Posted by Mod101 [Mod101] on November 02, 1999 at 12:44:20 {.c1iAaocfMehU3MO1aSESEGrAcKg..}:
In Reply to: To H2O Readers From 'GB' posted by ros4GB on November 01, 1999 at 18:53:51:
Dear Brother:
Thusfar I have resisted the urge to wax poetic about your alleged identity, your presence here, and your methods of communication.
I will post those thoughts under my regular screen name. However as a Moderator of this board I want to express some concerns for your consideration.
First I am glad you are here to discuss relevant issues facing Jehovah's Witnesses. I believe you will see the opposite poles of thought here from extreme love and extreme loathing for the Society. I believe both need to be expressed and I will only interfere when it crosses the line of personal attack and/or obsenity (or other violations of the FPP).
I however do not feel you merit special consideration and do not feel that we should have to use kid gloves with you (Sorry Rick but IMHO we are all equal here).
As has been observed by some participants including yourself Bethelites officially and unofficialy visit H20 and even participate on occasion. Thus their interests also fall under the jurisdiction of the moderators. This is an area of which I have major concern about your presense here.
If you are a member of the GB, by identifying yourself publicly as such you have set forth a chain of events that will likely cause hurt and suffering. How so? You are no doubt aware of the witch hunts that have gone forth at Bethel over the years over less significant breaches. Whether it be room searches looking for "demonized music" or minor inquisitions to determine loss or theft of items (not that it ever happens :))
Your claims, if believed by Brooklyn, will result in a major hunt. Some may be asked to leave and an atmosphere of distrust will once again hover over Brooklyn Heights. All because you felt the need to promote the fact that you are questioning things. If you are who you claim, what can you do to protect the innocents at Bethel who may be subjected to such interrogations? IF you are not, then I simply ask for you to admit such and pray for forgiveness for any pain you bring upon these individuals.
Most here have issues with the leaders and policies of the Watchtower Society not the individuals that make up the group Jehovah's Witnesses. I don't think even the hardest core apostate wants to inflict suffering (emotional or otherwise) on the pimply faced 19 year old newboy at Bethel who gets caught reading other Bible Commentaries, or other translations or heaven forbid gets caught on H20.
Perhaps those who served at Bethel during the last inquisition (early 80's) could elaborate more as to what could happen to such ones.
Therefore please examine your motives for identifying yourself as a member of the GB and weigh it against the potential harm to others and Govern yourself accordingly.
I can think of no good reason to promote the fact that a GB is questioning matters except those that are based on selfishness and pride. I am hoping I am wrong as to motives. Some time ago, we had some users here that identified themselves as Elder Smith or MS Jerry, or C.O./D.O They were chastised for using titles here in order to gain stature and for thinking that a title would merit them special attention or add extra weight to their posting. Most stopped using such screen names.
As a suggestion, get Ros to create a new screen name that you can use to post questions etc. If you are strictly interested in discussing issues there is no need to identify yourself as a GB member. This way your identity does not become an issue. For the record, it is not the participants that have made your identity an issue it was your own actions. One cannot reasonable expect that people would just take your word for it. Thus don't put the blame at the feet of others.
I will watch your threads to make sure that responses to and from your threads do not get out of hand. But I reiterate that no special consideration will be given to protect "your sensitivites"
I am available to assist you with any questions or comments you may have in this regard.
h20mod101@hotmail.com
Moderator 101
The thoughts contained in the above are strictly my own and may not reflect fully those of the Forum Director, Rick or other moderators/Administrators of H20.