactured items even left the Kingdom Halls.
  
  So, what the Society doesn't invest in literature they try to make up for with hype, programs, and cheaply produced tracts that Witnesses won't donate (much) for and won't collect anything for at the door. They're trying to stir up enthusiasm when there's NOTHING to be enthused about.
  
  They invented everything. All they have to sell at the door or to the Witness people is a story they made up and printed in a book. It's religious fiction. It's a cement boat, it ain't gonna float. They have promoted stupidity and demoted and eliminated the intelligent Witnesses. That fact is really showing now.
  
  
• 

  moanzy

  I was thinking the same thing Garybuss. They may be just trying a new thing too see how effective it is. Witnesses might be more willing to go in service if they didn't actually have to talk to anyone.

  Tracts are easy to distribute. The average witness would rather not be bothered with the ministry and it's probably showing. They may be doing an advertising campaign for now to see if they can get those numbers up. I wonder what they make more money doing----donations for the mags or donations from the population of guilted witnesses?

  Moanzy
• 

  garybuss

  Moanzy, I always enjoy your comments. Thanks for being here.
  Don't ya think this is more of a "get the Witnesses up and going" than distributing information to the public?
  
  
• 

  moanzy

  Yes!! A little of that and a little of getting the numbers up. I'm just not so sure the tract is the way to go unless they are actually trying to go DOWN.

  This stupid religion.( shaking my head)

  Moanzy
• 

  wednesday

  I recall a time years ago the jws told us that a time would come when the preaching work would slow down or stop. With the tracts the jws would not have to say much, (they'd rather not anyway) they can still count time, they don't cost much print, and they are still spreaing the "truth" So, since things are getting tough, cash flow wise, they could use tracts for the preaching work,and if the person accepts a study, then offer a book. Remember, we have to get on Jehovahs chariot , which ever way it goes. If we don't we will be left behind.(never forget that talk)
• 

  under_believer

  The reason for the tracts is simple. They realize that the "ministry work" is an empty shell of its former glory and a real joke to most publishers. They realize that all of the teaching and instruction they're offering through the KM isn't helping at all.
  They realize that they can get people motivated by declaring a "special" effort, and that "tract work" is much easier than real ministry. Therefore they are stepping this effort UP, because it appears to be successful.
  It won't last, though--sooner or later the novelty will wear off and people will realize it's just a trick to get them back out in service.
• 

  BizzyBee

  The "spreading the good news" through tract distribution has several advantages already mentioned, such as providing a less painful way to witness for those who really don't like witnessing.

  It also is a "cut and run" maneuver that keeps vulnerable dubs from engaging in conversations with well-informed householders, some of whom will inevitably be apostates.

  A thought on the cash flow: Its a big monthly nut to cover; equipment purchases and leases, building maintenance, facility upgrades, mortgages, property taxes (?), care and feeding of the staff, travel, printing supplies, shipping and postage, lawsuits, etc. Even with cutting staffing, they have to feed the monster.
• 

  kwr

  The WTS finances are just fine and there is nothing to worry about. There have been changes to some magazines and tracts are being used for upcoming conventions. However, the cost of renting the convention centers is very high and they are having two or three conventions in many areas.
  The JW's have 1 million baptized members in the US and another 1.5 million that are not baptized that attend congregations and support the WTS. They also are growing overseas and are financing legal battles in foreign countries regarding their beliefs and practices.

  If the average congregate gives $50 per month that is $125,000,000 per month and $1,500,000,000 per year.