I agree with OTW that there is sometimes a pattern with new posters, particularly the train wreck type threads. I was PMing with someone about this recently. Here's the pattern:

Somewhat ridiculous but heartfelt post by new user.

Response from one of the kinder, gentler GC users affirming and offering sympathy.

Response from polite by realistic GC user pointing out the obvious in a not-particularly-inflammatory-yet not affirming way.

Outraged or argumentative post from OP.

Flaming posts from mean people.

Interspersed with reaction from OP and nicer GCer defending him or her.

It's not that I expect things to change really or that I think the new posters have entirely clean hands when it comes to how stuff goes really wrong. It's just that it seems really petty lately. Maybe it's just having followed GC for a full year the novelty has worn off and now it just seems silly to repeated by outraged by everything.

I admit that LMV got under my skin and that the OP in this thread was a little too inclined to see herself as a victim entitled to immediate redress, in my opinion. But when we all flip out about everything, we just look mean spirited and petty.

she is incorrect. she actually PMed me asking if it was the right person and it is not. i'm not from california and im not a member of AKA.

i just don't...GET...this. why initiate into a sorority where you don't talk to half your chapter and generally don't like the chapter itself? i think it's pretty safe to assume no one held a gun to your head and said "accept this bid from ABC or die!!!" geez...i wouldn't blame the new chapter for not wanting to accept you if the attitude you present here is the same you give them.

You mean Sarasmiles, right?

hahaahah no shes not. im not black, and i dont live on the west coast. complete opposites actually.

Someone's perping you! Call the po-lice!

now THAT'S funny!

Actually I liked her answer better than "OMG I'm soooooo sooooo sorry guys. I left my computer on and my roommate decided to be funny and post as me."

Here's my thoughts.

I definitely see how Initiation paperwork can be lost or not mailed in at all. This can make it very difficult when chapters have situations like my chapter where Initiation is a couple of weeks before elections. That means when school starts back in January, you are dealing with a whole new set of officers. Hopefully, the advisors are keeping track just in case HQ doesn't realize that the paperwork wasn't received.

I don't know if it's the same process for all 26 NPC groups, but some may have where the transferee has to apply to be accepted as a member of the new chapter and the new chapter votes. For whatever reason the new group can't/won't accept the member. That doesn't mean that the member can't wear her/his letters. It means they are an alumna/alumni/however it's spelled for guys;). Be active as such. There may be others on campus in the same situation.

I too am tired of newbies posting and the same ole GCers jump on them. Give them enough rope until they hang themselves; it won't take long if they are not on the up-and-up.