We have known behind the scenes for a time that this was being considered, obviously.
I just want to express my personal appreciation for what Simon and Angharad have done here on JWD. I found JWD just a few months after leaving the organization, and kind of believing that I was pretty alone in the world at the time.
I think I speak for [though not officially] all the 'staff', when I say 'THANK YOU'. I am the 'junior mod' here, and was just finding my way around a little when this eventuality became rather obvious.
Rather than creating a second topic here for reiteration of what many are saying on the other, I am hoping that this thread can serve as a launch pad of sorts for those who wish to stay in touch with others they have met here. I have made many friends here - there are levels of friendship of course. Before the digital age we now inhabit, all friendships were face-to-face for the most part. Other than perhaps the occasional long-term 'pen-pal', nearly no one would claim 'friendship' with those whom they had never actually spent time with physically. Things are different now.
Xjw's have a commonality that exists rarely among others. Not only did we all share the same set of beliefs, but we had been encapsulated in a high control environment that created our lives for us. Our understanding of each other begins much more quickly than say former members of the same high school for instance. It is perhaps more akin to the fellow-feeling shared by those who went to war together. A bond that is understood almost without words. Though we are all moving into a real life away from the fantasy - we do it at very different paces and styles.
I am personally going to spend the next few days gathering info from those who wish to share it - I want to stay in touch with many here. [I already stay in touch with many - but want to expand that list.] I see this as a chance for real and closer friendships to grow from this common experience.
So, I don't know how others will do this - I just want to say 'Let's stay in touch.' The real reason we came together here [IMO] was for the friendships that could grow. I hope we take the chance to confirm those friendships now.
Thank you Simon.
Thank you Angharad.
Thank you JWD.
Now - let's get on with the advantages that this forum has given us in life.
Jeff