I don’t believe it is humanly possible to navigating all the rules, regulations, admonition, advice of Watchtower. It is so Talmudic and ever changing, something has to give.
I remember believing that Jehovah’s guidance came through the publications. But often some of the “food” was conflicting, because in truth, it often comes through the scores of writers over the years, each with their own pet peeve or viewpoint.
In the mind of a rank and file member though, an article from the 70’s frowning on chess can be basically a ban on chess. An article about music saying that to be safe stick to nineteen century folk music could be advice that someone really tries to follow, but I wonder how many followed it?
The constant message I got from meetings, assemblies and publications was basically to engage in the “preaching work” to the extent one was physically capable to serve “wholesouled”. The question always was, “Can you do more?” And it not only had to be quantity timewise, but quality as well. The bottom line seemed to be: pioneer or die.
Then was the directive that: “He that is faithful in what is least is faithful in much.” Who knew what that one “least” thing that you were doing or failing to do that could derail the whole applecart?
But the organization handles some directives more seriously than others. I wonder what would happen if members of JWtalk would raise their hands at the next Watchtower study and say, “I was reading a post on JWtalk and I responded by posting…” I suspect the elders would pull them into the backroom after the meeting.
If what they are doing is above board JW-wise, then would they feel okay being open about it? Would the moderator of JWtalk raise their hand at the meeting and say, “I run a website called JWtalk”? If not, why?