Sunday, February 06, 2005

10,000 Visitors and Still Counting

Since the launch of the Sanguine et Purpure last August, we have now hit over 10,000 visitors and over 20,000 page views. This is an incredible amount of traffic for an obscure and sometimes controversial blog aimed at a specific target audience. Our zeal at providing you information around Greekdom, and news and views about our own Fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, has been fueled by the increased traffic the blog receives. More importantly, we are moved to endeavor by the private communications that have been sent to our senior editors encouraging (and sometimes criticizing) our comments and op-eds. In a democratic society, it is often controversey of opinion that not only creates dialog but results in positive change. The beauty of the blog is that it changes constantly as the issues and situations around us change. Websites are potentially useful for static information but a website is only as current as its last update.

Considering that those of us at S&P are actually gainfully employed in a myriad of professions, we try to keep you updated as things happen. We are constantly watching listservs, on-line news, websites, and many other common information sources to bring you the lastest and sometimes not so good information. And occasionally we even provide your with a provocative op-ed rant.

We know that there is a lot of good going on out there in Sigma Phi Epsilon land (including Zollinger House) that just doesn't get reported. We certainly will continue to welcome any news from any member, chapter, official, or whatever so that we can keep our loyal readers up to date. Remember for every good event, story, activity that goes unreported, there will be a dozen tragedies that will make the national news.

We are continuing to try to bring new features to S&P. We are limited mostly because of our current hosting medium. To upgrade to a more robust technological environment that would provide us with a lot more options and features is currently not in our budget. Oh, and by the way, we have no budget. We would, however, certainly be willing to "upgrade" but neither the HQ nor the Educational Foundation has provided us with grant funding to do so. And, unlike PBS, we are not going to solicit contributions from those of you that have made this blog successful. Keep coming back, though, we might just get a lucky windfall one day.

Our primary goal has been to create an unfettered dialog. Just remember, if there were no controversey, there would be no discussion. Without discussion and careful evaluation, there can be no self-evaluation. Without honest self-evaluation there can be no improvement. Truth (which sometimes may prick our conscience) sometimes brings about confrontation. It also brings about reflection and contemplation. It is this reflection and contemplation that drives positive forward change.

Remember, too, that we are a democracy. When the masses are intimidated by a perceived power, so that their voice is not heard and obeyed, we are no better than the oppressed that have endured generations of dictatorships. Remember, too, if opinions are not voiced you will also fall prey to the vocal minority.

We at S&P again thank you for your patronage. As long as you continue to support us by your visits, we will continue to bring you the latest in news and opinion. We remain Unofficial, Unauthorized, and Unfettered.

Fraternally,

Editors and Staff
Sanguine et Purpure
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