Yes, there really was life, and there was Greek life, before the Internet became a defining entity in our society. I knew nothing about sororities until my best friend went to Ohio State University and pledged Alpha Phi there. She came home and told exciting stories about Greek life, and it sounded like fun. The next year I went to the University of Kentucky, went thru rush, and pledged Pi Beta Phi there. The best way to learn about being Greek is to have your own Greek experience by joining a fraternity or sorority.
Books on houses are great - I especially like "Pledged" and "The Divine Nine." I even have read Baird's through the years. Sure, you can read about Greek life, or have a member tell you about it, but there is no substitute for learning on your own by doing. Just do it!!!!
That said, I have learned much by reading posts on Greek Chat. Things change over the years, and GC is an excellent resource for how things are done now. The older GC'ers can tell you all about how it was when we were actives, but Greek life goes on. I like to hear about what fraternities and sororities are doing currently, and not just my own national. It's my natural curiosity, I guess. But there are other ways to find out - I think that some of the larger Panhellenics still have area "informational" meetings for high-school seniors that are considering going thru rush. Each college or university has its own umbrella org.'s over the individual chapters, and they are always a good source of information. It's become too easy to get lazy and let the Internet "do it all." There is a life beyond the Internet!
