What is the Purpose of this Site - My personal opinion?

jst2laws

I was a little surprised to learn that many people do not REALLY UNDERSTAND the purpose of JWD. Many are focused on freedom of speech and the fact that this is a "discussion" board. To some this does seem to go against the heavy moderating the board has seen lately, feeling that discussion is suppressed, some going so far as to suggest that mind control is subtly involved here as in the organization. I may be wrong in what I'm about to say, but this is my impression. The purpose of this board is to provide a safe place for Jehovah's Witnesses, former Jehovah's Witnesses and those interested in them to discuss topics related to JW's that can assist them in their discovery and recovery from facing the truth about 'the truth'. This is why I am here, and many have benefited from the approach this board has taken. A young lady last night told me this site 'saved her life'. It is the intent of the owner and moderators of the board to keep this site just such a safe place. We allow for a variety of different subjects not clearly related to JWs and tolerate a certain amount of aberrant comments realizing many here are dealing with serious emotions as they make this journey. Thus the posting guidelines are just guidelines and moderators use their best judgment in dealing with disruptive behavior. That 'best judgment sometimes result in editing posts and from time to time removal of posting privileges of those who disrupt. And I might add none of us are without error in making these judgements. This is understandably offensive to those who are resentful of the abuse of authority they have experienced in the past, as well as those who feel freedom of speech guaranteed in the US means they can say anything they want anywhere they want. I personally apologize for any insensitivity that may have been displayed in the way your difference of opinion was handled. However, it has been demonstrated, I believe, that most here see that unlimited freedom of speech can hurt others, especially the timid JW lurker whom we are hoping to make feel welcome. For this reason JWD will not change, if my perception of it's purpose is valid. While I am asking for your expressions here, this is not going to be a debate about "moderation". This thread is about this being a place to come to learn and share what you have learned, to receive support and to give support as survivors rather than a place to vent your anger, attack your enemies, or assert one's perceived freedom of speech. That's what I think the board is about. What do you think. Steve ~~edited at in first three minutes to hopefully keep the topic focussed~~ Naww, edited again to put controversial paragraphs back in

reboot

I think youre right! When I first left it was because Simons site gave me the confidence to leave with my head held high due to the UN issue.

Looking back this place has been such a life line to me-i'm so happy I found you all.

When I met some of you at Mikes' bbq this year and last year I really felt we were genuinely pleased to see eachother.

I feel incredibly protective of all of you and hope that we'll continue to support eachother. Leaving is a very emotional time- and this place really softened the blow for me and made me feel I had somewhere to come when the feelings got too much for others to understand.

It's given me the confidence back I had before the Org and although I sometimes get the feeling some here don't like me- it dos'nt matter; i'd do anything for any of you .

The feelings of total and absolute rejection and the anger and frustration when your reasons for leaving are belittled are overwhelming.

To say this place extends a life line is'nt being dramatic- it's what I feel Simon's site has achieved.

jst2laws

Reboot,

To say this place extends a life line is'nt being dramatic

I didn't no it was so hard on you Reboot. Glad you found what you needed.

Steve

Dansk

The purpose of this board is to provide a safe place for Jehovah's Witnesses, former Jehovah's Witnesses and those interested in them to discuss topics related to JW's that can assist them in their discovery and recovery from facing the truth about 'the truth'.

I'd say that's about as good a definition as one is likely to get. Dansk

Simon

I knew Steve's description of it was going to be better than mine !!

Reboot:

Looking back this place has been such a life line to me-i'm so happy I found you all.

Likewise, people have been such a help to us it's hard to describe.

When I met some of you at Mikes' bbq this year and last year I really felt we were genuinely pleased to see eachother.

You bet ! We're counting the days till the next meet-up

I feel incredibly protective of all of you and hope that we'll continue to support eachother.

I think that's the main thing, we're all a big, disjointed, extended family and we can all lean on each other from time to time.

Leaving is a very emotional time- and this place really softened the blow for me and made me feel I had somewhere to come when the feelings got too much for others to understand. It's given me the confidence back I had before the Org and although I sometimes get the feeling some here don't like me- it dos'nt matter; i'd do anything for any of you .

Awe, we love you and you know we're here for you - anything, anytime. I love it that there are people I can talk to who understand all the emotional baggage of the WTS 'experience' without me having to explain it. Even if we're not talking about JW issues, people have that shared past which colors our emotions and gives us a deep understanding and appreciation for where people are coming from.

jst2laws

Dansk,

Good to see you around again.

Steve

Simon,

Its basically what you have been saying for years.

Steve

Mulan

The purpose of this board is to provide a safe place for Jehovah's Witnesses, former Jehovah's Witnesses and those interested in them to discuss topics related to JW's that can assist them in their discovery and recovery from facing the truth about 'the truth'.

Very well put, Steve.

I must say that if there had been crude or worse, language, on this board when I first came here, I would never have come back.

There was another board that was wonderful for a long time, and then it was gone. I was so lost without it. This board was pointed out to me, not long after, and we had been out for a few years, but I was still in need of a lifeline. It provided that for me, and we have met dozens of wonderful new friends too.

I think the moderators do a great job and this board is just the way I like it. I have visited a few other ex JW boards and think they are just insane, and more importantly almost pornographic. I know I am a bit of a prude, but someone who has been a religious nut her whole life, is not going to respond well to that kind of stuff. Namely me.

mouthy

Well I guess I had better get off the line..... I believe it is a place to show our true colors. If I am going to have to watch how I walk & watch how I talk I may as well return to the WT...Sorry just2laws. Your postion in the WT is showing. Guess I will say aduios( if i could spell it-Sorry my ornaery self is showing But I believe the HOLY Spirit will guide any who are seeking TRUTH.... I may be wrong about my feeeleings but that is how I feel. Bye

Valis

I didn't know we allowed porpoises on this site! Eh jst2laws..purpose changes I think for everyone and maybe more of a mission or intent should be sought. Not trying to play word games, just trying to move this train along...

Sincerely,

District Overbeer

Mysterious

I love it that there are people I can talk to who understand all the emotional baggage of the WTS 'experience' without me having to explain it. Even if we're not talking about JW issues, people have that shared past which colors our emotions and gives us a deep understanding and appreciation for where people are coming from.

Exactly. The most well meaning worldly friend never quite understands everything, especially things like shunning close family members.

What is the Purpose of this Site - My personal opinion?

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