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mmm, OK, first, just for reference, we're a men's fraternity, not a women's. The sexlessness of the Internet has its downside sometimes.
The problems we ran into with the first group we tried were recruitment related. We were the only men's group without a house, and it was very hard to differentiate ourselves. Honestly, I think their decision to drop was very premature- it's taken us a year to establish a reputation on campus, find housing, and all that, and we're now beginning to pick up steam. But they were primarily a West-coast fraternity, and used to schools with 150-man chapters. The biggest here is 50, and they're almost too big to be manageable.
On the stealing our pledges, it may be legal, but it isn't cricket. I've had men pledge us after they had depledged another house, but it's always been their decision, without our telling them to do it. I am horrified at the idea of taking someone else's pledge aside and telling them they belonged in my house- I'd throttle any of my brothers if they tried it. Maybe it's just the culture I live in- there are so few men rushing these days, that to do something underhanded like this would be unforgiveable.
We are happy being local, at least. We've got our new house to clean, and fall rush to plan, and a dozen other things going on. We're very happy with the way things are. But there are other things you miss out on without a national- no brothers at other schools, no help or advice when you're in trouble, and especially, no insurance. If you really want to lose some sleep, try being in a GLO with no liability insurance. But we're generally happy, and I know I'll be happy to stay local the rest of my time here.
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