Cav Scout

I am wondering the same thing. I request questions to be answered. I request a photo to show proof of visit. Can I delete a find if the finder doesn't meet both requirement? If this is the case my EC will show this... At least in the order requested.

So the catch phrase is "should be made optional". In other words the older ECs have not officially be affected yet. Am I correct?

I've probably had about 30 to 40 armchair finds. Keep in mind I own close to 200 ECs and have them from Alaska to DC. I am bound to get a few bogus finds once in a while. Have you ever watched a similar behaviour for Earth caches? I havn't. All log deletions I came across for Earth caches are based on debates on what is a legitimate photograph. While I know quite a number of cachers in Germany, Austria and other countries that still believe that a virtual cache is a cache that is visited in a virtual way, this has never been the case for Earth caches. Cezanne

I agree and can go with the GPS and hand only if that is what it takes to validate the visit. Enforcing questions to prove someone was really there is not bomb proof. We all know what can happen with that. If I'm expected to get permission and get a secret security clearance for setting up a earthcache, then why can't I keep the standards high in regards to how I justify who really visited my EC. I've been told by geoaware its just a game, but holy moly, hes very strict on us when getting a EC approved... Come on geoaware, we need support here. We keep you busy with our submissions and bring smiles to finders who visit our sites. Stand behind those who keep the program going.

Am I not reading the part about whats preventing the answers from being passed around. I did a 10 question eathcache before and it was a pain. I saved the answers and I still have them, theres nothing but integrity from having me pass them on to someone who wants a easy find without ever being to the site.

I guarantee with the picture option going away, the COs of the ECs will be much tougher on the question requirements which will eventually lead to complaints from visitors of the ECs who get their logs deleted for not answering the questions correctly. This will more than likely lead to another change in the guidelines. Again the photo is the same as a signature in a log book. Why do I have to sign a log book at a cache? Think about it. It would be nice if the cachers who take the time to find the locations and write up the ECs could of had a vote on this, it is afterall their cache, right?

I said its the same concept. You can go to the log of a physical cache to and see it they signed it, and if they didnt you can delete the log. Even though a "few people" mention they dont like the picture deal you would be surprised at how many people still log EarthCaches. Look at the first original ECs, most of the ECs ask for a picture of the cacher or group. I vote for keeping the pictures up to the EC owner because theres no log book to sign. Geocaching is a social activity. No, it is not. First, there is no need to upload a photograph of one's signature to the internet, second, there are also no rules how the signature has to look like and third, logs are signed with an alias and not with a real name. Far too many earth cache owners requested photographs that show the finder and did not accept photographs just showing e.g. the dog of the finder and his GPS-r or the hand of the finder and his GPS-r. I hate armchair caching, but I equally hate requirements that force cachers to upload personal photographs. If owners of Earth caches ask politely for optional photographs with no requirement that the finder must be recognizable on the picture, a very high proportion of the visitors will comply with the wish for a photograph and will upload one. Cezanne

Published

Right now nobody (regular cachers) really know the answer about photos, but from what a few folks have posted, it looks like they are being asked to change some of their photo requirements. The new rule is very vague in guideline number 6. I know the Earth Team are watching the forums and would like to hear what they have to say. It would be of great value to the developers in keeping the photo requirements on their EC listings. Its the same as signature on a log book. You are right on. Why didn't we get a chance to discuss this change?

I submitted a new EC listing yesterday evening and as of now have not heard anything from anyone.

I am wondering the same thing. Its certainly not very clear . Can the Earthcache Team help with this answer ?

That guideline is for the newly listed notes about the new system and not the ECs prior to 10 January 2010. Here is guideline #6 from the new EC guidelines page... Logging of an EarthCache must involve visitors undertaking some educational task that relates to the Earth science at the site. This could involve measuring or estimating the size of some feature or aspect of the site, collecting and recording data (such as time of a tidal bore), or sending an e-mail to the cache owner with the answer to Earth science related questions they obtained by reading an information display. While photographs may be requested, they do not take the place of other logging requirements. Taking a photograph alone or asking people to do internet research does NOT meet these logging guidelines. Requests for specific content in the photograph (must include the visitor's face, for example) will be considered an additional logging requirement and must be optional. Cache owners may not delete the cache seeker's log based solely on optional tasks.

I understand that photos are now optional for the new earthcache listings effective 11 January 2010. I would like to know if the older earthcache photo requirements will be grandfathered and allowed to stand. Does anyone know the answer to this question?

My question with the new guidelines is number 6 6. Logging of an EarthCache must involve visitors undertaking some educational task that relates to the Earth science at the site. This could involve measuring or estimating the size of some feature or aspect of the site, collecting and recording data (such as time of a tidal bore), or sending an e-mail to the cache owner with the answer to Earth science related questions they obtained by reading an information display. While photographs may be requested, they do not take the place of other logging requirements. Taking a photograph alone or asking people to do internet research does NOT meet these logging guidelines. Requests for specific content in the photograph (must include the visitor's face, for example) will be considered an additional logging requirement and must be optional. Cache owners may not delete the cache seeker's log based solely on optional tasks. Does this affect the older ECs? The picture concept is the same as a signature in a log book. Why change something that actually proves the visit. The questions can be passed around from previous cachers who visited the sites and ECs will be logged from the comfort of your home without ever visiting the site. Good for some bad for others... Maybe I'm reading this wrong.

Hey, the new system is working now!

I will be there in June 2010. Hey Cav Scout - when you coming?

Hopefully by the time I get to Qatar this year the new EC system will be working It's middle of January now. Oh well... At least it gives us some time to work on a new Qatar Earthcache. You read that, Cincol?

I'm gonna go run about 5 miles. Let us know if anything new surfaces . Well done Seems like you were the first cacher to see the new system!

I just checked and didnt see anything that mentions Earthcache for a listing. You must have a different feed than what I have. My submission form on gc.com still looks that same and there is NO EarthCache mentioned at all. Please post the link for us all to see. Thanks.

It happens with earthcaching. I've had it happen twice to me...

I leave hand made skulls with holes in them, my personal geocoin, and hand made bracelettes in my caches. The skulls can be strung up on a string and collected along the way when you find my tree and cliff cache hides . Each one of my new caches are placed high and require ropes or special skills to reach the cache hide. This prevents junk swag from collecting in my caches and leaves finders with nice handmade items when they reach the cache .

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

We are not frustrated, just ready to get to work !

Cool coin and nice bracelette. I learned how to make those bracelettes while I was in Iraq. I think we are from the same home town, Pekin, Illinios. Good job!

Cricket, Cricket...