The best I can be on this topic is "objective" (not having gone thru collegiate pledging personally) but there's a couple of points I've pondered.....
Pledging a group is a major growth experience on a very steep learning curve. It is *already* uncomfortable adjusting yourself to a group, and the group adjusting to you. Case in point: the issues that came up in tonite's episodes. Who on God's green earth wants cameras pointed in every direction during that time? (OK, the people who sign a contract w/ MTV, but you see my point....) Anyone who brings a TV camera into my bedroom while I'm asleep is asking for a permanent limp.
Also (again approaching from an AI perspective) I personally feel more comfortable w/ an organization that has a more structured network than a small local, that doesn't have any oversight or risk management. No disrespect to the locals out there, just my particular preference. If I got bawled out for something I didn't do, minor or not, I'd put gloves in my back pockets so they'd wave "bye bye" as I walked out the door.
My SIL and her husband are living w/ us for the next few months. They were shaking their heads in disbelief as long-term GLO alumni themselves.
Adrienne (PNAM-2003)
