I know others have commented on this, but I just wanted to say that I see his efforts as 'bean-counting' - nothing bad, just interesting stuff. And it all depends on what the basis of the comparisons are. That basis may or may not be really important, just interesting. I do like some of the alternative comparisons some of y'all have suggested. :p Overall though, I think oldu's basic premise is 'bigger = better'. *I* think his efforts are geared towards finding that one, definitive criterion that firmly establishes a particular GLO as being the "best". I think he is looking for an objective answer with very subjective standards.

And, btw, my sorority was the last sorority to join the NPHC, and we are also the smallest of the NPHC sororities, so I don't expect to find us on any of oldu's lists. :( (<---- not really)

I do think size is a fairly important factor at arriving at how we rank a particular group (by whatever standard you choose), especially on a given campus. After all, the largest is either the most popular (by the number who choose to join) or the best at retaining members (smartest, happiest, best adjusted?). On the national level it is a little different. By most people's standards the largest is not necessarily the best; however, it is unlikely any group could be considered the best if its number of chapters was substantially smaller than the norm. My own bias is more likely to note where those chapters at located. I'd much rather have a good chapter at University of Illinois-Champaign than Southern Illinois-Edwardsville. In defense of my many comparisons, I think it is interesting at how different the top group is in each of the comparisons, indicating that there are many standards by which we can judge how well our particular group stands up against others.

Now see, this is where you start to tick people off, with crap like this. What's wrong with SIUE? Do you agree with the sororities and fraternities that keep open subpar chapters just so they can say they're at [insert Ivy/SEC/Big 10 school here] or so they can say they have the most chapters? I mean, it's really pretty easy to have a lot of chapters if you don't care about their composition.

If you're really doing this as a "service" just present the data, and skip the commentary.

Damn! I just can't keep everybody happy.

:D Hang in there, oldu!

You don't have to. You choose to type and people choose to respond. ;)

But the commentary does skew your "data" and how it will be received. Researcher commentary is often necessary but it has to be based on research or supportable conclusions and not just "I just can't imagine a strong Greek system....." :)

:( what about SIUC?

http://www.logoserver.com/college/So...isSalukis4.GIF

Go Salukis!

TSteven, I think you're lost. Please post in the Mascots thread. :p

I think I may very well be. But in my defense, it is March Madness and I've got college ball on the mind. Plus I am stuck at work, reduced to watching the SEC Tournament via the web, and getting more and more anxious about Kentucky's game later this evening.

I'm going to assume that you are a guy, so, yeah, size is important to you. ;)

But, seriously, I think your assumption that 'bigger = best' is a bit skewed. Some people purposely look for the "medium" or "smaller" org, school, group, church, whatever, because they feel that it is the best fit for them. And that is really the point - find what is best for you, whether it is considered "big" or not.

All in all oldu, you are just one person who is interested in only one aspect of greek life. If it makes you happy to do what you do, go for it. :)

That is the cutest mascot EVAR. I want to transfer there.

I am not even joking.

You jest, but I have seen the category "chapter on a campus with the highest percentage of engaged seniors" used to rank chapters. More than once. Actually, quite frequently when I was an undergrad. FOR REALS.

and what purpose does this serve?

Well, if you go to college specifically to get your MRS degree, it might matter to you...:cool:

I enjoy reading all types of threads and this is another one I truly enjoy. I don't take it to heart and I love to read input from everyone. Who cares where each of our groups sit on the list? It is stats to a certain degree with certain parameters. There will be errors and reasons to disagree and that is fine. (sit back and just read for the sake of having something to think about) Take what you really want out of it and that's it.