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!)

Undergrad NBD members request feedback

The undergraduate members of the National Board of directors are asking for feedback from chapter officers. They say they want to increase interaction between the members and the board. Great idea. We are all for it.

But..., Um..., er..., how come it took an entire year for them to figure out how to send an "eBlast"? We're just saying...

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*Sigma Phi Epsilon eBlast*

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TO: Undergraduate Chapter Officers
FROM:
Steven R. Dorsey, Student Director, American, '09
Michael J. Schlotterbeck, Student Director, Wichita State, '08
Jace A. Thompson, Student Director, Texas Christian, '08

As the countdown to Conclave 2009 begins, we are reaching out to our undergraduate chapter leaders to help us, your Student Directors on Sigma Phi Epsilon's National Board of Directors, find new ways of better serving you.

If you are not already familiar with our roles, at the 2007 Conclave in Atlanta, Georgia, we were elected by the Grand Chapter to serve a two-year term on the National Board of Directors. As the three voting undergraduate members, we represent more than 14,000 undergraduate brothers and work with the Grand President, Grand Treasurer, and alumni National Directors in governing the national Fraternity until the Grand Chapter convenes again for Conclave 2009 in Orlando, Florida.

We have been working hard during this past year, and now we would like your input into how we can better represent you to the national Fraternity-we are your direct representation and influence in guiding SigEp's Headquarters staff, national operations, budget, Leadership Continuum, and many other aspects of the national Fraternity. We would like to hear about your chapter's successes and struggles, where you would like to see Sigma Phi Epsilon headed, and what you think could be improved upon.

We are also starting work on a strategic plan to guide SigEp over the next five to 10 years. We will be looking for ways to strengthen SigEp nationally and on your campus, and build upon our strengths. Your input and feedback will be sought for this process in the following weeks and months.

Sigma Phi Epsilon is an undergraduate-driven Fraternity, and, therefore, we always welcome your feedback. We are working to increase publicity of your chapter's accomplishments in the Journal and on the SigEp web site. You can also expect regular messages from us throughout the year regarding national Fraternity updates, details on Conclave legislation submissions, and strategic plan announcements.

Please "reply" to this email with ideas for us to work on for you and your chapter.

Yes, the link will open an email to the proper HQ address.

Here's a suggestion - start a blog to communicate the ideas as well as using email. S&P would welcome the company.

Take the Journal Survey

Here is a direct link to the HQ Journal survey article.
If you are a reader of the Journal we encourage you to take the survey.
(We will 'pin' this as a top post for a week so more people can see it and respond)
2007 Journal Readership Survey
PS: One of the last questions asks for further comments. Please mention that you got to the survey from the blog. Let the folks at HQ know where you get your "SigEp fix" on the web!