I know times have changed. But when Ray Franz wrote his books, and I was concealed deep in the Watchtower cocoon, I knew absolutely nothing of the matter. I knew very little about Ray, and heard even less. The matter was one of the top two or three scandals of the last 50 years that affected Jw's - and I, and most of the jdubs I knew, had no idea. Same with most other scandals in the time period.
Fact of the matter is, that most tightly held jdubs will likely not know about this either. Or will only hear a very tainted and confused view about it with the faint whisper that the 'apostates' are somehow involved. That will be enough to create mental shut down for many of them. The Sept KM will finish the job for many others. A small percentage will become aware of the matter to a larger degree, and an even smaller percentage will dare and look at the facts regarding the matter with open eyes.
Sadly, this is the case with high control cults. Very little will permeate the artificial canopy that has been erected to 'protect the flock'. I believe that some will leave over it. Will it even be one out of each congregation of 100? I doubt it. I say this not as a pessimist, but as a realist who spent decades with full blinders on and in the dark. Most are still in that position, I fear.
Like others, I am beginning to believe that the Sept KM was preemptive. Looking at the wording of the QB makes me think that they were anticipating a far smaller effort than the one that happened here though. And I don't believe they were expecting a CD, but some other medium.
Objectively, the CD might have been the best surprise of all. It can be viewed in the privacy of one's home, or on ones laptop, or at work. And importantly for a jdub with questions, he can view it without the inherent guilt associated with the internet, nor the bulky problems of hiding a book. Once he establishes for himself that there is something more to investigate, it will lead to the internet, and to the exit of some.
Those already 'primed' to examine his doubts, for that person this will provide that 'final straw'. If it is an earlier straw for them, they will leave later not sooner. Don't expect a massive exit. But the exit will continue with time.
Jeff
