Why do colonies fizzle out?

[moe.ron]

Originally posted by CC1GC
I actually tried to found a colony of more than one NIC group, only to go through a perpetual cycle of ups and downs, finally calling it quits 2 1/5 years later.

The biggest factor in our demise was that most groups wanted 20-25 to get colony status; while on a campus that had a very small greek body (1% of the undergraduate total), average fraternity size less than the colony size required, as well as very anti-greek sentiments, it was very difficult to get off the groud. At our peak we had around 12 quality guys (campus leaders, captain of the ski team, hockey players, student gov't), but interest always waned and we were again trying to recooperate the numbers lost, let alone gain momemtum.

In the end, it was just me and my bro (of the local we formed) left. And yeah, it was frustrating. I hate reading these posts of picturesque greek experiences in stark contrast to my headaches and sacrifice. Rarely does a day go by when my I think about my failures and how if I could go back and change them. But never would I choose to not do it all over again. Nothing has told me more about myself and what I've learned than my collective greek years. Life is full of risks & rewards - i took the risk, but gained a different reward.

Good luck!