for a new book project....
My wife and I are putting together a book project that will describe in detail the actual practical effects of WTBTS beliefs and doctrines on the daily lives of average JW's. There are currently books out there that describe the operation of the organization at the top levels (e.g. Crisis of Conscience), books that take issue with JW doctrine and/or false predictions, and books about cults in general that mention JW's among other cultish organizations. But so far, we have not found anything that would describe to the rest of the world what it is really like to be a Witness, what they go through, feel, how they treat one another, treat others, etc.
Being a published author already (various articles for technical journals and co-author of a book on 3D Graphics), I have decided to put together a book that will show the world just how dangerous and damaging the mind control tactics of the WTBTS are.
I have read with interest, sincere sympathy, and many tears, your experiences over the past several months on this discussion board. Many of you have been subjected to horrific treatment in the name of the almighty WTBTS and its perverted doctrines, often at the hands of dearly loved ones. While there may be hundreds, and even thousands, of individuals who post or lurk on this board, most of us are ex-JW's. I believe our experiences should be documented and more widely distributed - so that those who are "studying" with the Witnesses, those JW's who have doubts and are considering leaving, and those who have friends or family members who are JW's, will have the opportunity to understand how the WTBTS teachings manipulate every aspect of JW's lives.
Therefore, I respectfully request that you to consider letting me use your experience in my book. I want the writing to be as real and as personal as possible, so I ask that you consider including in your experiences not only your name, but the name of the congregation and the names of those significantly involved. I understand this will require some courage on your part, and that some of you will not feel comfortable with this, and that is fine. If you don't feel comfortable being specific at this time, I won't use your experience. We will be using consent forms to verify your permission to quote from your experiences, so don't worry that I will be using anything in the book that was openly posted on this site or in your responses to me.
Please seriously consider conributing to this work, as your experience may just help someone else break free or avoid the pain, anguish, and betrayal we have all gone through.
Please PM me or email me at [email protected] if you are interested in contributing or know someone whose experience should be included. Thanks in advance for your kind assistance in this.
Best regards to all here on the forum,
Brandon and Stephanie Bartlett
