no100066

So, after reading this post, I got to thinking. (I know, that is a dangerous thing.) I guess my question is, how did we as a group and Geocaching as a site go so wrong? I know there have been many posts on not allowing new cachers to hide, but then I wonder how does a new cacher not understand that you must sign a log for it to be a geocache. That is the definition of a geocache. I am not intending to blame the OP, just wondering if there is something we can do better...

I try to be clever with signature items. This is my newest. I drilled holes in two boards, placed swag (polished rocks) inside, and glued shut. I include a statement that it is like a geode, and you must find a way to get inside. With it glued together, a hammer may be the only way. Hopefully kids will have fun with it.

The most important thing for me is quality Caches. Although I have only placed one cache,(more on the way), I have "adopted" a few local caches that are great caches to begin with. By adopting, I mean that I visit them regularly and fill with swag as needed. I do not encourage bad ownership by propping up caches, if they need maintenance, I am the first to post that they do and hopefully the CO will fix the problem. I have also posted a NA on a few local caches that needed to be removed from the game. However, I think that by adding swag and commenting appropriately, I can make the game "more funner" for the next guy. Just my three cents... inflation you know.

I actually made a new facebook page just for caching. SmithFamilygnomes is the name. We have gnomes that move all over, though some arew just starting out. Bryant

So, just my 2 cents worth... I took an approach to this "sport" that I am having fun with. I really play to find and move travel bugs, which is hard because most of the caches inventory is not up to date. But the most fun for me is making sure that each cache that I visit has enough swag in it to make it worth finding. I found beanie babies and hot wheels work best. I have started to attach a tag to each item that says to trade even, up or not at all, just a little tag I made on the printer and laminated. I know it wont always work, but maybe sometimes, So, I know I have not been doing this for very long, but if I find a cache, I leave it well stocked, I'd love if a few others did the same. I just cant stand finding a cache with nothing, even if I don't actually trade for anything. PS. Playing cards can be found a thrift stores, usually 3 or 4 for a dollar... Ain't that cheap...

So, just a thought...but I am finding a lot a travel bugs listed in a cache but not there. I know this has been gone over many times, but here is my thought... Check on your travel bugs and respond to messages or notes that are written and mark them as missing. If they are not in the cache since 2013, they are missing. In addition, cache owners... mark them as not in inventory. Would make the game a whole lot more fun. Just my 3 cents worth (inflation you know)