I think that Slip&Slide is absolutely right. During my last few years of recent active “service,” approaching anyone with an outright offer of a WT or Awake rag almost invariably produced no reaction other then immediate rejection or that “stare” of ridicule (anyone who’s experienced that knows what I mean, ha, ha). There was/is such hostility toward the WT stereotype held by the vast majority in this country (and deservedly so) that it was self-defeating to attempt to initiate any discussion based on the literature – it simply had no credibility. The bible on the other hand, could sometimes produce different results (until they found out you were a WTS salesman). It was sooooooo hopeless and depressing.
The Internet I’m sure is largely responsible for this, as when I would occasionally find “interest” I would attempt to ascertain whether or not the individual had computer access. I found that if such was the case, on my return I typically faced a sneering sort of indifference that made me feel as if I had the word CULT stamped in red ink across my forehead. . . or else I had stepped in some dog leavings in the yard and tracked it up to the door. Obviously they had done some homework.
And why not? How could someone read and come to any sort of positive, objective conclusion about the material presented by the WTS. I mean, have your read any of that stuff lately? I was embarrassed many times and would try to downplay the contents. Especially the “you’re going to be annihilated if you don’t listen to me now” type of themes. Geeze, give people a break why don’t ya!
So it comes as no surprise to hear a CO offering this sort of direction. They’re desperate too for anything that will instill any possibility of success in the “ministry.” The WTS has no one to blame but themselves. When they have a captive audience of several million who have no alternative but to swallow any swill that they produce, I think they tended to lose sight of little things like editorial content and storyline continuity, ha, ha.
If I was in Brooklyn the first thing I’d do would be to give that tired old writing committee the boot. Although they’d have to face a bit of “punishment” first for forcing me to sit through readings of such GEMS as the Daniel book!!!!
What’s the second thing I’d do? Hmmmmm. . . liquidate assets maybe? Transfers to Swiss bank accounts?
