Personally, I think you're preaching to the choir here. I know that I, and I think many here on GC, do work to correct the stereotypes. We have been working hard...but you know about they say about bad apples spoiling the bunch. No matter how hard some of us work locally, MTV reaches a much bigger audience.

REPLY to quotes on promo
 

If you look closely, most of the quotes in the "Sorority Life" promo had words chopped off or were taken completely out of context. It's a question of the girls just saying "parties" in a list of answers to a totally different question and the editors inserting that one word or phrase whereever they please. For example, the quote "just an excuse to party" .... with the real quote being, "it's not just an excuse to party". As shown, Mtv, like all networks, has an agenda to get people to watch this show, and they've done it through misrepresentation. The show was pitched to the sorority as a documentary, but i'm afraid the pressure to compete with the sex, alcohol and nudity on the real world might cause a manipulation of truth. Hopefully all of you know that similar to the Real World, the show has storylines which can have little to do with what actually took place. I'll admit that I saw some crazy stuff go on in the house, which I will not defend, but I also saw ten times as much good. The only thing that we can hope for is that the producers of the show will follow through on their promises and not misrepresent SAEPi and all sororities in a bad light to further their own causes. If portrayed truthfully, this will be a great show which will have positive effects on all sororities. [check out a page that I have nothing to do with but is an attempt to show the truth: realsororitylife.com (coming soon)]

SEX AND MTV 'SORORITY'
Mon Jun 10, 3:46 AM ET
By Richard Johnson
PageSix.com

SNITCHES on the location of "Sorority Life" - an MTV reality show that's been shooting for three months at Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi on the Cal-Davis campus in Sacramento - say the steamiest scenes are happening off-camera. A producer is said to be having an affair with one of the sexy young sorority sisters. "And she's getting preferential treatment," said one insider. "We would be deeply troubled if that were true," university spokesperson Maril Stratton told PAGE SIX. "MTV's presence in this community is predicated on reflecting the reality of these women's lives - not interfering or influencing their lives. It would be most unprofessional and exploitive." An MTV spokeswoman said flatly: "It's not true." Less serious is the allegation that the show's creator, Sergio Meyers, was able to sneak some ringers into the Greek letter society. "MTV picked pretty girls and packed the sorority," said our source. "This isn't reality TV, it's enhanced reality. It's almost fantasy."

if that's the case
 

how good a recruitment did they have?
makes one go hmmmmm
mmcat
:cool:

"This isn't reality TV, it's enhanced reality. It's almost fantasy."

Gee, what a surprize.

Re: REPLY to quotes on promo
 

Did any of these women honestly think MTV was going to do a documentary? Anyone who has watched MTV knows they don't specialize in accurate depictions of real life. MTV is about fantasy. If the women wanted to participate in a documentary, PBS would have been a better choice.
I'm also concerned about how the other GLOs on campus will be represented in this without even being involved. If I was in a fraternity at UCDavis I would be concerned about having a mixer with Sigma for fear something might get back to my nationals.
Yes many of us in GLOs have done things we might not want to be representative of our organization - binge drinking, ect. The difference is we haven't allowed it to be put on national television with little control over how it is presented.

re: re: REPLY to quotes on promo
 

YES, most of these women honestly thought and were told by the director, a former Greek himself, that it would fall in line with shows like "TRUE LIFE" and other documentary-type shows. Anyone who has seen "True Life" knows that it does have redeeming qualities and is definitely a step away from shows like The Real World.

• The frats and sororities who did activities with them were not allowed by nationals to have letters shown.
• As far as having little control over what goes on, lawyers were involved with the signing and reviewing of contracts, but the ultimate control lies within the network. Even with the most flawless contract, do you really think that anyone but MTV has control over how they are represented? It all comes down to trust; trust that the director is well-intentioned and that their values could shine through any manipulative editing job.
• I know that Sigma's Spring recruit was definitely atypical because of the filming crew's presence. I've also heard some pretty compelling accounts of unethical recruiting (solely on the producers' part), but until I see hard evidence I consider them just that: rumors.

[I encourage everyone interested to check out the Sigma website at sigmaaepi.com and be sure to read their statement on why they chose to do the show] BTW, Great post, SERENITY! (see Serenity's post above)

Re: Re: REPLY to quotes on promo
 

Exactly!! That's why I feel some of you are giving MTV waaaaaaaay too much power as far as damaging the image of greeks. I think there will be a small % of viewers who will watch this show and take it as a true account of sorority life. Their perception of greek life may or may not change sometime in the future. If not, oh well, I guess they'll never find out the true beauty of being in a GLO. However, for the most part, I think people will just be watching the show for the entertainment value. Period. I know I will.

So then there really isn't a difference. Although these types of behaviors may not be broadcasted for all the world to see, non-greeks and greeks alike on our respective campuses may witness such behaviors up front and personal. That's much, much worse in my opinion. In this case, no one can say "oh well, it was taken out of context".

I'm beginning to wonder if the issue is MTV perpetuating negative stereotypes about greek life or the fact that certain aspects of greek life are being brought to light. For example, take the quote from the promo about joining a sorority for the social aspect. Although that quote may have been taken out of context, several people on GC admitted that they did join their org partly for the social aspect. So what? We all know it's so much more involved than that and I'm sure most people will. Those individuals truly interested in greek life will find that out, just like we did. They may have to find out the hard way when they show up and make fools of themselves with that mentality at rushes/informationals/teas, but they will find out.

Another example: someone posted that there will be a segment on the show where the some members of SAEPi speak badly about a rushee after she has left the house. But, then the poster (not a personal attack) went on to say that although this does go on in chapters it would never be done on national TV. You can't have it both ways, people. You can't criticize MTV for showing something that may happen in our own chapters. That's hypocritical.

Point blank, MTV has no power over the way our organizations are perceived on our respective campuses. Our own behaviors and attitudes, nasty rumors spread by jealous ex-boyfriends/girlfriends, rejected rushees/applicants or anti-greek students, etc. largely determine that. And for the most part, those things can be changed.

Anyway, that's just my opinion.

I'm a student at UCDavis, where this "Sorority Life" takes place, and I'm friends with girls in this sorority. I've heard a lot of concern coming from them about what is going to be on tv, because they fear IT WILL BE MISREPRESENTATIVE. They did not do it for money, they did not do it for furniture, they did not do it to become famous. These are careing, wholesome girls who wanted to do nothing more than to share with the world the marvelous ways sororities can enhance the college experience. They have done their part by being the wonderful people that they are, and anything you see other than that is MTV's manipulation. No matter what MTV says a sorority is, you should all know from your own experiences that greek life is positive and enriching, and who wouldn't want to share that with the world?

my $.02
 

Sure I'd like to share my experience as a Zeta with the world but not with the help of MTV. I wouldn't trust them as far as I could spit no matter what a greek producer said....

i don't think its a matter of whether these girls are good, decent people..it's an issue of that mtv is infamous for misrepresentation.. despite the fact how hard you try to carry yourselves in a respectable manner, mtv knows that sex and scandal sells. this is EXACTLY why no national org. would have touched this project with a ten foot pole..it was too predictable what the end result would be. Don't get me wrong, i love mtv's "reality" shows as much as the next person..definately a self proclaimed real world addict.. but i don't trust mtv's producers as far as i could throw them, and i probably couldn't even pick the suckers up.

Our main concern
 

Okay, people on this board keep saying "If you think it will damage your org, then try harder to make it not" and kind of coming off as saying (in my fun-post work ignorant way) "Your org sucks if this bothers you"

I am concerned at the impact on greek life as a whole. Many NPC orgs will not even let their members wear letters in mass media- Phi Sig being one. We are concerned with the way something we hold dear will be portrayed. We have all been past the whole Animal House, Sorority Boys, etc, thing and it did hurt a bit, but then again - ITS FICTION. Sororoity Life is not fiction, as much as MTV is doctoring it- it should be, but people are going to be like "ooh its reality TV!" and not even think that MTV is doctoring it and cutting quotes (I sooo could tell that one was cut).

Right now Im rambling cos I lost my train of thought...

Oh yea- We dont want to see everything we worked for, our rituals, our ideals and our community disgraced because MTV finds it to be good entertainment...

And again- I HOLD NOTHING AGANST THE SIGMAS.

I don't hold the Sigmas responsible either, but I have to admit I feel bad for them. They made a decision that will have serious ramifications on their group, the greeks of their school and greek life as a whole. It is a shame that they can not trust those who are making the show.
I can only hope the previews are the worst of it. But I know I am wrong.

TG

the truth about the sorority life commercial
 

As someone who was in the commercial for the "sorority life" show, I can speak first hand about how editing completely changes things. We were all asked questions and gave short responses to those questions. One question was what you would say to someone who doesn't like sororities. Some of us gave answers like "you might think that it's all about parties, but really..." and they just used the part that said "parties." They asked us specifically about the social scene so we said, "yeah there are parties, but that's not our focus" and they just use "parties." You'll notice that there are no complete sentences, just two or three words because they used our words COMPLETELY out of context. They never asked us what the real reason was for our joining a sorority in those interviews. They just added that in during post-production. Therefore, I urge all of you to think critically about what you see. Realize that's it's only a tiny fraction of what they shot, that we might say things like "she's this or that, but i still love her as a sister" and they could cut that second part out. Also, they clearly can take our answers to one question and pretend they've asked us another. We are not selfish girls, and we aren't out to ruin the reputation of any house. We thought that we could dispell some of the stereotypes that exist. That is why we entered into this and that's what we'd hoped to have gotten out of it.

Ok, I would like to know, did you REALLY think after seeing other MTV shows that you could dispell sorority myths? Have you gotten a chance to see any of the episodes? If so, how bad are they?

TG

a huge disapointment~!
 

OH NO!
 

I also saw the preview on MTV about sororities and I thought to myself MTV is going to make a mockery out of our beloved organizations! I don't believe that those girls answered that question in such a derogatory way. I think that their answers were cut an manipulated to sound that way!

Even if that's how they really felt I'm sure we've always been taught to not to voice that in the eye of the public!! This is horrible and coming from one of the sororities of the NPHC-SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, INC I doubt if "we'll" be represented anyway. Just a thought!

Re: Our main concern
 

I hope this isn't a conclusion made based on any of my posts. But if it is, let me clarify my stance. My point in a nutshell is: whatever damage may be done by this show can be undone by any (and all) orgs on their respective campuses. That's all.
If SAEPi allowed MTV to film their rituals, that's on them. The rituals and ideals of SAEPi have NOTHING to do with SLU so it doesn't bother me in the least. It's not like people don't know GLOs have rituals - some based on Christianity, others based on the Jewish faith, and others still with no religious connotation at all. You can learn about that right here on GC.

AngelPhiSig, I know there are other GC 'ers who feel the same way you do. I don't. But that doesn't mean I don't respect your or their organization. The two definitely don't go hand in hand.

we've been debating this issue and voicing our opinions for almost a week now. I think it's just time to wait and watch.

Oh. Come. On. Now. How naive can you be man? I feel bad for you guys, but c'MON yo! Was there not anyone in your chapter who spoke up saying, "well, hmmm, you know, TV doesn't always tell the truth..." Actually, 9 times out of 10 they DON'T, and...I dunno, it just boggles my mind that you guys were taken in. And I'll tell you this, if it's anything like real world, I can guarantee you that you won't be happy. I actually know kind of first hand, because Matt from Real World Hawaii actually happened to live down the hall from me last year(I dunno why he was going to NYU, he looks older than most college kids, I think the MTV experience aged him a bit!). Now let me tell you, that boy is type BITTER about what happened. He told me that in fact a large number of former cast members regret the shows, and are trying to somehow band together to sue MTV(which would be a valient but futile attempt I'm afraid---I'm sure they anticipated this when making the deals in the first place). He validated what many people have posted fears about. MTV takes tihngs out of context, they edit answers in connection to questions that were never asked, they look for characters to represent two dimensional personalities(the slutty one, the bitchy one, the lush, the occasional nice one), so rest assured that probably 5 of you will be singled out for infamy. The list goes on and on, basically, this is something that in no way will do anything good for anyone. The best you can hope for is minimal damage. Not only that, but realize that it's not just for one run of the episodes...there will be reruns! Marathons! And probably they will use edited out material for a "behind the scenes" show, or "unedited" version. And the more of an uproar there is about it, the worse it will be for you, because that's what a network loves...contrervorsy means ratings up the arse. Again, I really am just astonished that you could think even for a minute that you were doing something noble for yourself and all greeks. Basically, from this point on, no matter what you say it will always look like your organization saw the gleam of MTV, publicity, money, and decor, and threw your reputations out the window...with all of ours. Sorry for being harsh man, but as I always say, people can do what they want to themselves, just don't get me caught up in it. Also, for all you high and mighty nationals(NOT ALL OF YOU, just the ones who made the comments), I am a proud local org member, and if anyone even mentioned this idea, our chapter would be in a total uproar! We are always vigilant in our efforts to exude a positive image, and this reflects in our ideals, our practices, and our structure. Soooo, anyone bringing up this issue of "curses, those fiesty locals are at it again!" shoud know that firstly, it's irrelevant to the topic, and secondly, calm yourself because there are plenty of national chapters who, even with their "superior" checks and balances, STILL somehow have frequent problems, as you can read about in abundance on greekchat. Meanwhile, the locals have maybe the same percentage or less(wishful thinking, hahaha) of bad apples, WITHOUT some HQ breathing down our necks! The majority of us are wonderful additions to greek life...and all on our own merit. I'm not hating on nationals btw, all you guys are awesome!!! But those individuals making the comments, keep those little facts in mind before you cry me a river about how it's "so typical that a local would screw things up." Aight, I need to take a breather, hahaha, hopefully I haven't offended anyone, I always post when I feel emotional about something, and it reflects in my writings!

Okay, I've avoided this thread, because I thought it would only make me mad. I was right. I'd like to address three things:

1. The contention that if SAEPi didn't do this, someone else would. I don't think I buy that. For at least the past three years, MTV has been looking for a sorority to film in the "casting call" section of their website. For three years, they have gotten no, no, no, no. They have petitioned NPC organizations ad nauseum to get a camera inside. Again, they have been shut down. Now, this isn't a national/local thing. Where was the Greek Advisor, Faculty Advisor, and/or campus administration? Do you mean to tell me that responsible, professional adults actually told these women that this would be a good idea?

2. There are plans in the works for a sorority version of Cribs. Letting cameras in to film the interior of your house is far different than letting cameras film binge drinking, hazing and hashing (which by the way, not all GLO's do - some, mine included, absolutely forbid it!). That said, I'm sure MTV will be looking for a shot of a bunch of chicks having a pillow fight wearing nothing but towels for Cribs, too.

3. Yes, Legally Blonde was based on a real sorority. But it wasn't a real sorority, filmed documentary style. Do you see the distinction?

Re: the truth about the sorority life commercial
 

If you think the commercials are bad, then you better sit down and hold tight when the first episode airs. I can promise you that the show itself is going to be 100 times worse than any commercial.

Did the fact that the vast majority of sororities wouldn't touch this thing with a ten foot pole not give the chapter any indication that participating in the show might be a bad idea??? :confused:

I'm sorry that this post is so harsh, but I am just blown away by the apparent lack of rational thought in the decision to participate in the MTV show. I suppose some lessons are learned the hard way and the chapter will know to "just say no" the next time a TV crew comes knocking -- but it's a sad shame that the Greeks (national and local alike) who flat-out knew that the show would cause problems and did their best to prevent it from happening are going to be hurt by the actions of some short-sighted people. :(

Re: Re: Re: REPLY to quotes on promo
 

We are not giving MTV any power, they just take it. As viewers of MTV, we know that the show will be brought to us by the magic of editing...and as Greeks we know that the stereotypes they will likely portray are not the norm. Unfortunately, many kids who watch MTV, and their parents also, are not going to be as aware of this as we are. And, it will just give anti-greek people more reason to say "look, we told you so."

As Becky from the RW/RW Battle of the Seasons once said:
"Of course there's going to be a reaction...just let us have our reaction."
I think this kinda relates to this topic. :)

Side note: To rushqueen44 - Legally Blonde was not based on a real sorority...They observed a sorority prior to filming...there is a big difference.

Just a side comment...it also annoys me that MTV is so far from what it originally intended for, i.e. MUSIC TV...now, what the hell does this show, real world, road rules, or jackass have to do with music yo??? It turned out to be just another network catering to teeny boppers and luring viewers with shock tv dammit! ay! :p

Post #2000, don't cha know
 

I agree that the decision to participate in anything MTV does might not have been the wisest. As a matter of fact I was the first person to say so on here. But it is done and there’s nothing we can do about the series itself, just our reactions. We can either be negative or positive. There’s no sense bashing Sigma, because if this turns out as horribly as some people think it will, they’ll do enough self-flagellation that our input won’t be needed.

Personally, as I stated earlier, I’m very glad they chose a sorority that is diverse – not one made up of rich Barbie clones. That would offend me more than showing the occasional beer in a sister’s hand. They’ve chosen a group who looks “real” and hopefully that will help disprove the myth of what is and isn’t the “sorority type.” IMO that is as detrimental as any drinking, hazing, whatever in our orgs – women who would be great in a sorority thinking they aren’t the “type” and shunning it. The more that happens the more pronounced it gets, and the more great women we lose.

Everything in our orgs is not perfect. We don’t do philanthropy 24/7/365. We don’t live in perfect harmony. We like to party once in a while. We’re bitchy once in a while. We’re not as bad as the media make us out to be, but we’re not as good as our national websites make us out to be either. Simply, we’re human.

And as far as Animal House, look at membership numbers before and after its release, then try to tell me that it hurt Greek life. Yes, maybe there were people who only joined for the beer, but for every member that did that, I think there were probably 2 or 3 who were amazed by the amount of brother/sisterhood and support they received. A nice surprise package, I’d say. If this show gets women to pledge who wouldn’t have considered it before, it might be worth it.

Cloud9 -- excellent point. I guess there's more money to be made in trashy SUPPOSEDLY real-life shows than in music videos. In my opinion, MTV should change its name to TTV - Trash Television. It's definitely the king of that.

Re: the truth about the sorority life commercial
 

I'm afraid I can't disagree with any of the recent posts to this thread. Whatever promises made to you and your chapter, you will not see the wholesome good entertainment that you've been hoping for. Mtv knows that no one will watch a show about good girls in college living together. If they want ratings, they are going to really give you a run for your money. I just can't see any other way this show will profit them unless it's trash tv. Someone broke up with their boyfriend, a sister cheated on another, fights, conflict, partying, sex stories, drugs, if you think you made a small comment about it, Mtv will exploit it as far as they can.

Don't let the fact that the producer was greek fool you, in the business world, money is the real initiative. Ladies, I hope we all have just gone on and on about the worst possible situation and that it's just a bad dream. I sincerely hope that none of this happens, but whenever GLO's and the media mix, nothing positive ever materializes. Just my opinion, and trust me, I want to be wrong!

- RUgreek

"catering to teeny boppers"

Yup, that's certainly a main demographic for MTV.

I was thinking about that yesterday, and, frankly, it bothers me as much at the moment as anything else.

I worry that parents are going to see this and forbid their kids from even thinking about rush -- or the impressionable kids will see it and decide that it's real and either be totally turned off, or want to go Greek for all the wrong reasons.

The fallout just keeps spreading.

Re: Re: Re: Re: REPLY to quotes on promo
 

Glad to see you got the point I was making. :rolleyes:

To clear things up for you, I was referring to a point made by someone else. She said that Legally Blonde was based on a real sorority, so she couldn't see why this TV show was that much bigger a deal. My post was intended to demonstrate the difference between a movie based on a sorority (observed before filming, or whatever else) and a TV show filmed documentary style about a real sorority.

I used the term "based on a real sorority" in reference to terminology already used in this thread. Sorry you didn't pick up on that. I am well aware of the story behind Legally Blonde.

re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: REPLY to quotes on promo
 

ok, i agree with you on the lets just see aspect, sigma-insider. But, the "any publicity is good publicity" is not a true statement. I work in PR. that idea you have in your head is not a valid one.

I disagree, every sorority will get PNMs who want to know if they're anything like the girls they saw on TV, etc. If you are like Sigma, thats great, if not, you have an opportunity to tell them why you're not, why youre special and why they should rush. This is a great opportunity. You can use it no matter how the show turns out. Fine then, how about "Any publicity that doesn't involve constant fighting, drugs, sex and alcohol is good publicity" (as far as this show is concerned).

I don't see this as a local versus national issue. I know there were plenty of locals who said no. What the sigmas did is done and gone and there is nothing that ANY of us can do about it. I think it now has to go to this. . . hopefully any other GLO aproached by MTV will know what their true intentions are and RUN THE OTHER WAY.
I think the best thing we can do is NOT watch Sorority Life. It will only drive up ratings and encourage this kind of show. I also think that ANY positive publicity GLO's can get would be good right now too. Anyone have any ideas on that?

TG

Re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: REPLY to quotes on promo
 

Sorry, but I strongly disagree with that statement. And I'm sure that anyone who has seen a negative article about their GLO plastered on the front page of a newspaper will back me up on this.

I can tell you right now that MTV would have been shot down in a heartbeat whether National HQ was involved in the decision or not. I can remember a while back when several of my girls got e-mails from MTV requesting that the they try to get their chapter to be represented on the show. The overall reactions included disgust, disbelief and a vehement "Hell no." And that was before word came down from National HQ that DZ members shouldn't participate.

I've also seen local GLO members posting on GC saying that they objected to the show's concept and declined to participate as well, so it's definitely not a matter of local vs. national here.

Seeing that this show is seems to be a series and not just a one timer, I dont think anything is wrong with watching at least the first episode. Will I tune in after that. Probably not. (I dont really watch MTV that much anymore as it is. Like someone said, it went from being about music to something totally different).
Also I dont see this as a National vs Local issue either. If 90% of the orgs on your campus turned them down (Nationals and Locals) wouldnt you think something might not add up with the production?
Another thing is that their lawyers should have made MTV put in the contract, that they get to view all the edited/final cut shows and give them copies of them. That way if MTV changed anything they could sue. Why wasnt this done? I mean we know they have to edit stuff? But thats easier said then done now.
Finally is Sigma going to get girls in their next rush who saw then get 30 mins of fame and want their share to? Or are they going to get girls based on the real character of their org?

in Sigma's defense...
 

I know it's going to be imposible to defend Sigma, but I feel as though it's unfair to judge so much knowing so little about what happened with us this past year. Greeks always complain about being judged by others and yet you're now turning and judging us without knowing all of the facts. Perhaps this was a bad decision, but we don't know that yet. Certainly we knew that the show would not be all positive. Nothing is completely positive, and I think we felt comfortable with that because we have so much confidence in our organization. But to address a few things that have been brought up: 1)we did not know about the other oganziations who'd turned this down or why they had. We have no nationals and no advisors to speak of. We did ask advice of those around us and, knowing us and who we were, they thought it would be a good experience. 2) it took us months to come to this decision, and after talking with the creator for that long about every concern we had, we felt confident enough to accept his proposal. 3) I really still believe that after all is said and done, we will be portrayed positively. I have never seen a real world with a cast member who is completely bitchy or annoying or whatever and who never has any redeeming qualities. Even Amaya was redeemed at the end of Hawaii. I think this show will have a lot of things in it that aren't "true" or "real", but I also know that they captured incredible moments of sisterhood that I'm sure they will show. Yes people watch for the drama, but ultimately, this country likes to see a happy ending. 4) you know what, clearly people judge - that's a given. and people who look at this show and say "see, that's what all sororities are like" would have said that anyway after seeing anything, even just one girl on their own campus. We are all human, we have flaws, we drink, we fight, but we also care about our organizations. What's so bad about a little partying anyway? If greeks are expected to be perfect and to portray an image of perfection, then we are all just fooling ourselves. Let's just wait and see how the entire show turns out because I KNOW, after seeing what they shot, at least of the sisters (not necessarily our PNMs, though we call them pledges), that it won't be all bad.

I am the only one missing the boat here...."Sigma may have made a bad choice, we don't know that yet"

I don't think MTV was thinking how to give Greeks good PR....I think they were more on the ratings track...anyone else....confused on how we seem to think that this MAY have been a bad choice?

Just a quick note to UMGirl.

There was a thread on this several months ago when MTV began looking for a group to tape.

Some groups said that they would check with an attorney and get final control and decision making power over the final program and edit. That will never happen. No producer will ever agree to that. The deck is always stacked against the subject. Otherwise, the producer will scream "Prior Restraint" and "Censorship" and all of those other nasty buzz words. When you sign a release form, you've given up your rights unless you are liabled or slandered.

By the way, just a technical note -- these programs and this sorority were not "filmed." They were videotaped. There is a huge difference and it drives some of us TV professionals absolutely crazy -- although the common usage is "filmed," it is incorrect. Film costs too much, takes longer and is much harder to edit. Movies are filmed -- most TV is taped. Not that anyone else cares, but what the heck.

I'll also just say again, it's the producer and MTV who are the bad guys here -- not the Sigmas. Give them a break and get mad at the folks who pre-determined how this story was going to come out before the first scene was shot.

DeltAlum,

Although I usually agree with your comments, I have to disagree with this one. Granted, MTV is definitely at fault for manipulating Sigma members' words and twisting things to look the way that MTV wanted it to look. However, MTV wouldn't have had the opportunity to manipulate their words if Sigma hadn't handed it to them on a silver platter.

I'm sorry if this offends any Sigmas on GC, but I cannot help but feel that the sorority should shoulder an equal portion of the blame here. It's just common sense -- if you don't want to risk being made out to look bad, then you don't sign a waiver to have your lives taped by a media group that has a reputation for outrageous programming. Sigma should have known better - it's as simple as that.

From what I've read, it seems as if the vote on whether or not to participate in the show was a close one between the sisters. I really feel sorry for the Sigma girls who had the foresight to see the problems coming and voted against being part of the show.

So far, we don't know how bad Sorority Life is going to turn out. I'm seriously hoping that I will be proven wrong and that it will be a positive series. Believe me, I would really love to eat my words on this issue! But I think the chances of that happening are about as good as a snowball's chance in hell. I suppose we'll just have to wait and see.

DZRose said,

"It's just common sense -- if you don't want to risk being made out to look bad, then you don't sign a waiver to have your lives taped by a media group that has a reputation for outrageous programming. Sigma should have known better - it's as simple as that."

DZ,

Nice to know that someone sometimes agrees with me. I would just point out, though, that on the earlier thread I've alluded to a few times there were only two or three of us (all of whom worked or have worked in electronic media) who were originally against the concept. Most of the posters originally thought this show would be a great idea until we pointed out selective editing, sensationalism, etc. A lot of posters just couldn't believe that MTV, that icon of truth and youth, would ever tell only one side of a story -- the one that would grab the most ratings!

If the national organizations had not stepped in, I shudder to think of who MTV might be taping.

I'm not going to get into this national vs. local thing, but in this one case, Sigma did not have the benefit of a national organization to advise them.

My finger still points squarely at MTV and the probably independent producer who did the show for them.