The WTS no longer bills congregations for the literature, but they do send a letter when the amount of literature does not come even close to their estimated value of the publications.
Theoretically, jws donate for the literature they get, then when placing it, they ask for donations to the "worldwide work" meaning that IF the jw donates at the KH and gets a donation when they "place" literature with a non-jw making for a possible double donation for the same literature.
But I wondered if the literature is without charge and jws are supposed to ask for donations for the WWW, why don't jws ask for donations if they don't place literature?
Here are some weaselly words from that initial period.
*** km 10/91 p. 7 Question Box ***
Should publishers and pioneers feel obligated to contribute to the Society’s worldwide work each time they obtain literature for field service at the Kingdom Hall?
No. As stated in the April 21, 1990, letter to all congregations in the United States: “Publishers may . . . make their own donations to support the worldwide work according to their ability and desire, whenever they choose to do so.—2 Cor. 8:10-15; 9:6-14.”
However, some publishers have chosen to make their donations at the time they pick up a literature supply. They do this because picking up literature serves as a convenient reminder of their privilege and responsibility to support the worldwide work regularly. Others contribute personally at the same time they put in the voluntary donations received from interested ones met in the field ministry. Many have decided to make a specific donation each week. Still others set aside an amount for the worldwide work each month, just as they do for Kingdom Hall expenses.
Whenever it is done, each one has to determine what he or she can personally do in support of the worldwide work. Such giving should be done in an orderly way in accord with how the giver is prospering. (1 Cor. 16:2) When we make such donations, we must have in mind that we are contributing not simply to cover the cost of producing the literature but rather to support all facets of the worldwide work.
*** km 11/91 p. 2 Question Box ***
Are we not donating twice for the literature if a donation is made at the time we get literature and then when we put donations received in the field into the contribution boxes designated for the Society’s worldwide work?
No. Donations that go into the contribution boxes for the Society’s worldwide work are not only for the literature. Both publishers and sincerely interested persons in the field receive the literature without charge. When publishers make their donations, it is in support of maintaining branch offices, Bethel homes, missionary and ministerial schools, missionaries, traveling overseers, literature distribution centers, and numerous other support services necessary for accomplishing the overall assignment Jesus gave his disciples. Publishing literature is just a small part of this.
Therefore, when donations are received from interested ones in the field, we should not say that the donation is “for the literature.” As we explain to them, those who sincerely desire to read our literature receive it without charge. Any donations such ones give will be used to care for expenses involved in the worldwide work. The same is true of donations made by publishers.
*** km 8/91 p. 8 Question Box ***
Do we have to mention to a householder our willingness to accept a modest donation to the Society’s worldwide work each time we call on him?
No. The May 1990 Our Kingdom Ministry article “Use Our Literature Wisely” stated: “In some cases, the subject of donations for our worldwide work may be awkward to discuss.” Good judgment needs to be used in this regard. We want people to have clearly in mind that ours is truly a Bible educational work and not a commercial activity. We are not soliciting donations.
It is generally good to explain clearly how our work is supported by voluntary donations when we initially leave literature with interested ones. If we keep in mind that we leave literature only with those who show interest or who express a desire to read our literature, then this aspect will generally be cared for.
Many of such interested ones take the initiative to offer donations voluntarily on subsequent visits. Others may ask how much an item costs. We can briefly state that ours is not a commercial work, explaining that we offer our literature to interested ones without charge. They can also be informed that any who desire to support the worldwide work can make a modest voluntary donation. From time to time, as appropriate, we can bring up supporting the worldwide work of the Society if the person on whom we make the return visit does not do so.
We should keep in mind that even though we offer our literature to interested ones without charge, there are costs involved in publishing and distributing our literature. We have confidence that God’s spirit will move his servants and interested ones in the field to make voluntary donations to cover the costs of all aspects of the worldwide work.
*** km 9/91 p. 3 Question Box ***
If a householder gives a comparatively generous donation, should we be moved to give him additional literature?
Not necessarily. You can use your good judgment in this regard, taking into consideration the interest manifested in reading the literature. On subsequent visits, literature that meets a particular need of the householder might be left. If the householder takes the initiative to offer a further donation, such can be graciously accepted. Keep in mind that donations support various facets of our worldwide work, which includes our building program, missionaries, and the special pioneer work, in addition to our publishing of literature.
