Of course none of it really makes sense. And, I know before they've had instructions to only study with folks 6 months and if no progress, cut the study. But, he seemed to go on about how JWs shouldn't spend time on calls that don't lead anywhere. I glanced around at the pioneers and they seemed less than amused. Who could blame them? Without those coffee clutch calls, their days become even that much more dreary.
The reality is that many people choose their religion based on where on this planet they were born and what religion their parents were born into. JWs used to be a bit different (talking about Western nations here) in that you had many adult converts. That hasn't been the case for sometime now. I would venture to say the overwhelming majority of JWs under 50 are born-ins at least in Western countries.Immigrants are likely the only exception to this rule.
I did think it was funny how during his announcement of how they were going to cut the mags down to 6 a year say in the same breathe how their literature was the most wonderful on earth or some such nonsense. So, let me get this straight, you are producing the most important message the world has ever seen and you decide that you should reduce publication drastically and then not produce anything new after 2 years (potentially). Talk about making no sense.
As others have mentioned, this seems to be but one step towards moving to an all digital religion. And, I know they will always have some aspect of "preaching" but I do think it will continue to morph.