TheWeatherWarrior

Has there ever been a requirement for a logbook at events? None of the early events I attended ever had a logbook, that seemed to be a relatively recent development. I don't think it was ever "required" but certainly was standard practice. I believe the outlining the rules became an issue when some were having their attended logs deleted because the event page owners did not see them in a log book they provided. Therefore, in the old terms, the discussion of FTF at an event is not idiotic, even if a little silly among active cachers.

Hahahaha, I laughed at the "amature" vs amateur (just a typo, I know) radio op. I actually need to renew, but yes, twenty years into that hobby (laughed cause you could say I'm "a mature" radio op). Definitely don't dispute the antenna effects and you are correct in that it can change the results. That said, if the antenna is good enough, the difference may not be percievable. I'm also reading more and more that the iPhone (and Galaxy I think) seem to be the better performers and not all cell phones are created equal (and hence correct is saying that GPSs on the whole are better than cell phones on the whole). I probably should clarify my point in that iPhones are just as good as a GPS or better, not "cell phones". I second this! I've tried using my phone a few times and have found that it definitely doesn't work as well as my old Garmin 76csx. Doesn't matter if the phone is used in a wide open field or under trees, it has a harder time getting me to ground zero. The other thing i think about is that i tend to be a bit rough on the gpsr (get it wet, drop it, etc,,). Doubt the phone would hold up very long under the same circumstances. On topic, i doubt it was the phone causing the issues. Something solar related possibly? See note above, maker dependent. I will say, that recently there have been some times the iPhone has not been settling, whereas I suspect my GPS might (not a test so this is just anecdotal for now). In part one is due to the urban/city environment, so that is known, but the others have been in the open. It certainly isn't across the board. My two GPS units I've done testing area Garmin GPS V and the 60CSX also from Garmin. The second a very popular model among both geocachers and hikers. So the OP might have noticed something that in fact is a little bit of fluctuation of signals. As I noted, hardly see a bad/jumpy signal but last few days have seen an above average jump of the accuracy.

That means a site like YouTube is out because they are nothing but advertisements?

There may also be outside elements for an extended period. A geobuddy was telling me he wants to place a cache in part of his series that is currently under construction. From what he says, he made the page, estimated the coordinates, submitted the page (to let the reviewer know) and is still waiting on the roadway (and hence the right-of-way) for the cache to be placed. I pass by regularly and the road is still not done after six or more months of construction (and looks to be a few more months yet (though the sidewalk was poured the other day). As far as he knows, no conflicts have come up, but he has been waiting and hopes it won't be an issue as there are some nearby spots that could potentially get a cache. This is a specific situation though.

Yup, that is right, I'm thinking the circles should not be overlapping, but it is that the center point of the adjacent circles that should not be within the color area. Maybe a small dot to show the exact center would be cool.

WAIT, these circles look bigger than .1 mile. Are the suppose to be .1 mile per the policy. Otherwise probably need to put a BIG note on the page that says the circles are greater than .1 miles. It almost appears though someone got diameter mixed up with radius. DO NOT SHOW STAGES or other hidden parts of a cache. Just becomes an easy way to cheat.

Heat Maps are LIVE.......YES!

if you are using a smart phone, most of them have voice dictation. I do this A LOT, even though Siri still doesn't understand when I say Cache it isn't spelled "cash". There is likely plenty of time for a decent log while walking back to the car.

If they go missing, do you send out an Amber Alert.....ahahahahahaha.

Actually, this is incorrect. Though the difference is usually very minor. Even the best smart phones still use patch style antennas. These patch style antennas cannot absorb the degree of signal which the antenna in a mid level or greater handheld. Every test I've done and most of the people I've seen do RELIABLE testing show the phones do great. They just have limited battery time and do start to falter vs the handheld when off the cell networks (rural areas). I've got to get a video together to show the proof. I'm sick of people thinking otherwise but never done a test outside of geocaching (I compared using official geodetic survey marks for accuracy).

I only had a slight hick-up the other state over across the pond. I'd more suspect the cellular network as the iPhone can and often uses the normal GPS and tower triangulation algorithms for location positioning. Typically why the phones are quite accurate. To early to be that far yet. First they need to get the geostationary synchronization perfected. TERRIBLE ADVICE. iPhones (and probably other smart phones) have better than GPS accuracy in all but a few cases. Especially true when cell tower reception is good as it uses that technology as well as the normal GPS. If you aren't getting better accuracy, check the end user.

I think it may be due to the 2007 publish date, as I believe it may be prevented now. I do know that any commercial content (ads on the page, video, etc.) would definitely prohibit it. You may be able to embed a video, though I've never seen if the page code allows for such. I know animated gifs work (though very annoying on the iPhone app) but a consideration if at all possible as a work around.

I don't know there is a universal rule on it. I've been told about 60 days if there is a conflict between two different cachers. Of course I found more issues with a Maryland reviewer (since dismissed) than the review here in Florida (Palmetto has been great). I haven't had the issue in Florida yet, but a buddy did. 6 months seems length, so maybe...politely...ask the reviewer if it truly as to be that long.

While I'm more known for my long logs, I hate that people see "TFTC" as a kind of poor ettiquette or insult to a cache owner. Some are just shy, some may not write well, while others just don't have a lot of time. I've meet some GREAT geocachers at events and such and they have left TFTC logs at times. If you are worried or desire more lengthy logs, you can always ASK, just do so politely. You could put a sentence in your cache's page that says something along the lines of "Not required, but I really enjoy longer longs. Please, feel free to leave a comment about your caching experience beyond TFTC, but always appreciate any finders visit.".

I'm all for adoption no matter what. There is two reason adoption is worth it versus trying to maintain form far away: --adoption allows those who have found the cache to continue to see and enjoy any logs or more, even if you are no long the owner. Sometimes even just still seeing that smiley on the map is nice. --adoption means that someone local can maintain the cache and prevent the chance of the cache (should it become damaged, usuable) becoming geo-trash. I don't see many archive rescuers anymore (was a big thing back in the early part of the game in Maryland) so if for example, you keep it open, a cacher two months later fails to close the lid properly, contents get wet, it becomes another cache not maintained and eventually gets archived and never cleaned up. I say this because I allowed my caches to go unmaintained for over a year (I left the game mad for 500+ days before came back). I should have had them adopted out (like I did when I moved). Now, those caches are still being found, well maintained, and many still love them. I return to area often and will assist if needed (so far, not needed).

I really long hand written log has become my trademark...by default. Always wrote full logs, but over the years everyone stopped, so I'm getting known for them. The cool thing is...people like them and they don't rust or take up more space.

Either this happens almost word for word a lot, or this might have been my cache. I can't remember, but I may not have put the (no throw-down caches) after this set of events in the log. I let the long stand for other reasons, but did immediately disable cache. If was mine, the replacement was trashed in 24 hours. I'm re-engineering the cache, which has taken longer than expected. I have noticed that putting the "No Throw-down" has prevented such. However, it pissed one cacher off, who then proceeded to make a negative comment about the community I hid a couple caches in.

Thank for the contributions so far.

Was the $184.99 the final with shipping? I hope the seller bought it for way less. eBay/paypal fees being what they are (avg. about 20%).

^ Not quite. But still looking for places that are romantic. Legit and not facetious recommendations.

I find a lot of caches with bad coordinates. I just upload better ones with my log and leave it to the CO to update if they want, but the other finders can use the coordinates too. This was COMMON way back in the day (say 10 years ago) because our GPSs weren't quite as accurate as today.

Thinking about it, since the rules now say there can't be a requirement to sign a log book, I guess anyone can place an event cache even if they don't plan on being there. Probably needs a split off thread, but interesting point brought up there.

Unless there is a significant shift by players the Nanos/Micros are NEVER going away. Yes, as the OP said, they are growing and growing. That is why Groundspeak will never ban, delete, or change anything about them because they make up such a large component of the game now that it would be detrimental to their bottomline. Have to be at the grass roots level. Hit up events, and place bigger caches yourself. I adopted two power trails (well on and two shorties that I'll form into larger trails) and even there I eventually will upgrade any of the micros into small or larger containers. Additionally will attempt to upgrade all my caches (close to 75 now, and 20 in the works).

So empirical experiences aren't evidence? There is not enough data or observations here to justify it falling into the realm of empirical evidence (experiences are empirical in itself). I still say there is more talk that issue here. Lackeys have much higher priorities. Perhaps in a year, return and see if there is growth of the issue. If there isn't, wait another year. In the mean time, just try as best we can to improve our caches, and enjoy the game.

This is a good point. But never be discouraged. Sometimes people are itching for an alternative. I know I was in Maryland back when. You do have to be savvy at promoting, very social minded, and have a bit of time.