ReadyOrNot

I generally use Google Earth to scope out the area. If you don't have Google Earth, then you could enter the zip code and pan around with the built in geoaching.com map. If you aren't a premium member, then you could become a premium member One other option is to go to the cache page for the cahe that is hidden in the park. From the cache page, click on map (this will center the park on the map) and then you can locate caches near the park. I'm sure there are many other ways too..

I think it's a great question. I think there is definitely something that can be done about it, like making the person change it. Where do you draw the line anyways? Let's see..... "GPSWhores" ... (examples of bad names) There is a line isn't there? I think it's fair to say, "Keep it family friendly" and there won't be any problems. Why have any of this trash?

I am aware of what the term means. What you wrote above is EXACTLY my point - "Letterboxing 'WAS' highly innovative". Past tense. No longer innovative. That's my point. My post was not meant to put down letterboxing, but to showcase what is so great about geocaching. I understand that a lot of people like letterboxing and I have no problem with that. Heck, record players were innovative in their time, but now we have CD's. Yet you still find people that swear by record players. That's all... To everyone that didn't call me dumb - "Have a great day!" To CoyoteRed (who called me dumb) - "Comparing geocaching to letterboxing is like comparing 8 tracks to CD players" <-- a bit more accurate I think To Maingray - "You are right! It's more popular too. Good one." Here's the definition: adj 1: ahead of the times; "the advanced teaching methods"; "had advanced views on the subject"; "a forward-looking corporation"; "is British industry innovative enough?" [syn: advanced, forward-looking, modern] 2: being or producing something like nothing done or experienced or created before; "stylistically innovative works"; "innovative members of the artistic community"; "a mind so innovational, so original" [syn: innovational, groundbreaking]

Probably one of the dumbest comments I've seen in a long time. The truth can be hard to hear sometimes. There are many letterboxing sites, but it's not a very organized activity. Why? Because it's not innovative and because of that it didn't catch on like geocaching did. The geocaching.com website is amazing because of how innovative it is. Do you think Jeremy would have been able to create such a fantastic website without the support of the hordes of geocaching members throughout the world? On the other side of the coin, why do you think there is not a fantastic letterboxing website? (the answer is lack of innovation). Why am I dumb for noticing this CoyoteRed? Just because you enjoy letterboxing doesn't mean it doesn't lack innovation. The more 'COOL' 'INNOVATIVE' features that Jeremy adds to the website, the more attractive the 'SPORT' will become. Without the website, geocaching is no better than letterboxing. The idea that I can drop an ammo can in the woods and someone will find it THE SAME DAY speaks volumes. My sister is an active letterboxer and rarely gets emails when people find her letterbox and it can take months before someone finds it initially. To Groundspeak: KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK AND INNOVATION To CoyoteRed: SHUTUP AND GO FIND A LETTERBOX

Who cares? When I'm out geocaching, it's all about me and my enjoyment. If some grass or plants get killed in the process, oh well. I'm tired of the ultra-environmentalists getting in the way of my fun. They say that suicides come in packs. Let's just hope some more tree-huggers commit geocide <wiping the tear from my eye>

You can't refer to geocaching as a 'sport' at the same time that you complain that there should be no competition. Anytime you get a bunch of testosterone involved in any activity, it will eventually turn to competition. Last time I checked, the domain "eunuchcaching.com" is still available to those that are interested One of the best new features that was implemented was the email instant notifications of new caches. What fun trying to get the First to find! I never met another cacher until this new feature. Wait, that's competitive isn't it? With competition comes innovation. And this "SPORT" is so darn fun because of the amazing innovations. Want to see the result of lack of innovation? Check out letterboxing sometime.

There seem to be a bunch of different threads relating to ratings. Where are you at with this concept Jeremy? Is there some place we can go to see what you are working on or what's on the docket for new functionality. Might slim down some of these forum posts a bit. Thanks! ReadyOrNot

Personally, I'm gearing more towards not even listing any kind of ratings on the page. Give people an option of rating the cache or filling out a survey of the cache and store the information behind the scenes. The information would only be used for the purpose of comparing to others ratings or finding caches similar to other caches. (I guess this would be the algorithm option). Anything that would flag a cache as "Bad" or "Good" is not a good idea. For example, I just did a cache where it took me 30 minutes of searching to find the dreaded thing. I LOVED IT! I read the logs later and someone else also took 30 minutes to find the thing and they hated the experience. The difficulty and terrain ratings are great, but like said above, it is very subjective. It's not subjective to ask, "Was the area scenic?" True or False. A false doesn't flag the cache as bad, but if I just did a scenic cache and click "Show me more like this", other scenic caches might come up. Depending on many other factors of course. I've been dying for a way to find caches that can be done at night, because it adds a whole new dimension of difficulty when you hunt at night (and more first to find's that way ) Thanks! ReadyOrNot

If I do a cache that I absolutely love, it would be cool to be able to hit a button on the cache page, "Show me caches like this" (to use the amazon example). Somedays I might be interested in doing micros, some days hikes, etc. Basically it's just another way of searching for caches in addition to the current methods. A note on using a 3rd party solution: The functionality is very limited. The rating system doesn't really do anything for me in finding caches that I might want to do on any given day. I agree that reading through the logs would probably give me a good idea of what the cache will be like. But when I'm clicking through the cache pages looking for the ones I'm going to do for the day, reading the logs would take way too much time. Thanks! ReadyOrNot

Jeremy, You made some great points and I agree. The purpose should be geared towards making finding caches that you like easier, as opposed to putting a black-mark on a cache. So a user would rate the cache based on certain criteria, or better yet, a survey of sorts (not sure what the criteria would be). The results would be stored, but not necessarily displayed on the cache page (to avoid the popularity contest mentioned above). In my search for caches, I would specify "Scenic" caches or "Caches with a view" and those matching my criteria would be displayed? Oh, don't forget the "Muddy mess, hidden in an old tire" criteria. or "Homeless Camp" for those that enjoy those caches I'm an asp.net programmer and would love to help out in any way if you need it. Thanks! ReadyOrNot

Hi! Some very useful functionality would be to allow users to rate caches. Either a single 1-10 rating system or ratings on different criteria such as : a) Originality Quality c) Scenary, etc. I got this idea after visiting a cache recently that was hidden in a old tire in the middle of a muddy swamp. People are too nice to say in the logs that a cache is crappy. The ratings should also be anonymous. Thanks! ReadyorNot

I'm with you 100%. I don't think anyone should act like a child. Are you implying I was acting like a child? Here's some background..... The cache in question was my very 1st cache and I was very anxious to get it posted. Let's just say I was HOPING it would get posted sooner than 72 hours. Unfortunately, it did not. Call me excited, call me anxious, but immature? I think that's a bit rough don't you? Sheeesh, relax everyone! Thanks!

I agree - what is the problem? - - - - I recently had a whole (yes ALL OF THEM!) 10 cache series approved in less that 2 hours !!! geezzz - as a premium member I can't hardly enter them all much faster than that and expect better service either. As premium members should we realistically expect better service than that? Do you want 10 minute service? I think this poster is an exception - a nice I have to say too. cc\

Uhhh, tell me what I'm missing here, but isn't the "response" the fact that your cache was listed within the timeframe we strive for? I wouldn't be waiting for any further follow-up. Your reviewer has moved on to other caches. Please understand that when I wrote the original messages that my cache was not approved and that on the website it said that most caches will be approved within 24 hours. I was simply checking on the status. Obviously I realize that the cache was ultimately approved, but until someone builds a time machine, I will not be able to go back and un-write my message in the forum. Please forgive me for my inquisitive nature and please severely punish any further outbursts as I cannot control myself. (See, there I go again) Oh, by the way, I just placed another cache that is in the approval queue. Maybe you can pull some strings and get me put to the end of the approval queue? (There I go again, maybe medication will help me!) Thanks!

How does one get to be a reviewer? Maybe that's a solution to my problem. I can review my own.

If you have a cache that's been on hold please give us the GCxxxx number. The only cache I see belonging to The Paperboy has a hidden date of May 5th, and has been approved. I do not see one that predates your forum post date by 48 hours. And, the current complex heuristic triage system in place that scans forum posts for users who complain about approval time, and automatically drops them to the bottom of the list works pretty well for the approvers. erik - geocaching.com admin edited to correct typo Hey there. I called and left a message (kind and pleasant) and also left an email (kind and pleasant). I've yet to get any response to either my message or email that I sent. My cache was approved and it took around 72 hours. Maybe the approver was on vacation or something, I don't know. Doesn't really matter. All I did was offer a suggestion for improvement of service. We'll see how long the next one takes.

Maybe the proper thing to do is find out why it's taking 3 days to get cache's approved. Doesn't sound like the norm. And what's wrong with Premium members getting faster service? Just another incentive for people to buy memberships. And the more memberships purchased, the better the services will be from this website. Then, instead of premium members complaining about taking too long, the folks that choose not to pay can complain about it taking too long.

You would care if it was your cache. It's not broken, I'm just saying it would be nice if premium members got bumbed ahead in the approval queue, purely for the benefit of the person posting the cache. Make the non-paying members wait almost 72 hours, not me. (Maybe I'm just impatient)

Hi, Just wanted to pass along this feature request. I think that premium members should be placed 1st in the queue to have new caches approved. I'm past 48 hours right now on my cache waiting approval. Just an idea. Thanks!