by Jang 39 Replies latest jw friends
When I post here, it's because I feel that I have found a group of real friends that have gone through the same BS that I have. I'm not here to preach.
If someone needs support, or has a question, I do my best to answer and support them. But I have no desire whatsoever to cram stuff down peoples throats. Nothing irritates me more than seeing five posts in a row from one person doing their "preaching work".
Well, howdy.
I signed up on the new H20 - but have been busy with work, haven't had time to post much anywhere.
But I will go back and look - and post there, particularily if it's new and improved. I think it's a tad folly on any poster's part to assume that one board automatically will survive for a long time because of one administrator.
What if Simon does move to Canada as he says? Doesn't it make sense that this board might function a tad worse than usual - considering he has a business, wife, 2 kids, and a life of his own - all to move across the ocean? A good portion of us offered him absolutely no help on his one request for help. Some of us just argued what the position of a monitor should be. What will he do with no help? Why should he continue - what's he getting out of this? Just because he's a laid-back English guy doesn't mean he - or his wife - has no limits on their time, money, etc.
Last year this time - there were about 5 active posters here. By August, several of us were placing wagers on it shriveling away shortly. Simon has never taken an active role as participant here - just provided a place to meet and talk - to help other people coming out of the WTBTS. And for that provision - I'm thankful, but don't think it's permanent. Only life and taxes are permanent.
As for H20 - I learned a lot from that place. So Rick's a pain - so are a lot of us some of the time. Some, most of the time.
To say that we don't help others by their lurking is a big mistake, imho. New ones just don't *pop in* one day and say hello. They've been reading for a while - we know that because they tell us so. And they read our words, for good or bad. A lot of them know us before we ever know them.
The internet has been a tremendous help to me. I, for one, would like to pass along the fellow feeling to another captive WTBTS schmuck.
It would seem that some posters are responding to Jang's way of wording things instead of the idea behind her words. Perhaps there are among us more than one poster who words their ideas in a less than perfect way? I've been told that I have the same failing sometimes, and I've caught others being less than perfect also. Really, I have - believe it or not.
Will go check out H20 - well worth the effort, just as this place is.
waiting
ps -
. Nothing irritates me more than seeing five posts in a row from one person doing their "preaching work". - SlayerLayer
Are you referring to Amazing or Jang? Both, if not others also, do multiple postings. In fact, Amazing seems to have about 10 threads going on right now. Hard to keep up with all that information, eh?
waiting,
You made some good points and I'm not going to disagree with you and your viewpoint.
To reiterate two things that have affected my decision, though: most of us don't have time to participate in more than one forum, and secondly, Rick has had and still possibly has an agenda for reform in the WTS and I do not support and do not think is possible.
Those of us who've been doing this for years know that there are no guarantees that a board will last forever. Like organizations, many of them meet their objectives, and fall into decline. All discussion boards last indefinitely and then fade into the sunset. If the need is there they will be replaced by other boards. All boards will have its trolls, fundies and assorted people who are only looking for trouble.
I've told Rick a number of times I wish him well and I hope his board prospers. I have never stated I would never participate there again, either. I just don't have the time or the energy to post here and there regularly.
Farkel
Hey Farkel,
I know what you mean about not participating heavily on two or more forums. I would assume most posters are like you & I, with limited time. I've always found this place more my basis, then the original former H20, my secondary place. I know Simon and a couple others did too.
I just don't think it has to be either/or, black/white for all of us.
The original former H20 had a tremendous amount of information on it. The links to other sites was invaluable to new ones like me. Wasn't it you who said that it wasn't a warm, fuzzy, sort of place? Perhaps it'll rise to those tough standards again, eh?
waiting
Although I can understand JanG's sentiments, I feel she is coming from a different angle to that of many others who post here.
I do not see my role as one of "preaching" to ex-jws. There is now plenty of information boards in the Net, some of which helped me on my path out of the Borg. They have been set up for that purpose, and I think the owners of those sites are to be commended.
I know I may have experience and perhaps advice to give to those who need it. I was a 3rd generation JW and still have family in the Org. I have seen much go on in the JW life.
However, I am limited in the time and energy I have to spend on the Internet. I have a LIFE - I work, I sleep, I have things to take care of, I have interests that are not in any way associated with the ex-jw "cause".
I don't see my role as a "preacher" or informer of ex-JW issues. I am just a normal person who has other interests BESIDES the JW issue. My life is not dominated by being an ex-jw. It is a PART of it, but that doesn't make up my sole pre-occupation!
If anyone wants to ask me questions, or request some help, my email is open for that. That is one of the reasons why I keep my email addy open and available to all. (It's also so I can make more friends )
I try to read and reply when I can, but this board and the whole ex-JW issue does not run my life. If I could help more, I would - but life is about living for the future, not in the past.
Hey Prisca,
I have a LIFE - I work, I sleep, I have things to take care of, I have interests that are not in any way associated with the ex-jw "cause".
I think it's safe to assume that the vast majority, if not absolutely all, the posters here have a life, Prisca. I'm glad to hear you have one too. Thanks for sharing.
As for preaching, to whom are you focusing on? I personally find the various posters who refer to Jesus as "Our Lord" as kinda preachy.
waiting
Well said Prisca. I was also a thrid generation JW. I have experienced many things and hope that these experiences could in some way help someone who asks for it.
I've seen so many people that let being an ex-jw take over their life, and I never want to become like that.
I just wanted to let you know that I agree with your comments. There is a lot more to life than being an ex-jw.
What Jang, Amazing, You Know and a few others, fail to realize, when using this discussion board as their own personal platform....is that many (like myself) do not come here to be preached to, but to listen and comment on our shared backgrounds.
As someone above mentioned there are many sites devoted to revealing the false doctrines promoted by JW's.
There really is a 'time and place for everything'...imo this is not the place for 'grand standing'. It's our coffee house. If someone stands up on the tables and keeps shouting look at me....ruins the atmosphere.
DannyBear
Those of us still inside may have a keen appreciation for the need for evangelizing, preaching are whatever you want to call it, to somehow reach these victims. I have not found the method to reach my many friends and family with the truth about the truth.
I know when I started my disloyal search on the internet, I found some sites too offensive for my conscience at that time. I’m thankful there was a variety sites so I could continue my search without getting turned off. I feel as JanG there is a need for more than one site, and a need for those who care to try to support more that one site.
I do not feel JanG was telling anyone what to do, but was appealing to those here who still want to help victims of mind control and false argumentation to not close any doors. No one is required to do this nor need to take offense if invited. Like many here I do not have time to post to one site much less two, but I personally appreciate the need as I appreciate JanG’s reminder.
Jst2laws
Hi jan,
While I appreciate ministering to exjw's is your lifes work,it's not mine. Im not a crusader.
Others have brought up the very points I would have.
People who want help/info will find it when they're ready.
I also dont agree with h20's agenda of reform.
I didnt like ricks parting shot to me-let alone the silly fpp.Nor did I appreciate the verbal abuse he heaped on my friends there. His parting shot to Ginny was especially nasty and made my mind up for me.
The time factor.
Most people are not interested in my perspective anyway.Especially die-hard christians.Let me quote some of the FPP: "to create an enviornment that promotes a strong relationship with jehovah...." now why would I return to a place like that? I will not promote the belief of myth and fantasy or supernatural entities. So lets be honest,I wouldnt even be welcome there.
I have helped and feel I continue to do so by participation here. Anyone is free to mail me if they want too. Tina
