Four years ago when I first came to this site, I was quite actively still proving, and reproving to myself that I did the right thing in leaving my lifelong religion as a Jehovah's Witness. Some of the key components of my research were found at Randy's site, especially the section on 'Spiritual Food at the Proper Time', a listing of thousands of Watchtower quotations without commentary. Another was the 'Quotes' site, and spin-offs of those ideas in a site called 'Reexamine'.
I had bookmarked many of those sites.
Now, just out of boredom, and with a desire to find a couple of favorite Watchtower quotes for use in a future bit of blogging, I find that none of the above are even there anymore. Randy's site has completely morphed - and while it is interesting, the component that aided me the most is gone - or at least I cannot find it or it's child. Reexamine is about athetic activities now - what? And of course 'quotes' was run out of business by the WTS - but at the time it was speculated that a dozen or more mirror sites would make sure the same information was out there. I can't locate anything that resembles it now.
If I were to turn to the internet today as an active Jw, I might turn back around and go back to the KH - for me at least, the ability to prove that the Watchtower was full of shit from looking at compiled quotes from it's own literature was crucial. In the early stages of my leaving, I would never have ventured onto a site like this one, or Randy's current site. They would have appeared far too 'apostate' to my innocent understanding of the world out here.
I suspect that the WTS is/has used copyright law to close all these self-incriminating sites. Still I can't help but wonder if daring Jw's, on the verge of understanding that something is wrong in the organization, might have a more difficult time finding sites that allow self investigation of the doctrines and lies of the Watchtower. I for one, never had a problem looking at actual quotes, and finding out the 'truth about the troof', and I think many Jw's are like that, no matter who supports the site.
Perhaps I just don't know where those sites are now - but if they are truly gone, it is a shame.
Just Ramblin' On
Jeff