For those that said "you shouldn't join cults" or whatever else, most weren't aware they were in a cult. A lot tried getting out until their last breaths because over time, they released it became even more of a corrupt "religion".
its like this if someone had you in a state of possession and you know they said "if I happen to die, will you follow and end you life". Then what would you do? not every one could stay in the state of being possessed so their initial reaction is to think that something is right, then they start to worry.
I've seen a few documentaries and TV specials about this and I always found it somewhat fascinating. It's kind of scary how easily people will fall into following someone like Jim Jones and then not be able to see what was going on around them in time. Makes you wonder whether or not you're being led into something along those lines right now somehow Not really, but it's interesting to think about.
Yeah is some respects it is very fascinating, i as drawn to this event though a television special and through reading books about the mass suicide. As for Jim Jones he knew exactly what he wanted to do and that was to make the perfect community and to be worshiped as a God; so what happens everyone dies and or was shot by soldiers. Is that really humane?