"Hit and Run" Posters
 

Is it just me, or have y'all noticed that many of these "hit and run" posters - the ones who post once or a few times and state that they don't like Greeks because Greeks [insert jab du jour at Greek life here] - are actually coming from prejudicial points of view?

While I'm sure many just want to come here and try to stir up trouble, there are others who seem to be in earnest with their questions. Yet all to often, many of 'em willingly acknowledge they know little to nothing about Greeks. And yet they are quick to judge. What is truly puzzling is that from their statements and arguments, they seem to have a desire to remain ignorant of what Greeks are all about. Regardless of all the helpful and informative posts provided by so many members here.

Since I usually refrain from posting on these types of threads, I just want to state my appreciation and thanks to all the Greek Chat members who do take the time to respond with their insightful and compassionate replies.

You make us proud. :)

Very insightful post;)

I agree!!!

Also, I'm sure I'm not the only one on GC who, before they were greek (I pledged my second semester as a freshman) actually had the false ideas of greek life and believed the stereotypes about paying for friends, superficiality, etc. I really thought that way! Until a good friend convinced me to rush SAI with her...and I changed my mind right away.

The truth is, it's something that can easily be misunderstood. So, instead of getting mad and firing back at someone who comes here for insight, kill 'em with kindness. Being mean will only make them think worse. (Note, I'm not talking about trolls) :)

I dunno. The last one at least responded to our questions (Lia05). I'll give her credit for that. I think their concerns are legitimate though. On some campuses more than others.

I had my preconceived notions about greek life before I went to the info sessions. But I wasn't about to walk into their info session and start hurling insults at them.

All to often there are many posters who come on here and the first thing out of their outh is an insult. It's understandable our responses to posters like that will be negative.

I will give dredit where credit is due though. There are some posters who will post their concers and ask serious questions. But memebers of GC will respond to the questions with respect and tact.

Ya know, it's my belief that some of the 'hit-and-run' posters are actually more regular posters out to stir up conversation/sometimes trouble...it gets quiet on here sometimes, i wouldn't be surprised if some people got fake names and decided to have a little fun...even though it's annoying, juvenile and tired...

I wish that was always the case. I remember someone who posted some concerns (and maybe didn't do a good job presenting himself), but he was greeted with accusations of being a troll and questions of "What's for dinner?".

I wish we wouldn't do that.

I think we just have to assume that these are serious posters, and wait to see if they prove otherwise. Misconceptions abound, and if we can help a few people see the good points of Greek life, that's great.

We can't just attack people right off the bat if they have bad feelings about the Greek system.

True, we shouldn't always assume that posters are trolls.

But when someone comes here and poses a question like this, for example, "I hate Greeks. They're stupid. All they do is drink and sleep around. They're all racist, yadda, yadda, yadda...What's so great about greek life?" It's hard not to think of this person as a troll. That person may have wanted to pose a serious question, but they could have phrased their question a better way. People have come on here saying things like that, and on a pro-greek message board, people will get defensive.

cosign

Keep in mind that hundreds, of people who are not greek view this site, but do not post. Many of them may have these same preconceived notions, but choose not to air them out in such a dramatic fashion. You are especially in this forum and especially in those types of threads an ambassador for the Greek system.

We need to think beyond the impact of the post on the person we are speaking directly to since this is a public forum.

The questions of "What's for dinner?" Are just inappropriate and may have actually reinforced people other than the trollish thread originator's preconceived notions about what we are like.

This forum, and really all of them here show what we're really like. So let's not act petty and combatitive.

I'm not here to act petty and combative. I try to stay out of threads like that, but will admit I might have had some snide comments of my own in the heat of the moment.

I think it's best for us to ignore those threads. The poster will either not return or choose to rephrase the original question.

I didn't mean to say that anyone was being that way intentionally. That is just how it appears to someone with no knowledge that many threads seen as pointless by some go that direction.

I feel, if one has anything to say at all, it should be positive. Think of it as practicing your PR skills.

I absolutely agree.