Your thoughts on AI: discussion goes here.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by EE-BO

But the real question is, where is the value in having open discussion of a process that is not defined by publicly stated rules and is intended to be something the GLO offers- not that the PNAI asks for?

Those who are offered AI, which is how this is typically done, will not need the guidance of strangers on the internet because they will have a close connection with the GLO into which they will be initiated.

I agree with this, except that sometimes we aren't here for guidance, just support. People here understand that joining a sorority post-college can be a healthy, normal thing to do. (Notice I'm not saying common) I don't see a problem with "wishing you luck, hope you hear soon." Because unless you know something negative about User42439, you do wish that things turn out well for her.

Those who are shopping for letters are already going about AI the wrong way and are not only very likely to fail- but will humiliate themselves in the process. How does broadcasting this doomed adventure on a website help that person?

f they're shopping then GC does the chapters a service in some ways by allowing the person to point that out themselves. I know that AI is not Recruitment, but the same question could be asked about a failed PNM, particularly one who may not ever have had a good chance from the start. How does it help them? It might not. But it might be useful.

How does it help the GLO?

It may point out to the GLO that the system is working.

How does it help the reputation of the website where it is allowed to take place?

I don't think that we're out to promote the reputation of GC. But it would be seen as a place where people DO tell you that hey, you're not going to have a chance. Or hey, "First you said you were AI-ing, then you said you were rushing, and you can't really look 21, you're probably crazy"

I see your point about freedom of speech being a great thing, but there is a reason most good internet forums that attract lots of members are moderated.

True, but I don't think that removal of the AI forum/closure of all threads is quite the way to do so.

I will admit reading the AI board is very entertaining- and I have read way back into the older posts as time allows, but I have yet to read a story that had a happy ending purely because of the presence of GC. By that I mean a story of someone who came into this with ZERO connection to a sorority and then got initiated 100% as the result of help obtained here.

Instead this gets to be the place where people get the reality check they have coming anyway- and those who give that reality check find out that no good deed goes unpunished.

I don't see why it's a bad thing to give people reality checks. Let people discuss it. If they cause themselves to bust, it's their own fault. And if, for example, and woman is approached to AI and starts the process, comes to GC.. then what? "Hi I'm AIing into..." is about as far as she will get before a)the thread is closed or b) she's mobbed by attack dogs and made to feel unwelcome. As much as people say they love their AI sisters (and I'm sure they do) a new AI on this forum might feel VERY uncomfortable about stating how she joined (or will soon be joining) XYZ

Granted it is also a place for wonderful new initiates to share their stories or have other respectful and on topic conversations- but it is sometimes hard to see that for all the other stuff.

I think this is the most important part as well. But it is not as if a potential AI is sworn to secrecy either. If they can talk about the process they're going through (aka are not told that it is private) then they should. GC is group therapy for a lot of people. It's a way to relieve the stress of waiting.

I hope this makes sense. I guess I'm calling for moderation, not removal. And for what it's worth, the D9 intakes alums as regular members, this is very different from the AI process it seems to me.

[AXO Alum]

Originally Posted by adpiucf

It's not about poking your head in the door and seeing if anyone is home. It's about being invited to come home.

^^^ = my.new.siggy

[PenguinTrax]

Discretion is something that has definitely gone by the wayside. I'm perfectly happy to have a PNAM recall their 'recuitment' story once the have been officially invited to join a group. I agree that using GC to pursue AI is not proper. If a person comes to GC inquiring about AI, and they know nothing about the process, they should be directed to the national office of the group they desire to join and the subject should be closed. At least, that's how I'd like to see it.

If that's not possible, then the only other option may be closing down the forum altogether. No matter what level of moderation is given to the forum, it is never the *right* amount at the *right* time. Moderating this forum could be a full-time job, and I know that I already have one of those, two if you count my family. Carnation is in the same boat, even more so, lol.

Unfortunately there isn't a perfect solution - someone is always going to be unhappy with the outcome.

[blueangel]

Originally Posted by EE-BO

I will admit reading the AI board is very entertaining- and I have read way back into the older posts as time allows, but I have yet to read a story that had a happy ending purely because of the presence of GC. By that I mean a story of someone who came into this with ZERO connection to a sorority and then got initiated 100% as the result of help obtained here.

Actually.. there are a few.. I know of two. There are probably more that I don't know of.

I definately support the AI subforum, because without it, I'm sure I would still be in limbo land today. Because AI is so rare in my GLO, things fell through the cracks inadvertantly by some people who were trying to get my paperwork through. Had it not been for four people here on this forum who helped me, one in particular who was able to find out where things hit a snag and get things moving for me again, I know I would not have been initiated today. I was nearly at three years waiting.. until some kind souls on this forum went out of their way to help me.

It was also wonderful being able to get moral support while I waited for "the big day." It had been such a long emotional roller coaster.. and I was emotionally drained from the ups and downs. It was nice to have someone to talk to who had been through it.

And before someone screams, "your experience isn't typical".. no it isn't. I don't believe there IS such a thing as "typical." Everyone's story is different.

Do I believe people should get rec's from people on the forum? Absolutely not. I said it before, and I'll say it again.. I don't believe in writing recs for PNAIs or PNMs without knowing them in person... or it defeats the purpose of a rec.

But, do I believe this should be a place where PNAIs can get moral support and ask general questions? Absolutely.

Do I believe that this should be a place where women with former connections can network? Absolutely.

Remember the positives of this forum: The PNAIs on this forum are constantly warned about discretion, and about how difficult and rare it is to become an AI.

That is a good thing because if someone with no prior connections wants to give it a shot.. they'll know ahead of time they will have to "proceed at their own risk" and that the chances of AI success are small.

[texas*princess]

adpiucf - you are awesome!

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by Alphagamuga

But if the other groups don't require the information to be withheld in such a way, aren't you infringing on other people's expression unnecessarily?

I have yet to see a GLO member (besides Tom) on GC jump up and say "Here's our AI information!! Here's our AI information!!". And being that this is the ALUMNEA INITIATION forum, Tom volunteering LXA AI info doesn't count.

Nice try, but it's moot point.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by Alphagamuga

But to be honest, I never much read the AI forum, and I don’t think I’d personally miss it if it were gone. I’m more concerned with the effort to suppress speech that you just don’t like, or you just don’t think should be out there.

Wow.

If you haven't read the AI forum, and some of the past stories/posters that got people to the point of not wanting to have anything about AI on here at all, then you REALLY don't have the right to voice an opinion.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by Alphagamuga

Excuse me for my ignorance here, but the idea of trying to pick up a sponsor on GreekChat just seems so dumb. Why would anyone sponsor someone they didn't know in real life? I can see a PAI shopper looking, but I can't really see a member agreeing to sponsor some they had never met.

IT HAPPENS. FOR REAL, YO.

Again, this is WHY people are trying to get rid of AI discussion and why you should quit supporting "free exchange of information" unless you know all the facts.

[blueangel]

Originally Posted by 33girl

IT HAPPENS. FOR REAL, YO.

Again, this is WHY people are trying to get rid of AI discussion and why you should quit supporting "free exchange of information" unless you know all the facts.

Actually it's some people... not all. There are also a number of people who enjoy the AI subforum, and some, like me, who found it quite helpful when going through the process (please see my prior post.)

Yes, it happens a few PNAIs seek sponsorship on GC. But.. so what? They can ask.. but have they gotten any takers? I don't know of anyone who has sponsored anybody else for AI on Greek Chat without meeting them.
It's just like PNMs who ask for recs on Greek Chat. Is that any reason to shut down the recruitment forum?

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by blueangel

Actually it's some people... not all. There are also a number of people who enjoy the AI subforum, and some, like me, who found it quite helpful when going through the process (please see my prior post.)

Yes, it happens a few PNAIs seek sponsorship on GC. But.. so what? They can ask.. but have they gotten any takers? I don't know of anyone who has sponsored anybody else for AI on Greek Chat without meeting them.
It's just like PNMs who ask for recs on Greek Chat. Is that any reason to shut down the recruitment forum?

Some...not including Tom, you, and 1 Alpha Gam. Clear enough now??

Giving someone a REC FOR RUSH is NOT THE SAME as SPONSORING for AI.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by blueangel

Yes, it happens a few PNAIs seek sponsorship on GC. But.. so what? They can ask.. but have they gotten any takers? I don't know of anyone who has sponsored anybody else for AI on Greek Chat without meeting them.
It's just like PNMs who ask for recs on Greek Chat. Is that any reason to shut down the recruitment forum?

Asking for a rec for rush is a HELL of a lot different than asking someone to be your sponsor for AI.

[blueangel]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

Some...not including Tom, you, and 1 Alpha Gam. Clear enough now??

Giving someone a REC FOR RUSH is NOT THE SAME as SPONSORING for AI.

Are you trying to allege that Tom, me and 1 Alpha Gam are the only people who favor having an AI subforum? I think you'd find you're sadly mistaken. It is really the vocal minority who want it gone.. not the majority of GC'ers. Clear enough now?

[blueangel]

Originally Posted by 33girl

Asking for a rec for rush is a HELL of a lot different than asking someone to be your sponsor for AI.

Of course it's different.. but they're both inappropriate... and no reason to shut down whole forums. One can ask for sponsorship or a rec, but getting them is a whole 'nother story!

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by blueangel

Of course it's different.. but they're both inappropriate... and no reason to shut down whole forums. One can ask for sponsorship or a rec, but getting them is a whole 'nother story!

There are quite a few people on GC who don't find it inappropriate to help someone find a local alum to give a PNM a rec. There isn't anyone on GC who thinks it's appropriate to sponsor random people on GC for AI.

[blueangel]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

There are quite a few people on GC who don't find it inappropriate to help someone find a local alum to give a PNM a rec. There isn't anyone on GC who thinks it's appropriate to sponsor random people on GC for AI.

So? If that is the case, what's the problem. A PNAI can ask, but she's not going to get anywhere getting a sponsor on GC.