The following comment by Lieu on another topic shows me that I would be totally frustrated, actually exasperated, stifled and depressed in the modern form of JWdom: "Therein lies the real problem Billy, no one is paying any attention at regular meetings let alone conventions. It's too boring, intentionally I think. Humans aren't hardwired to sit through hours of lecture with no interactions. No one learns anything in such a manner. No matter the size, you can't ask any questions so you sit there ... just being.
My entire JW experience, from giving talks in the Theocratic Ministry School at age 6 to public talks at 17 was based on participation. Never did I go to a meeting flat-footed without totally knowing the material, having looked up the cited scriptures, etc., not to dominate the meeting, but to at least make a couple meaningful contributions. My wife of 47 years was of the same bent.
For years, I kept a taped copy of the 1963 TMS schedule in my "All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial" book, with 40 parts underlined where I volunteered to give the talk when a student did not show up.
Please, don't take this as self-promotional or narcissistic. It is not. I just realized, after reading Lieu's comment, that I would not have fit in with the current JW world, where, seemingly, the attendee is expected to just occupy a seat and listen.
