Cults use specific mind control techniques. From what I know of AAWA, they use none of these techniques. I guess I can understand how some might be leary of getting sucked into another cult, but it is not hard to identify a true cult if you know what signs to look for. I took some information from howcultswork.com to show how the WBTS differs from AAWA.
DECEPTION
A cult needs to recruit and operate using deception. Why?
Because if people knew their true practices and beliefs beforehand then they would not join. A cult needs to hide the truth from you until they think you are ready to accept it.
The WBTS hides its history and prior bad predictions. We know who is behind AAWA and how they came to be.
EXCLUSIVISM
Cult leaders will tell you can only be "saved" (or can only be successful) in their organization alone. No other organization has the truth, all others miss the mark. So it is not the belief system that decides your future, but it the belief system AND your membership with that particular group.
The WBTS obviously meets this criteria. Does AAWA tell you what religion to be after you leave? Do they pressure you to leave other groups to join them?
FEAR AND INTIMIDATION
Cult leadership is feared. To disagree with leadership is the same as disagreeing with God. The cult leaders will claim to have direct authority from God to control almost all aspects of your life. If the cult is not a religious group then questioning the leaders or program will still be seen as a sign of rebellion and stupidity.
Obviously you cannot disagree with the WBTS and remain a JW. Anybody here afraid of Cedars?
RELATIONSHIP CONTROL
Cults also try to cut you off from your friends and family because they hate others being able to influence you. A mind control cult will seek to manoeuvre your life so as to maximize your contact with cult members and minimize your contact with people outside the group, especially those who oppose your involvement.
Does the WBTS control your relationships? Of course. AAWA, not so much, and really they wouldnt be able to if they tried.
Now obviously this is a new organization, things could change. What is important is that we have the knowledge to understand how cults work and what tecniques they use so you will know when they are being used.
WBTS, a cult. AAWA, not a cult