Blog as a chapter website? Thoughts?
 

What are your thoughts on a chapter having a blog instead of a traditional website? Just trying to get some pros/cons gathered.

I found a very cute blog from the DGs at Mizzou....super cute and easy to read....
http://mizzoudg.blogspot.com/

Discuss...thanks!

I think it's super cute and more easily updated than a regular website

I have to admit, I really like this. I think it would be a good idea to have a chapter website as well, though, so there's a place to put things like basic facts, awards, recruitment info, etc. Maybe a website with two or three pages featuring those things, and a huge link to the blog on the front page.

The advantage to the blog is that it's so easy to update and so easy to post pictures. As a PNM I'd already have a good impression of Mizzou's DGs because of this blog.

As long as you don't forget where you are (i.e. blab too much private info just because you're writing a blog) I think it's a great idea.

I think that blog website is very well done. It reminds me of the organizational/chapter facebook pages that are professional and leave no room for stupidity. Keep it formal enough so that visitors can get the information that they are seeking.

I generally don't like blogs and facebook pages for organizations/chapters. Some organizations/chapters have included blogs on their pages but keep the traditional websites.

Just make sure it never becomes a diary or Greekchat. :p

I'm ashamed to admit just how big a fan I am of sorority websites. This is my favorite internet time-suck.

It's the content that matters to me, far more than the format. The DGs are doing a great job on that score, so I don't care that it is or isn't a blog. If the blog style means that the photos and so on get updated more frequently, I'm all for it.
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That is a fantastic site. Very well done Mizzou DGs!

I Like It! And think it would be a good compliment to an "official" website. I too have a very positive impression of that chapter after seeing the blog.

All the NPC sororities at Mizzou have official websites, and most of them have separate blogs:
Theta
KD
G-phi
Phi Mu
Alpha Phi
Alpha Chi
Tri-Delta
Pi Phi
Kappa
Chi-O

Add the links I'm missing, but I'm sure you get the jist. Put enough journalism school kids in a house and you're bound to wind up blogging.

I love it! I agree that it needs some additional content (like FAQs or fast facts). Their sidebar link to what appears to be their chapter website actually goes nowhere, so that's a miss. But overall it's fantastic and gives you a taste into their chapter, which can be a challenge with typical websites. Blogs do require more maintenance, though- people who can post before and right after an event. If you make a blogging committee, though, problem solved!

ETA: I am LOVING all the blogs anabella posted. The themes these girls came up with for recruitment are fantastic!! Especially for the philanthropy round. Kappa's Dr. Seuss theme, Theta's Rock the CASA... There goes my afternoon :rolleyes:

Thanks everyone! The Mizzou ones are very nice!

Shoot I wish we had thought of this when we were in undergrad.

Honestly a lot of undergrad chapters would be better served doing a blog than having a website that for the most part is static.

It's a new day and we are in a dynamic world.

Ditto.

I think using a blog can get current info out there a lot faster than updating a website.

That's my great-grandmother's chapter!:)

I think this is such a great idea because you have the ability to share a more personal side of your organization with non-members. And really, what's more important - listing off facts and awards, or telling people about the MEMBERS that make up your organization?

There was a great blog post on Phired Up about replacing chapter websites with blogs, here: http://www.phiredup.com/index.php?op...p=581&Itemid=2. It linked to ASU Alpha Gamma Delta's blog, which I think is excellent, here: http://asuagddeltaxi.blogspot.com/