Witnet closes its Door for good...

by Pathofthorns 35 Replies latest jw friends

  • Pathofthorns
    Pathofthorns

    Kind of a sad but inevitable end to a special and unique place on the net. Free speech is severely limited in the truth, and the wide range of opinion and viewpoint between the old school and the new school i'm sure made operating such a site a challenge.

    For me the most facinating thing was the way one could see thinking troubled witnesses contrasted with the ones who were the mindless products of an organization. I think it was a valuable window into the worldwide picture of what is happening today in the religion.

    The site was helpful to me, and for that it holds a special place with me. It let me toss out ideas and get feedback, to connect with alot of people. I know there are many people being tormented by their thoughts as they try to work through this.

    I thank obed, not only for the work put into the site, but also for his personal assistance during what was clearly a turning point in my life, the change in me from simply asking the questions to me being honest with myself and accepting the answers.

    Its very difficult "pretending". Yet for most of us, that is what we do many times. Its tiring. I give him credit in the end for his honesty and last courageous farewell message. [url] http://discussion.witnesses.net/Forum67/private-8QWKRq0/HTML/000179-10.html[/url]

    Link to h20 discussion on Witnet's closure [url] http://www.cyberpass.net/~h2o/wwwboard/messages/304030.html[/url]

    Link to Obed trashing at WOL [url] http://www.witnessesonline.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000660.html[/url]
    Path

    Edited by - pathofthorns on 14 December 2000 19:40:57

  • TR
    TR

    WOW!

    I was just reading yesterday about those who were interested in buying witnet. Sad. Many JW's I believe, were finally able to muster courage to speak their true heartfelt feelings.

    I certainly understand Obed's feelings. He's got problems with the WTS, and probably didn't feel right about leading a pro-WTS db.

    TR

  • Simon
    Simon

    I think Obed has put a lot of hard work in to Witnesses.net and has helped a lot of people.
    I hope he enjoys whatever he devotes decides to devote his time to from now on.

  • RedhorseWoman
    RedhorseWoman

    It is sad to see the site go. For the first time ever, many Witnesses felt free to discuss issues they had had with the Organization and with their individual thoughts without fear of repercussion.

    I know that as more freedom of speech was allowed, the "superfine" Witnesses started putting a lot of pressure on Obed. It must have become quite a burden.

    I hope that some of those questioning and thinking will continue to do so. Unfortunately, most other JW sites available are either highly regulated or deemed too "apostate" for active JW's to frequent.

    Obed should feel proud of his contributions to freedom.

  • RR
    RR

    What I find amusing are all these free thinkers who are scrambling to find a place to belong now. greatcrowd.com wants you to sell your soul to join, Witnessesonline is too friendly. These people want the "sensitive Issues" the "Bible Research," their lost ... lol

  • nelly136
    nelly136

    nice to meet you,
    yep theyre going to miss being able to ask questions freely,
    Congratulations to Obed for providing them with a safe place,
    I wish him the best for the future
    nelly

  • Simon
    Simon

    Yes, it's a pity there wasn't a successful hand-over to keep the site running or to transfer the members. I know Obed tried but unfortunately, it didn't work out. I guess it's up to each individual to find the place that suits them though - some thought that too much freedom of speech was a bad thing and will probably end up at the stricter boards and others may go to the more 'dissident' places like H20...looks like a few have come here and of course are welcome. We're the laid back / relaxed group...

  • TR
    TR

    Hi RR and Nelly!

    I hope we're not too friendly, and we don't really want your soul!
    I could have sworn that Obed said he was going to shut down in January if he didn't find a buyer. I must be wrong. Anyway, like "Simon says", we're sort of laid back. He doesn't have a "sensitive issues" forum.

    TR

  • Pathofthorns
    Pathofthorns

    Welcome RR.

    I agree that those forums were a unique and interesting place, and at present there doesn't exist a place quite like them. Although this place is quite interesting in itself. Its only downfall is it lets people be honest and not force them to pretend.

    nice to see you too again "nelly".

    Path

  • Helen
    Helen

    nice to meet all the new ones, when you feel like it tell us some about yourself..I am 48 live in Central Washington State, have three grown daughters, and three grandchildren, I work for the State, I am a social worker, I am an ALT specialist, so that means I work with people that have mental retardation, I love my job, and can not see me doing anything else.

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