I've been reading this thread for some time and finally had the opportunity to create an account. I am anxious to meet you all and have a support group/active audience over the next crucial months and years following.
Background: Long-time doubter, giving way to frustration and skepticism beginning about 10 years ago and finally to total admission that this is a cult and that atheism is the way to go. However, I'm still a member of the bOrg officially and will not reveal any identifying hints about my identity/whereabouts until after I make this leap.
I also plan to do something active that few ExJWs have done well and I'll keep everyone updated about this project. Take it from me though, people my age and younger are fed up and this organization is about to start hemorrhaging members. I have never seen this much disenfranchisement before and the WBTS is obviously aware of it. For the first time in my life, they appear to be taking defensive measures.
I'm a pretty decent character, not much into promoting my atheist agenda or engaging in petty ridicule by bantering or mudslinging (as I've seen a few times in these forums). My ultimate goal, or overall mission (with this new project on the horizon), is to prove the WBTS's Reasoning Book definition of "apostasy" WRONG. There are many, many examples on here and on the www where an active, "see-I-told-you-so" JW could reference to validate their loaded definition. I feel very strongly that JWs who discern the palatable change in tone and environment within the bOrg need an outlet--a place to go to that will not make that initial click of the mouse so painful when they begin their journey of independent thinking. Some websites are just plain scary and a questioning JW who already carries tremendous guilt and fear is likely to run for the hills after seeing certain "apostate" material. When debating, it's very important to engage them on their terms and try to embolden their naturally-driven instinct to search for understanding. As I become more and more acquainted with some of you, perhaps I'll eventually loosen up and lose the formal tone. For now, I will probably come across as a little pretentious, but please understand, I feel I have a reason to be as dignified as possible. Therefore, you won't see me using foul language or take a side in a heated argument between members of this board. (if you knew me in real life, you'd see the "party Dario" tho, ...trust me, I'm a very chill person, lol) It would be very "dub" of me to "counsel" you guys on that, so don't worry--I'd never do it. However, when I do create a new topic, please keep your posts dignified and remember who our audience is: scared, trapped, doubting people who are faced with making the most difficult decision of their lives and they need to feel safe and comfortable when visiting this page.
Ok, I'm off my soap box. It's a good thing I'm not working on "gestures" because none of them are visible in text. Feel free to introduce yourselves! And if any of you are tech-savy, let me know...
PHILIA! (no watered-down agape here, haha)
DarioKehl