[DeltAlum]

James, et al,

My basic problems with shows like "Sorority Life" are in their production techniques and values. They will only show the "drama" (which seems to be the buzz word of the hour). That's a fact. Philanthrophy doesn't "sell." Is anyone really taken aback by Cara'(?) "revelation" about how much sex was shown on Real World as opposed to what really happened? If so, I have some Arizona Swampland I'd like to sell you.

That's why I railed against this concept from it's very beginning. With all due respect, Sorority Life is NOT what Greek Life is about. Neither is talking about philanthrophy all by itself. Showing any part of the experience exclusively is way off the mark.

On the other hand, why is there such amazament that MTV is only out for ratings? Of course they are. And how about "Dateline" and Oprah and the others? Guess what? They're out for ratings, too. They may follow a different path to get them, but in the long run, that's what TV is about -- ratings and profit.

MTV is not your friend. It's a business.

As for those who would like PBS to do a documentary -- be careful of what you wish for. While PBS would undoubtedly talk about the philanthrophy, they would also cover the parties, underage drinking, etc. That's why they call the form documentary -- it documents -- and on PBS it would document everything. Bad and good. Even PBS gets ratings.

Did SAEPi get an even break and the unvarnished truth from MTV? Nope. Will anyone else? Nope.

And the idea of a different show on MTV doing a sorority doc with different results? Not likely. The chance that ANY organization would give final approval for air to NPC? Ain't gonna happen. That's prior restraint and censorship.

Is your chapter so "squeaky clean" that you would open yourselves to the scrutiny of the TV cameras?

Are you sure?