I was updating the "Miscellany" section on my site the other day, looking for more "Blog Buttons" to go with my UTM one. While I'm proud to have it, it certainly doesn't tell the whole story about my collegiate experience. What about my fraternity?
A quick search of Google for a SigEp button came up empty.
Using the Kalesey Button Maker, I created a purple and red button for blog users everywhere to save themselves the two minutes it took me to make it.
I'm really particular when it comes to style, in this case how you properly write "SigEp." I haven't found it officially yet, but it's my interpretation that "Sigma Phi Epsilon" is used on all first references (As not to be confused with Sigma Alpha Epsilon or other fraternities). On the second reference, you can use the abbreviation "SigEp."
Note that there isn't a space in there. Our nationals has a trademark on "SigEp" in Bodini-MT Bold, usually in red. Therefore, I know this is an accepted abbreviation.
However, a little bit is called into question when it's written in all caps. "SIGEP" is recognizable to me, but not to anyone who isn't familiar with the fraternity. That's why on the blog button I put it as "SIG EP." All the same, I'd never write the normal-case spelling "Sig Ep."
This is something that I wish we could be more clear on. It's important for any organization to be consistent, particularly when it comes to the use of its name. Perhaps I just missed the memo.
But this entry isn't about proper style, it's about a button. A few sites you can link to with your "official" button ...
Your chapter Web site - Show your pride to your undergraduate or alumni chapter. That is, of course, if the Web site doesn't feature frat boys drinking and whoring about. If it does, hope that nobody finds it and certainly don't help them.
National Headquarters - If your site falls into the category above or simply don't have a site, link to headquarters. Be aware, however, that you have to dig pretty deep to find true testaments to our principles.
Sanguine et Purpure - The "Balanced Blog" that offers a lot of commentary and current events. Makes for a great read if you want more of a national view of what SigEp is all about (or in some cases, NOT all about).
Your Personal Essay - Here's a thought: Tell a fellow brother or someone you know why it is you are proud to be a SigEp. One of things that I try to encourage at my chapter is that brothers write essays about their experience in the chapter. While we share these among ourselves, you might link to an entry talking a little bit more about your own experience.
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UPDATE: Brother Josh Blakely (Viginia Pi) had this to add to the discussion of the nickname (via e-mail):
I've had the pleasure of being able to research the subject of our nickname. My chapter is close enough to National Headquarters at Zollinger to be able to rummage through the archives. In 1932, a motion came before the conclave to put the correct spelling and phrasing of our nickname into the ritual. Apparently there was some controversy over whether we are Sig Eps or SPE's. The motion to put the nickname in the ritual was defeated in the general assembly but there was enough backing for it that a conversation about the nickname occurred. During this conversation it was established that our nickname is Sig Ep, spelled exactly like that. I don't know if this gave you any further insight into the whole nickname issue but it certainly will give you a bit of trivia when it comes to the Sig Ep vs. SPE distinction.
Taking it at this, the space should be in there. Again, I think this is something that needs to be addressed. Imagine if you saw Microsoft spelled "MicroSoft" in a news story.