Welcome! I look forward to reading more about your journey. You have a great story, and will find a lot of support here. You are not alone!
My husband and I studied the bible with the JW's for a long time, and seriously considered joining. It was like we were slapped in the face, when we saw some interviews with a panel of former Jehovah's Witnesses on a TV evangelist show, The John Ankerberg Show. (YouTube search: John Ankerberg Show former Jehovah's Witness)
I have to agree with you on the point you so wisely picked out: WHY can't you pay attention to outside reports about the organization? (Is it because they have something to hide?... Turns out, YES! That is exactly why!)
The JW's we studied with, loved to use the logic: "If you want to know the truth about JW's, ask a JW. Don't ask your friends. Don't look it up on the internet... the 'Truth' is right here! Listen to us, and you will see what we are like!" (blink blink)
What could be a more reliable source of true and balanced information... someone who wants you to join a group (or buy a car), or someone who gave their whole life to that same organization, only to find out there were some potential problems in that group, that need to be addressed? We thought our teacher would address those problems, and give us an explanation (Why are these nice people saying these things about the Watchtower Society?) His response: "They are APOSTATES! Liars! Fornicators!" (HUH???? What does that have to do with Beth Sarim?)
Just because you are no longer a Jehovah's Witness, does that mean that every thing you say is a lie? (These are Jehovah's Witnesses, for crying out loud!)
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Before joining any organization that wants to claim control over your everlasting life (and never let go, as I'm sure you have seen for yourself by now), it is wise to check their references, and do a little homework. What if it were a decision that involved LESS of a commitment? A travel destination? A summer camp? A new school or even purchasing a new home?
Have your parents ever read hotel reviews online, before booking a hotel? (if not, suggest it for the next convention that requires a hotel stay... you can hear what others have to say about their experience at that hotel)
What if they were sending you to summer camp, or ever had to choose a babysitter for you? Would they take note, if someone informed them that there had been reports of child sexual abuse? Would they ignore rumors, and just trust the person in question? Is it really wise to just "take their word for it," when someone actually claims to SPEAK FOR GOD?
Ask yourself, Why is there no honorable way to leave the Jehovah's Witness organization?