you people are retarded or masonites

Why do they have a GIANT (7-foot round) skull insignia hanging above their dorm?
This. Was wondering the same thing too. If this was my secret society, I sure as heaven would not place something like that anywhere more so in a school campus.

Agreed, the term 'Secret Society' isn't so much about their existence being secret I mean the Freemasons are a secret society, but we know of their existence. I've had 2 uncles that were members!
One thing in your comment tho:
Their brands were covered by their watches,
Yeah, but it would truely suck if you didn't get that brand position
exactly right
. I mean, you'd
forever
be wearing your watch 1/2" higher than you wanted to.
SpiltPersonality

Their existence isn't a secret, just their activities, which we're told in the text in the beginning of the movie. Read, people!!!
Their brands were covered by their watches, which I would assume is waterproof. But I don't think they said the membership was secret, just their activities, again.
How are they supposed to have the new members learn their rules and such if a handbook was not given to them? This was made in 2000. Well into the computer age, but nowhere near as advanced as today, where everything is on the web and sensitive info is encrypted.
The Skulls were obviously intrigued by JJ's character. They said he had turned down something like 7 secret society memberships already and was probably waiting for the Skulls to invite him to join. They see how he's a great athlete (we're supposed to believe he was the driving force in the rowing team) and is a determined guy; working hard while going to school. Not just a trust fund baby. Remember, they've watched him for a while, and from what we see of him in the movie, he's smart, honest, and a leader.

I smell ice cream!

Because you're supposed to be looking at Paul Walker's hot bod. Duh. Priorities, dude.

you also have to realize that in real life the Skull and Bones everyone knows there bulding on campus, its no secret and years ago during WW2, your name was put in the school paper when you made it in

9. They choose potential leaders. Has nothing to do with power or family background. Caleb just happens to have a father that was a skull.

" embellished details to make the subtle obvious for movie watchers." Which is both justified and necessary, because Viewers Are Morons.
(
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ViewersAreMorons
)

Quick answer to all your questions.
This is a fabricated story about a secret society. The giant sign, the name on the books, the watches the cars, the brands were all embellished details to make the subtle obvious for movie watchers. Clearly, this is not how they operate in actuality. They would be a pathetic secret society if a few guys in hollywood could so easily write an accurate movie about them.

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Indeed. Maybe if audiences were more discerning, movies would get better, not just more expensive. It's a dream.

its only a BAD movie that could have been much better. Hence, the critique. Bravo to you for embracing mediocrity through apathy.
the dudebert abides

Also: You're a jerk.
no offense.

Thank you, WhiteWingeDove! I wish more people had that attitude. If some are bothered by an inconsistency or an implausibility, it's their problem and I wish they'd stop trying to make other people agree. IT'S ONLY A MOVIE!!
"The value of an idea has nothing to do with the honesty of the man expressing it."Oscar Wilde

Movies don't have to be realisticthat's what real life is for. People want movies to be interesting and entertaining, even if the cheese factor is pretty high.
I mean honestly, how many movies are there where you're not thinking "That could never happen"? Sometimes people just don't care if things make sense.

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your link is deleted

Yes. The REAL thing is so much more compelling
http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=SI6e0MWqtQA&feature=related
"If its secret, it cant be good"
-Skulls