JWD half-way house... (page 4)

Lady Lee

Religion? Yes I think some people will substitute this for "religion" but not for the JWs. Peoiple went to meetings and went on service not because they really wanted to but because for the most part they were guilted into doing it or were scared not to. Coming to JWD has no external agent prodding us to "attend".

The Legion? Well my experience of vets (at least the ones here in Canada) is that although people go for companionship there is actually little discussion of their common bond other than superficial discussion. There is no real dissecting of what happened or why. Most vets I know will defind their service days - very unlike most of us who have little to defend about the WTS. I'm not sure how "supportive" they are of each others actual war experiences.

halfway house? I think for some it is a stop gap - a place to be while they are trying to establish themselves in the real world.

pub? Perhaps but I think there are too many things going on and the tone is often a lot deeper than a pub might allow

support group? Definitely for some if not all at some point after leaving the JWs. And while some groups are lifetime associations (AA etc.) other groups are time-limited and people move on after the group is over or their issue has been dealt with

community centre? I think I like this one. Many different activities for different interests. Information support fun and games, friendship, outings. People come for one reason and stay for other reasons. There is always something going on

it is as one person said what you make it or need it to be

And personally I see any online community as more than just a db. people make friends (and sometimes enemies). There are real people, some we have met and many we will never meet. We talk about real issues or fluff and everything in between. I have a db on my computer. It is a catalogue of all the book in my house (over 700). This is far more than a list of names and experiences. I can't compare the two at all. There are real people behind the words on my screen

JMHO

onacruse

Lee:

There are real people behind the words on my screen

Yes!!!

As I also see it, "behind" my screen.

I "look at" every post I see on this db as if it was someone that I'd invited into my own home.

Craig

Valis

Hiya onaism...I was thinking and I just wanted to throw in this observation before I go to bed...halfway houses are usually for people who get out of prison..usually those who have done something wrong and are at the end of paying for it....I would rather liken us to a youth hostel...all kinds of people check in and stay...mayn different in likes, culture and ideals...But as travellers we still check in no matter where we are in out lives or where our physical bodies are either...It is so much more IMO.

Sincerely,

District Overbeer

Aztec

If it is a half-way house, then there comes a time when we must move on...
or are there other good and sufficient reasons to 'stick with it'?

Craig, there is a time to move on in any circumstance we find ourselves in. This board is not a 'half-way house' any more than any other place we choose to 'inhabit' for a spell is. It's a place to rest, circumspect and evaluate. That is why I like it.

The main reason I continue to post here is because I might help or, find someone from my past. I do find myself 'battling it out' over things but that's just for mental dexterity. I usually give up cause I'm a wuss. I have found a few people from my past as a Witness. Most recently yesterday. I found someone I grew up with and I'm so thrilled about it!

~Aztec

BluesBrother

I still love this board, after 2 years and seven months, I still spend a lot of time here. I may not always post, but I love to be here.

For me it is a release. Some of us are not able to walk away from the Borg, unless we walked away from our families - so I guess it will always be with us . Also, I am passionate about the subject. I love to read the comments and viewpoints from those who continue to inform and educate me. Maybe something we say might help someone else. That is a good reason for staying.

Also, this is a darn good board. How many others have so many members or so lively a range of opinion?

Each to his/her own. I simply still enjoy it - and Craig please stick around because I appreciate your unique posts

Englishman

It's not a half-way house for me.

I went through all my self searching yonks ago. I come here because I'm intrigued with the way that the WT contradicts itself and relish those posts almost as much as the more sociable variety.

Cool place cool people. Good debates, lot's of useful info about all manner of things.

I believe that JWD is too big a step for some folk though.

Englishman.

JWD half-way house...