[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by EE-BO

But the real question is, where is the value in having open discussion of a process that is not defined by publicly stated rules and is intended to be something the GLO offers- not that the PNAI asks for?

Those who are offered AI, which is how this is typically done, will not need the guidance of strangers on the internet because they will have a close connection with the GLO into which they will be initiated.

I agree with this, except that sometimes we aren't here for guidance, just support. People here understand that joining a sorority post-college can be a healthy, normal thing to do. (Notice I'm not saying common) I don't see a problem with "wishing you luck, hope you hear soon." Because unless you know something negative about User42439, you do wish that things turn out well for her.

Those who are shopping for letters are already going about AI the wrong way and are not only very likely to fail- but will humiliate themselves in the process. How does broadcasting this doomed adventure on a website help that person?

f they're shopping then GC does the chapters a service in some ways by allowing the person to point that out themselves. I know that AI is not Recruitment, but the same question could be asked about a failed PNM, particularly one who may not ever have had a good chance from the start. How does it help them? It might not. But it might be useful.

How does it help the GLO?

It may point out to the GLO that the system is working.

How does it help the reputation of the website where it is allowed to take place?

I don't think that we're out to promote the reputation of GC. But it would be seen as a place where people DO tell you that hey, you're not going to have a chance. Or hey, "First you said you were AI-ing, then you said you were rushing, and you can't really look 21, you're probably crazy"

I see your point about freedom of speech being a great thing, but there is a reason most good internet forums that attract lots of members are moderated.

True, but I don't think that removal of the AI forum/closure of all threads is quite the way to do so.

I will admit reading the AI board is very entertaining- and I have read way back into the older posts as time allows, but I have yet to read a story that had a happy ending purely because of the presence of GC. By that I mean a story of someone who came into this with ZERO connection to a sorority and then got initiated 100% as the result of help obtained here.

Instead this gets to be the place where people get the reality check they have coming anyway- and those who give that reality check find out that no good deed goes unpunished.

I don't see why it's a bad thing to give people reality checks. Let people discuss it. If they cause themselves to bust, it's their own fault. And if, for example, and woman is approached to AI and starts the process, comes to GC.. then what? "Hi I'm AIing into..." is about as far as she will get before a)the thread is closed or b) she's mobbed by attack dogs and made to feel unwelcome. As much as people say they love their AI sisters (and I'm sure they do) a new AI on this forum might feel VERY uncomfortable about stating how she joined (or will soon be joining) XYZ

Granted it is also a place for wonderful new initiates to share their stories or have other respectful and on topic conversations- but it is sometimes hard to see that for all the other stuff.

I think this is the most important part as well. But it is not as if a potential AI is sworn to secrecy either. If they can talk about the process they're going through (aka are not told that it is private) then they should. GC is group therapy for a lot of people. It's a way to relieve the stress of waiting.

I hope this makes sense. I guess I'm calling for moderation, not removal. And for what it's worth, the D9 intakes alums as regular members, this is very different from the AI process it seems to me.