Outspoken1

OK, love of history strikes again. There have been a few people who started a timeline group who I have contacted to see if we could get the category going. I never heard back from them, so I am going to submit the issue myself. I have created a group called Timelines. The group description reads: "Timelines help us to understand the chronology of historic events, situate newly encountered events and provide a visual aid for identifying cause and effect relationships between events. They are especially enlightening for the understanding of long periods of time (usually pre-historic or geologic) or many events that occurred in a short period of time (often social or cultural events)." I have encountered many timelines as stand-alone exhibitions, on historic plaques, art pieces, visitor centers and architectural enhancements. Timelines are a 'unique' history plaque because they both provide a great deal of information in chronological order - but also presume the viewer has some knowledge of the event to understand the framework of the timeline. The timeline would have to be a permanent piece - not a timeline for a temporary exhibit. I am thinking that the timeline could either be indoors our outdoors, open to the public but a small fee would be OK (in the case of a museum that must charge to remain open). I would like to request the memberships feedback as to whether this would be a valid category, not redundant, and if anyone would like to join the group to get the category going if the membership feels there is interest. Thanks so much, Outspoken1

I checked that a 503 error means the server is down either due to overload or maintenance. Hopefully someone is watching and it is just maintenance. I wanted to relax and post Waymarks today (quiet Christmas!). Happy Holidays to all!!! Outspoken1

OK, I'll admit I just skimmed the topic. Where do I find the instructions to take over an abandoned category? My life has calmed down after 4 years of care for my Mom (she passed in April), so I can now get back to more Waymarking. Thanks, Outspoken1

Greetings all! As an Officer of Occupational Monuments, I probably decline 1-2 Waymarks a month that are memorials to workers who, often, were killed during the execution of their craft. Occupational Monuments requires a 3D sculpture of the occupation; the category is for a monument, not a memorial. Since the worker's memorials are not dedicated to one person, it does not fit in Citizen Memorials. And because the memorial is often honoring the sacrifices of the workers over a long period of time, instead of just one specific event, it does not fit in Disaster Memorials. The other problem with Occupational Monuments is that a 3D sculpture is required. Again, I decline 1-4 Waymarks a month that have the occupation inscribed (etched) on the monument or there is only text about the occupation - no illustration. Again, there really is no category for this type of monument. Any thoughts or guidance? Take care, Outspoken1

Master Mariner has submitted a series of Mosaics based on classic Alfred Hitchcock movie scenes. They are located in a subway station in London Visit Strangers on a Train and just scroll down to visit nearby Mosaic Waymarks. He has also done a fabulous job documenting each Waymark. Outspoken1

Awww, that would be sad to see them retired. They are part of the Waymarking history! I fully agree - just because they are 'older' in the Waymrk timeline - does not mean that they are not cool!

For a newbie Waymarker - WMJTCJ

Nice suggestion. I'll take the idea to the Officers. My suggestion is they are included only if it is at an international level. The senior Olympics are also conducted at a local level. Good point! There should be a distinction between local and international. As an Officer, I believe the intent was for the Internationally recognized Olympics which, to the best of my knowledge, covers the 'Olympics" (IOC) and the Paraolympics (IPC). The Paralympics are conducted almost in conjunction with the 'Olympics (IOC)' since they tend to follow the traditional games. I searched the Internet to discover is there is an international Senior Olympics with a similar structure and international standing/support as does the Olympics and Paralympics. I found National (US) Senior Games and many local so-called Senior Olympics, but could not find anything of similar international standing. I believe that the senior Olympic plaque mentioned by Max and 99 could go in Citizen Memorials category. Take care, Outspoken1

WMHW66 - Look at the gallery for the night-time photos - they are killer.

I also rename my Waypoint to something relevant so that when I copy the coordinates off my GPSr, I am not trying to 'remember' what Waypoint 007 was as opposed to Waypoint 008. One may be named Blue Abstract for a blue abstract sculpture then the next may be Crawford House for a NRHP location.

I am sorry to say I would vote NO on this since as prices decrease, they (AEDs) are becoming more prevalent. Of course, this is a good thing! I fear this could become like the Wi-Fi Hotspot category, where, at least in major metropolitan areas in the US, it is hard NOT to find a Wi-Fi hotspot. (NOTE: I am NOT criticizing the Wi-Fi Hotspot category, just an observation that the uniqueness of the category has been overrun by the commercial interest of having a hotspot to lure in customers.)

Just a heads-up that Wyoming Historical Markers seems to be lapsing. I submitted three Waymarks per their category requirements about 6 weeks ago. I sent email to the officers about two weeks ago asking if the Waymarks could be reviewed as I have many more to post and I wanted to make sure I was doing them per category requirements. The Waymarks are not in vote, so I 'assume' they have not been reviewed. If anyone knows the leader/officers and could give them a gentle prod, it would be greatly appreciated! Take care, outspoken1

In all the categories I have written, I always ask for Title - City, State/Province as a naming requirement. It seems to be pretty much a standard in Waymarking - and a useful standard. I've noticed that Waymarking's search engine is sometimes faulty. By having a city and state/province, I know that I am looking at the correct city in the correct state. Visit here for a list of the most common USA city names. As a reviewer, the city, state/province helps to make sure the coordinates are close to the location by looking at the Google map. I know my area, I am not at all familiar with Germany! Take care, Outspoken1

As a Leader / Officer in several categories, I have edited Waymark submissions. Usually it is for spelling or grammar. I personally hate (OK, maybe not hate [grin]) to get a Decline, so to avoid going that route with a Waymark submission, I will edit. I will also sometimes edit to show the Waymarker the naming requirement (usually Title - City, State/Province). As an Officer/Leader, we tend to be a bit more concerned about the quality of Waymarks in our categories and may want to correct/add to improve a Waymark - especially if the Waymarker is a chronic, lesser-quality submitter (OK, ugly truth - when you review many Waymarks, you get to know a few names that will usually do an excellent job and a few names that are either barely meet the minimum of just plumb do it their way regardless of the category requirements). So each review is a judgement call as to whether the submission is satisfactory or could be tweaked a little or needs a full rework. As a Leader / Officer, I have been thanked, asked questions, ranted at and threatened. When threatened, I turn that over to the Leader of the category or Groundspeak. Threats have only happened twice in thousands of Waymark reviews. Compliments and questions total in the hundreds. I would rather focus on the positive than the negative. I feel it is a honor and privilege that I am allowed to review Waymarks in that it expresses trust and respect of the category officers and Groundspeak. I would suspect that most of the Leader / Officer edits are constructive and since the Leader / Officers are more (usually) experienced in the category, they do have perhaps a broader view and understanding of the category9ies) in which they are involved. BTW - I am Queen of typos, and I appreciate when anyone fixes my errors so I do not look like a pi**-poor Waymarker!

I am sorry that GeoLobo became easily frustrated and will (apparently) not continue with Waymarking. I wish him/her the best with their geocaching. While I did begin as a Geocacher and have many great memorizes - Waymarking really better fit my personality and desire. I love to explore, practice photography, research and walk. I enjoying trying to help others with Waymarking and try to be clear why a Waymark has been declined (unless it is an ongoing issue with a few Waymarkers). Most people are trying to do the best job they are able. Some are just after numbers; others more about quality and/or teaching. Most Waymarkers tend to find their 'home' in certain categories that they tend to post/visit many Waymarks. Please, let's not feed the 'Geocaching versus Waymarking (what about Wherigo)' monster. We are free to participate in some or all of these wonderful experiences that is coordinated by Groundspeak. Now, if I just had time to get those 1,000 or so Waymarks on my computer posted!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello, everyone: Die Sulzer contacted me asking if Humming Stone would fit in Kinetic. Yes they would. Both sound and light installations fit in kinetic because they are both based on vibration, which is movement. If it would help, I could add Humming Stones as an example of something welcomed in Kinetic. Take care, Outspoken1

It appears Groundspeak is discontinuing the Waymark Sticker that is used by the Waymarking Sticker Seekers category. Should we notify Groundspeak of this issue? If they don't care or have a solution, could we get permission from Groundspeak to create a PDF of the sticker for future members to the category? I am an officer in the Waymark Sticker Seeker category, so I am concerned about the loss of the item to become a 'living Waymark'. This is a great category as it does allow Waymarkers to meet one another and share our Waymarking passion. Take care, Outspoken1

This is just cool! Enjoy, Outspoken1

Hi everyone! I occasionally shoot multiple photos of a Waymark to stitch into a panorama. I've found an open-source, cross platform program with which I am quite impressed. It is entitled Hugin. I've only been using it for a couple of days, but I am happy with the results. For instance, here is a panoramic photo from 4 individual photos. (Not sure the photo link is active since the Waymark has not yet been reviewed). I just wanted to share for others who might want to try this out. Take care, Outspoken1

I hope you understood that my negative vote was only about protocol of a category proposal and the concern of the inexperience of officers. Too many categories have become 'orphans' when Waymarkers drift away into other pursuits, then other Premium Waymarker(s) volunteer to keep the category alive. There has also been an issue of 'non-existent' members being created to meet the 3 premium member officer requirement (not saying that is the case here!). I think this is a great category idea, even though is is limited to mainly Europe (not to say these places will not be found in other areas of the world). The photos of examples are great! While only three variables were required, there are still many variables - why is all this info needed. Only reason I ask is this may have been what was driving the question by voting members. It sometimes gets hard to remember odd info needed by a category when out Waymarking - especially if one cannot easily return to get the info. Many of us outside of the central Europe area would only be able to Waymark these while on a vacation. (Say, anyone live near Nancy? I need some photos from the cemetery - genealogy!) That may be another factor driving some of the comments. Please do not take offense at the 'nay' votes. We are only trying to keep Waymarking viable and help improve the categories. Waymarking, like any other hobby, is evolving through experience and lessons learned. Welcome and Bonjour - we are grateful for your participation! Take care, Outspoken1

Hi Larry: I'd be happy to help with Fish Hatcheries, Animal Hospitals, and Ronald McDonald Houses. Left to your decision, Outspoken1

Greetings! With the loss of the NRHP non-official site, the category 'U.S. National Register of Historic Places' has switched to using www.LandmarkHunter.com as their NRHP documentation proof website. Since I have already taken photos of the NRHP, I thought I would 'give back' to LandmarkHunter.com and upload the photos to them also (to upload, you have to join [free] - click on 'Would you like to be an editor? and register). You are given a screen with the ability to upload 9 photos at once. After the photos are uploaded, then each photo is given in a thumbnail and you may add captions, if desired. I feel if it were quicker to upload photos - more Waymarkers would upload more of their great photos and our site would improve even more! Take care, Outspoken1

The Fossil Finders group would like to thank the Waymarking community for approving the Paleontology and Fossils category. Some of the comments from the review were integrated into the category. Those include: - Fixing grammatical errors (thanks for the reviews - typos and grammatical errors never show up until you hit the 'Submit' button!) - Links added to the categories that deal with Archaeological artifacts. -Any museum with fossil exhibits is accepted. This is the beauty of Waymarking - the 'beyond your home area' information. Here in Colorado, many fossils are outdoors, exposed and open to the public. There are many sites worldwide that have been moved into museums or universities for protection. Thus the change. - Clarification that for fossil finds that have been removed (for instance, finds while undergoing construction of tunnels, buildings, reservoirs), the coordinates should be taken at the location of the original fins as close as one may safely take them. - Question was raised is Petrified Wood would be accepted. If the area is significant, such as a Petrified Forest, then yes. If it is a small piece of petrified wood you find on a hike, no. To answer a few concerns: - Ancient human remains are fossilized - that is why they survived (For example, see "Oldest Human Fossils Found".) - As mentioned above, the museum issue. - 'Not disturbing fossil areas as they are protected by law.' This was mentioned in the original Waymark category. Any suggestions to make this clearer? Also, at least here in the USA, there are private fossil areas where paying visitors may collect fossils. So those are acceptable in the category. Was the distinction not clear enough? Suggestions, please. Same applies to 'hidden (as in protected) sites.' These should not be Waymarked. As always, each category is a 'work in progress' as innovative and energetic Waymarkers find new items to be placed in Waymarks. Things may evolve slightly over the next few months. We strive to be inclusive of the recognition of Earth's ancient past. Again, thank you so much for the 'Yea' votes to make this a new category!! Sincerely, The Fossil Finders group

Hey everyone!! We have worked together under the Fossil Finders group (which includes Tharandter, who initiated this discussion) and have just submitted a category entitled 'Paleontology and Fossils' to Peer Review. We used the guidance from this thread as well as several references on Paleontology. Please do consider this category and vote 'Yes'!! Thanks so much, The Fossil Finders group

I LOVE this category idea. After searching and confirming there was no group for this category, I have set up a group called Fossil Finders . Looking for members!! Take care, Outspoken1