tabulator32

I am always amazed when this argument comes up and I never understood it before tonight. There have been a few comments made in this thread which, to me, finally clarify why someone would possibly need more than 500 query results in a pocket query. I think I now understand. As I have never followed the previous thread THAT closely, and understanding the 500 result limit is the average limit of the general low-end GPS receiver (but certainly not ALL the receivers), please forgive me if this suggestion has been made before, but... How about allowing premium members to run queries up to a maximum of 2500 results (cache listings) per day. This can be done in on single 2500 result query, two 1250 result queries, five 500 result queries, or whatever. This would allow the cachers desiring larger query results to get what they want in one fell swoop by adding very little if any additional stress to the query servers. It MAY even result in LESS stress since some of the creative work-arounds mentioned here would not have to be run as they could get their desired query results in one run. I'm sure the modification to the query page and code would not be too complicated. Would it solve the issue? Anyone have any other solutions aside from the creative query workarounds listed above? (Cool ideas, by the way! Working with the dates and the distance parameters!)

There is no limit to the number of entries you can submit. Keep in mind, they must be your own caches...they must be solar powered with either photovoltaic or solar thermal power...they must be approved and activated by a Groundspeak volunteer reviewer. Thanks for your entry!

I like Podcacher. I also like Icenrye's geocaching audiozine. These are both cool podcasts. I still think there is plenty of room for a monthly or bi-monthly mag. There is a lot more material to cover and it won't be like the same stories are covered by all the different mediums out there.

I am always amazed at the tons of magazines found in every grocery store, convenience store, book store and newspaper stand in the world. I always think to myself "All of this information can be found in the internet for free" but there it is...the multi-billion dollar magazine industry that produces rags for practically any subject one can imagine. I'd love to see a geocaching mag added to the fray.

You are located in the original camp, are you not? Why do you now use metrics?

If geocaching.com actually had a rule concerning log length, it would be the simplest thing in the world for Groundspeak to place a character counter and a maximum limit on the text window for log entries. There may be a maximum limit but it may be in the hundreds or thousands of characters and I have never met it. Perhaps another premium member feature would be the ability to set the maximum number of log entry characters. People like the cache hider mentioned in this thread could pay for the ability to control that particular factor if it makes them feel better. The "default" setting would be 5000 characters or so. The log window for the finder placing a log would have a reminder blurb at the top of the text window saying "xx characters remaining." Another possibility would be the cache hider seeking diagnosis and properly prescribed medication. This would almost certainly cost more than a Groundspeak premium membership but there may be additional benefits to it as well which could be worth the extra expense.

So, its a giant discarded beer can. 'hic!'

My favorite feature is the pocket queries and the ability to incorporate them into "paperless caching". It saves an incredible amount of time versus manually loading coordinates and printing or noting cache descriptions and hints. Aside from that, the free pass to the local Groundspeak gym and indoor pool is definitely a bonus.

"One time...at band camp..."

I am guessing the majority of people into geocaching already have the vehicle, already purchase gas, already have a computer, and already have an ISP. That leaves the membership ($3.00 a month OPTIONAL), the GPS (less than a hundred bucks or more if you want), and the ammo cans, tupperware TB's, whatever...OPTIONAL at your leisure). Just a show of hands in case I'm wrong...has anyone actually gone out and bought a car or a desktop or laptop computer (and didn't already have one) or hooked up with an ISP just for geocaching?

I know I'm being redundant but geocaching has to be one of the cheapest hobbies I've EVER had. You spend a ton more just going to the MOVIES than you do in the same amount of time geocaching! (Considering one goes geocaching more than once and doesn't invest in GPS just to go out one time.) As mentioned previously, I am also into scuba and photography and I dabble in other things as well. Geocaching is WAY cheaper than those hobbies and I have the GPS, the PDA and the telescopic hiking stick and gear bag. I even bought a patch and a few stickers. Heck. I'm almost official!

The MacCaching application also allows sending data to your ipod.

Google has made an art of their topic-related ad placement. I often glance at the ads just to see how closely they match the conversation here in the forums. Very often, they are dead-on. Discuss a specific GPS? Find websites selling them in the google ads. Discuss geocaching vehicles? Car dealerships galore. My favorite was a discussion about the best type of mouse to buy (for a computer) and there popped up separate ads for tickets to Disney World and an online pet shop.

My experience has been people to which I speak about geocaching either get crazed about it almost immediately or start looking for a an exit door as I am scaring them talking this terrible, subversive talk about hiding stuff in the woods like some demented cloak-and-dagger method actor that has gone over the edge. Much like B Boys post, if they start looking confused (or scared) I stop and they eventually resume normal brain activity again soon. By far, the BEST results I have had is explaining it to them just enough for them to ask a question or two and, if they seem excited, get them to take a run out to the nearest caches or two with me for fun. At that point, they either love it or hate it.

Its not necessarily off-topic. They are trying to get down to the foundation of the thought process involved with what should or should not be allowed in a cache. It is the elemental freedom of speech rights which are in question, as is supposed.

This bears repeating.

I don't think I would delete someone's find because of the length of their log. If it was filled with sarcastic diatribe, continuous profanity or just pure garbage (random characters, whatever) I would delete it, however, if it were the true sentiment or observations of the finder, I see no reason to delete it. My first reaction is to think the cache owner might be a bit too selective about the logs but its their cache and their inclination. If you really want to log the cache for the find, just go back to that one and do as the cache owner said and log it as SL and go on. You can probably get away with being more descriptive in the next log you compose. I always enjoy reading a bit of detail about what is going on around my caches.

A pocket query is a function available to premium members ($3.00 a month). A pocket query is a search through the database for precisely the specific caches you are looking for, categorized by type, size, location etc., and sent to you in an email which you can click and drag into caching software and download onto your GPS and/or PDA for "paperless caching". It is a great boon to caching and a very efficient way to get things done.

It looks like this:

17 days left. List'em and post'em here!

I thought of keeping my keys and wallet in an ammo box by my dresser each night. Every morning, I log a new find before I head off to work. It helps keep my "cache-a-day" goal. Really, I'm surprised more people don't do it!

Welcome to the forums!

I don't need to do a search in the forums. I am well aware how frequently gift cards and coupons are used and I think its fine. I am not opposed to gift cards being placed as FTF prizes or at any time as they offer something of actual value. Coupons are a little more ambiguous as they usually require a purchase, but they are still fine because someone can choose to not use it. Business cards with no such "prize" value are nothing more than solicitation. Again, just my opinion. Such should be taken with a grain of sodium chloride.

Yeah, tab, can you point out that rule these guys were breaking? Although the rules I will paste below apply to the PLACER of a cache, I believe those who come after the fact and place soliciations as such in the cache are not adhering to the "spirit" of the rule. <paste> Commercial Caches Commercial caches attempt to use the Geocaching.com web site cache reporting tool directly or indirectly (intentionally or non-intentionally) to solicit customers through a Geocaching.com listing. These are NOT permitted. Examples include for-profit locations that require an entrance fee, or locations that sell products or services. If the finder is required to go inside the business, interact with employees, and/or purchase a product or service, then the cache is presumed to be commercial. Some exceptions can be made. In these situations, permission can be given by Groundspeak. However, permission should be asked first before posting. If you are in doubt, ask first. If you do not have advance permission, your reviewer will refer you to Groundspeak. Caches that Solicit Solicitations are off-limits. For example, caches perceived to be posted for religious, political, charitable or social agendas are not permitted. Geocaching is supposed to be a light, fun activity, not a platform for an agenda. </paste> No, I am not the cache police...just interjecting my opinion. Thanks.

Speaking of relocating stuff, why is this thread not in Off Topic?