Posted by ros4GB [ros] on October 26, 1999 at 07:27:17 {c/rgKhj4NcdmhhsMJ.h27/SY5I9NtE}:
Dear Readers,
After reviewing some of your posts, I decided that it may help some to understand what caused me to try the Internet and make the contact in the way that I am. Some have said that if I want to know what former Jehovah's Witnesses are saying, just visit web sites and read. They seem to feel that my 'third party' method to make contact with you identifies me as an impostor. Here is how this effort began:
I received advice from someone I trust that the Beacon site was a good site to get information as to what former witnesses are saying and believing. Until then I had not been on the Internet myself and had very little knowledge of how it works. I certainly did not know where these sites were.
I briefly reviewed the Beacon site, but saw so much interesting material that I decided to first establish some one-on-one dialogue. My goal was to have some private first-hand discussion with whomever responded. What I planned after that was not yet formulated.
After Ros replied to me, we engaged in quite a bit of discussion using the electronic mail system. She recommended some of the material on shunning which is found on the Beacon site. I have since looked at more material, but not as much as I would like to.
When I commented to her about my wish to talk with those who have concerns or who have been harmed by the Society's policies, she suggested where this might be done and agreed to assist. I was specifically concerned with some who may be about to face a judicial committees.
I decided against making direct postings because I did not want to give out my screen name and chance being discovered by those at Bethel who would take issue with my being on the Internet. Also, at that point, I received some additional advice about keeping myself secure if I plan on staying on the Governing Body. Ros agreed to help me out and work with me within certain guidelines.
So, yes, while I could go visiting web sites myself without detection and not need to confine myself to Beacon and H20, the path taken was not by design, but rather, it just developed into what it has become.
I am enjoying your many comments, even some of the sarcastic ones, and plan to continue to make postings through Ros as long as you like. And you can be sure that I am not an impostor.
Your brother in Christ