A couple of weeks ago I posted a survey about your experiences on the board.
Here is a summary of what you said.
Survey says
When you first came here what did you expect?
It seems that many people come here not knowing what to expect. A few who had been referred here by others hoped for some information and or support. Some who came from other sites expected a bit of what they were used to. And those who stumbled upon the site were unsure or skeptical of what they would find.
I haven?t checked to see what the search engines are saying about the site but perhaps something could be added there.
What were you looking for?
Information (9) seemed to be the number one answer. Support (5) came second and some said friendship (2)
Did you find it and if so how?
It seems those who answered the survey found what they were looking for ? they stayed. Although some found more than they were looking for ? they stayed too.
If you were looking for information how did you look for it ?
People stated that they use a variety of ways to find what they are looking for. Most people just wander through the threads however.
Were there other places that helped you find what you were looking for? If so where?
A couple of people found this site using the search engines. Most people though found this site at either Tim?s site or Freeminds and a few came from other sites
How did you feel coming here at first?
Most of the responses about initially coming here involved some level of fear or anxiety. Some who had been referred by friends or had been on other ex-JW sites felt fairly good coming here the first time.
How long did you read before signing up and posting?
Despite the anxiety, most people (13) signed and posted the first day they arrived. Five waited about a week and 5 waited for a month to as much as a year before posting. It seems that once people get here they quickly overcome their anxiety and jump right in.
This doesn?t tell us much about the people who lurk and never sign up. We are obviously doing something right that helps people overcome their anxiety.
What made you feel safe enough to post that first time?
Safety issues didn?t seem to be a huge problem for most people. The anonimity of the interent seemed to help a few overcome their anxiety and join in.
If you came across some of the flaming on here, how did you feel and what convinced you to stay?
While the flame wars don?t seem to bother some people (and one person stated she wa s IN them) most people didn?t like them and avoided them. A few people also stated the flame wars were the main reason they waiting for a while before posting.
If you have been here for a while now how do you feel over-all about this website?
Over-whelmingly people are here because they like it. Those who commented here on Simon?s adminstration of the site were pleased with the direction of the site. Many stated that is was invaluable to them for support, information and friendship.
Do you still come here for the same reasons as you came in the beginning?
Many who came here initially for information have discovered the support and friendship bonds to be invaluable in their post-JW lives.
How has the board changed?
As with any group the continual influx of new members and departure of others will change the atmosphere of the board. A few people commented on the lack of active JW apologists who post here. People come for various reasons and some of the changes allow them to meet their changing needs.
How does this affect you?
Some of the recent board wars discourage some posters but most people said that the changes really don?t bother them.
Have you thought of leaving? If yes then why stay? What keeps you coming back?
By far most people have thought of leaving at some point. A few stated the fighting on the board was difficutl to read and they were anxious about it. Many stated that they could see a time when the board might not meet their needs and they will move on.
What do you see as the main goal for this board?
Interestingly many people stated that the goal of the board should be whatever Simon says it is. Since this is not clearly stated anywhere it seems to be open for assumption.
Those who did have ideas about what the board is for stated, information, recovery and support as well as friendship.
So many have lost family and friends when they left the JWs. They find new friendships and family here.
The site is a wonderful source of information for not only those who have left but also for those who are associalted with JWs or ex-JWs and for active JWs who have doubts and need information about the WTS.