heathtree

I echo the comments by the previous commenters. I moved from Canada to New Zealand about 2 weeks ago, and I've noticed that every cache I've logged on my iPhone since then - both before the 5.1.1 release, as well as after - have this date issue. I've also changed my location and time zone details on my GC.com profile and had no improvement. The app either needs to utilize the time zone setting specified in a user's GC.com profile, needs a setting within the app to set the time zone, or needs to refer to the local time zone in the area where a cache is hidden. Thanks for continuing to work to improve the app.

I think the "no memory sticks" statement is pretty clear. Let us know how you make out with your appeal. I am not sure how I missed that. I read those guidelines a dozen times. You are absolutely correct. If those are the rules, then those are the rules. I can admit it when I'm wrong. I won't pursue this any further. Thanks everyone for your interest.

It's not about special equipment. Caches require a paper logbook. They can need all the special equipment you want, but there needs to be a paper logbook. Actually, there is no requirement for there to be a paper logbook. The rules actually state: Cache containers include a logsheet. For all physical caches, there must be a logbook, scroll or other type of log for geocachers to record their visit. I dare say that an .TXT file would qualify as an "other type of log" under those guidelines; it does not have to be paper. Regardless, the presence or lack of a paper logbook is not the reason the cache was archived. It was archived because of "security concerns." I find this silly: you are allowed to put a link on the cache listing page to a .TXT file, .PDF file or an audio file so long as you post a disclaimer. You access those links (and subsequently the files) with a computer. How is that any different with a USB key? Again, the rules state: Certain files (specifically .TXT files, .PDFs and all audio files) may be acceptable in the interest of allowing greater cache creativity. These downloads must adhere to all geocaching guidelines and include the following text above the link: "Alert: You are about to download a file that contains further details needed to find this geocache. As the cache owner, I represent that this file is safe to download although it has not been checked by Groundspeak or by the reviewer for possible malicious content. Download this file at your own risk. [insert link here]" Based on the guidelines mentioned above, I think the cache should be permitted if I post the disclaimer, which I am willing to do.

I'm the owner of this cache, and was surprised to see that a forum discussion had started on this topic. What a messy 24 hours it has been for this one. I thought I'd try something different with this cache, as I find most of the new caches around here are film canisters or lock 'n lock containers. I had an old USB key sitting on my desk (it was only 256 MB) and I wasn't using it anymore, so I took the idea and ran with it. The key was re-formatted and scanned for viruses (not that I was worried about that, as I am a Mac user and it had never been in a Windows computer). The log was a .TXT file. I decided to hide it in a residential neighbourhood in a tree beside a parking lot, less than a 2 minute drive from my house. I figured it would be easy for cachers to bring the cache to their car with them, sign the log in their dry car interiors, and return the cache afterwards. When I submitted the cache for publication, I purposefully made it a Premium Members cache as I figured it would stand a better chance of not getting muggled. I put the geocache inside of a small Nalgene bottle which was put inside of another container, and it was definitely waterproof. The cache description makes it very clear that you can't sign the log with a pen and it should be evident that the logbook is a USB key. In my reviewer notes for the cache, I put the following: "The cache is hidden in a tree. The logbook is a text file on a USB flash drive. The cacher will need to bring their laptop with them in order to sign the logbook. The USB key has been scanned for viruses and is in a waterproof container inside of another waterproof container." The reviewer published the cache without issue. There are lots of caches out there that I can't get. There is one in this area that is on top of a 40' telephone pole and you need special safety equipment to access it. There is another one that requires a swim or canoe trip to an island. And yet another in a pipe underneath a road that my body would not fit in. If you don't have the special equipment, you can't log the cache. How is this any different with a USB key? You either have the special equipment and get to log it, or you don't. Not everyone can get every cache. I was very disappointed that the reviewer in this area decided to archive the cache based on the "Needs Archive" note that the OP sent without sending me a message first. As soon as I saw that the OP had destroyed the USB key, I went back out and placed another one there with "Insert into PC to sign log" written on it so that it was clear the key wasn't supposed to be dismantled. Alas, within 30 minutes of me replacing the USB key, it had been archived. Other cachers continued to log finds throughout the day after its archival (presumably the coordinates had been downloaded to their GPS units earlier in the day) and I have let them stay because there is, indeed, a USB in the cache container. I still think this is a permissible cache, and will be lodging an appeal to get it re-instated.