RCA777
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Posts posted by RCA777
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it is my understanding that if there are not 200 people buying those initial offerings the deal's off
That's correct - the project actually accepted 220 preorders before the payment system was enabled.
It seemed logical that at a few folks may have had a change in situation since the project was announced.
That being said, we have a 10% margin of error.
Effectively, the government need their money for 200 plates before they will consider approving our participation in the graphic plate program.
If we get to 175 payments (for example) and things grind to a halt... then the project cannot go ahead and folks will get a refund.
If we get to 197 payments (for example)... I'm sure that we could lean on resources to put the order through; once people SEE the plates on cars they will no doubt sell themselves.
This evening we split up the list of email addresses and sent a message to all the people who requested a plate - but had not yet paid.
It took us an hour or so, but hopefully the fact that these messages were directly addressed will ensure they get through most junk mail filters.
COG has been very lucky to have had outstanding support from Groundspeak, several Reviewers and the caching community with this project.
It also has to be said that the staff at Service Ontario have been unbelievably wonderful to deal with, too -- they really helped to demystify the process.
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The order link is at http://www.driventogeocache.ca -- this is a Groundspeak supported initiative and we greatly appreciate their support.
Ultimately the goal is to provide you with a shiny new set of Ontario licence plates with the Geocaching.com logo and the “GC” letters.
We will do our best to match people to number preferences as a "value add" ; we are using a first-come-first-served approach... as there are only one set of each number combination available!
In other words... you still “win” even if we aren’t able to get the number combination you were hoping for.
We’ve had a few questions regarding whether these plates can be used on trucks and vehicles with existing commercial plates.
Well, I’m pleased to be able to confirm that you can use on of these graphic plates on your passenger vehicle in addition to your ambulance, armoured vehicle, cab and chassis, casket wagon, fire fighting vehicle, garbage truck, hearse, pick up, rescue vehicle, stake, tanker, tow truck, tractor unit of a tractor trailer.... or commercial vehicle body designed with a beverage rack, concrete mixer, concrete pumper, glass rack, refrigerator or snow plow!
Once the order is submitted and approved by Service Ontario (we are approximately halfway towards our needed milestone of 200 requests and payments) the plates should be manufactured in August of 2012.
There's a lot of information at http://www.driventogeocache.ca - it attempts to answer a lot of the questions we're received to date.
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Hello there!
You appear to be in Barrie (according to your profile) so you are very likely to find folks if you drop by and visit the Central Ontario Geocachers forums!
Click here -> (http://www.centralontariogeocachers.com/forums).
"COG" folks organize a monthly event somewhere in Central Ontario and there are often folks heading out for caching trips, treks and adventures.
You'll probably find a friend or two that can help you wish your GPS unit, also.
Head on over there... and I'm sure you'll encounter a few "peoples"!
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Anyhow, back on topic -- I'm glad that Groundspeak allowed Ontario to pilot this; I didn't get the chance to participate in any of the ones that were held, but I do appreciate that the opportunity was given.
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I’m not overly worried whether Challenges (or Waymarks) are/are not "Geocaching related"; I'd simply like a single Overall Summary of all my Groundspeak location based gaming accomplishments.
Admittedly, I can do things with HTML myself on the profile page... but I don't want to.
I agree that Benchmarks are US centric (even though a few US BMs are in Canada) but the Overall Summary page wouldn’t show it for folks that haven't found one, the same way the profile page works today.
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I'm not sure that your definition of "should count" is the same as mine.
CX = Challenges -> No smiley (Existing situation)
BM = Benchmark -> No smiley (Existing situation)
GH = Group Hunt or Geocache Hunt -> No smiley
GC = Geocache -> Smiley (Existing situation)
I'm quite happy with how my "Summary Screen" shows the Benchmark and Challenges I've found even though they don't add to my "Smiley" total; they "count" to me... otherwise I wouldn't have participated.
If people wish to compare, they can see I've found X many Benchmarks and I've complete Y many Challenges. In the same way, I've been involved in Z many Geocache Hunts.
I agree that it would be nice to have a "prettier" summary screen; sort of a "Career Record".... and it would also be nice if it carried over stats from Waymarking if people chose to display it.
Edit: Clarifying acronym and current status of "things that count"...!
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OK, if we're throwing around hypotheticals....
In my mind, things with GC codes earn Smileys.
I'd prefer to see "Organized Cache Hunts" being a different different cache type with a different listing code; e.g. such as "GH".... for "Geocache Hunt".
Attending a "GH" would provide an opportunity for folks to earn Smileys... so the "GH" itself wouldn't augment the find count, the same as Challenges.
The "GH" listing is a beacon for Players to meet, with a date and a time and with coordinates.
They could appear in PQs in the same way as other cache types; they'd also appear on Maps and could also have Notifications generated when published.
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It is certainly one of those "word play" things.
In my mind, the heading of "All Event Cache Types" refers to cache types that are "scheduled"... e.g. Event Caches, CITO Events and Mega-Events (and L&Fs are so last year...).
The topic at hand is the "Organized Group Hunt"; these hunts ARE scheduled and in theory would fall under the "All Event Cache Types" category.
The question I believe is... are they "Event Caches"?
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Adding to this, I find that CITO has exactly the same issue. People gather briefly then break off into several small groups that barely socialize. CITO really isn't an event by the definition that it is a social gathering. I also agree that when caches are added into the mix of an event, it detracts from the event itself. Events should be "get-togethers" instead of having a "go-away" element. But based on how I host, I think that is pretty obvious.
BQIsn't that's why CITOs exist as CITOs.. and not just as "Events..... where you bring a garbage bag" ?
They have a pre-defined goal which justifies why they are a different cache type; I don't believe the primary goal of a CITO is to be social; it's to clean up.
If you read the CITO FAQ (http://www.geocaching.com/cito/faq.aspx) it says (as as example)
"These events can last for a few hours and even up to several days. Each person can decide for themselves how long they can help. Perhaps there are a couple of shifts of volunteers.".
CITOs are not, in my view, intended to be social. (Shift-work isn't social!) CITOs exist because Groundspeak recognize it as a suitable, worldwide "cause" and a defacto exception has been written into the Listing Guidelines for them.
Events I believe were intended to be social.
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<sigh><I'm currently enchanted by the song...>
'Better not tell Jessica Rabbit, but I think she's got some stiff competition from Signal's Date in the "Cute-Toon" category...
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As of this evening @ 9pm, 160 people have requested 170 plates.
My hope is that we exceed the 200 orders... simply because it helps me get a few extras "just in case" people aren't able to follow through with their original request.
If we get the orders in to the MTO by March 2012, the plates should indeed by ready by August 2012 (we didn't get enough orders in time for the November deadline).
The folks I've been dealing with at the MTO have been AMAZING.
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I think you mean that it isn't an option for MTO to put a Groundspeak tracking number on the plate?
If so, how about having Groundspeak reserve xxGCxx in their trackable database for the plates?
No.. I mean that Groundspeak has been approached to determine of xxGCxx can be reserved in their database.
They have been unable to offer the <numeral><numeral>GC<numeral><numeral> series thus far.
Groundspeak have provided lots of support for the project; they've provided banner space on the site, they have used Facebook to post on our behalf... they are also footing the administration costs to "set the program up" as well as other logistical support.
I can't pretend to know how their trackable database/assignment system works, but I do know that it's been discussed -- and it's not been possible thus far.
If this changes, I will be announcing it !!
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Regrettably, the tracking # is not an option for the plates -- we checked.
I'm sure they'd fly off the shelves if it was possible!
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Correct!
People who buy plates will be shipped two plates and a piece of paper.
The paper can be taken to the MTO; it is used for transferring the plates onto an existing vehicle.
If you choose to frame them and put them on the wall.... that's no problem!
A few people are doing that; they can sit in a drawer until you have a vehicle to put them on.
As it stands, we have until March 2012 to get the order in for the first 2012 "plate run"... so spread the word for the next 8 weeks!
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Wow, that's really stretching it. A charitable event would be "bring toys so that they can be given to the charity." That's not what it says and that's not what was intended either (and honestly I don't see how anyone could read that into it).
My opinion is:
If it said (and it does NOT) "bring toys so that they can be given to a charity" it could be considered a charity event.
The listing clearly does not say this, and therefore it's not a charity event.
The listing does imply that a charity may benefit from the event being held; to that end, in my opinion I would consider it charitable, as I said before.
If the event doesn't happen kids won't get toys in the toy exchange which sucks.... AND..... a charity won't benefit from the leftovers because there won't be any.
That is highlighting a good cause, which is a cause.... or an agenda.
The only item of contention seemed to be the "charity" text that was apparently missed in the original review(s); that's why I was a proponent of a quick change being made by the CO, the listing being enabled and everyone enjoying the event... that would let the CO go through whatever process they wanted with the Reviewer/Groundspeak.
In my opinion, people could still bring toys, they'd still get to do a gift exchange and the event organizers would be able to work with their attendees regarding the leftover toy situation.
As it stands, things have escalated and the listing was Archived and blood pressure has risen all over the place.
I'm only hoping that things are resolved one way or the other, so folks have a fun event to go to.
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I'm sure it will be a fun event for all attendees -- perhaps we can compare notes afterwards? -- Folks out here in COG-land would probably enjoy the Step 4/Hunt idea at an event once the snow has gone!
All the best,
RCA777
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but would you agree that the cache itself is not posted for any charitable agenda? Does it solicit? Within the cache it merely states what I would do with the excess. By the definition provided by Groundspeak itself, I am not breaking any rules. The reviewer in this case has decided to take it upon himself to bend the definitions to suit his needs.
When I read the listing, it says that it is entirely optional for attendees to bring toys for kids gift exchange. That's not up for debate -- you have made that 100% clear. And that rocks.
BUT.... when I read the line saying that any leftovers will be given to a local charity.... then that's a good cause.... so it IS a cause.
The local charity, even though you haven't chosen it/named it/said that they give toys to needy kids who have x, y or z needs etc.... IS a cause and therefore, it's an agenda.
So, yeah... I would say that was an agenda.
"This event invites people to bring kids toys for a gift exchange. If there are leftover toys, they will be given to charity".
That makes this a charitable event, in my mind.
Realistically... you aren't going to toss any leftovers in the garbage when the event is over; that's a waste. Everyone "gets" that.
However, by saying that leftovers will go to charity... I'd be standing at the mall with $10 in my pocket, thinking "Do I get fries and gravy.... or do I buy a kid a gift? It's for a good cause".
That line of text changes my perception of the event -- and perhaps that's why I feel so bad about it not being "Enabled" and not "happening".
I know "someone" is going to lose out if it doesn't happen... which kinda sorta tells me... it had an agenda.
I appreciate that you are not "holding an event in support of xyz" charity -- but I already hopped on the "it's a good cause" bandwagon when I read it... and that's what the Listing Guidelines (and CacheDrone) are trying to avoid.
Edit: Adding "gift exchange" after "toys for kids" above
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... I guess I'd rather see the text removed from the listing, the CO enable it, the event to happen and for everyone to have a good time.
...and THEN as a side process, the CO could pursue the matter with Groundspeak... .and I would hope that would sort stuff out in anticipation of next years' event.
I don't usually pay much attention to this stuff, but I think it's because I see a "good thing" (the event) that might not "be happening" over one of the more common Listing Guidelines and it troubles me.
I was a kid. I liked getting toys.
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The part you forgot to mention RCA777 is where it was quite clearly indicated that the cache was not breaking any of the specified rules. I never said it was for a good cause. I merely stated excess would be donated to a charity. This does not indicate an agenda. An agenda would be if people were donated specifically towards the charity. They are not. They are giving toys to the children attending the event. After that I merely stated what would happen to the rest. Stating fact is against the rules now?
I am being presumptuous I have to admit; I am assuming the charity is a good cause
Seeing as you've asked... if I were to read an event listing that said "Bring a kids toy for a gift exchange", I might bring one. Maybe.
If I read that "leftover toys will be given to charity"... then I'd feel like a heel if I didn't bring something... and I might even bring one extra.
Admittedly, I'm no saint -- I'm not going to be running out and grabbing arm-fulls of XBox 360's... but I might spend another $5 at the clearance warehouse, coz your listing tweaked my sense of guilt.
Yes, I'm easily guilted.
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To recap:
CacheDrone reviewed a listing and published it; after it was published, he determined that there was agenda based content within the listing that should have been removed prior to publishing.
CacheDrone Disabled the listing and indicated that there may have been an oversight during the review process; specific content was identified and a request was made to have it removed.
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By including the specific text "Any extra kids gifts will be donated after the event to a local charity" in the listing, one could have the opinion that the listing is emphasizing that attendees should bring toys, for the eventual benefit of a charity.
Even though this is a "good" cause... this is a cause - i.e. an agenda - and it does not belong in the cache listing.
As it stands, I concur with the request from CacheDrone to remove the line of text that is quoted in his original "Disable" note.
I am not the Reviewer dealing with the listing
, however it appears that this was the only item that is preventing the listing from being "Enabled".My hope is that the indicated content will be removed, the listing will be enabled... and the event will take place as I am sure folks will enjoy it.
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Hello everyone!
Well... it's November and regrettably we still have not yet hit the "200 order" plateau for the Geocaching.com® Graphic Ontario License Plate.
As the plates are $90 a piece, and we still need 30+ orders... that is a $2700 shortfall.
The issue is simple; the Ministry of Transportation requires that 200 plates be ordered, in bulk, *at once* to start the program.
They also require a certified cheque for the funds paid in full, up front....
As this is a non-profit endeavour, we have no negotiation or wiggle room.
Oh -- and it's a government program, essentially....
It would be a lot easier if they'd let us "buy" the plates up front and THEN let us "sell them as people wanted them"....!
We are working on re-marketing and "getting the word out" in some new ways, as we *know* that once people see the plate actually "on a car", it will essentially promote itself.
Your patience is appreciated -- all existing "requests" are still queued -- due to the fact that there has been no quorum reached to date, we appreciate that some folks may have decided not to participate.
This is a large program to coordinate and even if you ultimately decide not to participate, your support thus far has been appreciated.
Thanks!
RCA777
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The COG Spring Fling 8 Mega Event has been published as GC1MGEQ!
The event details (e.g. activities, camping) are still being worked on along with the event website, however folks may wish to block off a weekend in June sooner rather than later!
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Hello Everyone,
The program is still "On Track"... however we are still 25 or so "commitments" away from being able to move to the next step.
If we reach 200 commitments and find during the "fund gathering" stage that a few folks have dropped out, I don't mind 'fronting' the project a few dollars to keep it on track.
'A few dollars' is the equivalent to three of four missed commitments; not 25.
We've circulated the project info via Facebook (thanks to Groundspeak) as well as via forums; please feel free to "bump" (or create!) posts on your local forums for www.driventogeocache.ca
RCA777
BQ
Geocaching license plates for Ontario
in Canada
Posted
Hopefully I'm answering Keith's question (read through the rambling -- I think it's in bold/italics!)
Once we sell the 200 plates/once the program is approved by Service Ontario, members of the public will be able to purchase:
- Graphic issue plates (e.g. Service Ontario will manufacture plates with ever incrementing numbers to sell directly; they'll keep making plates as long as they sell 30 a year - $)
- Adding the graphic to existing personalized plates (Again available from Service Ontario; graphics could only be added to plates with 6 characters or less including spaces; extra $$)
- New personalized plates with a graphic (Also available from Service Ontario; personalized plates would only be able to have a maximum of 6 characters including spaces; extra $$$!)
(Obligatory marketing speak follows!)
Having a plate in the first two hundred will hopefully gives folks the pleasure of knowing they'll be indentifiable as being part of the group that "made it all happen".