FR*TMAG
Currently reflecting on my time writing fraternityman.com for 11 yrs on Substack (no emails, don’t worry!)… and some plotting… lots of plotting.
K**XN**
My second project. Will I get my shit together and actually pull through?
If I do that for the first project then yeah probably.
BR*T***MA***L
My third project. Honestly even I am not sure if I will have the courage to choose creating this over eating “Naked” Doritos (trash but without food coloring). . . decisions decisions. COMING SOON!
Under Construction
These stock mountain images make me feel like I’m at the Denver Airport. . . YUCK!
posts below
Posts
- Stress Doodling & Goals
About a month ago I set a goal for myself. I have steadily but minially worked toward that goal, as documented here and on my site. I heard some news (to me) from another fraternity friend that made me decide on a firmer deadline.
So, today I sat down and wrote mapped out a project, and the scope of work required is both as much and far more than I expected.
So I started stress doodling fraternity shields without the rest of the Coat of Arms which, in the context of my aforementioned project, is technically progress.
Know who’s who?
- 16-Bit Series pt.1
A while back I made animated gifs of various fraternity coats of arms (see here).
This series focuses on pixel-art versions of fraternity coats of arms, starting with Alpha Tau Omega, whose founder’s day is today.
I start with a 64×64 pixel canvass on Procreate, then upscaled to 1000×1000.
- Serendipity (Falling Again…pt2)
A good friend from my college chapter called within a couple weeks. We speak about once a year, but he noted that he felt it was almost necessary to call me… for reasons unknown.
In our discussion, he questioned my mood, and we talked at length about thoughts like loneliness, depression, and creativity. It had been clear to me, but it became clear to me that I had been in the final stages of a sort of grief.
Truly, the 18-ish months since I stopped writing, I did experience many new things, and I reflected on my past work and my current self.
Interestingly, it was my fraternity brother, on a chance phone call, who took notice that I needed to be spoken to honestly, and that I need not wait to write again. Truly family.[2/?]
- Falling again for my toxic lover…greek life
(Multi-Part Post, tune in tomorrow for part 2)
A few months ago I was approached by our national historian to read through the volumes of our fraternity history as he writes them. He has dedicated countless hours traveling the country, looking into various archives, and interviewing many members to piece together a comprehensive history, all based upon his own determination as a volunteer.
He asked and I offered to help, both in this project and in my own contributions to the journaling of our fraternity’s post-2000 story.
In the months since, I’ve had chance encounters with a handful of brothers from my and other fraternities. Some discussions were related to Greek Life, and some just to catching up, but the timing was uncanny. I hadn’t really thought about or stayed in touch with the Fraternity or most friends associated with it for over a year. . . [1/?)
- i had sources broooo
In my later years writing the Fraternity Man blog, I had a group of friends, students, colleagues, and alumni who served as sources and provided tips or confidential material.
I had burned some big-name bridges at the time (relatively. . . of course), and so the trust and support was meaningful.
The material and tips also gave me the credibility and determination to approach some new or more serious topics. Public endorsements were in short supply at the time, despite plenty of private encouragement.
It was a terrific learning experience, and one of many fulfilling aspects of that project.
- have fun kids
Today’s update. I commit to not giving a fuuuuuuuu
- Exploring Fraternity Life …again…
I am curious about the Fraternity & Sorority Political Action Committee and the candidates it chooses to endorse/support via donations. FSPAC does more than just donate to candidates – to its credit – and I do not expect to find anything out of the ordinary, but I think the information is relevant and I want to learn more.
I share what kind of information I am curious about on this Substack note (not an article, don’t worry fam). If you are interested in exploring websites like Open Secrets, various political action committee sites, and the Congressional legislation website send a message on Instagram or Twitter/X.
hi-resolution image of the FSPAC landing page on 26 August 2026. Do they (a) still think Joe Biden is president, (b) wish he was president, or (c) not update their website very often. Let me know on Instagram (@fmnpjk). - Hello world!
Hi. I’m Nik.
I had a website called fraternityman.com. It is currently available through the internet archive.
In the 20 or so months since I stopped writing fraternityman.com, I explored new hobbies and topics, and I reflected on my experience writing an editorial blog.
Inspiration has escaped me for some time, but I am happy to say that I am working on my next project, including a successor to fraternityman.com.
I am in no rush, and do not intend to make empty promises. So, for now, please tune in here or on Substack for regular updates as I tease and prepare.
I also intend to make every possible use of crowdsourced information and would greatly appreciate your support. I will regularly share requests for information here, on Substack, on Instagram, and on Twitter/X.
Thank you for your attention to this matter – NPJK