[Sistermadly]

Because they're based on rituals that are kept secret except to those who are initiated members. We are exclusive societies - just look at all of the recuruitment threads where people don't find homes (I was someone who didn't find a home during recruitiment either, so I know how it feels).

I don't think that the term 'secret society' has a negative connotation for everyone - only to those who have some sort of agenda.