Live broadcast with SigEp CEO Brian Warren about the Ole Miss Chapter closing

SigEp CEO speaks to the Ole Miss Chapter closing and addresses comments and questions about the decision and actions around it.

SigEp Iowa Delta donates big

Those of you who were in the VP Communications track at CLA this year should check out this great example of telling the SigEp story. Love the check, too!

Social fraternity donates big:

Story and Photos by Hayleigh Syens

It’s not every Friday afternoon that the brothers of the Iowa Delta chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon suit up.
This year, Queen of Hearts co-chair Brady Oates introduced a new fundraising effort.

But this past Friday was different: The brothers were presenting a check for $17,000 to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Iowa.

The donation is the result of a wildly successful philanthropy effort by Sig Ep this year.

Queen of Hearts, Sig Ep’s annual philanthropy, has been around since 2001.

“Our chapter had just gotten back onto campus and we had a brother, Eric Grunzinger. He was diagnosed with leukemia. He unfortunately didn't win that battle,” said Dan Pfeifle, Queen of Hearts co-chair. “The chapter decided that from then on, their philanthropy efforts would go to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Iowa, kind of in a way to remember him.”

The specific events making up Queen of Hearts week have changed over the years, from talent shows and dunk tanks to senior skits and brothers shaving their heads.

However, the big event, a softball tournament at the end of the week, has stayed consistent.

“That was the original event for Eric: playing softball. They raised money for his family and treatments. He passed away, but since then, we've continued on,” Pfeifle said.

"Training in Ten" A New Era in Volunteer Training

Starting today, SigEp Headquarters is unveiling a new way to bring effective training to our many volunteers.

You may have seen teasers about following @TrainingInTen on Twitter and wondered what is was about. Well, it is time for the big reveal. Be sure to go to the linked site to see the entire 10-minute introduction.

"Training in Ten" is the HQ brand for a continuing series of twice-monthly 10 minute webinars specifically aimed at all the volunteers who give back so generously to SigEp with their time, expertise, and guidance. The first edition is an introduction to the series and covers the What/Why/How of this new communication channel. The screen capture shows there will be a narrator and slides to present information both with audio and graphically.

Future webinars will address core topics that AVCs face regularly: Mentoring Undergraduates; Cultivating Alumni; Managing Assets; Managing Corporate Health; plus topics on Personal & Professional Growth. There are also opportunities to suggest topics, provide feedback, and let others know what your AVC and chapter are doing well.

"Training in Ten" is available several ways. If you use Twitter follow @TrainingInTen or (and!) @OfficialSigEp. You can also "like" the Official SigEp Facebook page or check with the "Official SigEp Blog" on the headquarters site. S&P will be investigating methods to include a link here as well.

Thanks to HQ, and especially to Archie Messersmith for developing a new way to add value and interest to our volunteers.

Introduction to Training In Ten

Welcome – it's about time!

Welcome – it's about time!By Bryce Giesler, Tennessee’ 82

Brother Giesler is the author and editor of Sanguine et Purpure (S&P), the unofficial SigEp blog. This piece is dual posted on the "Official" SigEp Blog and here.
A little over a month ago (Sep. 16 to be precise) I saw a notice from SigEp Headquarters announcing a “New Official SigEp Blog.” My first thought was, “Wait a minute – I’ve been writing and posting to Sanguine et Purpure –the Unofficial SigEp Blog at sigepblog.org for over nine years. Who do they think they are?” My second thought was, “Well, it’s about time they figured out how to use the interwebs!”

I have not posted about this development before now for two main reasons: First, I wanted to take some time to make sure I could express my full opinion and not simply have a list of one-liner comments. Those who follow me on Facebook and Google+ know I am quick with a retort and not always politically correct. Second, I have been doing quite a bit of traveling lately. When the notice came out I was still unpacking from a vacation in Scotland and preparing to help out with an EDGE, followed by a trip to Tennessee and then a weekend in Las Vegas. All that is done now, and so here are my “Officially Unofficial” comments.

Last summer at the Dallas (Grapevine) Conclave, some 35 or so SigEps gathered for a “Social Media Breakfast” where we informally discussed how chapters are making use of the various channels to connect with members, prospective members and alumni. Beaux Carriere, Charleston ’10, Mike Ellis, Purdue ’84, Steve Hofstetter, Columbia ’02, and I were talking afterwards, and Beaux told us of his plan to consolidate the various information streams from Headquarters into one findable and searchable stream of posts, i.e. a blog format. We agreed that was a great idea and offered our support. Beaux went back to Richmond and got things moving. The result is the new SigEp Blog. I still think it is a great idea and well executed. My only quibble is that it took so long for the folks at Headquarters to get to it. The reason I started S&P was that I felt a broad information channel was needed and was not being developed at HQ.

Since the announcement I have been asked if I feel like Headquarters staff was trying to undercut S&P by offering a similar product. No, I don’t. There is plenty of room for both of us. The “Unofficial Blog” has been running for over nine years and in that time has developed a loyal following as a non-Richmond, no-spin source of information about SigEp and other matters of the fraternity and sorority world. We post items that, quite frankly, would not be appropriate for an official site, such as breaking news about problems at individual chapters and stories of general interest about other organizations. There is plenty of quality and appropriate SigEp information for an official blog. We have been known to “borrow” posts from the Headquarters site to help increase the distribution of good stories. Communication is the goal. And now SigEps have another way to get information.

Finally, I want to acknowledge Beaux, SigEp CEO Brian Warren, Virginia ’04, and Communications Manager Rob Jepson, Utah State ’12, and everyone else at Headquarters who has worked to bring this piece of the communication matrix to fruition. I know it took a while, but, as I have, you will find it was worth the effort. Welcome to the fray!

"Social Media Breakfast" - Riverwalk Cantina at Gaylord Texan

Once again the team from "Sanguine et Purpure" is having a breakfast gathering at Conclave. Come to the Riverwalk Cantina on Friday at 8:00 AM and look for the "Social Media Breakfast". Remember, breakfast is at your own expense.

We will be discussing how Social Media is affecting the way chapters recruit, communicate with each other (both internally and externally), the role of internet tools in mentoring, and how to become a "Virtual AVC".

As always, we hope to get good cross pollination, so come and bring stories of your chapter's successes and challenges using social media. We'll see you at Conclave!

#SigEpConclave is the 'official' hashtag for Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and other apps that can use it.
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*Reservation Confirmation - Riverwalk Cantina at Gaylord Texan - "Thank you for your reservation at Riverwalk Cantina at Gaylord Texan. We are pleased to confirm the following:

Reservation Name:   Social Media Breakfast, THE POINT

Date: Friday, August 2, 2013
Time: 8:00 AM

SigEp HQ Looking for a Communications Manager

A Communications Manager position is available at SigEp HQ. Interested?

Dear Brothers and Friends, I am excited to announce that SigEp is searching for a new communications manager to join our Headquarters staff. Because of your involvement with SigEp, I’m turning to you for help.  Please forward this along to any great candidates you know, or apply if you are interested. We are looking for somebody hardworking and passionate about SigEp to work full-time in our Richmond, Virginia office.  We are seeking a strong writer, who can create and edit compelling content.  The new communications manager will direct the SigEp voice through various print, online and social media platforms.  This is an essential position, and we are looking for someone to join our team immediately.  Ideal candidates will have a bachelor’s degree and work experience in marketing, journalism, public relations, donor relations, fundraising or a related field.  Visit the job posting on SigEp’s website for more information on the role and directions on how to apply. Thank you for helping us find SigEp’s next great communications manager. Sincerely, Brian C. Warren, Jr.  Executive Director This message is being sent to all volunteers, graduating seniors and past Headquarters staff members.

PR 101 - for Chapter communicators

Sam Moschelli, District Governor for Michigan, wanted one of his chapters to get some practice with press releases and making a media push. This excellent example is what they came up with. How well does your chapter publicize itself? 

CLA Leadership training is coming up. If you want your chapter to do a better job of getting noticed in a positive way be sure that your VP Communications is attending the sessions. If he can't make it have him ask someone else to help out.

Sigma Phi Epsilon

Contact: Matt Russell
russelm1@mail.gvsu.edu
989-600-3225
http://gvsusigep.org/
www.sigep.org

January 27, 2013

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: GVSU student achieves prestigious level in Balanced Man Program

ALLENDALE, MI – The brothers of the Michigan Kappa Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon are proud to announce that Tyler Kinch of Grand Valley State University has achieved the highest level of the fraternity’s Balanced Man Program: Fellow. Kinch, a junior Athletic Training Major, completed the rigorous final challenge, which included the proposal and completion of a 500- hour or 60 day service project.

Only brothers who commit to undertaking a community service learning project of this level are able to apply for this challenge, which makes the number of members nationally who achieve this level in the program very small. Through these projects, Fellows receive hands-on experiences that teach leadership, mentoring, and how to care about and serve others.

For his service project, Kinch started his own 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Students Providing Opportunities and Recreation Through Sports (S.P.O.R.T.S.), to provide fun, interactive experiences for underprivileged children in the inner cities of the Midwest. Kinch created this organization to be fully operated by GVSU students and to be built upon Christian values. The goal is to enhance the quality of life for these children through proper mentor guidance and building a brighter future.

Since its inception, the organization has already partnered with campus organizations to hold an athletic equipment drive between Thanksgiving and Christmas. This event encouraged students to bring back new or used athletic equipment from home to donate to local athletic programs as well as Christian ministries working in African countries.

Kinch has also partnered with Sigma Phi Epsilon and Kramer Entertainment to organize a $1 All-You-Can-Play Laser Tag fundraiser on Friday, January 25, 2012, from 6:15PM – 11:00PM in the GVSU Fieldhouse. Students and members of the community were encouraged to come and enjoy a night of laser tag, with all of the proceeds going to S.P.O.R.T.S. for future activities. The caused raised $300 in a very short amount of time that will go towards more equipment and camps on the east side of the Michigan in the 2013 summer.

Sigma Phi Epsilon, established in 1901, is one of the nation’s largest fraternities, with over 15,000 undergraduates on 240 campuses across the United States. Its mission is building balanced men, which is achieved through a continuous member development program that has contributed to a fraternity-wide GPA of over 3.0, a focus on the principles of Sound Mind and Sound Body, and service learning efforts that allow members to develop leadership skills while giving back to the community.

How to Fund a Golf Tournament

Many chapters hold golf tournaments or similar events to bring alumni together and incidentally make a few bucks for the chapter, a Balanced Man Scholarship, I recently got this request in my email, even though I have no affiliation with the chapter or the location. I don't even play golf, for goodness sake. Fair enough. Being a blogger means I get stuff like this. 

What I do like is the way it is put together. Clear. Up front with the request. A good call to action. The particulars are shown in the PDF file - the money goes to BMS scholarships, There is a 501(c)3 tax arrangement with the university and the tax number is included. All the bases are covered. 

If your chapter wants to put on a similar event you could use this letter as a model and probably do well. 

Brothers,

Fellow alumnus Rick Perdomo has enlisted me to help gather donations for our golf tournaments on August 4, 2012.

As such I like to ask for your help.
We want you to reach out to all of the friends, family, and businesses that you may know that will be able to provide us with a donation or a sponsorship of one of the holes on the golf course. We can claim nonprofit status through the University of Nevada, Reno, so all donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. We would like to encourage in-kind donations for the raffle as well as monetary donations to help support the Balanced Man Scholarship.

Please use the attached PDF to share with your contacts who may be able to support our event.  Details of how the proceeds are spent are within the letter.

Even if you may not be in the financial position yourself to commit to the tournament, you can still help us by reaching out to your contacts in your networks to help generate a lead or further, a donation of some kind to the event.

As a side note, and along these same lines we would like to encourage anyone living out of town or even those who cannot play golf or don't want to play to sponsor a hole of golf during the day of the tournament or make an in-kind donation of some kind.

To sign up, sponsor a hole or financially donate, please visit: http://nvalpha.com/golf/
If you have any questions, please reach out to Rick (f.j.perdomo@sbcglobal.net) or myself (sigepbro95@hotmail.com or wrhull@gmail.com) for more information.

Will Hull, MPA
NV Alpha ‘03
http://willhull.com/Direct: 775.525.0308

 By the way, if you want more information contact the guys in the letter. I am not involved in any of the details. 

Write Less, Say More: The Power of Brevity

Are you graduating and still looking for a job? Or looking for a job. period? Read this article before you write your next cover letter, presentation, or re-tweak your resume (again). 

Write Less, Say More: The Power of Brevity:

When it comes to great writing, less is more. But even if you're familiar with the mantra to "omit needless words," tightening your writing is harder than it looks. Which words should you omit? How can you write more clearly? Danny Rubin, a national news consultant and former television news reporter, demonstrates—with examples—the power of brevity.

There is a common misconception when it comes to writing that is professional in nature that a person must write in a verbose manner to come across as intelligent.

I am sorry. Let me do that again.

People often make a mistake in thinking that writing long-winded sentences with big words makes them appear smart.

Actually, let me try this one more time.

You don't need to write a lot or use big words to sound smart.

Now, that's better.

Too often, people write sentences like the one at the top when they should choose version #3. The main culprit, in my view, is the loathsome college essay. Only in college are we forced to write a paper a certain length. We develop strategies that balloon our paragraphs so we can fill out eight, 10 or 12 pages and pick up our gold stars on the way out.

In the real world, most people don't enjoy reading cover letters, resumes and presentations. It's extra work and burdensome. Worst of all, trying to write beyond our skill level screams ‘I'm in over my head.'

The rest of the article...

'via Blog this'

New and interesting goodies from HQ

Even though we are proudly independent of direction from HQ, occasionally - and honestly more often of late - they will do thing we think are quite good and worth a look. Here are two of the latest:

1. "Sound Bites". Sound Bites bills itself as "Your monthly source for undergraduate news" and offers a gathering of articles, pictures, and videos submitted by undergraduate chapters as well as timely articles written by HQ staff. This month's issue features a video about a SigEp who is a world champion blind (!) golfer.

"Sound Bite" is fairly new. It only started publishing last August and we didn't notice it until a few weeks ago as there has been little fanfare - at least with alumni. It could use more exposure and feedback so it becomes truly an undergraduate news source from both a content and delivery perspective. That said, applause to HQ and Mitch Goldich for creating another way to increase communication.
http://sigep.org/soundbite/

2."The RD Blog" Here is another hidden gem. HQ has (gasp!) started a blog No that is not a typo. This year the RDs are posting articles about "Life on the Road". The posts range from getting over the shock of starting out to advice on how to focus chapter goals using a BUC CUP application to how to use "cold calling" to help recruitment.
http://www.sigep.org/blog/

I hope you also know about the HQ Facebook page, Twitter account (@OfficialSigEp) and YouTube channel.

We think these new areas for HQ are really signs that they are finally getting fully on board with the social media thing. Its about time.

For the record, S&P also has a (completely separate) Twitter account (@SigEpBlog) and Facebook page.

Opportunity at SigEpBlog - want to talk about it?

One of the most trite and self-serving of blog posts is the "I-have-not-posted-enough-lately-and-I-plan-to-do-better" post. Ok, so I am trite and self serving. Sue me.

A main objective of writing a blog is to convey opinions and elicit comments. That, along with an attempt at broadening the communication channel between chapters was the reason this blog was started in the first place. We have, I think, done a pretty fair job of gathering SigEp news from across the country and presenting it here. And we are always on the lookout for new ways to inform. The recent addition of Ed Jones' excellent entries with information about SigEps who have served in the armed forces is an example.

However, the posts lately have not been the type that get people fired up to contribute to the discussion. That is not the fault of the people who are posting, they do an oustanding job of scouring the web for SigEp related news. Rather it is the type of posts. The posts that inspire discussion are almost always the ones with a point of view and a strong opinion. Not surprisingly those are also the posts that increase readership. So lets see if we can do something about that...

Do you have an opinion? Want to challenge views of the what/why/how of a Greek system in the 21st century and in turn be challenged? Have a different viewpoint on the direction of the Fraternity? Think we are doing great and shold keep a steady course? Would you be willing to commit to posting your ideas on a regular basis (a bit tougher than it sounds, trust me)? I'd like to find one or two (or three) more people who will be willing to share their outlook on the achievements and challenges of SigEp today and tomorrow.

Let me be clear - gray hair is NOT required, fancy titles are NOT required, 'litmus test' opinions are NOT required. What is needed is an informed viewpoint on fraternities and sororities in general and SigEp in particular. We want to get people talking about how to improve, not shouting about who is right or wrong. Oh, and did I mention that this is a volunteer (read: unpaid) gig?

If you would like to be considered, send an email to wordjunky@gmail.com. Let me know who you are, where and when you are from (i.e. chapter and year), and include a short sample of the kind of writing you want to post. You should be willing to post on the order of once a week to once a month. I will select from the applications and show them to the rest of the blog team for input and then let you know what happens next. I look forward to hearing from you all.

...and yes, comments are encouraged on this post too.

Bremond Lodge No. 241 Hosts Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity

SigEps from Christopher Newport University and Bremond Lodge No. 241 in Newport News, VA have established a special relationship that has benefitted both the chapter and the lodge.

On Saturday, February 20, Bremond Lodge No. 241, Newport News, Va., hosted a cookout for the brethren of Bremond and the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at Christopher Newport University. This was a fantastic event, full of fellowship and new friends. Over 25 members of Bremond and over 40 members of “Sig Ep” were in attendance.

Over the past four years, Bremond Lodge has enjoyed a special relationship with Sigma Phi Epsilon, a men’s fraternity at Christopher Newport University. Each year we’ve opened our lodge doors and allowed Sig Ep to use our facilities for their initiation ceremony. This relationship has been beneficial for both organizations. Allowing the use of our building has sparked interest in Freemasonry and has led many Sig Ep brothers to petition our lodge. In fact, since this relationship began in 2006, over 25% of all Master Masons raised in Bremond Lodge have also been members of Sig Ep at CNU. Five of these brethren have gone on to serve as lodge officers.

Thanks to SigEp (and Masonic) brother Patrick Murphrey for writing and passing along this article from The Scottish Rite Journal.

SigEp - Grand President's Update

Garry Kief offers his thoughts on successful recruiting, volunteer committees, and financial reporting.

Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity • News Release • Grand President's Update

A Message from the Grand President

A little over a week ago I was honored to address our 51st Conclave. In that address, I listed 17 key initiatives that I hope to implement in the coming weeks. All of these go hand in hand with our new Strategic Plan that was developed over the past two years. That Plan is the result of thousands of volunteer hours and the input of hundreds of volunteers. As evidenced by our Strategic Plan, opening the doors of Richmond to the input of volunteers…and counting on volunteers to help do the work…are key to our success. Volunteers…both undergraduate and alumni…are vital to providing advice, guidance, and ideas to your National Board of Directors….to providing man hours in assisting staff in our operations…..and in developing our Fraternity of the Future. Listed below are the areas where we need your help. Hopefully, one (or several) of these will spark your interest and you’ll volunteer to help. Please indicate your interest by going online…now…. at http://officeofthegrandpresident.createsend3.com/t/r/l/dyddkt/wlhudluy/r. Your response is vital to our success in appointing national committees, task forces, and teams. Thank you in advance for your positive response….. HFF Garry SigEpGP@gmail.com Here’s the list: Recruitment Undergraduate Volunteers Training Undergraduate Volunteers Personal Development Undergraduate Volunteers Communication Undergraduate Volunteers Academic Excellence Awards & Recognition Diversity Expansion Financial Reporting Governance Housing Long Term Planning National Service Recognition Partnering With Higher Education Program Evaluation Program Implementation Retention Ritual & Traditions Service Learning Sound Body (Health & Wellness) Transparency

Forward this message to your friends!

Beyond Expectations - Past Grand President Steve Shanklin

Sigma Phi Epsilon Past Grand President Steve Shanklin gave his final address as GP last Thursday during the Balanced Man Celebration. Exerpts follow and you can read the full address here.

The Balanced Man Ideal challenges us to move well beyond our peers. We must aggressively advance the Sound Mind activities inside our chapters to compliment academic excellence in the classroom. […] Our chapters must be filled with balanced men, who honor SigEp in every aspect of their life. We must compete with our own potential, not simply compete with our fraternal neighbors.
[…]
The SigEp brother is generous with his time and talents to serve others. In times of national economic stress, such as now, we must be even more aware of the talents that our chapter brothers have to offer those in greater need than we. This is a true measure of virtue in action. A SigEp must go well beyond just being a member. Sigma Phi Epsilon must become a lifestyle; a lifestyle of principle and conviction; a lifestyle of service to others; a lifestyle where our principles change lives.
[…]
Beyond just fraternity… …SigEp has continually focused on the distinctive difference articulated by our founders. To continually set ourselves apart, we stretch the edges of imagination in defining the fraternity experience. We must continue to seek creative and innovative leadership opportunities in the fraternity world; striving always to be better than our best.
[…]
For those receiving awards, please remember that these great achievements and successes are for the past. And as we celebrate, the future belongs to those willing to take their chapters even further; for those who are truly committed to excellence; for those who are prepared to exceed all expectations.

The Grand President's report also acts as a report card for the Fraternity. You can read it here.

Why marketers have trouble with full-duplex social technology

My fellow Tennessee Alpha brother Steve Johnson is a leader in the field of product management. His blog is often funny, always informative and usally downright insightful.

This week he found an article on why folks charged with marketing "stuff" have so much trouble with the kind of two way communication that web 2.0 apps and sites use so well.

Great quotes:

The problem is simple. Marketers don't understand channels where you have to talk and listen at the same time.

and

The marketing industry's idea of a two-way communication is to put an 800 number or a web address in an ad and take orders.

and

Your company has a chance to turn its email list into a two-way communication. Except that most mass emails from companies are "do not reply". "We want to talk to you," they say. "But we don't want to hear back from you. Unless you want to place an order, and if so click here."

Hmmm...
If you substitute "Richmond," "HQ," or "Nationals" for "Marketers" does it still ring true?

I would have to say "not as much today as it used to." The recent Conclave web site was a help, as was the reference to Twitter tags like #sigeporlando09 as well as Flickr photo sites, Facebook and other ways to share information. They still have a ways to go, however. So Kudos for the progress, and "what's next"?

ProductMarketing.com: Why marketers have trouble with full-duplex social technology

Proposed SigEp Conclave legislation

In a triumph of transparency, HQ has released the list of resolutions to be discussed and decided on in Orlando.

The resolutions range from mere houskeeping (change references to the housing corporations's name for acuracy and consistancy) to changes in membership procedures and fee collections that could affect undergraduate members for years to come. Of course there are the usual boondoggles and this year's flavor of a "Worthy Cause" (decide for yourself which is which), and in this writers opinion there is room for a few more. The details for "How To" submit legislation are not exactly easy to find, but they can be found, and these resolutions can be uses as a guide to writing them up.

List of Titles of Proposed Legislation
1. Bylaws and Administrative Policies and Procedures, Sections C.1. and C.8 —National Housing Corporation of Sigma Phi Epsilon
2. Sigma Phi Epsilon SAFE HOUSE Program
3. Condition of Ritual Equipment
4. Legislative Procedure for Grand Chapter Conclave
5. Chapters to Achieve Above the Local Campus All Men's Average GPA
6. Establish Pledging Periods of 8 weeks or less
7. Clarification of Fee Increases in the Grand Chapter Bylaws
8. Defining order of Chapter Officers Elections
9. National Board of Directors Executive Committee Composition
10. Simplification of Collection of Member Fees
11. Sigma Phi Epsilon Employee Exceptional Service Recognition

Full PDF files of each resolution are available from the Conclave Resolution page.

We will probably have a few comments on individual items after we wade through them, so stay tuned!

SigEp Ed. Foundation Sponsors Spelling Bee

How do you Spell Sponsor? - "S-I-G-E-P"

Set your Tivos, it is time again for the best kids event this side of the Little League world series - the Spelling Bee!

The Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation continues its successful sponsorship of the National Spelling Bee by once more offering a $5000 college scholarship to the winning speller.

You can catch the edge-of-your-seat action and suspense at the following times on ESPN and ABC:

• Preliminaries: Wed. May 27: 1:15pm EST - espn360.com
  
• Semifinals: Thur. May 28: 10:00am - ESPN TV
• Finals: Thur. May 28: 8:00pm ABC TV

The winners have been welcomed to the last two Conclaves and I expect they will be there again this year.
(Can you tell I am "buzzed" about it?)

High Class Problems

Yesterday the LinkedIn group that we administer, "Sigma Phi Epsilon," reached 3000 members. (No, that is not the problem.) We have been scanning other Greek-oriented groups and as of yesterday we are the largest one on LinkedIn. That is not the problem either.

What we didn't know is that LinkedIn has a default limit of 3000 members for a group. THAT was the problem.

Eric, the official owner of the group, got an e-mail from a person who wanted to join but had been stopped "because the group is full." That prompted an exchange of e-mail with the LI customer support team that a) verified the default limit, and b) extended our group limit to 5000. The bottom line is the group is back open for business and anyone who was rebuffed yesterday should try again. Requests are approved by an administrator (me), so we can verify an association with SigEp (non-member spammers are not welcome!). We check the queue often so you should not have to wait long to get approved.

Yep, running out of room because you are the most popular fraternity group on LinkedIn - now THAT is a high class problem! Thanks to all the SigEps on LinkedIn who have found another way to keep in touch and make connections. If there was ever a time for hard-core networking this would be it.

Posting Comments - an upgrade

One of the best parts of editing the blog is seeing the comments that readers make on the posts. Some posts that we think will start a civil war get no comments at all, while others that would seem to be low impact become platforms for those with strongly held views to argue back and forth.

We have used a third party service to host comments because when we started the Blogger versions were not very flexible or user friendly. That third party - Haloscan - has been acquired by JS_Kit, and they are in the process of transitioning to an even better commenting experience.

We have just finished upgrading the S&P account so you will see a different look and feel for the comments. Starting today (now), any new comments will have additional features available: rich text, You-tube embedding, picture uploads, and lots more. We also will be able to turn on authentication and moderation, should the need arise.

Since the capabilities are new, you may see some tweaks and changes in the look and behavior of comments as we get used to the administration features. Overall I believe this will result in a better web site and more useful interaction for all our loyal readers.

Go ahead - try it out by leaving a comment now. (You know you want to!)