I am presently trying to place a Puzzle library cache. The Cache Title is the call number of a book in the library. It's a blank note book I purchased and pasted the call number to on its spine. It's in the reference section of the library. The posted co-ords are for the library itself. I have permission to place the cache from the library.
The idea, the co-ords bring you to the library [GPS use] then you must figure out from the description and the title what you're looking for - i.e the book.
The library is 3000 km from my home. I have not only the library's permission but the permission of the Territorial Government, it's "Community Librarian" who is a geocacher. They have offered to maintain it.
However, my reviewer first started by saying:
1) I was 30000 km away and couldn't maintain it it got wet [yes, I know, it's INSIDE]
2) You didn't need a GPS to find it
I replied, stating again,
1)it was inside and I had people maintaining it for me.
2) That you didn't know it was in the library until you arrived at GZ, via the posted co-ords. The description says to go to the posted co-ords, to stop, look, think, enter.
I also referred to a similar cache upon which I was basing it AS A MEANS OF FURTHER EXPLANATION of what I was trying to do. NOT as a "see, there's one already like it, why can't I have mine?" I'm fully aware that existence of past caches doesn't mean anything.
The reply back:
1) It didn't have a container, it was just a logbook
2) You don't have to use a GPS to get to a library.
Oh, and of course, "past geocaches don't mean anything" was shot back at me.
So, how is that for a reviewer "working with me"?
A container. . . yes, the guidelines and such mention a container. However a broader guideline also simply states "For all physical caches, there must be a logbook, scroll or other type of log for geocachers to record their visit". Regardless, how is a fake electrical plate with a piece of paper glued to it ANY different than a book cover, with pages inside it?
Missing the point on #2, or deliberately being obtuse. You don't know it's the library you're going to until you get there. . .
So, I went looking at the Guidelines and the "working with your reviewer" pages for guidance.
I found this:
Puzzle Caches - The cache page provides a puzzle to be solved to generate coordinates for the cache Now, if they'd quoted that, I'd agree. Or even said "you don't use the GPS to find the book".
I have yet to find anything specific that disallows "library" fake-book caches other than the above. It's a shame, really, that these now seem to be taboo (from all I've read on the forum pages) especially as the library system of the territory in which I was trying to place the "cache" was so keen.
Maybe at some point a National Library Association will contact Groundspeak and the rules will be changed.
Until then, I believe I'm SOL.
