Jehovah's Witnesses Invasion

[nvidia99999.livejournal.com]

Why are there so man JWs around Davis and Porter Sq these days? Last night I saw more than 20 while I was taking a short walk around Davis Sq, and they were pretty aggressive at trying to start a conversation, despite the fact that I was already having a conversation with a friend. They keep knocking at my door too. Did they get some recruiting orders saying that these are good times to convince people to join them? When does it become harassment...?

Comments

[duffless2323.livejournal.com]

Why is it that so many of your posts involve you trying to control the world around you? Live and let live, that's what I say.

Why is it that you feel compelled to reply to my posts?

[nvidia99999.livejournal.com]

Live and let live, that's what I say.

[infinitemorning.livejournal.com]

To be fair, aggressive proselytizers are annoying. But I haven't noticed any particular swarms of Jehovah's Witnesses around the Square lately, and the Mormon missionaries I see coming and going from the station aren't in the habit of bothering anyone.

[ron_newman]

I find the Greenpeace et al. panhandlers much more annoying than any religious group in Davis Square.
I've never seen JW's in Davis.

[tt02144.livejournal.com]

I haven't noticed an upswing either. However, I suspect that any group looking to 'recruit' members would gravitate toward areas with a lot of people coming and going, maybe especially lots of young, impressionable people who may be looking for something akin to what they're offering.
I did have a well-spoken, very young (possibly late teens) man from the south at my door recently. He was from one of the companies I've read about that 'collect' kids. He said they gave him a place to stay, but if he doesn't sell enough magazine subscriptions they wouldn't give him food or a place to stay. He also said 50% of what he earns goes to this 'company'. I felt bad, but I had to say no. I told him I couldn't support his 'employer' and that he should break away from them and find a real job and he'd be much better off. He looked upset, so I felt awful, but I just couldn't do it...

Collect kids?

[nvidia99999.livejournal.com]

First time I hear about this. I'd like to hear more about it. Where did you read about this? Thanks.

Re: Collect kids?

[ron_newman]

Here's a post from last year about it, and a long newspaper article.

Re: Collect kids?

[nvidia99999.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Ron.

[jezekel.livejournal.com]

someone from that magazine group visited me in medford, too! the girl said she was doing pretty well selling the magazines and didn't pressure us at all, but it was bizarre.

[othniel77.livejournal.com]

They were in the Arsenal Mall last week, too. Ugh.

[jesseh.livejournal.com]

I don't live in Davis Square (grew up there, may move back) but got a JW flyer in my door in NYC yesterday. So I guess it's recruiting season!

at t-stop

[smoterh.livejournal.com]

Once in a while there is a couple of JW ladies sitting at Davis Square T-Stop station (inside benches) and hold out Watchtower or whatever they got. They don't seem to be aggressive in any way.

Re: at t-stop

[uberjay.livejournal.com]

I like to collect as many Watchtower copies as I can. I figure, that's one fewer that someone at risk might be handed. Better it goes into the recycle bin.