Here is what I heard - "People aren't reading print anymore, look at the failure of newspapers and print magazines", "Paper costs are sky-high in many parts of the world", "Shipping / handling costs are so high", "Everthing is on-line, speed of delivery, special on-line articles and features", "the times they are a changing".
My take - "no-one hardly reads or appreciates the stuff anymore", "it takes up to 2 years for an article to be thought out, written and then published / delivered". "With on-line many more langs and faster from thought to print will happen"
What will happen (or should happen) within the next few years - discontinue wt / awake for the public. No need for it. Introduce a new 16 page monthly public print magazine called "The Truth". Guaranteed more readership, appeal and freshness. Get rid of watching the world, from our readers, bible changes lives, kids corner, etc. Go for free distribution via on-line subscription with the on-line additions. If you want the printed mag go back to mailed delivery. Old-timers still resent when subscriptions were taken away.
The new 16 pg mags will turn into comic book type rags with an almost laughable content and appeal. If they were smart, they would do random survey from readers via on-line satisfaction comments.
A discussion board and on-line Q&A section needs to be at jw.org
Having a suggestions section and how are we doing section. A complaint section to turn in rouge CO / DO and nut case elders.
A rewards section with redemption center for users with most hits / comments with great prizes like a vintage cross & crown pin or a Rutherford 78 record!
Yes, go mainstream and look normal (appealing) to others. Isn't this what Jesus did - be all things to everyone and "Let them come to me".