Potential disfellowshipping, current disfellowshipping, disfellowshipping of people we love.
It's the most genius cult tool ever invented.
I see some disagreements to this statement...all with valid reasons... and excellent points
Yet, the crux of the original statement is fairly true. Think about it. If the JW religion did not DF dissenters, did not shun those who chose to leave for whatever reason, the main reason for ex-JW community wouldn't really need to exist.
If people could come and go without repurcussions, it would just be another American religion with quirky beliefs. If we chose to join another religion and we were wished well on our journey, we wouldn't harbor resentment. If we didn't have to hide our true thoughts or feelings on a teaching because we fear being "counseled" or worse, we wouldn't resent the leadership. If we weren't forced to pick between family and faith, we wouldn't learn to hate one or the other.
Most religions that use peer pressure of shunning and excommunication are the ones with the most vocal opponents...particularly from former members.
So, while many of responding posts are good points and bring out good info, I think the OP hit on the main reason that there is an ex-JW community.