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ronocnikral

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Everything posted by ronocnikral

  1. whew!! I thought this was going to be about climbing through a pipe of sickness to get to a cache...
  2. Since LSU is having such a rough year, I will show some pity and provide my most logical thoughts on this (although, some may not view this as pity). My guess is, it is for doing map work in the field, e.g. you get your quadrangle map and need to find angles, distances, etc. That would explain the use of sine and cosine. This math can be greatly simplified with the use of UTM, where all you would need to know is a^2+b^2=c^2, but that is a different discussion. Map work and its accosicated math are not used a lot by geocachers and isnt really needed if it isnt wanted--hence your question. Post note: sorry about the low blow about the tigers, but I live down there half the time and have to put up with tiger fans...
  3. I would deny them. Plain and simple. Language of location, not the language of sitting in a chair talking to someone on speaker phone. Maybe if they went along for the ride, I would allow that to slide. I think the game is flexible enough to allow paralyzed people to participate to the point of going to some cache sites (isn't that what the "1" terrain rating is??). The line has to be drawn somewhere and not everyone can do everything. I always wanted to lead a 5.11 trad route, but it just isn't in the cards.
  4. Hmm...I can't imagine why someone would speak negatively about you. Not a very progressive attitude, but not an uncommon one either. While it isn't against the guidelines, it is against the "un-written" etiquette rules of the game. So, to answer your question, yes, you are going about it all wrong. Also, these are very bold words from someone who has one cache in another country and doesn't even maintain it. My theory is to help out with maintaining caches as much as possible and if there is something I can't fix, well, I either email the CO or post a note (if possible, I even offer to fix it for them if they would like). But, I don't use the NM because I want people to still go to the cache. True, it is the CO property and their ultimate responsibility, but why try to create a headache from them?
  5. I am a relative noob myself. But it seems the community is pretty protective of their respective sandbox--especially when the criticism is being hucked at them from a noob. I wouldn't say that you are doing anything against any Groundspeak guidelines, just more going against the unwritten rules. I agree, it is annoying to have DNFs, but we are searching for things that are hidden. If I truly think a cache is missing, I either post a note or DNF on the cache page or send the owner a courteous email explaining why I think it is missing and where I looked--always thanking them for their time and effort goes a long ways. Even if you have already been to the cache, it could have been moved (and not everyone who finds a cache logs it). I wouldn't let the owner who had to drive and got mad bother you. He choose to place the cache and to drive out and check on it. Perhaps maybe get involved with the community and tell the cache owners you are interested in helping maintain their caches or go caching with them. That may be the needed thing to break the tension between you. Your goals are the same, you are just simply mis-communicating. One thing I am not clear on, are you actually going to these caches or just reading the logs?? If you haven't actually hunted the cache, you shouldn't tell a CO that their cache needs maintenance unless you can cite evidence of what needs to be fixed. You need to give them the benefit of the doubt, and unless you have seen something at the cache location that actually needs to be fixed, don't post NM logs. Good luck with the TB's. You should be emailing the TB owners, not the cache owners. Generally posting in your log (the physical and web) that you didn't see a TB is sufficient. Also, some people travel and wait until the end of their trip to log all their trackable finds, so just give it some time.
  6. The argument for abbreviated logs has been made. My question is, why give someone so much power over you?? It's very hard to invoke emotions from me, mainly because I don't want an individual to have control of my feelings/emotions. It sometimes drives people nuts (the "kill them with silence" scenario, I like the power and play with people sometimes), but I choose not to afford other individuals the power to control me. Decide what you enjoy about geocaching and if that thing(s) is based on other's actions, I would suggest changing your reasons for geocaching to things not based on what other people do/say. It doesn't mean you can't have opinions or ask questions, but it does mean you shouldn't become upset because of what others do, say or think. Also, you should give people the benefit of the doubt. Maybe it is a computer illerate person and to them "TNLNSL" is a "good" log. People have their reasons, and despite if you agree them or not, you shouldn't become upset and you should try to find the good in their actions and not the negative. TFTT (thanks for the thread)
  7. I can think of a lot of words to decribe this practice, but I'll spare everyone the enjoyment of hearing what I think of it. I would mention, however, that geocaching is intentionally left to be flexible in it's purpose. People enjoy it for different reasons--I personally like it because I get to spend time with my wife and it gets us out of the house and on the hiking trail. These frogs who do the remote caching must be very numbers driven. I would argue for their right to post logs for remote caching just as much as I would argue for my right to delete their logs if I owned the cache. Bamarambler summed it up the best!!
  8. I wasn't asking what to do if I felt a cache violated the guidelines, rather I was making a comparison. The pot/kettle analogy using the "yellow ribbon" scenario and political geocoins was apparently unfounded. I brought evidence of a definitely (at least in my mind) applibable pot/kettle scenario. Answer these questions after looking at the DNC mile high view cache: Does the cache mention anything that can be construed as an agenda?? Does the cache support or "push" that agenda?? Yes is the answer to both questions. It "pushes" the agenda because of the word "honor." Now, look at the Temple square cache (which I did yesterday) and answer the same questions as you did for DNC mile high view. Temple square definitely mentions a topic that can be construed as being an agenda, but it in no way pushes that agenda--it merely shares the area with those who do the cache. Obviously the 2 caches have some major differences--as one is a historic place and the other is in "honor" of an event. Are both in violation of the agenda rule?? Are the agenda guidelines handrails opposed to handcuffs for GC volunteers?? Again, my argument for standardization. Obviously, the best way to standardize is to have one person do it, but that is unreasonable, so perhaps some clarification (I think it is pretty clear, but obviously a reviewer in CO would disagree with me). Some food for thought.
  9. I completely agree that no political agenda should be pushed through caches. I can see how supporting the troops is an agenda (I would argue it's in the gray area). And the point was well made that you can put as many yellow ribbons in the cache as you would like, as anyone can put anything they want in a cache. I tend to remove political junk I find in caches, as I regard it as trash, and trade for something much cooler. Those are the rules of the game, anyone can put anything in (providing it will fit in the container without violating any physical laws) AND they can take anything out--albeit etiquette guidelines do exist, e.g. trading. What I would like to see, however, is some standarization from the GS volunteers. How could this be approved, but not a cache which I understand and assume, does not even have a political slant in it's name but just a yellow "support our troops" ribbon in the description?? The referenced cache, IMHO, definitely pushes an agenda. If you cannot honor soliders, how can one publish "honor[ing]" a political party's national convention??? The referenced cache is located by my alma matter, and while I was doing some caches during my last business trip back, I just skipped it. I debated challenging it's legitity, but after this thread, I just dropped it. Which I would do if I ran into a political geocoin, I would just leave it and not have anything further to do with it (I also believe you shouldn't steal other people's trackable items, another topic).
  10. I guess geocaching in the middle of nowhere is a lot like solo hiking. Some people are SO against it, but typically it isn't anymore dangerous than hiking with someone else--because yes, your partner can go get help, but they aren't suppose to leave you and most people don't really know what to do. The biggest danger, at least backcountry, is running into outlaws. Despite being against some laws, I have been known to have a handgun with me (yes yes, I am licensed to do so, which in some places still doesn't make it ok), especially when I am by myself. I would advocate doing whatever you are comfortable with. If you aren't comfortable with handling a gun, either don't carry it or make yourself comfortable with it by taking taking classes and what not. Same goes with pepper spray, if you are comfortable with it, carry it along, especially if it make you feel better (the idea of buying an extra can just to see how it works is an excellent idea!!). And always look confident! The MOST important thing, however, is that you plan your trip and leave the details of your trip with someone else. The most difficult part of this, however, is not the preparation, it is not changing your plans. If you must, you need to let someone know. And you need to let them know when you are home safe and sound. Sometimes just knowing that someone can retrace your steps if needed can give you that boost of confidence you need.
  11. Geocaching has this mobile site: http://wap.geocaching.com/ And of course, one of the great things about iPhones is that they can use real websites; they don't force you to deal with crippled mobile sites. I think most iPhone users would rather have a full application than to make a connection to a text-only mobile site. Thanks, Groundspeak, for coming up with an approved app for iPhone/iPod Touch users! Patty Awesome!! Sorry I'm a little slow with technology sometimes!! I'm glad I spoke up and made myself look like an idiot, at least I learned something this time. The real websites are cool, but it can take awhile with a 1 gen phone. It's nice to at least have the choice. Seems like the this will be really cool for any iphone owner and super cool for any 3g iphone owner. Just for clarification, 2nd gen gets the whole package, 1st gen get everything but the compass?? Right? Technically no real GPS, but has some positioning capabilities via cell towers. If this is correct, how accurate would it be?? Seemingly useless based on what I have seen with the maps.
  12. Why does it have to be a webapp?? Why can't it be "mobile" website--like google has a regular and mobile website as does continental airlines? I use my iphone for caching once in a while, just to pull up the page when I can't find the cache (I try to cache as paperless as possible). I find it to be painfully slow (first gen). I haven't gotten into webapps too much because I am first gen user and I'm just not really into playing games on my phone or anything else. I assume you would use the phone as the gps unit? If so, how would it compare to a real GPSr? I'm sure it would be pretty slick for urban caches!! I would rather see the effort go into a mobile website. Either way, you will be hosed in remote locations. But, if I was to buy a webapp, your's could just be the lucky first one, but i'll probably keep my $10 (1/3 of next year's premium membership).
  13. HAHAHAHA!! Edweird, I like how you think....I disagree on one aspect--I think Groundspeak should keep the algorithim a secret. That will keep all those wanting to collect "points" or a higher "score" guessing. And to keep it even more interesting, they can change the algorithim every 6 months or so just to keep them on their toes. But I think you are on the right path. I would, however, suggest some more complexity--a little partial differential calculus never hurt anyone!! And make it so those who don't want to participate don't have to. Even better yet, Groundspeak should charge $40/month to track these stats. Or those who want stats can, as they now can do, go to another app and post it on their profile.
  14. Isn't this what we already have? It's not an official Groundspeak thing, but one can track all these stats externally? And if not, I'm sure it's relatively simple to add that to another cache stat application. The best course of action is to leave the system as is. Those who want to track the stats can do, via an external webapp and post on their profile. It's fun, I'll admit, but not for everyone. I get into it a bit, but just enough to post some on my profile. People like caching for different reasons, adding more "official" stats seems like it futher frame the game into a game of just building stats. And create more elitism within the community (e.g. "someone with only 29 caches wants to tell people with thousands of finds..."). Soopa, If one wants to stimulate growth of the game in their area, maybe they could try placing some caches around where they live. And perhaps join the closest geocaching club to try and bring geocachers into their area to explore a bit and get them to place caches. But don't try to frame the game into one of stats, let's keep it open ended and fun for all. This I do know though, one more tirade will most likely get your thread booted. Don't ask a question if don't want to hear the answers.
  15. And you can futher filter out more caches using something like GSAK. When we go on trips, I filter out all the micros and what not in my PQ. Then using GSAK, I filter out all caches that haven't been found in 6 months and/or that have DNFs for their last two logs. I'm sure most of you know this. But, then we spend the vacation having successful caching memories. With that said, I enjoy the micro now and then. It's still exciting and amazing to find something "right under your nose" in just the most bizarre places. And I have even further shifted to doing the mystery/puzzle caches when I am home. I find I don't really care what container it is in if I have invested some time in it trying to get the coordinates. And if you get bored doing that, spend your time making puzzle caches. Each cache type has it's own purpose for each person in varying situations (fit-for-purpose caching). Just filter to suit your needs.
  16. I know this is not the solution. Certainly working with the appropriate regulatory agencies and land managers would be a MILLION times better than shifting the servers overseas. What is the point of doing this?? Say someone puts a cache on National Park land, maybe a few people get to it, but the NP will simply remove it. So then, we are making the Park service mad AND soiling our collective reputation so a couple of people could find a cache. Sure no one can leagally get at Groundspeak or most likely the cache owner and finders (unless they were caught in the act), but then what do the lawmakers do?? The same thing they always do when something is seemingly "broken," make more laws (that's their job). Preservation of our reputation is the key!! I know a bit about this, as I work in an industry which with most people, has a very negative reputation. Trust me, if multi-billion dollar companies follow this philosophy, it would benefit Groundspeak to as well (as they have been)--it's better to go along with it (rules, regulation, etc) than to be totally left out.
  17. Well, I am VERY concerned about the future of geocaching. Things like this worry me a lot. But probably the most concerning thing is geocachers that are not responsible. It seems a few people then become representative of the whole group. The majority of cachers are responsible, they pick up trash, remove their caches when needed etc, but a few people who are not responsible screw everything up. Unfortunately, once this happens and we as a collective group get a bad reputation then the poitive things we do a majority of the time will not be able to make up for the few perceived negative things that occur. I try to enjoy the game as much as I can now, I fear a day of urban micros and that is it...
  18. I feel it is the cache owners responsibility, but I have been known to remove an empty Gatorade bottle and candy wrappers. From my first post in this thread. I don't feel a cache owner should have to maintain high quality swag, definitely not neccessary. It is most definitely enough that they took the time to go out and place a cache. BUT, who doesn't want people to go to their cache?? Certainly would help if the cache had a reputation of having high quality swag. I would further argue that finders will not do it, so if someone is to, it is most likely to be the owner. IF they want to...I never argued it should be a requirement, but maintaining your cache's attraction shows pride in it. Do you need to spend money or a lot of it to have high quality swag? And what is the difference between restashing your own cache and trading up at every other cache? Seems a lot of owners (and others) are preaching trading up, why do it on a small scale in a lot caches rather than do it on a larger scale in one cache (your own)?? My father-in-law has been able to maintain a great cache with great swag. Check it out!! Just make it difficult to get to and so people need to do reserach prior to going and the cache maintains itself. Just can't satisfy that desire to have a lot of people find your cache, but that is how some people like it. Another point, I think it is proper to note what you take out of a cache, even if it is trash. Not because I think one needs to boost about doing a good deed, but because it is proper etiquette to let the owner know what is going on with their cache.
  19. Wow, if this post was intended to get me a bit fired up it worked. I have seen a lot of great trade items over the years and I have seen a fair amount of junk. Most of what I see is just "stuff". Not great but not junk. If I find junk in a cache I find I clean it out. If I find junk in my own cache I clean it out. In my opinion anyone who blames the cache owner for junk in a cache is being selfish, not playing the game with a very realistic attitude and is missing a big opportunity to help keep the game fun. Leaving junk in a cache you find simply perpetuates the problem. No cache owner can "make sure junk doesn't get into their cache". Every cacher can make sure they don't leave junk in a cache. This means don't plop junk into a cache and do remove junk that you find in a cache. As cachers we place a lot of emphasis on CITO. It seems pretty reasonable that we should start with what we find in caches and what we place in caches. The "I figure they don't care" attitude really just says so me that you don't care. If we don't take pride in what we do and set a good example how can we expect others to do any different? Lead by example. Your example isn't one I will ever follow. Hmm...interesting. I most certainly do think it is the cache owners responsibility to look after the cache--why does Groundspeak have a requirement that the owner live near the cache??? I am working on placing my first caches and they contain high quality swag AND I plan to maintain the quality of the swag within my own caches (sort of your "lead by example..." comment?). Off topic though. As mentioned earlier, however, if it is obvious trash like a candy wrapper or empty pop can, I happily pack it out. In fact, I pick up a lot of trash to and from the cache. My geocaching pack even includes supplies to fix cache containers and extra log books. But, what I consider to be junk (pennies, used toys, etc), I leave. Maybe it was a kid who helped make the cache and this is what they wanted. It's not my job to uphold my high quality standard of swag in other's caches. You wouldn't take out someone's high quality swag and you shouldn't take out someone's low quality swag. But, whatever the cacheowners quality standard of swag, I still appreciate them taking the time to place the cache and am sure to thank them. Also, I recieved some pretty cool hard hat light keychains from my place of employment and I have been dropping them in caches without taking anything. I think it is a pretty good example and if it bothers you wrastro, I hope I am able to stoke the flames of your anger with each cache I do, you're more than welcome to add me as a buddy. Seriously though, I think your disagreement with my previous post stems from definitions of the word junk. My "junk" = your "stuff." my "trash" = your "junk." but don't let me put words in your mouth. I don't think this thread is about trash in caches, because just about everyone agrees a responsible cacher would pack it out. Another thought, since cache owners typically don't maintain the quality of swag in their caches, who would really know it was you who "cleaned" out the junk?? I still think, however, it is the cache owners job.
  20. I feel most people say, "ok kids, let's clean out the car and empty it into the cache" (I personally think it is a parenting issue). It annoys me, but I focus on the fact that I get to spend time with my wife and the enjoyment of the hunt. I first look for the logbook, then for any trackables then see if the cache needs any repair. If any "trade items" catch my eye while doing those things, I'll make a trade. But it hasn't happened yet in my 100+ caches. I feel it is the cache owners responsibility, but I have been known to remove an empty Gatorade bottle and candy wrappers. As for the "trade items," the cache owner should make sure junk doesn't get into their cache, it's their job to maintain the attraction to the cache. I figure if they don't care, I'll sign the log, say thanks and not care about it myself. Not a very progressive attitude, but a more effecient one. In the words of another poster in this thread, it's a battle you're sure to loose.
  21. I think it was trash. My main reason is I think the growth of geocaching needs to be moderate. While it is good to spread the word, if the growth rate gets to be too much, we will be in trouble. And with events such as what happened a few days ago, caches being archieved on the ATC in PA, I worry a lot about the future of this sport. My second point coincides with my first, I think cachers need to minimize their impact on the environment (and I supervisor drilling of oil and gas wells), so the point that you would just bushwack opposed to take the trail...really turned me off to the show. It makes us seem like people who care more about the cache than nature. We all end up bushwacking at some point or another, but I don't know anyone who purposely wants to bushwack. Do the map work (which they did for the show because the host mentioned taking a bushwaking route opposed to the more common route via the trail) and minimize your impact. I personally don't like the show. Most geocachers care about the sport, while these people care more about making money and won't do things to try and preserve it as long as possible (e.g. cussing, bushwacking). This is the kind of thing that will leave us all looking for nanos in urban settings, with no more 5-star rated terrain caches at the top of a peak.
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